RRA Architects

4.928 Reviews

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Cheltenham Road East, Gloucestershire

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Locally owned

Free consultation

Contact Info:

Mark Powles
Unit A7
Elmbridge Court Business Park
Cheltenham Road East, Gloucestershire GL3 1JZ
United Kingdom

Typical Job Costs:

£100,000 - £5 million
For over 30 years we have been designing buildings to exceed our clients expectations. We can quickly establish the needs of most clients, please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation to discuss your project.

Category:

Architects and Architectural Designers

Award-Winning RIBA Chartered Architects | Based in Gloucestershire

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RRA Architects is an Award Winning Architectural practice which was established in 1986. We work nationally but mainly in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire. We have a reputation as a highly innovative architectural practice. This has been built on producing first class design solutions across all sectors. However, we specialise in residential projects including extensions, home offices, renovating and remodelling, conservation, heritage, loft conversions, barn conversions and new build dwellings. Services provided can be as minimal as just simple advice on planning or design through to complete project management from design concept to handing over the keys of a finished project. Whilst we work with many experienced housing developers we also excel when working with ‘novice clients’, many of whom have never instructed an architect before. We are happy to guide a client through the process step-by-step and we understand that the experience of creating your home is a hugely important and individual process. We pride ourselves on really listening to what our clients want and discussing how they intend to use their space to create appropriate and practical solutions to meet their needs within budget and on time. We are very proud that these solutions usually also exceed our clients’ expectations. If you would like to talk to us about your project please do not hesitate to call, there is no obligation and no fees for initial advice.

Services Provided

3D Rendering, Accessible Design, Architectural Design, Architectural Drawings, Basement Conversion, Basement Design, Bathroom Design, Boot Room Design, Building Conservation, Building Design, Complete Kitchen Renovation, Custom Build Home, Drafting, Eco Homes, Floor Plans, Garage Design, Home Renovation, House Extensions, House Plans, House Restoration, Loft Conversion, Loft Restoration, New Home Build, Passive Houses, Prefab Home Extensions, Prefab Homes, Project Management, Site Planning, Site Preparation, Space Planning, Staircase Design, Sustainable Design, Swimming Pool Construction, Tiny House Building, Utility Room Design, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, Planning Applications, Masterplanning, Heritage, Conservation, Renovations, Remodelling, Retail design, Commercial property

Areas Served

Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Ludlow, Shropshire, Cheltenham, Hereford, Gloucester, Bath, Bristol, Worcestershire, Ledbury, South Wales, Leominster

Awards

Heritage Conservation Award. Conservation Area Award RIBA Award Civic Trust Award Conservation Area Award Civic Trust Award Design and Industry Award Grand Designs Channel 4 Conservation Award

18 Projects for RRA Architects

Charlton Kings, Gloucestershire

Contemporary in Cheltenham, Cotswolds

24 photos

Hope Mansell, Herefordshire

Grand Designs Hillcott Barn

10 photos

Charlton Kings, Gloucestershire

Contemporary in Charlton Kings

19 photos

Hereford, Herefordshire

Micro Coach House

6 photos

Fownhope, Herefordshire

Award Winning Contemporary Extension

12 photos

Builth Wells, Powys

Renovation and Extension of Stone Cottage

20 photos

Charlton Kings, Gloucestershire

Remodelled Executive Home

14 photos

Ledbury, Herefordshire

Stunning Self Build

18 photos

Abergavenny, Monmouthshire

Stone Barn Conversion

13 photos

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Contemporary Family Extension

11 photos

Kimbolton, Herefordshire

Designer Dutch Barn

14 photos

Californian Three Storey

9 photos

Load Next 6 Projects

Featured Review

A B

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Client

A very professional company, who will go above & beyond to ensure they design exactly what you want and who truly care about their customer.Read Full Review

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28 Reviews for RRA Architects

4.9|28 reviews

Work Quality

5.0

Communication

5.0

Value

5.0

Lindsey Young

Relationship

Client

RRA helped us turn our basic ideas into detailed plans with improvements we would never have thought of ourselves. The level of service continued to be highly responsive throughout the project, with flexibility to have meetings in the evening after work. Would highly recommend!

