architecture is more than buildings and spaces; it should lift your spirits and can fulfil your dreams
Downes Illingsworth partnership ltd
An award-winning chartered architect's practice creating buildings and spaces worthy of their place; promoting design excellence with innovative ideas inspired by context and backed by years of experience.
We listen and understand client ambitions and offer creative design solutions, often ones never contemplated, turning dreams and aspirations into feasible, functional and imaginative architecture.
Our approach is responsive and committed and we offer a personal, flexible and transparent service, individually tailored to suit each client.
A sound commercial awareness underpins our work and we are rewarded with repeat business and referrals, as our testimonials show.
Our wealth of knowledge covers a broad spectrum of project type and scale; it is only possible to illustrate a snapshot here, but hope you see something to inspire amongst our diverse portfolio.
clients we have worked with
bespoke professional service
The following gives a broad outline of our core services, which can be tailored to suit specific project and client requirements.
We will meet initially, free of charge, to discuss the client’s brief and ascertain their requirements for the particular project. This also gives us opportunity to view the site or property, where after we can agree the scope of works and associated fees.
We have a very good understanding of development opportunity with an ability to maximise site and property potential whilst conforming to current policies and legislation. Our residential sector experience is particularly extensive and we have helped to successfully secure and develop hundreds of unique schemes for our wide range of clients, from a modest kitchen extension to multi million pound housing developments.
We listen and interpret client requirements and our imagination and vision enables the simplest brief to be developed and transformed into realistic proposals that meet or more often exceed client expectation. Various sketch ideas can be prepared to ensure the client is content with their choices before making final decisions.
We work closely with the client to establish their ambitions, assess constraints and formulate a strategy, then develop the basic brief preparing various details using appropriate techniques, to illustrate initial concepts and development opportunities.
Projects can range from small bespoke developments to large ‘new-town-scale’ visions.
We undertake full measured surveys of existing buildings, ranging in size and scale, and prepare accurate cad drawings of the premises for use in developing design proposals, for record purposes or for legal requirements, such as licensing.
We work with local land surveyors where Topographical Surveys of the site are required.
We use a variety of techniques to develop initial sketch ideas into accurate, considered, CAD design drawings. A close attention to detail, conformity to current legislations and high standard of presentation is important to us to ensure that all proposals are practicable and represented in a manner most appropriate for the individual project.
We develop our design drawings or are happy to progress other projects with the benefit of an existing design, into more detailed construction drawings to an appropriate level to secure Conditional Full Plans Building Regulation approval. We liaise with other consultants, such as structural engineers, drainage engineers, energy assessors, specialist manufacturers, etc. for assistance and to obtain supporting information and calculations when required.
In addition to our typical design and drawing services we prepare comprehensive supporting documentation, generally to accompany Planning Applications, such as Design and Access Statements, Planning Statements, basic Flood Risk or Heritage Statements, etc. We work in conjunction with other consultants in the locality when the scope is beyond our expertise and specialist input is recommended.
We prepare, co-ordinate and submit Planning and Building Regulation Applications on behalf of our clients and oversee the statutory process, dealing with any issues that arise and steering the applications towards successful conclusions. We have a good success rate for securing favourable approvals.
We undertake pre-application enquiries when necessary to establish principles early in the project and will advise whether the works will require formal permissions and approvals.
We can develop the detail further and prepare Production Information, such as larger scale construction details, specifications and schedules, to a level to suit the project demands, for instance; to obtain accurate and fixed price tenders from competitive contractors; to ensure the accurate construction of precise elements of the build; to assist in the manufacture of specific components, etc.
We are able to undertake an element of interior design work, such as ideas for kitchen and bathroom designs, and coordinated colour schemes including floor finishes, samples of wallpaper coverings, soft furnishings, ironmongery, etc.
We can collate and prepare tender documentation, invite and obtain competitive quotations, undertake a basic appraisal of the tender submissions and make recommendation to the client either independently or, depending upon the complexity of the project and specific client requirements, in conjunction with a Quantity Surveyor or client representative.
