Redhead Architects is a chartered practice located in the heart of Norwich. They deliver new-build and retrofit projects, ranging from one-off homes, city apartments, hotels, commercial and heritage projects using sound design principles to seek the potential for joy in every scheme.
The practice team consists of John Nortcliffe, Architect and Director; Robert Mainwaring, Architect and Director; and Toby Grimwood-Snook, Architectural Designer.
John started the practice in November 2019 and was joined shortly after by Robert, having worked together previously for many years delivering The Machrie, a boutique hotel on Islay and The Fields Therapy Centre, a state-of-the-art SEN facility. Toby completes the full-time team, bringing his expertise in BIM and producing photo-real renders and animations. They also work with a trusted team of freelancers on a flexible basis.
Having worked for many practices over the years, John and Rob wanted to seek out a better, more collaborative way of working and sharing ideas. They use simple sketches, BIM models and virtual reality to ensure that everyone has a clear understanding of their project, right the way through from concept to completion.
We asked Redhead Architects about their practice, their journey, the sustainability issue, and the future of architecture.
What do you think is the most important issue for architects to focus on right now, and what are you doing as a practice to tackle it?
Clearly, it’s the climate crisis and Redhead Architects is focusing on the normalisation of retrofit by offering practical solutions to our clients to repurpose our existing buildings to achieve Net Zero targets. We’re realists and recognise the very real concerns our clients have around ‘investment’ vs. ‘payback’ too. Naturally, we all accept it is ‘the right thing to do’ but, sadly, very few will commit to the extra work without the financial justification. We see this as the block right now so to help, we’re developing a toolkit to provide the cost-data needed to compare options to help more people to commit.
What was your learning journey like and was it conventional?
John: I started at Purcell, working on amazing buildings such as Hampton Court Palace and The British Museum, just as hand-drawing was being eclipsed by CAD. Lots of Rotring equipment, razor blades and brushes and one PC in the corner. I later joined Mackenzie Wheeler, working on bars and restaurants then The Royal Automobile Club which became my Part 3 project. From there I spent four very enjoyable years working in Bermuda for Botelho Wood, working on a church, a golf resort and various residences until the recession hit. I returned to London and headed up a 300-plus-bed hall of residence project for Imperial College at BGS Architects, using modular construction and BIM for the first time – a revelation! This led to an opportunity to return to Norfolk to deliver The Machrie – a boutique hotel project for Hudson Architects on the Isle of Islay.
Robert: I worked around the UK while studying for my Part 1 – from sole-practitioners down in Cornwall, city architects in Southampton and all the way to working for Kathryn Findlay up in Dundee. This gave me a good idea of what I was looking for in practice. After graduation, I joined Bennetts Associates in London where, Part 2 aside, I stayed until after I qualified. It was invaluable experience in the efficient design, construction and teamwork required for complex projects and clients – and how to enjoy the process! I still wanted these ideals after moving to Norfolk, working at Hudson Architects with John.
How do you think we can make architecture a more sustainable industry?
Historically, architects have avoided risk by giving away responsibility, along with detailed knowledge of structure, cost, energy etc. By re-learning some of this knowledge, we can reinforce our unique position and worth within the design team and be a powerful force in building sustainably.
We need to move the conversation on by just ‘doing’ more sustainable architecture, but we’ll get further by working with our consultant teams and contractors to ensure ‘buildability’ by sharing and coordinating well-detailed practical buildings. Clear communication plays a big part in this to ensure that the design team understands each other’s challenges and objectives.
Architecture as a discipline can be made more sustainable by looking after the health of the people involved. Sometimes the unexpected happens but generally, you can manage expectations and workflow. Balance out the busy days with something nice occasionally; try paddle boarding!
What is your advice for future generations of architects?
Today’s uncertain times present challenges and therefore opportunities for architects. We have the potential as a profession to adapt and upskill future generations to be a part of the solution when it comes to solving the climate crisis, as well as helping society to adapt to new ways of living and work patterns. There’s a lot to do and a lot to get right!
We have been using BIM for nearly 10 years now, but we’re still finding new ways to make technology help us design better and more liveable buildings yet there seems to be so much more potential, particularly for ‘in-use’.
Worry less about learning the latest software as these skills will come. Focus more on learning how to design better for the right reasons and try to gain as much varied experience as you can.
You can learn an awful lot from a ‘not so good’ practice, and some experience as a builder or client will change how you see things! Also, try to move around for the right reasons rather than only who pays the most. Being prepared to relocate can often help your chances.
To find out more about Redhead Architects, visit their website or follow them on Instagram or LinkedIn.
