THE PRACTICE


Inkpen Downie Architecture & Design Limited is a practice of Architects, Interior Designers and architectural staff.
The Directors are Architect, Ben Downie BArch (Liverpool) MSc RIBA and Interior Designer, John Inkpen LDAD (Chelsea). 


 

 

                                Ben Downie BArch (Hons) MSc RIBA

                                           

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 in the holidays. After qualifying as an Architect he worked for a number of larger practices on complex and large scale projects, and notably for Community Architects Innes Wilkin Ainsley Gommon. His work at IWAG introduced him to the growing community architecture movement where housing tenants took a front seat in the commissioning of new housing developments.

With his roots in the historic town of Colchester, Ben has a wealth of experience working with historic buildings, both in respect of the practical and technical problems,  contemporary design  in historic settings and in liaising with  planning and grant awarding bodies involved.  In 2001 he 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.His historic buildings experience is complemented by his skills with low energy consuming buildings and sustainable building techniques. Ben  has been a  National Home Energy Rating Assessor since 1994 and is a member of the Association of Environment Conscious Builders.


 

                                John Stuart Inkpen LDAD   

              

                                                                                                                           

John Inkpen began his career as a technical apprentice to the Ford Motor Company. In 1969, realising he wanted a more inspiring future, he enrolled on a foundation course and then took a Diploma in Art and Design at Canterbury College of Art. In 1980 he received his London Diploma in Art & Design (Interior Design) at Chelsea College of Art & Design, becoming a fully qualified Interior Designer.

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.   As well as paying his way through college, this work gave John a truly practical grounding in interior design.

After qualifying as an Interior Designer, John Inkpen took a post at YRM (Interiors), working his way up from assistant to project manager and gaining a disciplined induction into integrated interior design services which has served him well in our work for commercial clients. Projects at YRM included airport flight desks and food bars, flat interiors for corporate entertainment, hospital lecture theatres and laboratories, a Post Office refurbishment programme and a range of office, dealing and reception areas in the City of London.

His work in the practice has included a range of church re-ordering projects, a series of projects for Romford YMCA, and several disability access projects, including recent work at Colchester Arts Centre. John has completed a CITB Certified Training Course in the role of Project Coodinator under the CDM Regulations.