We are known for our varied and exciting built work and thoughtful approach to problem-solving. We partner our clients and users in a journey of discovery to find the spatial and material expression of their ambitions, resulting in beautiful and intelligent sustainable design.
Underpinning our approach is a respect for what our clients and users are trying to achieve. Every project is unique and so each of our proposals is an original and creative response to a specific situation.
We are committed to superb design, excellent service and exploring sustainable futures.
Architecture
We deliver architectural design and management services across all project stages – from concept design and planning, through detailed design and construction until completion and post-occupancy. We work in diverse sectors – from schools to housing and public realm; cultural spaces to offices, studios and private, one-off houses. We have a proven track record in negotiating sensitive sites. See our architectural projects here.
Sustainable design
We aim to make every project green. We advocate passive techniques and design for maximum social, economic and environmental value. Whether a sustainable new build or improvement of an existing building, we can devise simple, robust solutions that minimise energy use, impact and running costs in the whole life cycle of your project. Take a look at Stock Orchard Street, Mellor Primary School and Sandal Magna Primary School as examples of our sustainable design.
Masterplanning and urban design
Our urban and regeneration strategies celebrate local heritage and identity, ecology and everyday life. We have close working relationships with leading consultants in landscaping, engineering, lighting and highways, with whom we have devised strategy documents and masterplans for key urban and rural sites. See Soar Island and Kingston Mini Holland, two of our neighbourhood design projects.
Co-design and engagement
We believe that process is as important as product and we develop much of our work in close dialogue with users, communities and stakeholders. We have extensive experience of hands-on and imaginative public engagement across all project stages – from consultations, briefing and design workshops to community build events. Take a look at Highbury Roundhouse, Takeley Primary School and Mellor Primary School for examples of our engagement work.
Self-build architectural services
Having completed our own self-build project at Stock Orchard Street, we understand the process from a self-builder’s perspective, with added expertise as architects. We can oversee your complete project, or just help at those times when you feel that you need professional support.
Research
Our research and innovation adds value for our clients and enriches the quality of our work. We undertake technical, environmental and social investigations as well as post-occupancy evaluations in order to learn from our work and disseminate findings. We have a long standing relationship with a number of higher education institutions.
Read more about Sarah’s most recent research project, DWELL, at the University of Sheffield here or browse our latest journal posts and publications.
Sarah Wigglesworth RDI MBE RIBA
Director
Sarah is an architect with over 30 years experience in practice. She is acknowledged as a pioneering influence in British architecture. She has extensive expertise in green and sustainable design. Her work is characterised by careful theorising of the issues unique to each project and close engagement with clients and users.
Published worldwide and a sought-after speaker, her work attracts debate both inside and external to the field.
In 2003 she was awarded an MBE for her services to architecture and in 2010 was made a prestigious CABE Commissioner. She was awarded Royal Designer for Industry by the RSA in 2012. Sarah is a CABE Built Environment Specialist, a member of the Kingston upon Thames Design and Ealing Design Review Panels, and was formerly a member of the Oxford City Design Review panel and the LLDC Quality Panel. She has a long standing relationship with academia and for 19 years was a Professor of Architecture at the University of Sheffield, where she led the DWELL research project designing exemplary neighbourhoods and housing for older people. More information on the project can be found here.
Eleanor Brough
Associate
Eleanor has worked for over ten years with SWA as an associate and project architect. She combines excellent design ability and management skills, supported by sound knowledge of regulatory standards and detailing acumen. In 2016 she was awarded Project Architect of the Year (RIBA North West) for her role on the multi-award winning Mellor Primary School.
This exemplar school project involved extensive community engagement to deliver an innovative, sustainable extension in a woodland setting on the edge of the Peak District. She has expertise in the education, housing and cultural sectors. Among other projects, she now heads the team delivering the most recent Phases of the Trent Basin masterplan for a new sustainable waterside community.