27 October, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you so much. It was an absolute pleasure to get to know you and your family through the project. We love the results and hope you do too.

David Currant

Relationship

Client

RRA provided us with a first-rate service that has resulted in a modern extension that complements our old property. A satisfactory fusion between the new and the old was a critical part of the brief we asked RRA to follow. We were able to choose from a selection of draft designs and to have our own ideas accommodated within the architect’s design but still retaining the balance of the original design concept. A key element leading to the success of this project was the initial supply of builders names for the tendering process and help selecting the chosen firm who turned out trumps and completed the project only a few weeks late in spite of an appalling wet winter and covid-19. The architect quickly established a professional yet congenial client relationship and responded promptly and efficiently to our questions and concerns. Once building work commenced any problem areas were thoroughly investigated and resolved reflecting a good working relationship between architect, client and builder. Monthly site meetings between the three parties ensured that any outstanding or new issues were discussed and followed up resulting in minimal delays to the project. Likewise budgets were monitored and costs checked to avoid overspend. We would not hesitate to recommend RRA’s services to other homeowners who want to guarantee a reliable, competent and professional service.

11 August, 2020Last modified:12 August, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you so much for your lovely words. It was a great project to work on and a real achievement for all parties considering the impact of Covid. This was a true collaboration of consultations, contractor and client - great teamwork! Hope you love the results, we are delighted to have been able to help deliver them. Thank you for choosing RRA.

kelleylouise

Relationship

Client

Absolutely loved working with RRA. Mark and Olly completely understood our brief and how we needed our house to work for our family. Comms were really great and they were excellent at answering questions really honestly. We’re really happy with the end result and wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again.

9 August, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you so much for your lovely review. It was a pleasure working with you and your family to help create your beautiful family home. We hope you continue to enjoy its for many years to come.

Edward James

Relationship

Client

We employed RRA first in 2015 to remodel our home. It is an old cottage that had botched extensions that we build in the past and the house didn’t work as a family home. We had lived their 5 years before we could around to calling an architect. I wished we did it sooner. RRA had some great ideas, and the house now works great. We employed them again in 2018 to convert our outbuilding into annexe for relatives to stay and as home office / gym. Again the design ideas and service was first class.

22 May, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you Edward for your great review. It has been a pleasure to work on your family home both times and it's lovely to hear that you are still enjoying the remodelled layout.

Ken Saunders

Relationship

Client

We have engaged RRA on 5 separate projects from large extensions, conversions and now a new build bungalow. From our initial idea's they use their considerable expertise and knowledge to design class leading designs. They have worked closely with us (client) to advise on best practice, innovation and direction to obtain that all important planning permission. They are professional in everything they do and so accommodating in achieving your future goals. Excellent company with enthusiastic and professional employee's. Highly recommended

12 May, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

What very kind words!
As you know, we are delighted to work with you on your various project and thoroughly enjoying developing the ideas with you. Thank you so much for your recommendation and for your business.

steve taylor

Relationship

Colleague

We needed an Architects firm to provide Concept proposals for improvements we wanted to make to the Club House at our Golf Club. We needed some ideas we could then present to the members in order to get support and funding. RRA came up with some great ideas, with some 3D computer visuals which has now got support from the club. The funding raising is going very well as all members love the scheme, so we will employ RRA for the next stages and start work next year! Definitely recommend.

11 May, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you for your super review Mr Taylor. Great to hear the fund raising is going well; we were delighted that the scheme was so well received by your members. Looking forward to completing the next stages on this very exciting project.

