Journal – Walters Architects

We Need a New Practice Manager

Due to unforeseen circumstances (largely associated with this damn awful virus) our current Practice Manager has, reluctantly, been forced to leave the company. This is such a shame as Shannon wasn’t with us long, had really fitted in and was showing great signs of being more than capable. Ultimately, family must come first in times…

We Do ‘Other Stuff’

Walters Architects are trying to remind people that we don’t only design and deliver new buildings but we also provide other services such as commercial interior design for existing and refurbished properties. One of our senior staff is a qualified interior designer and has a wealth of experience in Hotel, Retail and Office design. This…

Walters Architects Prize 2021

Walters Architects are excited to report that WAP ’21 is on. Despite recent challenging times at Leeds Beckett University the staff and students are trying their upmost to carry on as best as possible and this week the university have confirmed that they will be arranging for Walters Architects to launch the award for best…

Sound Advise?

Leicester City Council have given Walters Architects the option to withdraw a planning application for an apartment scheme in the city centre due to the lack of an accurate sound survey. Alternatively, the Local Authority will refuse the application because we are unable to provide the required technical data to accompany the application. The sound…

Good Night Mr. Bond

It was sad to learn of the news that Sean Connery had passed away over the weekend. Most cinema fans appreciate he was a diverse and talented actor, starring in over 65 feature films and winning an Oscar in 1988 for his supporting role of in the Untouchables, but for many he will be most…

Golden Boy – Sir David Ajay

Walters Architects are extremely pleased to learn that Sir David Adjay OBE will be awarded the 2021 RIBA Royal Gold Medal for his contribution to Architecture. The Ghanaian – British Architect has been a favourite of our practice for a while now and whilst his company (Adjay Associates) has seen global success in recent years…

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween to Johnny, Mavis and Drac. Scary movies always rely on the manipulation of architecture and interiors to set the tone and mood of their spooky stories. They usually favour the dark, dank, cold stone and wide open proportions of Gothic architecture to conjure up the most eerie of emotions. Nothing better highlights the…

Small (but perfectly formed) Commercial Unit

We are always happy to receive photographs of our newly completed buildings and this simple commercial unit on equestrian land in Leicestershire is no exception. Whilst it’s a straight forward design (not much more than a box really) it has made a significant addition to the property and the way our client uses their grounds….

We are Recruiting

After another surge in workload, Walters Architects are hiring again. We are looing for an experienced member of staff with 5 – 10 years post qualification experience who is able to design and deliver creative buildings for both domestic and commercial clients. Ideally, the candidate must have experience with the Planning process, be able to…

It’s all about Perspective

Out of the blue, our photographer recently sent us some areal photographs of this project we completed last year. He had been out and about with his new drone and thought we might like to see how the building looked from the air. This particular building was possibly one of the reasons our photographer decided…

Stop/Start

Our retail unit and accommodation block in Hackney, London has restarted after the project was suspended for a couple of months due to the COVID 19 Pandemic and a change in client personnel. Most projects suffer from slight program delays, so we always advise clients to get going as soon as they can. More time…

A Sad Loss

I was sad to hear the news that Sir Terence Conran passed away last week at the grand old age of 88. Particularly sad because he was a personal favourite of mine and has been for some time. It’s fair to say that he and his brands have had a big influence on my early…

The End of an Era

The brilliant high-tech British/Italian architect Richard Rogers announced his retirement last week from his practice Rogers, Stirk, Harbour and Partners at the grand old age of 87. Richard is recognised globally for his complicated steel and glass buildings which express both structure and services to give a truly unique aesthetic. Such buildings included Llyods of…

Living the Dream

Most people dream of building their own home in the open English countryside but let us tell you, it really isn’t a simple process. Firstly you have to have a suitable site and then you need a robust justification to satisfy the relevant Local Authority Planning department. Be assured, the difficulties are endless, time consuming…

Before and After Works

During a conversation with a potential client a couple of weeks ago, we were told that our projects look great on our website but some clients would like to better understand the extent of the works undertaken, especially in domestic situations. So, due to popular demand (of sorts) we have decided to show this recently…

Care Home Project

Walters Architects have been working on a care home scheme in Leicester for the last couple of years and now the project is almost complete, we have sent our photographer to take a few snaps for our new website. Here is a quick preview. The project included two large single extensions, formal out door areas,…

WAP!

Walters Architects are pleased to announce the winner of their 2020 WAP (Walters Architects Prize) which has been awarded to BA 3 Student, Haagar Yousif of Leeds Beckett University. The award was initially intended for the the best final year image but has quickly evolved into the award for the best building related image. Whilst…

Walters Architects Drawing Award

Walters Architects are proud to announce that we will be sponsoring an award for the best sketch or drawing by an undergraduate on the Architecture degree programme at Leeds Beckett University from 2021. The prize is aimed at encouraging students to expand their sketching and drawings skills in order to explore creativity in a freer,…

North Finchley Development

Walters Architects are just finalising the relevant information required for a planning application associated with this small apartment scheme in North Finchley, London. The three storey building is situated on a tight triangular site to the rear of an existing apartment building, also owned by our client, and is within close proximity to more conventional…

A Mock Up, Knocked Up

Walters Architects has just received word that the joinery workshop assisting the contractor has finished a “Mock Up” of the frame on our new timber extension in Leicester, for our approval. This is a really exciting stage of the project as Mock Ups are brilliant for communicating ideas and resolving details before the contractor starts…

Maidenhead Care Home Extension

Walters Architects have secured full Planning Permission to extend and refurbish a Care Home in Maidenhead for one of their existing clients. The works are extensive and include a new entrance, single two storey side extension, single storey rear extension and new masonry boundary wall. This scheme will be classed as phase I of the…

Coping with COVID-19

Walters Architects should have attended a contract valuation meeting today on one of our smaller domestic sites but, due to Covid 19, the contractor is officially off site and the practice are all working from home. To make the most of the situation, the client has decided to visit site, take photographs and send them…

Commercial Planning Application

Even though the office is working remotely, it isn’t slowing us down. Walters Architects have just submitted a planning application for a large retaining wall on a mixed commercial site in Leicester. Designed to split the steep site into two level parts, the retaining wall is supported by anchoring back into reinforced soil with sheet…

Extending within a Conservation Area

Walters Architects have worked with the planners and conservation officers to arrive at this timber framed extension to a substantial home within a Conservation Area…

We’re looking for a new Architect to join the team

We are seeking an energetic architect, to join our friendly, award-winning RIBA Chartered Practice in Leicester. This is a great opportunity for an ambitious architect wanting to make their mark on a small and dedicated practice focusing on modern architectural excellence. Please email for a full detailed job description and details of salary, benefits and…