Feasibility studies are a vital first step in any design project.

We undertake these as part of any preliminary briefing discussion with a client and together with a site appraisal, we pull together a comprehensive picture of the development proposal and identify any possible issues with planning.

Any feasibility study might include discussion with specialist consultants who we work closely with, to ensure our draft layouts, massing models and viability reports are detailed and our clients are fully informed on the next stages of the project objectives.

As an award winning practice we are committed to delivering quality architecture and interior design. We achieve this by working very closely with our clients, opening up the channels of communication to ensure everyone is on the same page in terms of purpose, budget and time frames. Â This approach also allows us to develop and fine-tune possibilities and adapt them accordingly.

We thoroughly enjoy this process, working with our clients to bring to life their initial thoughts to create detailed planning applications, sketches and digital models.

It also allows us to provide bespoke advice on planning status, issues and procedure and negotiate confidently with planning authorities and key stakeholders such as Historic England and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

All our applications are well tested before they are submitted for approval.

To assist with project objectives, we are able to offer master planning and phasing layouts. These are important aspects of any project.

These designs can be used to negotiate with planning officers and other statutory bodies, which means we can strike the right balance between the requirements of our client and the specifications of the authorities. They also help the client understand the overall project aspiration and vision.

NJ Architects direct our clients through the public consultation process and provide well documented Statements of Community Involvement for all projects taken though the planning process.

NJ Architects guide clients through the technical design stages, discussing and developing appropriate methods of construction.

As part of this, we look at structural systems, materials and procurement procedures and provide fully coordinated technical design packages. These include general arrangement, drawings including detail on structure, building services and clash detection. Our staff have a diverse knowledge of construction, which includes classical detailing as well as modern and innovative low carbon technologies.

All of these stages are carried out to full technical standard meeting the specifications of Building Regulations, BREEAM and Secured by Design.

With unrivalled experience in conservation and the preservation of historic buildings we also understand the importance of a holistic design with regards to sustainability and methodology.

With a traditional founding, we are often seen working at drawing boards, however we are also fully conversant with Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD and NBS Building software. Our technical abilities strongly complement our ability to lead the contractor tender processes and an analysis of tenders. We are able to administer building contracts and work with clients and contractors from contract implementation to project completion and handover. Â Packages might include traditional single stage tenders, but we also adopt two stage tender processes and can also advise on full management contracts, which are particular suited to fast track insurance recovery works.

NJ Architects is a RIBA Chartered Practice, this means we comply with all the relevant legislation and regulations that govern our industry and meet all the criteria set out by the RIBA.

As a chartered practice, we are required to implement, uphold and champion a specific Quality Management System which is tailored to meet the demands of a practice such as ours. This is a transparent approach that we use across our work which delivers peace of mind and satisfaction to our clients. Our chosen Quality Management system is specifically developed by the RIBA for Chartered Practices such as ours.

We pride ourselves on providing this level of service which is effective and consistent and we welcome feedback from clients as well as contractors to ensure we are constantly improving it. In addition, we maintain quality control with regular training for our staff and regular reviews of processes.

To manage quality control, Nicholas Jacob Architects acts as the lead consultant on projects and key coordinator and manager where appropriate.

With larger projects this may require a multi-discipline team for project delivery but with a proven track record we successfully mix leadership, process, administration and management in the correct proportions to match the requirements of the work.

NJ Architects adheres to the Building Information Modelling (BIM) guidelines for management, if this is a requirement of the client. This is a tool which allows us to collaborate effectively with design and construction consultants, meeting the specifications of PAS 1192-2 Level 2.

As part of our commitment to this, we have invested in hardware, software, cloud based applications and staff development programmes. We have our own dedicated cloud based servers providing external access to key clients for data storage where this is needed. All of our IT infrastructure is managed internally.

This has allowed us to facilitate the client from concept to construction and beyond.

