Practice
The practice was founded in North Devon by Jonathan in 1986 and has grown to offices in Devon and Somerset led by the five directors.
Our experience and range cover the south west from the Scilly Isles to Bath and Dorset
In 2004 the practice opened the Taunton office to address the workload in Somerset, Dorset and Gloucestershire.
The conservation of historic sites and buildings has always been a fast moving, intellectually-based discipline requiring particular training in the context of on-going research and developing advice. We have always committed to maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of the extensive and evolving application of building conservation.
This is reflected in accreditations that individuals in the practice maintain to demonstrate this commitment and our close collaboration with Historic England, SPAB, Devon Earth Building Association and the Conservation of Traditional Thatch Group etc.
We have recently contributed to Historic England’s current research in Devon Cobbled Paths (with the SPAB), Damp Towers and the cob section of their recent publication on Earth, Brick and Terracotta.
Services
In addition to a full architectural service as defined by the RIBA the practice has a focus on good design and delivering well detailed and finished building projects.
Surveys, feasibility and funding
Initial designs are explored through site, condition and feasibility studies which help to develop the brief and inform early important consultation. Surveys are carried out in-house or we can coordinate other specialist consultants.
The practice is experienced in providing Conservation Management Plans and other important contextual information on a project to avoid abortive design work on controversial projects.
We work closely with church and community clients to establish possible sources of grant funding for their projects and assist with grant applications and on site administration.
Planning and approvals
We are experienced in helping clients navigate the planning process for complex and challenging sites and proposals.
With good working relationships with Local Authorities in the South West and Dorset, Historic England and other statutory consultees we are able to assist with all aspects of applications for the various Planning application types, Listed Building Consent, Conservation Area Consent etc.
We are experienced in the implications ecology, flood risk and land contamination can have on building projects, both in terms of surveys, project programme and mitigation methods.
Design and conservation
Although the contextual design challenges of a project are important, we are also keen to promote detail design excellence based on a sound understanding of traditional and modern materials and how they form the key components and finishes of the building.
Our long term commitment to the repair, maintenance and sensitive adaption of historic buildings enables us to gain a detailed understanding of traditional building pathology and a better understanding of long-term material performance and decay.
Contract administration
The practice is intensely aware that the best designs will flounder if not well executed in the construction phase.
Over the last 30 years of working within the South West we have built up a strong network of competent contractors and will be able to advise clients on the most suitable contractors depending on the type of project and location.
The selection of contractors with appropriate management and construction skills form an important part of the practice’s project work with administering contracts, quality inspections, monitoring variations etc.
The Team
The practice team has a wealth of architectural and conservation experience and is committed to ongoing training and accreditation.
We apply and build upon this experience in the context of the varied and interesting workload the practice maintains.
We hope this demonstrates that we are not complacent about how we apply ourselves to the design work but are open to fresh ideas and design solutions. Innovative ideas for more contemporary design solutions are explored in the context of our combined wealth of knowledge on the building tradition, materials, historic and architectural detailing particular to the South West.
Andreas Hofmeyr MArch (Prof)
Part II Architectural Assistant
Andreas is a Namibian designer who completed his Master of Architecture degree at the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 2011. He joined the practice in 2018 after working in Namibia and South Africa for the first part of his career, where he focused primarily on contemporary sustainable projects, mixed-scale commercial projects, community development and public art installations.
His final design thesis looked at the installation of a public theatre interface in a dysfunctional urban site within Pretoria’s historic town centre; analysing existing site characteristics and potential connections to the surrounding historic fabric.
He is passionate about design that tackles contemporary challenges such as defunct architecture, recyclability / reusability and future adaptability.
Outside of the workplace, he is an avid outdoorsman, musician and ceramicist.
Corey Sutherland
Architectural Technician
Corey joined our Taunton office in 2015 after studying A-level Design & Technology, Mathematics and Art.
Jonathan Rhind Architects supported Corey to complete his Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment, while working as an Architectural Technician. In September 2018, Corey began studying for his Part I in Architecture at Plymouth University, and plans to continue working at the Practice between semesters.