Nigel L

Relationship

Client

Wanting a loft conversion to create an extra bedroom. In 2018, I did an internet search and found RRA Architects. Looking at their website with so many impressive projects on it, I thought my loft conversion would maybe, be too small a project and not be of interest to them. But as I didn’t know where to start or the best way to go about it, I called them as none of the other local architects caught my eye. So glad I called. Even with my small build budget, RRA took me through the process step by step. Prepared designs, got me planning permission and building regs approval and also recommended builders and tradesmen who did some of the work I couldn’t myself. I was concerned that the new stairs up to the new room would take up a lot of space, but RRA produced a number of options so I could see how it would work, and there was even enough room for an en-suite. We now have a huge much needed 4th bedroom, and have increased the value of the house much more that what we spent. Would recommend RRA Architects to anyone even with a small project. Highly recommended. 5 Stars.

10 May, 2020Last modified:13 May, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

So pleased to hear that you and the family are enjoying your new space. Thank you for your fabulous recommendation, it is a pleasure to work with such lovely clients.

S C

Relationship

Client

RRA Architects was recommended to us by two different sources, friends who used them previously and our estate agent. From the first meeting with Mark and the team, we knew we were in good hands. When we bought our very dated, 'doer-upper' we knew what we wanted to do - or thought we did. RRA drew up four design concept options. The first option was what we asked for, the other three were options that we had not even thought of. By the end of our second meeting the design was decided. We now have a house that is far better than we could have imagined. The space, flow and little design details could not have been achieved without their vision. The process was much easier than we expected and our builder was also very happy that the architects drawings had all the information he needed. Very happy clients - we would happily appoint RRA again, but can't see us moving from this house now!

1 May, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you for your lovely comments. It was a pleasure to work with you and we are delighted to hear you are still enjoying the house. It certainly is a beautiful space and one that will adapt to your needs.

Mark Collins

Relationship

Client

We wanted to extend our garden but we did not know how to apply for planning permission. Mark provided excellent, professional guidance, through the entire planning process. He was always available for questions and was a calm, reliable, assured presence throughout. I'd definitely recommend Mark and his team.

12 April, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you for your very kind words Mr Collins, we were delighted to be able to help and are hoping for a lovely Summer so you and the family can enjoy your fabulous new garden.

Mark Howarth

Relationship

Client

We have been working with RRA for some time now , our particular project is and will be ongoing , we have found outstanding forward thinking professionalism in their own field together with a deep understanding of the surrounding agencies that sometimes need to be involved in our complicated planning system have been fundamental in taking our projects forward . Communication within whole team has helped instil confidence .

8 April, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you very much Mark. We are very pleased to have been able to assist you over the past few years with your projects in order to navigate the planning system to achieve the design and outcome required.

Michael Jackson

Relationship

Client

I am a (retiring) NHBC house builder who has developed and built a number of sites in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. I have used RRA for over 30 years to draw up my plans. I have found them a friendly, professional set of architects able to produce plans on time, to an agreed budget, and most importantly able to accommodate changes that are demanded by customers/needed in the course of development.

7 April, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you Mike for your very kind words, it is always a delight to work with you. We are very proud and grateful to have clients of many years, such as yourself. Looking forward to seeing our current project to fruition - the last one!? Really? We do believe we've done a few 'just one last project' for you :-)

Chris Jarrett

Relationship

Other

We work with Mark and the team at RRA on a range of projects and often refer them to clients of ours who may be considering altering and extending new or existing purchases. We always find Mark and his colleagues to be supremely professional, incredibly approachable and excellent value for money.

6 April, 2020Last modified:20 October, 2020

Stewart Barnes

Relationship

Client

Mark and his team helped us every step of the way. From their initial brilliant designs and imaginative use of space, they then helped us with planning, identifying and selecting the builders, agreeing the contract and finally managing the monthly progress meetings with the builder and surveyor. They truly provide an end to end service. The result is we have a wonderful extension that we use every day and has added much value to our property. Their design is our reality - wonderful. We recommend RRA to anyone looking to extend and improve their home.

3 April, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

What a lovely review, thank you so much Stewart. We thoroughly enjoyed working with you and hope you and the family continue to enjoy your lovely home for many years.

Mike Harries

Relationship

Colleague

I have found Tom Froggatt and RRA to be efficient and understanding of client needs and planning imperatives but adopting pragmatism where required.