Nicholas Jacob Architects are recognised for their commitment to building conservation, with awards from Historic England, the Georgian Society, the RIBA and RICS testify this. Nicholas Jacob is also listed in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, as well as an Inspecting Architect in Chelmsford. Nick Jacob is accredited as a Conservation Architect holding the AABC Conservation Architect status. In addition, Hugh Bunbury is accredited as a Conservation Architect under the RIBA. This, together with other members of the NJ Architects team enable us to provide conservation plans, heritage statements and the technical knowledge required for repairs and refurbishment of Listed Buildings, including new extensions and alterations. The founding members of NJ Architects have worked in conservation and in a historical context for much of their careers;. This wealth of knowledge allows the practice to provide informed design and detailed specifications relating to ecclesiastical repairs and Church Quinquennial, including Grant Application. We are recognised for our innovative approach to design in the heritage setting.

Conservation is not limited to ecclesiastical buildings; we have undertaken work directly for English Heritage, the National Trust and a number of key national land owners. For private individuals we tailor our experience accordingly to the scale and vernacular of the buildings. With strong links to the conservation teams within the local authorities, we help simplify the sometimes complicated application process. We also guide clients through the procurement of various specialist trades that may also be required.

Nicholas Jacob Architects can also assist public bodies, organisations, trusts and PCCs with the preparation of grants for repair and development, including grants provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). We can support PCCs with the grant process and where required provide specialist grant application advice and management.

NJ Architects as part of their architectural role, often assist with the interior design, which can include kitchen design, bathrooms, bespoke furniture and more. We can go further as we have a strong relationship with interior designers locally, so by working with them we can deliver a holistic approach for your architecture and interior design requirements including furnishings and soft fabrics. We are happy to discuss how this service might benefit our clients at the outset or during any project.

We at NJ Architects have expert knowledge of insurance recovery, particularly with regards to High Net Worth losses – with respect to Historic Buildings. Working with specialist contractors and consultants, we are able to manage the processes to complete the project. This includes discussion and negotiation with loss adjusters to achieve an equitable settlement. We can act as the project lead overseeing other third party consultants. We have experience of Management Contracts which expedite the process of reinstatement and can advise on mitigation and betterment as appropriate. Works are not restricted to fire damage; we undertake work following storm and flood damage. We can also advise on technical detailing and environmental control, which is particularly relevant following flood and fire.

Our Partner, Shaun Soanes, is now a qualified drone pilot, giving us a whole new way to showcase the projects we’re working on and have completed.

One of Shaun’s aerial shoots captured the Isaac Lord Complex on the Ipswich waterfront, both in daylight and beautifully illuminated in pink at night which was to celebrate Ed Sheeran’s recent homecoming concerts.

The footage offers a unique view of this historic site, showing how our restoration and design work blends seamlessly into the waterfront setting.

Our office was also captured in the video!

See the tour video of this and more projects below.

Our commitment goes beyond just creating beautiful spaces; we are dedicated to preparing designs for projects that are environmentally conscious and sustainable.

Our Approach

We believe that architecture has the power to shape a better future. With a keen focus on sustainability, we can integrate eco-friendly practices into every stage of our design process. From concept to completion, we strive to create spaces that not only captivate the senses but also minimise the environmental impact.

Transformative Design

Our project involving a fire-damaged house in Norfolk is an example of our dedication to both restoration and sustainability. In revitalising this dwelling, we delved into the nuances of thermal efficiency. The result is a home that not only stands as a symbol of resilience but also harnesses the power of its surroundings.

Understanding the importance of thermal efficiency, we devised a solution that would not only enhance the comfort of the residents but also contribute to renewable energy generation. The house now harnesses the power of the adjacent lake, utilising it as a sustainable source of renewable heat, together with photovoltaic panels hidden from view on flat roof areas and within the grounds.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

1. Energy Efficiency: We employ cutting-edge technologies and design principles to optimise energy consumption and reduce environmental impact.
2. Renewable Resources: Our commitment to sustainability extends to the incorporation of renewable energy sources, ensuring that our projects contribute positively to the environment.
3. Material Selection: When required, we prioritise eco-friendly and locally sourced materials, minimising the carbon footprint of our projects.
4. Adaptive Reuse: We believe in the transformative potential of existing structures. Our approach often involves the adaptive reuse of buildings, reducing waste and preserving the essence of the past.