Darryn Marrs HNC (Construction), MCIAT
Senior Architectural Technologist
A chartered architectural technologist, Darryn is an experienced senior technician with sound construction and detailing knowledge and a particular interest in conservation and renovation. He has been with the practice since 2008.
Following the completion of a HNC in construction, Darryn has worked on a variety of projects from the change of use of listed buildings, to numerous house extension and alteration projects, with varying budgets from small to large.
His experience includes the extensive repair, renovation and conservation of a 6500sq ft. Grade I listed Georgian town house in the world heritage site of Bath shortlisted for the 2017 Michelmores Property Awards – Heritage Project of the Year. He is also the project lead on a long-term maintenance and repair programme for a local charitable trust, that owns four large Grade II listed town centre buildings, housing numerous flats, shops, offices and a bar.
Darryn’s love of detailing extends to enjoying carpentry and joinery at home, where he makes anything from cabinets, planters and trinket boxes to general DIY projects.
Darryn is in the process of applying for the CIAT Accredited Conservationist qualification.
David Bridges MCIAT BSc (Hons)
Senior Architectural Technologist
Following an Honours Degree in Architectural Design from Coventry University, David has been with the practice since 2009.
David has worked on a wide range of projects, from small kitchen extensions and cottage refurbishments, to high-end barn conversions, large farmstead alterations and a new-build luxury pool house, which he particularly enjoyed. He is proficient in various software packages and finds Sketchup an invaluable tool for exploring ideas in 3D.
David was inspired to work in the field of architecture by a desire to manifest drawings into real world space for people to experience not just look at. Some of his favourite buildings include Grand Central Terminal in New York, for its jaw dropping scale, and Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia which he finds stunning in its scope and execution.
Having achieved accreditation as a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT) David is applying for CIAT Conservation Accreditation.
Helen Bennett BA (Hons) MArch
Part II Architectural Assistant
Helen completed her Master of Architecture course at the University of the West of England, and joined Jonathan Rhind Architects in August 2019.
Throughout her time at university conservation formed a key aspect to Helen’s design and research projects, and she often chose sites that involved the renovation or restoration of listed buildings. Her final year thesis focused on the social element of design and how the local and wider community could be encouraged to use a once derelict site to bring life back to the area.
Helen spent her Part 1 year out working on a range of conservation projects on different scales, from small extensions to large public buildings.
Helen is now working towards gaining experience for her Part 3 Architect qualification.
John Alexander BSc, DipArch, Msc (Cons), RIBA, SCA, AABC
Architect Director
John is a chartered architect and director since 2000, following his postgraduate Masters degree in building conservation. He has previously worked on large commercial and healthcare projects in Bristol and London.
John has over 25 years’ experience in the industry and all of his projects have a conservation element, including consolidation of ruins, church repairs and works to historically significant properties. He is the appointed architect on over 50 churches and has a wide range of experience on listed buildings, from important historic farmhouses to industrial sites.
John is an active member of The Conservation of Traditional Thatch Group (CoTTG), a group set up to promote knowledge in the conservation and traditions of thatching roofs. The group is made up of experienced thatchers, SPAB and Historic England, as well as conservation officers and architects.
Jon Johnson BSc (Hons)
Architectural Assistant
J took a BTEC in Architecture and the Built Environment achieving a Distinction Merit, before graduating from the University of the West of England (UWE). His dissertation discussed the principles of conservation and the issues surrounding conservation authenticity, with special focus on the Georgian architecture of Bath.
During his education he worked as a builder gaining valuable first hand, practical experience of repair and construction projects from start to completion.
J has a special interest in, and hopes to explore further, the relationship between historic and contemporary structures, in particular the considered use of traditional materials alongside modern-day technology.
J joined Jonathan Rhind Architects in the Spring of 2019.
Jonathan Rhind BSc, DipArch, RIBA, SCA, AABC
Architect Director
A chartered architect and director, Jonathan is accredited in architectural conservation and has over 30 years’ experience working on historic buildings in the South West of England, from castles and country houses to churches and small cottages. He works extensively with Historic England and local authorities to achieve planning and listed building consents and successfully delivering work on site. He also enjoys the challenge of new buildings in beautiful places, creating well proportioned spaces that respond to their surroundings on a suitable budget.