3 April, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you Mike, it is a pleasure working with you on the various projects.

Philippa Bishop

Relationship

Client

RRA are excellent they have great knowledge and Mark has been a great help. They have done two planning applications for us and have always done a great job we would never use anyone else and would highly recommend to anyone. Mark has also helped us with advise, his expert knowledge on other projects also.

1 April, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you very much for your great review. We are always delighted to hear from you and that you are happy with the advice we have given over the years.

A B

Relationship

Client

We instructed RRA (Mark and Olly) to work on our complete home renovation project in Cheltenham. With very rough ideas of what we wanted their expertise and experience guided us through a minefield of choices and we are thrilled with the house we now live in. They took us to various previous projects to view materials and ideas which helped us choose our final internal and exterior finishes . This 2 yearlong project saw many twists and turns and was without question one of the most stressful things we have undergone but we have to say we were filled with confidence in RRA's ability and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone. A very professional company, who will go above & beyond to ensure they design exactly what you want and who truly care about their customer.

1 April, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you very much for your review, it was a pleasure to work with you. We always strive to give our clients a truly individual service to create their dream home - we were delighted to be able to work with you and help turn your ideas into reality.

Sara Reader

Relationship

Client

If you're looking for an architectural practice that will work along side you, to come up with something completely original, or to help you to refine your ideas, then look no further - RRA Architects is the place to go! Mark and his team were very easy to work with, when my husband and I decided to extend and re-model our downstairs living space a few years ago. They came up with some initial concepts which they presented to us and took on board our suggestions. We are very happy with the finished result - a multi-purpose space that comprises our kitchen, dining area and a lounge area.

31 March, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you very much for your kind words. We really enjoyed working with you on your project and we love your multi-purpose space too. Hope you and the family continue to enjoy your lovely home for many years.

Ashley Jones

Relationship

Client

We stumbled upon RRA in 2016 and asked them to come on board for the conversion of a Listed building in the middle of Cheltenham. We were impressed by their ideas and their detailed work so have moved on to use them for more projects we've been invlolved with. Very glad to see them growing and look forward to undertaking many more projects in the future

31 March, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you very much Ashley. It has been our pleasure to work with you on some of your very exciting projects and we are looking forward to continuing this great teamwork in the future.

Tom Michaluk

Relationship

Colleague

I have worked with RRA Architects on numerous projects over the past 5 years and have always found them to be professional, diligent and creative in designing fantastic spaces for their clients.

31 March, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you Tom for your professional endorsement, it has been a pleasure working with you and long may it continue.

Cath & Mark Lambert

Relationship

Client

As a result of working with RRA we have an extension that continues to blow us away! It was through their vision and gentle 'nudging' we have a space which works brilliantly and looks amazing. Without RRA we could have ended up with a fairly predictable extension on the back of a red brick semi. But we have curved walls, and bare brick, and a fabulous massive pane of glass - all contributing to a stunning entertaining space.

31 March, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

We are so delighted that you are so delighted :-) Thank you so much for your lovely review and for trusting our ideas. We think your space is fabulous and we consider ourselves lucky to have clients such as yourselves.

