Our Practice

Mark Fairhurst Architects was established in 2002 and has since completed a number of award winning projects in residential and commercial sectors. Key projects include the six award winning private houses in Chagford Street in Westminster, the sustainably designed offices for the Marble & Granite Centre, and the residential refurbishment of 6 Woodsford Square. As an RIBA registered Chartered Practice and ARB certified architects, we are able to offer a comprehensive range of architectural services.

Key to our success is the understanding of our client’s aspirations and requirements. This is achieved though clear and regular communication with our client at all stages of the architectural design process. We provide a thorough analysis at the outset to help inform us and ensure the full potential of the project is achieved. We use a range of representational techniques to assist our architectural design process, utilising hand sketches, CAD drawings, physical modelling, 3D CAD modelling, and CGI presentation images. We also have BIM capabilities, where high accuracy digital modelling enables the impact of the proposed built form to be properly assessed in terms of function, programme, circulation, sunlight and daylight, context and aesthetics. This range of techniques allows us to explain both design concepts and details helping visualise the projects for clients, local authorities, public consultations, design team coordination and contractors.

Our architectural design team is a close-knit team of talented individuals, with a range of experience working within the U.K as well as internationally in Australia, Japan, Germany, Spain, and France. Working under director Mark Fairhurst, the team is dedicated in providing high quality design solutions for domestic, residential, and commercial projects.

We are always interested to hear from high quality applicants, and as such any CV’s should be sent by e-mail to info@mark-fairhurst.co.uk which will be held on file.

Team

Yago Mafé

Architect

Gema Florido

Architect

Jonah Maxted

Architectural Assistant

Lela Sujani

Architectural Assistant

Razvan Stancescu

Architectural Assistant

Design Approach

Our design approach is based on an extensive understanding of the built environment including modern and traditional building techniques. We continually work with leading manufacturing companies and professional building organisations based in the UK, Europe, and beyond to ensure the highest quality is achieved with the design specification for the building.

We take the majority of our architecture projects through to construction and, as such, have a wealth of experience in dealing with the tendering process, negotiating with contractors and advising on contractual relationships. We recommend regular site visits to monitor the progress of the works, checking on quality and progress and assisting in valuations ensuring the established budgets for the projects are adhered to. We have high expectations of the contractor and also a respect for their knowledge and experience and will work with them to ensure design issues encountered on site are sensibly resolved, maintaining the quality of the construction. Our consistent design approach carried on throughout all stages of the architectural design process ensures the successful realisation of the building and its longevity for the future.

Services

We are able to offer our bespoke architectural services at any stage of a project including, but not limited to, the following. To learn more about the process underpinning typical architectural projects, below is a breakdown of the Plan of Work 2020 provided by the Royal Institute of British Architects:

The RIBA Outline Plan of Work  is part of the mind-set of every architect and most other professionals involved in the construction industry and is woven into their processes.

Similarly to the RIBA Plan of Work 2013, the RIBA Plan of Work 2020 consists of eight stages defined by the numbers 0–7, and eight task bars,   as illustrated in Figure 2. However, with the 2020 version there is a greater emphasis on the design process in relation to sustainability, health and safety, conservation, fire safety and inclusive design.

RIBA Plan of Work 2020
RIBA Plan of Work 2020

Stage 0


Strategic Definition is a stage in which a project is strategically appraised and defined before a detailed brief is created. This is particularly relevant in the context of sustainability, when a refurbishment or extension, or indeed a rationalised space plan, may be more appropriate than a new building.

Stage 1


Preparation and Brief merges the residual tasks from the former Stage A – Appraisal – with the Stage B – Design Brief – tasks that relate to carrying out preparation activities and briefing in tandem.

Stage 2


Concept Design maps exactly to the former Stage C – Concept.

Stage 3


Developed Design maps broadly to the former Stage D – Design Development – and part of Stage E – Technical Design. The strategic difference is that in the RIBA Plan of Work 2013 the Developed Design will be coordinated and aligned with the Cost Information by the end of Stage 3. This may not increase the amount of design work required, but extra time will be needed to review information and implement any changes that arise from comments made before all the outputs are coordinated prior to the Information Exchange at the end of Stage 3.

Stage 4


Technical Design comprises the residual technical work of the core design team members. At the end of Stage 4, the design work of these designers will be completed, although they may have to respond to Design Queries that arise from work undertaken on site during Stage 5. This stage also includes and recognises the importance of design work undertaken by specialist subcontractors and/or suppliers employed by the contractor (Performance Specified Work in JCT contracts) and the need to define this work early in the process in the Design Responsibility Matrix.

Stage 5


Construction maps to the former Stage K – Construction to Practical Completion – but also includes Stage J – Mobilisation.

