Ian Palmer Architects

Ian is a true professional with a clear passion for architecture. He is a rarity in that he actually listens to the client’s needs and ideas and turns their vision into a reality beyond expectation. Ian supports the design and planning process from beginning to end, developing drawings and images akin to a ‘storyboard’. He liaises with external agencies as required to ensure the client has a stress-free experience. I would highly recommend Ian to anyone who wants the best and isn’t willing to compromise. Thank you.

We are delighted with the design that Ian has produced for our new garden room, which shows imagination and flair. We were particularly impressed by how he paid attention to our request that environmental sustainability be integrated into the building. The design makes good use of solar gain, has sheep wool insulation and a green roof. He also had some great ideas regarding the overall design, which we might not otherwise have considered. The garden room will be located in a National Park and there are rightly strict planning conditions surrounding new developments. Ian was able to address in a positive way any concerns that the planners might have had and secure planning permission for the development.

Ian has a very pro-active approach and is great to work with. He came up with some innovative solutions to our brief for a new visitor welcome space at Sandscale Haws. He really considered the context of the site and its history, providing us with a functional, quirky space in which to engage with our visitors.

Ian has been the lead architect on all projects undertaken by the Royal Northern College of Music since 2010. The service Ian has provided has ranged from verbal advice on minor improvements to the building fabric, to the full and comprehensive design of the £7.1M refurbishment of the College’s Concert Hall and backstage environs. Ian always makes strenuous effort to fully understand the needs of the client by engaging in meaningful consultation (and sometimes challenging certain client assumptions!) before considering and presenting any proposals. This approach has led to the delivered schemes being comprehensively successful and truly fulfilling the key needs of client. Ian’s designs are always incredibly well thought through and, as one would expect, come with a high level of attention to detail. Ian blends beautiful design with excellent practicality, and this often brings additional benefits to building occupants. Ian is creative, enthusiastic, imaginative, knowledgeable and fun to work with! He uses his considerable experience to competently drive and guide projects forward, communicating smoothly between other design team members (acoustics, mechanical, electrical, structural) together with building control, contractors, local authority planning etc. Over the past two years Ian has progressed to delivering designs in 3D (Revit). To have such capability is incredibly valuable in communicating with stakeholders, allowing people to easily visualise proposed developments, rather than relying on artist impressions or 2D plans and sections.

Ian provided advice on interior building layout and design for our house redesign and refurbishment of a 1970’s house in the Lake District. Ian carefully identified a range of options based on our requirements, explained the pro and and cons to produced an excellent set of drawings based on the chosen option which enabled us to visualise how the finished design would work in practice. We found Ian to be very approachable with good customer people skills and impressive architectural design experience and would heartily recommend him to others seeking advice and guidance for their building projects.

Fantastic results. The visual designs provided showing how our home would look greatly helped get the feel for the end result and enabled changes to be made before work began which save time and money. Extremely happy. Would recommend and use again.

Ian approached our project at Coniston Boating Centre with enthusiasm and energy. His designs are vibrant, practical and fun. He has good knowledge and worked well within the design team.

My Company recently instructed Ian Palmer Architects to design and submit a planning application for a bespoke Home Office. I have to say Ian's attention to detail along with his vision and passion, has resulted in our expectations being far exceeded. Here's to a long and lasting business relationship. Great work Ian.