We enjoy designing new buildings and improving existing buildings to ensure that the owners get the best possible experience from their environment. We work on a range of different projects, including; hospitality, historic buildings, education, community and church, public and commercial, housing, ecobuilds, conservation and heritage and building information modelling (BIM) projects.
In-house we have architects, both conservation and modern, designers and technicians. We’re here to bring your ideas to reality, making the process as stress free as possible.
Our studio, based in Colchester, Essex, is only a short distance from London and Kent, meaning our services are available further afield.
Ben grew up in his parent’s architectural practice in Colchester and since qualification has added on skills as Conservation Architect (AABC). He is responsible for the business and cultural development of the practice and at the same time involved as a team member on a variety of projects from cutting edge new build, to reuse and repair of historic buildings.
In his spare time he goes sailing.
Ben grew up in his parent’s architectural practice in Colchester and since qualification has added on skills as Conservation Architect (AABC). He is responsible for the business and cultural development of the practice and at the same time involved as a team member on a variety of projects from cutting edge new build, to reuse and repair of historic buildings.
In his spare time he goes sailing.
After becoming a RIBA Chartered Architect in 2002, Julia worked in Scotland and Yorkshire, within a variety of sectors including Private Residential, University Estates, Historic buildings and Castles. Following 3 years in Sweden, she joined Inkpen Downie in 2018 and became a director in 2019. She's currently working towards AABC accreditation (Architect Accredited in Building Conservation) and her main architectural interest is in the creative reuse and sustainable adaption of existing sites, historic buildings and churches. Out of the studio Julia helps lead Wivenhoe Community Church and is known as ‘Akela’ in her local cub pack. She also finds enjoyment in gardening, painting, family time and walking her dog Mia.
After becoming a RIBA Chartered Architect in 2002, Julia worked in Scotland and Yorkshire, within a variety of sectors including Private Residential, University Estates, Historic buildings and Castles. Following 3 years in Sweden, she joined Inkpen Downie in 2018 and became a director in 2019. She's currently working towards AABC accreditation (Architect Accredited in Building Conservation) and her main architectural interest is in the creative reuse and sustainable adaption of existing sites, historic buildings and churches. Out of the studio Julia helps lead Wivenhoe Community Church and is known as ‘Akela’ in her local cub pack. She also finds enjoyment in gardening, painting, family time and walking her dog Mia.
Antigoni grew up in Cyprus, before moving to the UK to study architecture. She is a graduate of the University of Liverpool, Greenwich and De Montfort University, with a First Class Honours degree. A fully qualified architect with the ARB, Antigoni is also a part time university lecturer for students of architecture, teaching design studio. She joined Inkpen Downie in 2021 after spending 5 years working for Patel Taylor Architects in London, where she gained experience in high rise developments and urban regeneration projects. When she is not drawing, Antigoni enjoys travelling, long walks with her dog and baking.
Antigoni grew up in Cyprus, before moving to the UK to study architecture. She is a graduate of the University of Liverpool, Greenwich and De Montfort University, with a First Class Honours degree. A fully qualified architect with the ARB, Antigoni is also a part time university lecturer for students of architecture, teaching design studio. She joined Inkpen Downie in 2021 after spending 5 years working for Patel Taylor Architects in London, where she gained experience in high rise developments and urban regeneration projects. When she is not drawing, Antigoni enjoys travelling, long walks with her dog and baking.
Joe is a Part I (BArch) Architecture student studying at Loughborough University, currently working on placement towards a Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) before returning to complete his final year at Loughborough in 2022.
He is a motivated learner skilled in graphic design and drawing. His architectural interests include sustainability, adaptive reuse, modernist and brutalist architecture. Out of the studio, Joe enjoys travelling and exploring new cities.
Joe is a Part I (BArch) Architecture student studying at Loughborough University, currently working on placement towards a Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) before returning to complete his final year at Loughborough in 2022.
He is a motivated learner skilled in graphic design and drawing. His architectural interests include sustainability, adaptive reuse, modernist and brutalist architecture. Out of the studio, Joe enjoys travelling and exploring new cities.
Ashley has recently made the move from working in the Banking Industry for over 25 years to join us in our Architecture practice. She has a wide range of experience with operational and administrational functions and thrives on being organised!
In her spare time Ashley enjoys listening to music, running, yoga, and has a passion for good food!
Ashley has recently made the move from working in the Banking Industry for over 25 years to join us in our Architecture practice. She has a wide range of experience with operational and administrational functions and thrives on being organised!
In her spare time Ashley enjoys listening to music, running, yoga, and has a passion for good food!
Barney is a Part II Architectural Assistant and completed his MArch at Cardiff University in 2022. He is looking to further his architectural studies by undertaking his Part 3 examinations to become an Architect.
Architectural interests include Adaptive Re-use and Innovative Design. Outside of work, Barney enjoys running and sailing, although his main passion is following Southend United Football Club both home and away.
Barney is a Part II Architectural Assistant and completed his MArch at Cardiff University in 2022. He is looking to further his architectural studies by undertaking his Part 3 examinations to become an Architect.
