Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Architects for Heritage & Community Projects
APEC Architects is a close-knit studio of creative architects and designers committed to delivering people-centred design solutions. With over 50 years of experience, we specialise in heritage, community, charity, and religious buildings, primarily serving the West Midlands region. Our immersive, user-focused approach prioritises collaboration, sustainability, and social purpose, ensuring that every project aligns with the unique needs of its users. We have cultivated long-term relationships with clients through our innovative design processes, technical expertise, and dedication to responsible custodianship of historic buildings.Our team actively engages with communities to uncover their aspirations, often acting as matchmakers to forge beneficial partnerships that enhance the built environment. We are recognised for our ability to breathe new life into heritage assets while ensuring their economic viability and long-term preservation. Client testimonials highlight our empathetic, consultative approach and our capacity to deliver transformative spaces that exceed expectations, even under challenging constraints.
Services
Heritage Restoration
Community Hubs
Religious Buildings
Feasibility Studies
Residential Adaptation
Conservation Projects
Educational Facilities
Cultural Spaces
Eco-Friendly Design
Participatory Architecture
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in community-focused architectural design.
- Our team includes RIBA-accredited conservation architects.
- We prioritise sustainable reuse of heritage buildings.
- Our collaborative approach involves communities in the design process.
- We maintain long-term client relationships through technical excellence and empathy.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
What people say
Collaborative design process
Heritage preservation expertise
Community engagement focus
Sustainable solutions
Long-term client relationships
Services
Heritage Restoration
Specialists in breathing new life into historic buildings while preserving architectural integrity. Our approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability practices to ensure long-term viability. We work closely with communities and stakeholders to repurpose heritage assets for contemporary use, securing their future through economically viable solutions.
Community Hubs
Designing inclusive spaces that foster community interaction and social cohesion. We collaborate directly with local residents to create multifunctional hubs tailored to specific neighbourhood needs. Our projects prioritise accessibility, sustainability, and adaptability to ensure lasting community benefit and engagement.
Religious Buildings
Expertise in designing and restoring churches and places of worship that balance tradition with modern functionality. We work closely with congregations to create spiritually uplifting environments while addressing practical requirements. Our conservation approach respects historical significance while ensuring buildings meet contemporary needs.
Feasibility Studies
Conducting comprehensive assessments to determine the viability of architectural projects. We analyse site potential, community needs, and funding opportunities to develop strategic proposals. Our studies provide clear pathways for clients to make informed decisions about complex building projects.
Residential Adaptation
Transforming existing buildings into modern, sustainable living spaces that meet contemporary needs. We specialise in adapting historic structures for residential use while maintaining their character. Our approach prioritises energy efficiency and long-term usability without compromising architectural heritage.
People
Naomi Fisher
Director | Chartered Architect
RIBA Chartered Architect with expertise in community-led design and social wellbeing. Advocate for active travel and urban planning integration. Recognised for pioneering local community projects including street closures for children's play.
James Phillips
Director | Conservation Architect
RIBA Accredited Conservation Architect specialising in heritage building reuse. Secretary of C20 Society West Midlands. Expert in sustainable redevelopment of listed buildings. Recipient of multiple architectural awards for conservation projects.
Mary Poole
Associate | Chartered Architect
Experienced in participatory design approaches and community engagement. Graduated from Newcastle University and completed Masters at Birmingham City University. Skilled in traditional architectural representation techniques including hand-drawing.
Victoria Parcroft
Chartered Architect
Specialist in historic building conservation with experience in traditional repair techniques. Completed Masters research focused on community engagement in architectural design. Expert in balancing heritage preservation with modern functionality.
Dave Baldock
Chartered Architect
Graduate of Central Saint Martins and Birmingham School of Architecture. Focused on collaborative design processes that empower communities. AJ Student Award nominee with expertise in architectural delineation and spatial investigation.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in heritage restoration, community-led design, religious buildings, residential adaptation, and feasibility studies.
How do you involve communities in your projects?
We use participatory design workshops, local consultations, and collaborative decision-making processes to ensure community voices shape our projects.
Can you work with listed buildings?
Yes, we have RIBA-accredited conservation architects with extensive experience in restoring and repurposing listed buildings.
What areas do you primarily serve?
While based in Birmingham, we work across the West Midlands including Coventry, Telford, and Dudley.
How do you approach sustainable design?
We prioritise adaptive reuse of existing buildings, energy-efficient upgrades, and materials selection that minimises environmental impact.
What makes your practice unique?
Our immersive, people-centred approach combines technical expertise with deep community engagement to create socially purposeful architecture.
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