A residential and commercial architecture practice based in Manchester
Introduction
As a design-led practice we are passionate about maximising space and listening to our clients.
We will work individually with your unique tastes, aspirations, inspirations and requirements as we understand that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ formula when it comes to your project.
All our projects benefit from our strong focus on delivering the project on time and on budget. We are committed to creating joyful, space efficient, design driven, cost-effective solutions that fit the budget and brief, while adding value to lives and assets.
Project Locations
Based in Manchester, our work is predominantly local and we are always pleased to be offered opportunities to work elsewhere. We have worked all over the North West and beyond including Leeds, Liverpool, the Lakes, London and Wales.
How we work
We are respectful of how you live and strive to create spaces of purpose and meaning, made for the future and the now.
Our forte is in working with clients to improve not only their lifestyles, but also the appeal and value of their homes and business both in terms of financial uplift and eventual saleability. Considering your needs, character, aspirations, family, we deliver the best result for your budget with a truly bespoke approach to each design. Given the opportunity, we conserve where feasible and create sustainably.
Our commercial attitude ensures that we are conscious of budget and efficiency at every stage and ensure that there is minimal disruption to our clients. Our practical approach to construction ensures we can communicate efficiently with all disciplines whilst guiding our clients through the process; consistently suggesting ways to deliver a better and more cost effective solution.
Founding Director
Over three decades Paula Butterfield Groves, the founding director, has built a reputation for designing and delivering beautiful spaces and buildings. Paula is responsible for running the practice and oversees all projects personally.
Paula’s experience enables her to think of practical and sustainable solutions working well with both clients and contractors. She has an extensive understanding of what her clients want from their homes and how best to realise potential both in terms of quality of life and value. Paula is committed consistently raising the bar in all areas of design using new materials and technologies to push the boundaries and break new ground to ensure that her client’s aspirations are met.
She studied at Newcastle and Manchester Universities and has been practicing for over 25 years. During this time Paula has developed good relationships with a wide network of clients, contractors and co-professionals.
Paula qualified whilst at BDP working between Manchester in Osnabruck and Berlin before setting up her Manchester based practice. Paula’s approach is simultaneously innovative and pragmatic whilst always remaining people focused. She works both independently and collaboratively.
Constantly seeking new challenges, Paula is also a property developer and is currently on site with 4 new houses in Chorlton, a serial house renovator and gives her services to community groups
She has won numerous awards, her entrepreneurial approach and drive has gained a patent and sustainability awards for product design in addition to Grand Designs award for best extension, best new fit out for Urban Splash as well as numerous Houzz accolades.
Part 1 Architectural Assistant
Alexa joined us on a freelance basis over the Covid lockdown. She works remotely for us from her sunny home in Kent after completing her first degree at Manchester School of Architecture.
We are currently working to get the experience she needs to progress her, and enable her to take her second degree.
Project Architect
Robbie joined the practice in 2019 as an Architect. He leads on projects that have ranged from the refurbishment of listed buildings to new build developments.
Before joining us, Robbie worked for several years at two influential AJ100 practices. He has also worked internationally at a practice on Vancouver Island in Canada.
Robbie has an award-winning educational background specialising in international projects with an emphasis on understanding different cultural perspectives and architectural styles. As such, his experience is naturally suited to sensitive and historic projects.
He studied at the University of Huddersfield School of Art Design and Architecture before completing his studies at Sheppard Robson with RIBA North West.
