PRACTICE PROFILE
Inkpen Downie is a chartered practice consisting of Architects and Interior Designers who work with new, existing and historic buildings. The Directors are Architect Ben Downie BArch (Liverpoo) MSc RIBA and Interior Designer John Inkpen LDAD, to whom have built the business on a strong foundation of knowledge and expertise, which underpins the working practice of the entire team. At Inkpen Downie we offer a fresh, open and efficient approach to design and are committed to achieving excellence through quality. We are passionate about buildings, people and the materials that we work with, we are dedicated to finding accessible, long term and sustainable design solutions for all.
BEN DOWNIE - BArch (Hons) MSc RIBA AABC
QUALIFICATIONS/REGISTERS
Included on the register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation 2004
MSc Conservation Historic Buildings 2001
National Home Energy Rating Assessor 1994
Completed RIBA Parts I, II and III 1981
BArch Hons (Liverpool) 1979
Included on the register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation 2004
MSc Conservation Historic Buildings 2001
National Home Energy Rating Assessor 1994
Completed RIBA Parts I, II and III 1981
BArch Hons (Liverpool) 1979
Ben Downie studied Architecture at the University of Liverpool in the 1970's, returning to his father Norman Downie's Colchester architectural practice to gain work experience during his university holidays. After qualifying as an Architect, Ben worked for a number of larger practices on complex and large scale projects, including Innes Wilkin Ainsley Gommon.
In 2001 Ben was awarded an MSc in the Conservation Historic Buildings, with Distinction and in 2004 was included on the Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation.
"Being based in Colchester it is inevitable that I have a heavy involvement with listed buildings, which has resulted in a considerable accumulation of experience of dealing with their technical and design problems, as well as with the various planning and grant awarding bodies involved. Over the years we have been frequent winners of local design and conservation awards. I am on the RIBA Eastern Region approved panel of conservation architects and a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and this is complimented by my skills with low energy consuming buildings and sustainable building techniques".In 2001 Ben was awarded an MSc in the Conservation Historic Buildings, with Distinction and in 2004 was included on the Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation.
Ben's historic buildings experience is complemented by his skills with low energy consuming buildings and sustainable building techniques. Ben is a member of the Association of Environment Conscious Builders and a National Home Energy Rating consultant.
JOHN STUART INKPEN - LDAD
QUALIFICATIONS:
Chelsea College of Art & Design London Diploma in Art & Design- Interior Design 1978 - 1980
Canterbury College of Art Dip AD Fine Art Sculpture 1971 - 1973
Chelsea College of Art & Design London Diploma in Art & Design- Interior Design 1978 - 1980
Canterbury College of Art Dip AD Fine Art Sculpture 1971 - 1973
Thurrock Technical College Foundation Course Art & Design 1969 - 1971
Ford Motor Company Technical Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering (EITB) 1967 - 1969
John Inkpen began his career as a technical apprentice to the Ford Motor Company, then in 1969 he enrolled on a foundation course in Art and Design and then took a Diploma in Fine Art Sculpture, at Canterbury College of Art.
In the 1970's John was a self-employed carpenter and furniture maker, working in the construction industry and for commercial and private clients. His work included timber repairs to historic buildings, and the design and production of fixtures and furniture. In 1980 he received his London Diploma in Art & Design (Interior Design) at Chelsea College of Art & Design, becoming a fully qualified Interior Designer which lead him into working for YRM (Interiors) for four years starting as a Design Assistant and leaving as a Project Manager; this position gave John a valuable grounding in providing the service of design in an integrated and disciplined way.
In the 1970's John was a self-employed carpenter and furniture maker, working in the construction industry and for commercial and private clients. His work included timber repairs to historic buildings, and the design and production of fixtures and furniture. In 1980 he received his London Diploma in Art & Design (Interior Design) at Chelsea College of Art & Design, becoming a fully qualified Interior Designer which lead him into working for YRM (Interiors) for four years starting as a Design Assistant and leaving as a Project Manager; this position gave John a valuable grounding in providing the service of design in an integrated and disciplined way.
John is responsible for Health and Safety at Inkpen Downie, in particular, the requirements of the Construction Design & Management Regulations (CDM). John has completed a CITB Certified Training Course in the role of Project Coodinator under the CDM Regulations.