Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Architects in St Ives, Cornwall
Established in 1973, Poynton Bradbury Architects has cultivated a reputation as one of the South West's leading architectural practices. Our journey began as part of the community architecture movement, and over five decades, we have evolved into a 100% employee-owned practice committed to socially responsible and sustainable design. Our team of 29 professionals combines creative vision with strategic thinking, delivering projects that balance client ambitions with environmental stewardship. We specialise in education, healthcare, heritage conservation, and sustainable urban design, with notable projects including the RNLI Lifeboat College and Cornwall Council's headquarters.Our ISO 14001 accreditation and B Corp certification reflect our dedication to environmental management and social responsibility. We employ cutting-edge technologies like BIM and digital modelling while maintaining a deep respect for vernacular architecture and local contexts. Our collaborative approach ensures every project enhances community well-being, integrates circular economy principles, and addresses climate change challenges.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Heritage Consultancy
BIM Services
Urban Regeneration
Education Sector Design
Healthcare Architecture
Conservation Management
Digital Modelling
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of architectural expertise in Cornwall and nationally
- B Corp certified for environmental and social responsibility
- ISO 14001 accredited environmental management systems
- 100% employee-owned practice with collaborative ethos
- Pioneers in BIM and digital design technologies
Associations and certifications
- ISO 14001
- B Corp
What people say
Beautifully executed projects
Sustainable design leadership
Expert heritage conservation
Community-focused approach
Innovative use of technology
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable architecture integrates passive design principles and low-carbon materials to create energy-efficient buildings. We employ Life Cycle Assessments and Passivhaus standards to minimise environmental impact while maximising occupant comfort. Our ISO 14001-certified processes ensure every project contributes to climate change mitigation through circular economy practices and renewable energy integration.
Heritage Consultancy
Specialist heritage services include adaptive reuse of historic buildings and listed structure conservation. Our RIBA-registered conservation architects balance modern functionality with historical integrity, securing necessary consents while preserving cultural significance. We deliver feasibility studies and conservation management plans for Grade I/II listed buildings and conservation areas.
BIM Services
BIM-led design processes enhance project coordination and reduce construction risks. Our ISO 19650-compliant workflows use 3D modelling and virtual reality to improve decision-making. We provide clash detection, digital twins, and common data environments for improved project delivery across all RIBA work stages.
Urban Regeneration
Comprehensive urban regeneration strategies combine masterplanning with social value creation. We specialise in post-industrial site redevelopments and town centre revitalisation projects. Our approach integrates transport infrastructure, public spaces, and mixed-use developments to create sustainable communities aligned with local authority growth plans.
Education Sector Design
Design solutions for educational institutions from primary schools to universities. Our expertise includes SEN-compliant classrooms, campus masterplans, and net-zero learning environments. We've delivered major projects for Truro College, Callywith College, and multiple Local Authority school estates.
People
Cian Spowart
Director
With over 20 years at Poynton Bradbury, Cian leads major public sector projects including the 60m Cornwall Council Estates Transformation Programme. His portfolio includes the 30m Callywith College redevelopment and multiple RNLI lifeboat stations. He specialises in complex public-private partnerships and post-Covid workspace design.
Laura Highton
Director
RIBA Specialist Conservation Architect with expertise in adaptive reuse of historic buildings. Laura has led 25m+ projects including museum renovations and Grade II listed residential conversions. She combines contemporary design with heritage preservation, particularly in public sector and cultural institutions.
Chris Turner
Director
Former London-based regeneration specialist with experience on 120m+ mixed-use schemes. Now leads Poynton Bradbury's urban design and placemaking initiatives. Expert in navigating complex planning processes for education, later living, and care sectors across private and public clients.
Simon Burgess
Studio Manager
Studio Manager with 25+ years' experience in healthcare and residential architecture. Led design of multiple lifeboat stations and healthcare facilities including the Sunrise Centre at Treliske. Instrumental in implementing ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 systems and transitioning to employee ownership in 2019.
Kate Wotton
Associate
Certified Passivhaus designer leading the Exeter office. Specialises in healthcare and education sector projects with expertise in Special Educational Needs design. Advocates for sustainable materials and community-focused placemaking across Devon and Cornwall's Local Authority schools.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in sustainable architecture, heritage conservation, education sector design, urban regeneration, and BIM-led digital design across Cornwall, Devon, and nationally.
How do you incorporate sustainability into projects?
Through Passivhaus principles, Life Cycle Assessments, circular economy practices, and renewable energy integration aligned with our ISO 14001 and B Corp commitments.
Can you work on listed buildings?
Yes, our RIBA-registered conservation architects have extensive experience with Grade I/II listed structures and conservation area developments.
What areas do you cover?
Primarily Cornwall and Devon, with national project experience across the UK for specialist sectors like education and healthcare.
Are you BIM-capable?
Yes, we use ISO 19650-compliant BIM workflows for all projects, including 3D modelling, clash detection, and digital twin creation.
How are you structured as a practice?
We're a 100% employee-owned trust with studios in St Ives and Exeter, employing 29 architectural professionals and specialists.