We undertake Written Representation Planning Appeals on behalf of clients following the failure to obtain Planning Permission and are happy to assist in more complex cases, such as Public Enquiries, where we would recommend the use of an experienced Planning Consultant or Planning Lawyer to head the proceedings.
news & articles
Client Testimonials
“ DIP have successfully completed a number of sites for Mulgrave Properties. They have all been designed to an original and individual concept. Their professional service, in dealing with the issues of complex design and planning, works hand in hand with Mulgrave Properties philosophy of providing original and high-quality residential developments. ”
“ All housing sites that require planning are a journey that is understood by DIP. Their schemes pay particular attention to the surroundings and environment and are flexible in their approach and strive to produce positive results for their clients. ”
“ Linden Homes has employed the services of Downes Illingsworth on a number of medium sized to large residential schemes over recent years. We have always found Judy and her team to be professional and deliver to tight timescales. DIP work well with other consultants and the local authorities to ensure the final schemes satisfy the criteria for all parties and hence ultimately deliver planning consent approval ”
“ We have worked with Downes Illingsworth for the last 10 years on our leisure developments and found them to be most professional, creative and attentive. I would thoroughly recommend them to others looking for a professional and creative practice that are good value for money. ”
“ Our project, a demolition and rebuild, looked to be tricky to get through planning and I had received conflicting advice on how best to proceed. Downes Illingsworth immediately understood our objective, they put together a robust planning application, liaised with the planners and permission was granted without issue. The whole process was a true collaboration; taking our ideas and creating a plan which matched the brief perfectly – we are building something that has exceeded what we hoped for! ”
“ We would like to thank Downes Illingsworth for designing and planning a beautiful dormer bungalow for us. The quality of their work was exceptional, and we were most impressed with the professionalism and after-sales support, which went far beyond our expectations. We wouldn’t hesitate to use them in future or recommend them to family and friends. The service we received from them from start to finish was excellent. ”
“ I recently retired from working for over 40 years in the construction industry. Deciding to carry out some works at home I was recommended to use Downes Illingsworth Architects. What a good recommendation! Very approachable and easy to deal with throughout; responsive and proactive, dealing with planning most effectively. ”
“ We have worked with Downes Illingsworth on various projects over the past several years including projects that range from luxury hospitality venues, farming related buildings all the way through to residential property. We have always found them to be diligent and thorough in their approach to organising a project from the start to the end and building great relationships with all the parties involved in a project, which creates a smooth delivery. We have been very happy with all the work they have done for us over the years ”
“ I have worked with Judy and her team at Downes Illingsworth Partnership for many years and most recently in my role as Technical Director at Rouse Homes. She has always provided a very professional service, being on hand to respond to requests and willing to meet tight deadlines; to work closely with us to realise our design ambitions for our unique developments and ensure successful outcomes with, more often than not, far from straightforward planning applications ”
“ We wanted a porch on our home of 43 years and a larger garage for storage and access to the car. We did not want the extension to look like a bit added on. Judy designed us the perfect job. The house is now enhanced by the extension and already looks as if it was built that way. Judy gave us as much time as we needed to discuss the project and ensured it met our requirements. She dealt with the planners and building regulators efficiently. We cannot recommend her more highly. ”
“ Thank you to Judy and her team. We are delighted with our new extension. The plans you drew up have worked beautifully, in keeping our old house’s authenticity while bringing it up to date. Your service has been impeccable and especially with all the hard work you put in with the planning department. I would highly recommend your company to anyone looking to build or extend. Many thanks again. ”
“ I was very impressed by the professionalism and efficiency of Judy Walkland of Downes Illingsworth Architects. She took on board all the problems and difficulties the site presented and came up with imaginative and practical solutions. The final design provides for three very individual properties which will fit well into their surroundings as well as exhibiting design flair. ”
Ian Hessay
Managing Director, Mulgrave Properties
Matthew Gath
Director, Yorvik Homes
Andy Cramer
Technical Director, Linden Homes
Coppergreen Developments Ltd
Jo Clapperton
Ousebank Farm, Great Ouseburn
Linda & Brian Halliday
Highfield, South Kilvington
Brian May
Church Garth, Topcliffe
Mark Blundell
Mount St John Estate & Farm
Andrew Spiers
Technical Director, Rouse Homes
Mr & Mrs Jefferson
Easingwold
Mr & Mrs Watkins Wright
Whixley
Susie Grant, Stockeld Park
Sicklinghall
contact us to discuss your next project
To see how we can help with your development and work together to realise your ambitions,
call us on 01845 524758 or message us using the form below and we will be back in touch.
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Our Contact Details
Downes Illingsworth Partnership Limited
56 Market Place
Thirsk
North Yorkshire
YO7 1LW
01845 524758
info@diparchitects.co.uk
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