Darwent Architecture

Darwent Architecture Ltd is an award winning practice, offering clients creative and sustainable design solutions.

We pride ourselves in promoting a collaborative approach to design; involving the client at all stages to ensure the project is completely tailored to your needs. We use the latest three dimensional computer technology to help visualise design ideas, create plans and environmentally test the proposals.

Our standard full service guides you right through from planning permission, building regulations and onsite contract procurement through to completion. We also have a trusted network of local builders who we have developed a solid working relationship with over the years, so we can also deal with the tender process for you.

The practice would be delighted to offer you services for any of the following:

Residential Houses, Extensions, Conversions, Listed Building Alterations (including grade 1&2 listed)
Commercial Bar / Restaurant Design, Retail shop fit-outs
Museums, Visitors Centres, Arts based Projects
Masterplanning

Please click on the tabs above to see some of our recent projects

or here to see a range of past projects by James Darwent at Gareth Hoskins Architects.

We look forward to discussing and taking your project forward with you.

Contact Us

Who we are

James Darwent

Architect / Director

The practice was established by James Darwent in early 2010 after he returned home to his native Peak District. James is a chartered member of the RIBA, bringing to the practice a wealth of personal architectural experience established during his training at the Mackintosh School of Art in Glasgow and working for the multi award winning Scottish practice, Gareth Hoskins Architects.
He has been involved in and responsible for a wide range of projects, from one-off house projects, to innovative restaurant and bar designs, and was a key architect for a £14m School on the Shetland Isles and for Donald Trump's Aberdeenshire golf development.
James also completed his own Self Build barn conversion on the west coast of Scotland in 2009, and a recent full restoration of his current home. He has unique experience in all aspects of the build process from a client's perspective, such as budget control and project management.
Brought up in the heart of the Peak District National Park, he also has an in-depth knowledge of the local building style and has developed a strong working relationship with local planning authorities across the North West. The practice has become known for their sensitive approach to historic buildings or tricky sites where they have been able to breathe new life into them through careful integration of modern architecture sitting cohesively alongside the old.
Joanna Ho

Architect

Jo joined the practice towards the end of 2013, having completed her Masters degree in Architecture at Cardiff University. She passed her Part 3 exams in October 2019 and is now an excellent architect with a wealth of working knowledge of urban and rural architecture.
During her placement year she was at Cooley Architects in London, gaining experience in high-rise commercial housing projects and private residences. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Manchester, she enjoys travelling between the U.K. and Asia, which has had the beneficial effect of broadening her design influences.
Jo is also interested in sustainability and the integration of renewable technologies into both new builds and refurbishment projects.
Carys Jones

Architect

Carys studied at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff before qualifying as an Architect at the University of Westminster in 2018.

Before joining Darwent Architecture in 2020, Carys worked on large residential projects and varying scales of heritage and conservation projects while working in both Manchester and London.

Carys is interested in working with existing structures and developing sensitive and imaginative contemporary designs to enhance and adapt the use of existing buildings.

Originally from rural Wales, Carys is enjoying studying the landscape character and architecture of the Peak District and is currently working towards accreditation in building conservation.
Sarah Darwent

Architectural Assistant

Sarah joined us in Autumn 2019 originally with more of a view to run the admin side of the business. However, since September 2022 she has taken a more active role as an Architectural Assistant and now develops designs for clients alongside our other architects.

During her time here she has built up some great experience and is confident delivering design packages to clients with skill and knowledge to back-up her design process due to the experience she's gained being hands-on at the practice.

In her spare time she is being run ragged by her two young daughters or out walking Lady. On a very good day you can spot Sarah out on her paddle board somewhere along the coast of the Llyn Peninsula.
Andrew Finn

Architectural Assistant

Andrew joined the practice in 2024, after studying a master’s degree at Manchester School of Architecture. He comes from a building family and applies construction knowledge to his work.

Previously, he has worked at architectural practices in Manchester, gaining experience in a mix of commercial and private residential projects and has a passion for sustainable design.

Outside of the office, Andrew has keen interests in running, cycling and spending time outdoors.
Kathryn Crossley

Office Manager

Kathryn has recently joined us in Spring 2025 to run the admin side of the business as we continue to grow our Architectural and Heritage Design portfolio.

Having previously worked in Design Coordination and Management roles within the industry, she brings a good understanding of the design and construction process, along with client needs.

She will focus on the day to day running of the office, and all that is in it, to allow our Architects to focus their time and energy on the design, planning and management of projects for our valued clients.

In her spare time, Kathryn is kept very busy by her two young daughters, and she enjoys family days spent outdoors and running (on her own) when she finds a spare moment!
Lady

Our Cocker Spaniel, Lady, is an ever present eager helper around our offices. Her enthusiasm is boundless and she loves a good walk in her lunch hour.