JW Architects are a Buckinghamshire based RIBA Chartered architectural design practice driven by great design, and established on the principal that we need to enjoy our buildings, feel connected with the environments our buildings sit in and ensure the built environment serves to uplift us. The practice is led by James Whelan and we offer a unique all in one design service for different types of projects from residential extensions and refurbishments to contemporary new build houses to commercial projects.
We have worked in a number of different project sectors and can offer a full range of architectural services. We focus on ensuring we make the most of each project, we want to design great buildings and we also like to have fun. Our clients are the most important element of any project and we are dedicated to provide our clients with intuitive and contemporary designs on all of our projects. We listen to our clients, sometimes challenge them but most importantly we respect our clients.
James studied Architecture at Sheffield, Newcastle & Westminster Universities and before setting up his own practice he worked at large award winning practices in the UK.
James had a successful career at Atkins Global in the North East of England, building up experience in a number of different sectors, including education, commercial, residential and rail. James was responsible for the design of many projects at Atkins and in the management side of the architectural business seeing projects through from start to completion.
James worked for Arups in London on the design of the new central Crossrail stations. This gave him valuable experience of working with some of the best designers and engineers on one of the largest projects in Europe and sparked a desire to start his own practice to bring these skills to new clients and projects but on a different scale. James has a young family which take up most of his time outside of work. However in a past life he enjoyed keeping fit, cycling, football and travelling. He is adamant those days will return, he’s just not sure when!
Lewis is a highly competent Architectural Assistant who has a superb eye for design. He recently worked at an award winning practice in Oxfordshire and studied architecture at Portsmouth University. Lewis is currently undertaking his Part 3 and currently leads a number of our projects through design and on site.
John is a Management Consultant who is responsible for the financial management of the practice and looks after the running of the practice. John is very experienced having spent over 15 years advising large multi-disciplinary firms following a career in a global business where he held Financial Controller, Sales Director and Business Planning senior roles. He holds civil engineering and MBA degrees. He spends his spare time playing golf and following rugby, ice hockey and the NFL.
We have worked on projects ranging from small extensions, whole house refurbishments, new builds, basements, contemporary fit outs. We are experienced in all housing types and our experience includes listed homes, properties in the Green belt and Conservation Areas.
We have worked on housing development projects, apartments, masterplanning and education projects. The wider commercial market is an area we are actively looking to progress into.
We have worked with many planning authorities and look to maximise potential on every project we take on. We have an excellent success rate and work closely with planning officers and clients to achieve the best possible outcome on all our projects.
We can manage your project from concept design through detail design to the completion of works on site. We work collaboratively with clients on budgets, timescales and have experience of working with contractors administering all forms of building contracts.
We take immense pride in the design of every aspect of all our projects. We are regularly involved in the interior design of the spaces we create and it is something we believe is very important to the success of a project.
“James designed and project managed our whole-house refurbishment and extension and the end result far exceeds our - very high - expectations! The final design was the result of much collaboration and its success is reflective of his partnership approach to the client/architect relationship and his dedication to delivering the very best version of what we wanted. ”
“During the construction James made frequent site visits, was easily available by telephone and controlled the payments to the contractor. I was very pleased with services provided by James and have no problem in recommending him. I would certainly use him again.”
South Park House is located within the Gerrards Cross Centenary Conservation Area and locally listed as a house of special architectural interest. This meant that any works or improvements has to be sympathetic to the original Arts and Crafts style. …read full post
We have been included in a recent study looking at the best architectural practices in The Thames Valley. Please see the link below. …read full post
We are pleased to have been shortlisted in the Structural Timber Awards 2020 for Best Private House for our new build timber framed replacement dwelling New Lodge in Henley on Thames. …read full post
If you have a project you feel we may be able to help with – big or small, please get in touch, we are happy to help.