Stage 6


Handover and Close Out maps broadly to the former Stage L – Post Practical Completion – services.

Stage 7


In Use is a new stage which includes Post-occupancy Evaluation and review of Project Performance as well as new duties that can be undertaken during the In Use period of a building.

Commercial Clients

146 Strand LLP
47 Degrees
A.D. Project Management Ltd.
Acumen Contracting Ltd.
AK & AK Property Ltd.
Allendar Holdings LLC
AssetRock Barking Ltd.
AssetRock Trump Ltd.
AssetRock Upney Ltd.
AssetRock Walthamstow Ltd.
Carbona Sales Ltd.
Chestnut House Freehold Ltd.
Church of God
Clane Ltd.
The Conduit Mead Company Ltd.
Conran & Partners Ltd.
Crown Choice Developments Ltd.
Deighton Pierce Glyn Solicitors
Domo Investments Ltd.
Epiphany IMMO
Flamestrike Ltd.
Franklyn Estates Ltd.
Home Partners Group Ltd.
Islamic Relief
Kaynine Enterprises Ltd.
Masstrade Ltd.
McClymont Holdings Ltd.
Meller Designs Ltd.
MGC Property Developments Ltd.
Neverland Properties
Q Developments Ltd.
Rainbow Properties Ltd.
The Art Academy
 The Villa Nursery
Too True Ltd.

Institutions

History

 

Mark Fairhurst is a fourth generation architect coming from a line of architects originally based in Manchester. H S Fairhurst established his practice in 1895 after experience in detailing the steelwork of the Blackpool Tower and working with Richard Watt. Originally based in Blackburn he moved to Manchester in 1905 making his name in the design of cotton packing warehouses. One of his first major commissions was India House in Whitworth Street for Lloyds, followed by Lancaster House in 1909 built in terracotta and granite and later Bridgewater House in 1912. Pevsner, the architectural historian, highlighted the York House (demolished) in 1911 for the striking design of the fully glazed rear façade predating the use of glass curtain walling later in the century.

Father & Son Architects

His son P Garland Fairhurst joined the practice in 1925 – both father and son were influenced by contemporary North American architecture making a number of visits to study the aesthetics and cutting edge technology of the progressive cities. Commissions included Lee House in Oxford Street, the Rylands warehouse, Market Street utilised steel frames with concrete floors. The practice developed an expertise in hospital design with the Christie’s Hospital and Holt Radium Institute and the Manchester Northern Hospital, Cheatham Hill. After the Second World War significant projects included the Shirley Institute Didsbury, Leyland Motors Agency Tank Factory, and ICI Pharmaceuticals Division Research Laboratories, Alderley Edge.

Harry M Fairhurst and Ian Fairhurst, the third generation, joined the practice following their father. The practice developed its expertise in the design of medical buildings for practice and research including the design of the Manchester Medical School, part of Manchester University. Other buildings followed including the Chemistry and Physics Buildings for UMIST gaining Harry an honorary degree by the University of Manchester and UMIST for his work over 25 years. Harry left the practice in 1981 and went on to work independently for English Heritage carrying out the Survey of English Cathedrals and was later involved in the creation of the Architects Accredited in Building Conservation. Ian left the practice to farm successfully in Cornwall for himself and the Duchy of Cornwall on behalf of the Prince of Wales.

Over a Century’s Design Experience

Harry S, Garry and Harry M became Presidents of the Manchester Society of Architects in 1926-28, 1947-49 and 1969-71 respectively.

Mark Fairhurst gained work experience while studying at Newcastle University at Fairhurst Design Group who continue building on the wide experience gained over a century of continuous practice.

Awards

  • Housing Design Awards 2019, Short Listed Scheme
  • Housing Design Awards 2007, Short-listed scheme – Exhibition of Excellence
  • National Home Builder Design Awards 2006, Best Small Development, Winner
  • National Home Builder Design Awards 2006, Best House of Three or More Storeys, Commendation
  • National Home Builder Design Awards 2006, Best New Home, Commendation
  • Housing Design Awards 2004, Shortlist Exhibitor, RIBA Florence Hall and Business Design Centre
  • The Evening Standard New Homes Awards 2003
  • Best New Development Award, Winner
  • The Daily Telegraph What House Award 2003, Winner
  • Best Small House Builder Awards 2003, Winner (Q-Developments)
  • Housing Design Awards 2002 and 2003 Shortlist Exhibitor,
  • RIBA Florence Hall
  • National Home Builder Design Awards 2005, Best House of Three or More Storeys, Winner
  • National Home Builder Design Awards 2005, Best Small Development, Commendation
  • RIBA Regional Awards 1998, Commendation