Developing culturally rich mixed-use places for and with the community.
Our experience on cultural and community projects is ever evolving. Recent work has ranged from consolidating and refurbishing local authority assets into innovative new learning hubs and libraries to designing high-profile new civic centres.
Projects of this nature often see us successfully supporting funding applications – such as Towns, Future High Streets and Levelling Up Funding. They also see us undertake wide-ranging and inclusive consultation; ensuring communities are at the heart of our placemaking approach.
Our recent work in the Culture & Community sector spans from restoration of the Grade II Listed Glossop Town Hall to regeneration of the historical Accrington Town Centre.
Client Testimonial
“For me, AEW is unique as they have a deep experience of delivery across multiple sectors. Therefore, regardless of the project… the team intuitively know how to explore the options and give a quick and strong view on what is feasible and deliverable. When these ideas are then presented, they articulate the vision with real credibility and a level of enthusiasm that brings things to life.”Alistair Chapman Senior Director (CBRE)
- Accrington Town Centre - Regeneration of an historical town centre for Hyndburn Council.
- St Anthony's, Wythenshawe - A sympathetic community hub extension to a Grade II listed church.
Culture & Community Projects
Our Culture & Community Experts
Our specialist team are highly experienced in a diverse mix of users, an integral skill for much of our work in this architectural sector. The team is familiar with available and emerging funding streams and have great experience working collaboratively with project teams and clients to support funding bids. Architectural schemes near heritage assets or in conservation areas will benefit from the expertise of our AABC accredited Architect.
Colin Savage
Commercial Director
Colin specialises in the residential sector with a focus on the design of housing, sustainable refurbishment and the regeneration of communities. His work spans both the private and public sector for developers, contractors, registered providers and local authorities. Colin is a Fellow of the CIAT and is heavily involved in encouraging the next generation of Architectural Technologists into the industry. Colin also oversees all aspects of Commercial Management on behalf of the practice.
Phil Hepworth
Director
Phil works across all our sectors overseeing community, industrial, office, residential and retail and leisure projects for a range of clients in the public and private sector. Combing this varied sector experience, much of Phil’s recent work has focused on achieving funding for and delivering mixed-use, town centre regeneration projects. Phil enjoys leading a team through all stages of the design process, seeking to deliver well-considered, innovative design solutions. Phil is a member of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and the British Council for Offices, bringing sector-specific insight to our team.
Hannah Cook
Associate
Hannah’s experience spans from residential and office schemes to retail and leisure projects. Most recently, her work has focused on town centre regeneration and the creative reuse of existing buildings. This mixed-use and regeneration experience gives her a unique insight into industry trends and legislation which she applies and shares with the wider team. Hannah enjoys working through all stages of the project, from concept design and planning through to delivering practical projects on site. Using her detailed technical knowledge to achieve successful projects for our clients.
David James
Senior Architect / Conservation Architect
David works across all AEW's sectors plus specialist ecclesiastical work. David’s heritage specialism leads to a varied role within the practice, ranging from leading large-scale commissions on or affecting protected structures to providing specialist advisory services. In recent years, David also helped develop AEW’s retrofit portfolio, overseeing the delivery of technically complex recladding and refurbishment commissions nationwide.
Ben Smith
Associate
Ben has delivered large, complex projects with challenging briefs across a variety of sectors. He welcomes complex client requirements and the challenge of maximising a difficult projects potential. Having successfully delivered schemes of varying scales, Ben has the knowledge and experience required to interrogate early-stage designs and develop considered and well resolved proposals for planning and tender information.
Liz Durcan
Associate
Liz is passionate about delivering interior schemes to provide enhanced environments for all. Her experience spans a wide range of sectors from offices and workplaces to retail and leisure. Liz strives to understand a client’s brief from all angles and translates this into high quality design proposals. Liz enjoys collaborating with project teams and stakeholders to deliver projects and exceed expectations. She combines her established sector knowledge with excellent presentation and communication skills.