The practice was founded in North Devon by Jonathan in 1986, John Alexander became director in 2002 and Martin Sturley-Hayes in 2014.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
A chartered architect and company director, Jonathan is accredited in architectural conservation. He qualified in London in 1989 where he worked on a number of historic buildings, including banks, offices, shops and houses.
Jonathan 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 permissions and listed building consents and delivering successful work on site.
Jonathan has a particular interest in the style and detail connected with each phase of a historical development; the social and economic factors that shaped the buildings, and the performance of traditional materials in our climate. Jonathan also has an interest in using traditional construction methods in new buildings, whilst incorporating tried and tested modern materials and sustainable systems, to form practical and elegant 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 greater understanding of cob as a traditional building material.
Jonathan is a Diocesan Inspector for Exeter and Bath and Wells Diocese and a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), Historic England.
John is a chartered architect and company director, who has been with Jonathan Rhind Architects 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 a group set up to promote knowledge in the conservation and traditions of thatching roofs: The Conservation of Traditional Thatch Group (CoTTG). The group is made up of experienced thatchers and officers from SPAB and Historic England, as well as conservation officers and architects.
A chartered architect and associate director of the company since 2014, Martin has been with the practice since 2001 following a graduate degree in Architecture, leading towards further qualification in building conservation.
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. He has a particular interest in design solutions which draw on historic character and contemporary forms, with construction and materials complementing each other.
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.
Julian joined the practice in 2016 as a Senior Architect, after working abroad for a number of years on large retail, hospitality and educational projects.
Drawing on the experience of his early career as a conservation architect, 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 has recently applied for accreditation with the AABC (Architects Accreditation in Building Conservation). Julian is also highly experienced in project management.
A chartered architect with over 10 years’ experience in the industry, Mark has been with Jonathan Rhind Architects since 2016.
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 private planning applications in conservation area, as well as working on the restoration and extension of listed buildings and barn conversions. He has worked on church schemes, preparing DAC faculty applications and tender documentation.
Mark believes that the key to a successful architectural project is in the simplicity of approach. The built environment is an expression of culture and is constructed of the systems that exist locally or are imported and through the action of making, becomes a craft or artefact. Mark believes that the main endeavour as an industry is to create something unique, beautiful and functional, and the technical knowledge that facilitates a design that is robust supports that aim.
Mark is currently working towards a qualification as a Conservation Architect with the Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC).
A chartered architect, accredited in architectural conservation, 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 Farmers Arms and Manor Inn development in Woolsery, Devon, a high profile village regeneration scheme.
Jonny has a particular interest in creative re-use of materials and the juxtaposition between conservation architecture and contemporary design.
A chartered architectural technologist, Darryn is an experienced senior technician with sound construction and detailing knowledge and 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 up to 1.4 million pounds.
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 is in the process of applying for the CIAT Accredited Conservationist qualification.
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.
The majority of David’s experience has been work on listed buildings or sites within conservation areas. David recently achieved accreditation as a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT).
After completing a BA in Architectural Design and Technology at the University of the West of England, Peter joined the practice in 2015. He has also trained in aerospace design and has detailed knowledge of materials and services.
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. Pete recently achieved accreditation as a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT).
Peter’s latest project is work on a new pool house within the grounds of a Grade II listed dwelling.
Rick joined the practice in 2015 as a technician, having previously worked as an Environmental Test Engineer, assessing the reliability of product 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.
Rick has recently completed a level 4 HNC in Construction for which he was awarded a distinction, and is registered as an Associate member of CIAT. Rick is now working towards his MCIAT qualification to become a Chartered Architectural Technologist.
Andreas is a Namibian-born designer who completed his Master of Architecture degree at the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 2011, earning a distinction in design.
His final thesis looked at the installation of a public theatre in an historic precinct of Pretoria, analysing ways in which performance spaces could help rejuvenate dysfunctional neighbourhoods and inner-city spaces.
He joined the Jonathan Rhind Architects team in mid-2018 in the capacity of Part II Architectural Assistant after 7 years working in Namibia and South Africa, focusing on designing contemporary sustainable buildings, community development projects and public art installations.
He draws his inspiration from architectural projects that utilise creative interfaces between the user and the built environment and which consider future usability/adaptability. He also has a keen interest in recycled/natural building materials, and festivals.
Outside of the workplace, he is an avid outdoorsman, musician and photography enthusiast.
Alice joined the practice in 2018 having completed a BA in Architecture at the University of Cambridge. During her third year at Cambridge, Alice became interested in the theory behind restoration and myth in architecture while writing a dissertation on Lutyens’ Castle Drogo.
As an Architectural Assistant, Alice is developing her experience of working in practice during her placement year before going on to study part 2 of her Architectural degree.
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.
Jacob studied a degree in Architecture & Planning at the University of the West of England, before studying his masters in Architecture at The Politecnico di Milano, working for Jonathan Rhind Architects periodically between studies
Jacob has a keen interest in 20th century Italian architecture & sustainable principles in vernacular architecture. He has always held an interest in architecture ever since a young age where as child he would help on his grandparents’ farm in Devon, helping to maintain Victorian agricultural buildings.
Through his studies in Milan Jacob had the opportunity to study Historic Italian architecture & contemporary architecture at one of the world’s leading academic institutions, and studied classes taught in both English & Italian. He has travelled extensively across the continent, and in the summer of 2018 briefly had his work on display at the Venice Biennale.
During his time in Italy Jacob developed a passion for coffee, something which he takes very seriously.
Aaron joined the practice in August 2018 as an Architectural Technician Trainee. He recently completed a two-year Level 3 Extended Diploma in Architecture, Surveying and The Built Environment in which he achieved a final grade of Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM). He is now studying part time for a level 4 HNC in Construction.
Aaron enjoys both new build design and heritage work as well as using CAD, which inspired his desire to train to become an Architectural technician. He has a passion for sustainable builds and pushing building standards to meet BREAM Standards.
In the future he hopes to specialise in heritage and sustainability work.
Pamela Longhurst, Rom Dodson, Tina Fouracre, Fergus Alexander, Hayley Warner, Charlotte Miller.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Highly Commended - The Georgian Group Architectural Awards
Commendation - The Devon Historic Building Trust Conservation Awards
Shortlisted - Heritage Project of the Year. Michelmores Property Awards
Highly Commended, RICS Building Conservation Awards, South West & Wales
The Diocesan Advisory Committee Awards 2017
Highly Commended, The King of Prussia Gold Medal
Commendation, The William Stansell Somerset Historic Building Awards
Finalist, AJ Retrofit Awards 2014
Shortlisted, Michelmores Western Morning News Property Awards
Certificate of Recognition for work, The English Heritage Angel Awards 2013 The China Tower
Shortlisted, RICS Building Conservation Awards, South West & Wales
The Diocesan Advisory Committee Awards 2012
Winner - 2012 William Stansell Award, Somerset Building Preservation Trust
Winner - 2012 EU "Grand Prix" for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Award for Conservation
The Diocesan Advisory Committee Awards 2012
Finalist, The 2011 RICS Awards South West
The Diocesan Advisory Committee Awards 2010
The Diocesan Advisory Committee Awards 2010
Highly Commended, RICS Southwest Building Conservation Award
Highly Commended, 2010 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards
Winner, RIBA Southwest Conservation Award
Finalist, South West RICS Awards for Building Conservation