Architectural interests include Adaptive Re-use and Innovative Design. Outside of work, Barney enjoys running and sailing, although his main passion is following Southend United Football Club both home and away.
"The design is innovative and represents an enhancement to the local character" Tendring District Council planning officer
"I recently visited Clare Priory and was absolutley thrilled to see the work you have done there, I keep twittering about it to anyone who will listen. I think it is the finest extension to an ancient building I have ever seen. The quality of the space you created is sublime. I am not involved in the world of archi tecture but as they say "you know a good thing when you see it" I look forwarrd to returning and if I wish I could bring Prince Charles with me to see the marriage of two different centuries to create such beauty." - member of the public via email
"Thanks very much for your efficient handling of this. It certainly relieves my stress levels." Client, Essex
"Superb report - exactly what we need to progress further. My compliments to you and your team." Housing Provider, Colchester
"Thank you very much for your excellent advocacy yesterday. Jane was most impressed by your highly effective presentation. We are both most grateful." Client, Essex
"Inkpen Downie developed a comprehensive plan to renovate the old house which was severely decayed in parts, conserving the fabric where possible or replacing it with traditional materials when necessary" "We were very pleased with the outcome of our project which was overseen most successfully by Inkpen Downie. We would use them again for similar work without reservation." Client, Essex
"As client, we are very happy with the design solution provided by Inkpen Downie and the interpretation of the brief. We had very specific requirements and a limited budget with a clear idea of how the centre should function as a facility. Inkpen Downie clearly researched the need, listened to us as the client and took on board our concerns and requirements. The result is a design that is functional but iconic and utilises the space available." Client, Essex
"We have filled the church to overflowing twice already and seen a lot of visitors coming to view the church. The unanimous verdict is that it is a design that really works. They love the blending of the modern and the medieval. Quite a few have said "it should win prizes. We liked the fly-through of 2011, but the end result is way beyond our expectations at that time. We are overjoyed with what you have given us." Father Bernard Rolls, Clare Priory
"On behalf of the Project Group and felllowship of St Peter's, I want to write to thank you and the design team for the gift of our new buildings. I believe you may have spoken with Alan already about the overwhelming day we had yesterday on our 'first day back' - there was a buzz and warmth of the buildings fit for purpose in the welcome and service of people, by the end of the day, some 600 had passed through.
Thank you for all your labours in design and execution, in consultation and response and in partnership with us. Under God, so much has been envisaged and attempted, and it is thrilling to see it finally come together for Day One of God's future for St Peter's. We shall no doubt see more of each other during finishing and snagging, and of course (I trust) over the great Opening and Dedicated weekend of February 5th -7th, 2010, but at this critical and memorable moment of taking delivery of the new buildings we send you our deep thanks and appreciation." St. Peter's Church, Harold Wood
"We have now engaged Inkpen Downie to work with us on two projects, the restoration and extension of a traditional period village home and the restoration and conversion of a timber framed historic building. In both cases, the attention to detail in historical research, architectural design and client interpretation has been extraordinary. They are an engaging, inspiring and client focused architectural practice. We feel very comfortable working with them." Client, Essex
"I want to congratulate you on the design and appearance both internally and externally of St George's Walthamstow. It is easily the best I've seen since Vatican II. Not only is it designed to meet present liturgical requirements, but above all it is a building I could pray in easily.
I hope this is only the beginning because we are in desperate need of Churches of quality that reflect the age in which we live. The Clergy on the Finance Board was very pleased with the Building." Father John Hayes, St. George's Walthamstow
"The designers' love of old buildings and their clear passion for subtle contemporary design were evident throughout, and secured relevant statutory approvals with the minimum of fuss." Client, Suffolk
"I should like to thank you for all your help in planning and carrying out the alteations to this church. I know it was not a big job relatively speaking but it is 100% for all those who use the church here." Rev P Bruxby, English Martyrs Catholic Church, Brentwood
"Ben was recommended to us by the RIBA and throughout the period of consultation, during the actual building operation and in the time that has elapsed since, we have found him to be truly professional and were very happy to be associated with him."
"I know the Parish Council would have no hesitation in employing him again should the opportunity arise and I personally valued all the help and advice he was able to give throughout the project which enabled me to ensure the business and financial side of the opeation ran smoothly." Boreham Parish Council, Essex
"The design is innovative and represents an enhancement to the local character" Tendring District Council planning officer
"We would like to thank you for your assistance and hope we get the opportunity to use your firm again in the future." Client, Essex
"You did a splendid job and answered all emails speedily, which was much appreciated." Client, Essex
Inkpen Downie Architecture & Design Ltd
2 Balkerne House,
Balkerne Passage,
Colchester,
Essex CO1 1PA
General Enquiries: 01206 577244
Please use St Mary's Car Park (sat nav CO3 3AA) then proceed by foot over the foot bridge, past the Mercury Theatre and we can be found on the left above the Italian Restaurant
