Business Details
Award-Winning Architectural Design in Oxford
Gbs Architects is an award-winning architectural practice rooted in Oxford, dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed spaces that prioritise human experience. With a multidisciplinary team including two Partner Architects and a Partner Surveyor, we deliver tailored solutions across sectors such as education, healthcare, conservation, and residential projects. Our approach combines strategic planning, technical expertise, and a commitment to sustainability, ensuring each project reflects the unique needs of clients and end users.Recognised for our contributions to landmark projects like Sobell House Hospice and Radley College, we guarantee partner-led oversight from inception to completion. Our historic St Thomas House office, a Grade II-listed building, serves as a testament to our appreciation for architectural heritage while providing a functional base for client collaboration.
Services
Architectural Design
Healthcare Projects
Education Buildings
Conservation Work
Residential Extensions
Commercial Refurbishment
Highlights and features
- Partner-led projects ensure expert oversight from concept to completion.
- Award-winning designs demonstrated in healthcare and education sectors.
- Specialist conservation expertise for Grade I and II listed buildings.
- Integrated sustainability assessments incorporated at early project stages.
- Proven experience with complex MoD and NHS Trust projects.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design service combines creative vision with technical precision to create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces. We work across sectors including education, healthcare, and residential, ensuring each project meets specific client needs while adhering to sustainability principles. Our partner-led approach guarantees expert oversight throughout the design and construction process.
Healthcare Projects
Specialising in healthcare architecture, we design spaces that prioritise patient comfort and clinical efficiency. From hospice extensions to hospital departments, our work addresses complex requirements including accessibility standards and infection control. Recent projects include Sobell House Hospice and Hillingdon Hospital's paediatric A&E department, demonstrating our commitment to improving healthcare environments.
Conservation Work
We preserve architectural heritage through expert conservation of listed buildings. Our team navigates planning regulations while maintaining historical integrity, as evidenced by projects at Corpus Christi College Chapel and St John's College's Judges' House. Services include materials research, traditional construction techniques, and modernisation solutions that respect original design intent.
Education Buildings
Our education architecture creates inspiring learning environments for institutions like Radley College. We design classrooms, theatres, and boarding facilities that balance functionality with aesthetic appeal. Projects incorporate flexible spaces for modern teaching methods while maintaining contextual sensitivity, ensuring buildings support both student engagement and institutional growth.
Residential Extensions
We transform residential spaces through bespoke extensions and renovations. From contemporary family homes in North Oxford to strategic property upgrades, our designs maximise natural light and spatial efficiency. Each project integrates client preferences with planning requirements, creating living spaces that harmonise with existing structures while meeting modern comfort standards.
People
David Welbourne
Partner Architect
Chartered architect with extensive design expertise, David leads creative direction while ensuring practical functionality. He has won multiple design competitions and specialises in balancing aesthetics with budgetary constraints for diverse project types.
Nigel Spawton
Partner Architect
Framework director with over 35 years' experience, Nigel excels in project leadership and strategic partnerships. His collaborative approach has fostered long-term relationships with contractors and clients across various sectors including defence and education.
Mark Norton
Partner Surveyor
Chartered construction manager and principal designer, Mark oversees project efficiency and compliance. His expertise in procurement methods and accessibility standards ensures smooth delivery of complex projects including MoD buildings and healthcare facilities.
Fiona Godlement
Director
Architectural and interior design specialist with cross-sector experience, Fiona leads design teams for education and community projects. Her attention to detail and sustainability principles has contributed to award-winning schemes across the UK.
Sam Wilson
Architect
Experienced in education and healthcare projects, Sam specialises in building reorganisation. His technical knowledge supports complex renovations, including adaptations of historic structures to meet modern functional requirements while preserving architectural character.
Questions
What architectural sectors does Gray Baynes + Shew specialise in?
We specialise in education, healthcare, conservation, residential, and commercial projects, with notable experience in MoD and NHS Trust commissions.
How does the practice ensure project quality control?
Partner architects oversee every project from inception to completion, supported by our Clerk of Works service for on-site quality assurance.
Can they handle listed building renovations?
Yes, we have extensive conservation expertise, including Grade I and II listed buildings like Corpus Christi College Chapel and St John's College properties.
What sustainability approach do they use?
We conduct early-stage sustainability assessments covering energy performance, material selection, and renewable technologies to ensure financially and environmentally viable solutions.
Do they offer interior design services?
Yes, our dedicated interior design team provides integrated solutions for both architectural projects and standalone commissions across public and private sectors.
