Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Architects in Torquay
Established in 1959 by Chartered Architect Charles Blake, our practice has grown into a respected firm of architectural technologists and designers. With over six decades of combined experience, we specialise in creating architecture that reflects client aspirations while prioritising sustainability and contextual sensitivity. Our local expertise in Torquay and throughout Devon enables tailored solutions for residential and commercial projects, from historic listed buildings to modern developments.We maintain exemplary relationships with Local Authority Building Control and have secured numerous planning consents for complex projects. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through award-nominated work and a client-centric approach that values transparency, technical excellence, and cost-effective solutions.
Services
Architectural Design
Measured Surveys
Planning Permission
Building Regulations
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1959
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of combined experience in architectural design
- Our team holds Chartered Architect status with specialist heritage expertise
- We maintain exemplary relationships with local planning authorities
- We provide cost-effective solutions without compromising quality standards
- Our local knowledge spans Torquay and throughout Devon
Associations and certifications
- Local Authority Building Control (LABC)
What people say
Excellent service
Knowledgeable team
Successful planning consents
Sympathetic designs
Smooth project running
Services
Architectural Design
We create tailored architectural solutions that balance client aspirations with practical considerations. Our designs prioritise spatial efficiency, natural light integration, and material sustainability. With expertise in both period buildings and modern construction, we deliver contextually appropriate designs that enhance property value while meeting regulatory requirements.
Measured Surveys
Our detailed measured surveys produce accurate scaled drawings of existing structures. This process combines technical drafting with historical building analysis to create comprehensive floor plans, elevations, and sections. These surveys form the essential foundation for renovation, extension, or redevelopment projects across residential and commercial properties.
Planning Permission
We prepare and submit planning applications that maximise approval chances through strategic presentation. Our established relationships with local authorities help navigate complex regulations. We specialise in securing permissions for challenging projects, including listed buildings and conservation area developments, through persuasive design solutions and negotiation expertise.
Building Regulations
We ensure all projects meet current building regulations through detailed technical submissions. Our team coordinates with building control officers to achieve compliance while maintaining design integrity. We manage the entire approval process, from initial documentation to final inspections, ensuring safety standards and construction quality across all project types.
Project Management
We oversee projects from concept to completion, coordinating consultants and contractors. Our management includes tender documentation, contractor selection, and construction phase support. We maintain budget control while ensuring design intent is preserved throughout the building process, delivering completed projects that match original specifications.
People
Simon Blake
Director
Simon Blake, a qualified Chartered Architect, leads the practice with over 30 years' experience in residential and commercial architecture. Specialising in heritage projects and complex planning applications, he maintains the firm's founding principles of integrity and technical excellence while driving innovation in sustainable design solutions.
Victoria
Client Liaison
Victoria provides essential client support with over 15 years' experience in architectural project coordination. Her organisational skills ensure smooth communication between clients, local authorities, and construction teams, maintaining the practice's reputation for approachable professionalism and timely project delivery.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full architectural services including design, measured surveys, planning applications, building regulations compliance, and project management for residential and commercial developments across Devon and the UK.
Do you specialise in heritage buildings?
Yes, we have extensive experience with listed buildings and conservation area projects, combining historical sensitivity with modern functionality while securing necessary planning permissions.
How do you handle planning applications?
We prepare strategic planning submissions, leveraging our local authority relationships to maximise approval chances, particularly for complex projects requiring design adjustments and negotiation expertise.
What areas do you cover?
While based in Torquay, we work throughout Devon and across the UK, with particular expertise in local planning requirements and building traditions specific to the South West region.
Are your services cost-effective?
We deliver value through efficient design solutions that balance budget considerations with quality standards, avoiding unnecessary costs while maintaining technical excellence and regulatory compliance.
How do you manage construction projects?
We oversee projects from initial concept to completion, coordinating consultants and contractors to ensure design integrity, budget control, and timely delivery of high-quality built outcomes.