Michael Cuttell

Relationship

Client

When Mark Powles asked me if I might be kind enough to write a review of his company I did not hesitate in saying ‘ yes ‘ . We first saw what would be our new home on 14-7-2015 and peering over the gate for the first time we just knew immediately that this property could be for us. It was originally designed as a coach house to provide accommodation for both carriages ,stabling and ancillary facilities for horses for the adjacent mansion. It was constructed of mellow Cotswold stone and appeared pretty neglected but it had tremendous potential and the specification met all our aspirations. Negotiations were protracted due to the reluctance on the part of the vendor to answer basic questions in relation to the property. Initially we were not told that the property was curtilage listed grade 2 and that a large extension constructed 30 years previously was the subject of an enforcement order, as were the plastic windows. I mention this because it sets the scene in respect of the enormity of the project. This was going to be a challenge from beginning to end and we could see that we would need an architect who was easy to work with over a lengthy period, who had experience in the field of restoration and, importantly, could work with our Cotswold District Council Conservation Officer. At this point we were introduced to Mark Powles of RRA Architects and immediately we realised that he met or indeed exceeded all our parameters. Mark is a patient listener and was eager to interpret our needs and , importantly , had considerable experience of historic building restoration. He , and we, faced many challenges over the following 8 months and I have to say that without his skills as a negotiator and his understanding of what was going to be needed to reach our ultimate goal we would have been hopelessly lost. I cannot adequately stress the importance of having the right man in charge when the project is large and prolonged. Mark was able to liaise with our builder, Cover Construction, on a daily basis and I cannot recall a cross word between any of us during the eight months that it took to complete. Such was our trust and confidence that we worked on a ‘cost plus ‘ basis with an ultimate outlay of circa £800000 and such was our delight at the finish that we held a well deserved party for all those involved. We now have a wonderful 5 bedroom house incorporating a lift, 5 Victorian stables, a superb copper roofed dining area as an extension and it all gives us joy on every day. Our thanks to them all. Finally I must add that I was not paid or rewarded in any sense for this appraisal.

31 March, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

What a super review, thank you for detailing so much of your time working with RRA. It was a fabulous project to work on with the fusion of contemporary and historic to create a wonderful, light, airy space whilst keeping the character of the original building. The whole team worked really well together and the end result is a true team effort and dream home. We hope you and your family will enjoy the space for many, many happy years.

John Lucas

Relationship

Client

Mark and his team at RRA helped us with three separate stages of our house development and extension. They have always been really helpful, and open to us adding our input into the designs.

30 March, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you John for your very kind words and for being great clients with your own ideas and vision. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with you to transform your rather dilapidated purchase into such a fabulous space and wonderful family home.

Relationship

Client

Very professional young practice, and most helpful in drawing up and submitting my requirements for planning approval, which came through very quickly. We were all on the same ‘wavelength’ in terms of overall design for the small extensions/remodelling of my 30-years old detached house, and they made several further proposals which I have adopted. Completion now almost there, so I am really looking forward to that event notwithstanding the national virtual shutdown due to the current pandemic. Good firm to have on board for its expertise.

30 March, 2020Last modified:31 March, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you very much for your lovely review. We hope you reach completion shortly (current pandemic allowing) and we look forward to seeing the end result.

Chris Barry

Relationship

Client

Mark and the team have been absolutely outstanding, the service they provide is excellent and coupled with a really impressive product. The team are extremely professional and experienced, taking the stress and hassle out of the planning and design process.

30 March, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you so much Chris for your super review. We have thoroughly enjoyed working on your project and look forward to seeing the end result.

S W-S

Relationship

Client

We have worked with RRA on a number of projects. Their creative team are professional, efficient and have provided excellent customer service. We will certainly be using them for any up coming projects.

30 March, 2020Last modified:30 March, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you very much for your lovely review and for choosing RRA for your projects. It has been a delight to work with yourselves on your various projects.

D R

Relationship

Client

RRA have been a pleasure to work with, particularly given that my project hasn't been straightforward. They have responded promptly to requests for revisions throughout, & their ability to create innovative designs is impressive. Their patience in the face of several restrictive issues is noted, as is their expertise & knowledge of planning constraints.

30 March, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you very much for your great review. Admittedly the project was not straightforward, however, it does help when we have clients who work so well with us to overcome the challenges.

Simon David

Relationship

Client

Mark and his team have been excellent and a delight to work with. Response times have always been superb and clarity provided at every step of the way. So unlike the previous architects we used.....

30 March, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you so much Simon for your kind words, it was an absolute pleasure to work with yourself and your family on your project.

Richard Fairs

Relationship

Client

Hired RRA for a extension to you house fantastic service from Start to finish came up with some great designs .i would highly Recommend RRA

29 March, 2020

Comment from RRA Architects:

Thank you for your recommendation Mr Fairs, we are glad you are happy with our designs. We look forward to seeing the end result.

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