Business Details
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Canterbury
Anthony Swaine has built a distinguished reputation as an architectural practice dedicated to traditional and classical design, historic building conservation, and oak-framed construction. Founded in 1945 by Anthony Swaine, a renowned conservation architect, the practice is now led by directors David Stere and Clive Bowley, who continue its legacy of excellence. Our expertise spans architectural design, heritage consultancy, and urban design within historic contexts, with a focus on preserving the character of historic buildings and settlements. We provide comprehensive services from concept planning to construction oversight, ensuring meticulous attention to detail in every project. Our team specialises in historic building reports, conservation plans, and heritage impact assessments for private clients, professionals, and local authorities.Based in Canterbury, we operate from a medieval bastion tower, reflecting our deep connection to historic architecture. We pride ourselves on producing high-quality drawings for planning, historic detailing, and construction, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary needs. Our philosophy emphasizes respecting the work of past architects while creating subtle interventions that enhance historic environments. We also embrace modern challenges, reconciling traditional design with evolving lifestyles to deliver innovative solutions within historic contexts. With decades of combined experience, our directors and team are committed to advancing the traditions of architectural excellence established over 75 years ago.
Services
Architectural Design
Heritage Consultancy
Urban Design
Building Repair
Planning Advice
Conservation Plans
Oak-Framed Construction
Historic Building Reports
Townscape Assessments
Construction Oversight
Highlights and features
- We offer 75+ years of combined experience in architectural conservation and design.
- Our team provides comprehensive heritage consultancy services for complex projects.
- We deliver precise technical drawings for historic and contemporary construction details.
- Our directors are experts in urban design within unspoilt historic settlements.
- We combine traditional craftsmanship with modern solutions for sustainable outcomes.
Associations and certifications
- Institute of Historic Building Consultants
Services
Architectural Design
We create bespoke architectural designs for historic and contemporary projects, focusing on preserving traditional character while meeting modern functional needs. Our services include concept planning, technical detailing, and 3D visualisation. With expertise in oak-framed construction and urban design, we deliver solutions that harmonise with historic environments.
Heritage Consultancy
Our heritage consultancy includes Historic Building Reports, Conservation Plans, and Heritage Impact Assessments. We advise on preserving architectural integrity while adapting historic structures for modern use. Services cater to private clients, professionals, and local authorities, ensuring compliance with conservation standards and planning regulations.
Urban Design
We specialise in urban design within historic contexts, balancing preservation with contemporary development. Our approach respects the character of historic settlements, offering solutions for townscapes, public spaces, and sustainable growth. We reinstate damaged historic features and integrate modern elements where appropriate.
Building Repair
Our building repair services focus on traditional construction methods and materials, ensuring longevity of historic structures. We oversee restoration projects from initial assessment to on-site supervision, maintaining authenticity while addressing modern usage requirements through careful detailing and craftsmanship.
Planning Advice
We provide expert planning advice for historic and new-build projects, including heritage assessments and townscape impact evaluations. Our team navigates planning regulations to secure approvals for sensitive interventions, ensuring projects align with conservation goals and local authority requirements.
People
David Stere
Director
Director David Stere qualified in 2003 and specialises in architectural design, project management, and 3D visualisation. He oversees all stages of projects, ensuring technical precision and adherence to traditional construction methods while integrating modern solutions.
Clive Bowley
Director
Director Clive Bowley, a member of the Institute of Historic Building Consultants, brings 30 years of conservation expertise. Former Principal Conservation Officer at Canterbury City Council, he specialises in traditional detailing, heritage consultancy, and reconciling historic preservation with contemporary needs.
Questions
What architectural styles does Anthony Swaine Architecture specialise in?
We specialise in traditional and classical design, historic building conservation, and oak-framed construction, while also integrating contemporary solutions within historic contexts.
Do you provide heritage consultancy services for listed buildings?
Yes, we offer Historic Building Reports, Conservation Plans, and Heritage Impact Assessments for private clients, professionals, and local authorities.
Can you work on both private and public sector projects?
Yes, we undertake schemes for private clients, developers, and local government, balancing traditional and modern design requirements across all projects.
Where is your practice based?
Our office is located in a medieval bastion tower within Canterbury's historic city walls, reflecting our commitment to architectural heritage.
How do you ensure quality in construction projects?
We provide detailed technical drawings and oversee construction works on-site to ensure design integrity is maintained throughout the building process.
What experience do your directors have?
Directors David Stere and Clive Bowley have decades of experience in architectural conservation, with expertise in traditional detailing, project management, and heritage consultancy.