Jonathan has a particular interest in the style and detail in each phase of historical development; the social and economic factors that shaped the buildings, and the performance of natural and traditional materials in our climate. He is also interested in traditional construction methods in new buildings, using tried and tested modern quality materials and sustainable systems, to form practical, elegant and well-crafted buildings.
Jonathan is a specialist in cob buildings and is passionate about the construction, care, performance and repair of cob, unbaked earth mass walling. He is a technical group member of the Devon Earth Building Association, which promotes the use of cob as a traditional and modern building material, and lectures on cob and historic buildings.
Jonny Poland BA (Hons), M.Arch (dist), RIBA, AABC, CA
Conservation Architect
Jonny initially joined the practice as a postgraduate student in 2008 before returning to the team in 2010 following his M.Arch at Plymouth University, where he graduated with distinction.
Jonny has worked on a number of prestigious projects, including being project architect for The China Tower on Clinton Devon Estates’ Rolle Estate in East Devon, which was finalist in the AJ Retrofit awards 2014 alongside internationally renowned architects, Haworth Tompkins and Zaha Hadid.
Jonny has worked on a range of projects, including a large farm diversification scheme, three Heritage Lottery Funded church repair projects and also has experience working with scheduled ancient monuments and grade I, II* and II listed buildings.
He is currently project architect for the Manor, Woolsery, Devon, part of the high profile village regeneration scheme, which includes the recently completed award winning Farmers Arms.
Jonny has a particular interest in creative re-use of materials and the juxtaposition between conservation architecture and contemporary design. He was inspired to become an Architect by the challenge of creative problem solving, and enjoys bringing new life to old buildings.
Julian Clayton BA (Hons), DipArch, RIBA, AABC
Architect Director
Julian joined the practice in 2016 as a Senior Architect and became director in 2018. He worked abroad for a number of years on large retail, hospitality and educational projects after an early career in conservation. Julian’s particular focus is in providing new and contemporary design for old and historic buildings. Through attention to detail and using traditional materials in innovative ways, he tries to reach a balance between the old and new.
Julian sits on the Exeter and Bath and Wells DAC approved lists for church inspections and obtained accreditation with the AABC (Architects Accredited in Building Conservation) in 2018. Julian is also highly experienced in project management.
Mark Raby BArch, DipArch, RIBA
Architect Director
A chartered architect who began working in architectural practice 16 years ago, Mark has been with Jonathan Rhind Architects since 2016, becoming a Director in 2018.
Mark’s experience ranges from large scale master-planning of mixed use commercial schemes, to one off bespoke houses, however his passion is in heritage buildings and sustainability.
He has a wide range of experience in conservation architecture and has been project architect for buildings in conservation areas, as well as working on the repair and extension of listed buildings, church reordering and barn conversions. Mark has an expertise in working with tricky sites and collaborating with consultees to achieve funding and to unlock potential for development. A recent scheme included helping to set up a trust to take on ownership and management of a Scheduled Ancient Monument which has allowed our client to achieve planning permission on the adjacent land.
Mark believes that the key to a successful architectural project is in the simplicity of approach, collaboration and good communication. He feels that the main endeavour as an industry is to create something unique, beautiful and functional, and this is achieved first by intuition backed up by good technical knowledge and a rigorous method.
Mark is currently working towards a qualification as a Conservation Architect with the Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC), applying to become a church inspector and engaging with further education in building ‘Passivhaus’ low to zero energy buildings.
Martin Sturley-Hayes BA (Hons), DipArch.(Cons), RIBA, AABC
Architect Director
A chartered architect, Martin has been with the practice since 2001 following a graduate degree in Architecture, leading towards further qualification in building conservation. Martin became associate director in 2014 and director in 2018.
Martin is specialised in building conservation and has considerable knowledge and experience of working on historic private houses, community projects, new build alterations and additions in sensitive sites.
