Architects Derby

Architects in Derbyshire
As architects in Derbyshire with a specialism in conservation and heritage, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by some fantastic historic buildings.
We create everything from sympathetic extensions, remodels and renovations, to complete residential developments and commercial builds. All of which we design to sit harmoniously in the landscape while answering exactly what our clients want.
Whatever your vision, our creative and technically skilled team can help you transform small houses into bright modern homes. We can bring much-needed space and light into a family area and add balconies and mezzanines for a more modern, dramatic finish, whatever the building’s age.

Derby architecture
For example, for this project on Pastures Hill, Derby, a small extension made a big difference to the usability of the house. Meanwhile, for this project on Hazelwood Road, Duffield, we both extended and remodelled the house to bring it into the 21st century and fit the growing family’s needs.
Our firm is a conservation and heritage specialist, so we also design modern living and working spaces that enhance period features. These original quirks to a building are particularly important — not just from the standpoint of preservation, but also because of the distinctive character they give to a modern space.
We have worked on projects for clients that include residential developers building luxury apartments, both to transform existing buildings and creating new structures, such as this fantastic custom-built home we worked on on Broadway, Derby.

Derbyshire architects studio
We have also worked with business owners who want to turn impersonal white boxes within historic buildings into offices and studios that impress both employees and clients.
In our Derbyshire architects studio, you’ll find planning experts who will listen to your ideas and draw up a design that you can confidently submit as a strong application, with the right specifications for approval. Founding director Elizabeth Rhodes is a leader in the field, and sits on the committee for the RIBA Housing and Planning group.
From our free initial consultation to the point when your project is ready to get off the ground, we’re perfectly placed to visit your home or development site. We’re also on the end of a phone, whenever you need to speak to us.
Some of the projects that members of the team worked on before joining Swain include:
- St. James Chambers apartments
- The redevelopment of the former Robinson’s site off Ascot Drive
- 554 Duffield Road
- Willow House

Our Process
Preparation
& Brief
Concept
Design
Developed
Design
Technical
Design
On-site
Architectural Work
Handover
We are a Chartered Practice of the Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA) and follow their key stages in order to adhere to the highest standards and protect our clients. These stages typically fall into three phases, pre-planning design, technical design and on-site. Planning applications and work starting on-site are major milestones on the road to you getting your new set of keys.
Swain Architecture Projects in Derby



Create your own ideal space with us . . .
From our free initial consultation to the point when your project is ready to get off the ground, we’re perfectly placed to visit your home or development site. We’re also on the end of a phone, whenever you need to speak to us.
To find out more about how we helped our clients, visit our project page.