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 (Liverpool) 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. Click here to view our services.
BEN DOWNIE - BArch (Hons) MSc RIBA AABC
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
BA Hons (Liverpool) 1976
Ben grew up in the office of his father, Norman Downie, a small architectural practice in Essex. Ben studied Architecture at the University of Liverpool in the 1970's and after qualifying worked for a number of larger Merseyside practices on complex and large scale projects.
In 2001 Ben was awarded an MSc with distinction in the Conservation of Historic Buildings and in 2004 was included on the Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation. Ben's interest in energy conservation and sustainable buildng led him to train as an energy assessor under the NHER scheme and this has allowed him to integrate sustainability issues into the early design stages of his work.
"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 a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and this is complemented by my skills with low energy consuming buildings and sustainable building techniques".In 2001 Ben was awarded an MSc with distinction in the Conservation of Historic Buildings and in 2004 was included on the Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation. Ben's interest in energy conservation and sustainable buildng led him to train as an energy assessor under the NHER scheme and this has allowed him to integrate sustainability issues into the early design stages of his work.
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
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 subsequently 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.