Martin is passionate about finding the balance between understanding and respecting historic buildings, appropriate repair techniques and materials to secure their long-term use, alongside the need to integrate modern standards and architectural aspirations for contemporary living and use. He has a particular interest in design solutions which draw on historic character and contemporary forms, with construction and materials complementing each other.
Martin was inspired to become an Architect by the realisation that the way spaces are connected and enclosed play a huge part in how buildings are experienced and enjoyed by the user. An extension of this is how furniture and every day objects can be designed to be functional, but as ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing as possible.
Martin obtained the AABC (Architects Accredited in Building Conservation) in 2010 and is also on the Exeter Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) approved list for church inspections. Martin is working towards becoming DAC registered Architect for Bath & Wells and Salisbury.
Peter Thompson BSc (Hons) MCIAT, MInstRE
Senior Architectural Technologist
After completing a degree in Architectural Design and Technology at the University of the West of England, Peter joined the practice in 2015. He previously trained as a Mechanical Engineer, has a detailed knowledge of materials and enjoys hand drawing and graphic presentation.
Peter has previous practical building and stonemasonry experience, having worked on many listed buildings including National Trust properties and private dwellings in the South West. Among his favourite buildings are The National Congress of Brazil in Brasília, by Oscar Niemeyer and the Brion Tomb and Sanctuary at San Vito d’Altivole by Carlo Scarpa. He also enjoys reading about buildings and civil engineering works of the Industrial Revolution.
Peter’s latest project is the extension and restoration of a Grade II Listed Regency dwelling in the Cotswolds, where he has had the opportunity to produce full detailed drawings for a significant amount of bespoke joinery and manage works on site including extensive stonemasonry conservation.
Rick Gilroy HNC (Construction), MCIAT
Architectural Technologist
Rick joined the practice in 2015 as a technician, having previously worked as an Environmental Test Engineer, assessing the reliability of products and ensuring they survive in the working environment.
Prior to this he worked for a number of years within the aerospace industry as a Non-destructive Test Technician carrying out ultrasonic and radiographic inspection tests.
Rick has a particular interest in the creative re-use of redundant industrial and agricultural buildings for new use, including residential and commercial sites, whilst retaining the original character and design intentions. Since joining Jonathan Rhind Architects, he has worked on a variety of projects from the conservation and renovation of The Farmers Arms in Woolsery to gaining planning permission for the conversion of a former threshing barn to domestic use.
Rick has completed a level 4 HNC in Construction for which he was awarded a distinction, and has recently qualified as a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT). Rick is working towards CIAT Conservation Accreditation.
Samuel Asante Amoah OTDip Civ Eng, BSc (Hons) Arch Tech, HDipSD (Hons) ACIAT
Architectural Technologist
Sam Studied Civil Engineering and Building Construction and worked in Civil Engineering for several years.
As his taste for the built environment increased he studied Architectural Technology and Construction Management at VIA University College in Denmark. Since 2004 he has worked in architectural conservation and new build projects in Ireland and the UK. Sam joined Jonathan Rhind Architects in June 2019 and has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Practice.
Since joining Jonathan Rhind Architects Sam has worked on an extension to north Devon property, Church reordering and detailed technical drawings for the farm buildings which form part of the Woolsery regeneration project. His engineering background has given him an excellent foundation for detailing and technical design.
Recruitment
Jonathan Rhind Architects are committed to the ongoing development of skills. We have a very interesting job list and are always keen to find the right designers to join our team. If you would like to work with our team on challenging architectural projects in the South West we would like to hear from you. Please follow the link for our current vacancies.
Accreditation
RIBA Chartered Practice
RIBA Chartered Practices are the only practices to be endorsed and promoted by the RIBA it is the only client focused accreditation scheme specifically for architectural practices and shows that we are committed to excellence in design and service delivery.
We also have RIBA conservation accredited architects. Appropriately accredited conservation architects are a fantastic source of professional help and a major step towards ensuring any building works you oversee are carried out correctly and appropriately.
Control by a conservation accredited professional is a requirement of grants being awarded for repairs to historic buildings by the Heritage Lottery Fund and many government funded works.
Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC)
The AABC Register is an independent accreditation body with the primary purpose of informing clients and protecting the historic built environment from damaging interventions by people not skilled in historic building conservation and adaption.
Control by a conservation accredited professional is a requirement of grants being awarded for repairs to historic buildings by the Heritage Lottery Fund and many government funded works.
All registered architects are re-assessed every 5 years as a continual skills appraisal process and for applicants to demonstrate their insights, understanding and application of the building conservation principles.
Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists: CIAT is the leading qualifying body for Architectural Technology and promotes accreditation, registration and continual professional development of individuals studying and practicing in the discipline of Architectural Technology.
Church of England
All regional DAC offices administer the Inspection of Churches Measure which requires that all church buildings be inspected by an Approved Architect or Surveyor once every five years and produce a Quinquennial Inspection Report.
We have Conservation Architects registered with both Exeter and Bath & Wells DACs. Within the practice we look after over 100 churches within these two Diocese.
Awards
Our awards are a tribute to our clients' commitment and dedication to the sensitive and sympathetic conservation repair and re-use of significant historic buildings in the South West.
2019 - The Farmers Arms, Woolsery
Shortlisted - RIBA Conservation Award, South West
2019 - The Farmers Arms, Woolsery
Highly Commended - RICS Building Conservation Awards, South West
2019 - The Barton, Holcombe Burnell
Shortlisted - RICS Building Conservation Awards, South West
2019 - The Farmers Arms, Woolsery
Winner - LABC Building Excellence Awards, South West
2019 - The Barton, Holcombe Burnell
Highly Commended - Best Barn Conversion, DBCP Building Excellence Awards
2019 - The Nursery, Bradford On Tone
Finalist - Best Individual New Home, SBCP Building Excellence Awards
2018 - St Peter's Church, Ilfracombe
Shortlisted - RICS Building Conservation Awards, South West
2018 - St Petroc's Church, South Brent
Shortlisted - RICS Building Conservation Awards, South West
2017 Crescent House, Bath
Highly Commended - The Georgian Group Architectural Awards
2017 - Bridge Chambers, Barnstaple
Commendation - The Devon Historic Building Trust Conservation Awards
2017 - Crescent House, Bath
Shortlisted - Heritage Project of the Year. Michelmores Property Awards
2017 - St. Mary's Church, High Bickington
Highly Commended, RICS Building Conservation Awards, South West & Wales
2017 - St. Mary's Church, High Bickington
The Diocesan Advisory Committee Awards 2017
2016 - St. Mary's Church, High Bickington
Highly Commended, The King of Prussia Gold Medal
2016 - Bathealton Court, Bathealton
Commendation, The William Stansell Somerset Historic Building Awards
2014 The China Tower, Bicton
Finalist, AJ Retrofit Awards 2014
2014 The China Tower, Bicton
Shortlisted, Michelmores Western Morning News Property Awards
2013 The China Tower
Certificate of Recognition for work, The English Heritage Angel Awards 2013 The China Tower
2013 Holwell Temple, Filleigh
Shortlisted, RICS Building Conservation Awards, South West & Wales
2012 Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Aylesbeare
The Diocesan Advisory Committee Awards 2012
2012 Tithe Barn, West Lyng
Winner - 2012 William Stansell Award, Somerset Building Preservation Trust
2012 The Poundstock Gildhouse, Poundstock
Winner - 2012 EU "Grand Prix" for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Award for Conservation
2012 St. Thomas Church, Kentisbury
The Diocesan Advisory Committee Awards 2012
2011 The Tithe Barn, Lyng Court
Finalist, The 2011 RICS Awards South West
2010 All Saints Chapel, Instow
The Diocesan Advisory Committee Awards 2010
2010 All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus
The Diocesan Advisory Committee Awards 2010
2010 West Somerset Mineral Railway
Highly Commended, RICS Southwest Building Conservation Award
2010 West Somerset Mineral Railway
Highly Commended, 2010 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards
2009 The Poundstock Gildhouse, Poundstock
Winner, RIBA Southwest Conservation Award
2009 Private Chapel near Ivybridge
Finalist, South West RICS Awards for Building Conservation
Browse a selection of our work
