Studio
A Studio Built on Conversation.
When you visit us, the first thing you will notice isn’t the drawings on the wall; it is the welcome. We believe that the best architecture comes from honest conversation, usually settled over a good cup of coffee and a packet of biscuits.
We have deliberately created a studio culture that is warm, approachable, and human. We know that building a home can be stressful, so we ensure our practice is a place where you feel heard, supported, and at ease. We are not just your architects; we are your partners in this journey.
Partners in life and practice.
George and James is led by Simon and Darren. We are co-founders, ARB-registered architects, and partners in life as well as business. This connection sits at the heart of the practice. It means we offer a level of continuity and personal investment that is rare in the industry. We combine the professional rigor of a large firm with the personal touch of a family business. We design for clients who value privacy and discretion, acting as your advocates and protecting your interests from start to finish.
Living the landscape.
Our studio is tucked away in the countryside, surrounded by the South Downs National Park. We don’t just design for this landscape; we live in it.
At lunchtime, our team heads out for walks in the woods. We share our environment with nature, horses, sheep, birds of prey, and deer are our neighbours. This connection enriches our work. It means we intimately understand the country lifestyle that so many of our clients are dreaming of. We know what it means to frame a view, to capture the morning light, and to build a home that respects its rural setting.
Always learning
Behind the relaxed atmosphere and the rural setting lies a culture of intense professional rigor. Architecture is a fast-moving profession, and we are obsessed with staying ahead.
We dedicate time to rigorous continued professional training, studying new construction technologies, evolving design trends, and contract law. We go on regular “away days” to visit exemplary architecture and learn from the best in
the field. This commitment to growth ensures that the
advice we give you is not just creative, but technically and commercially sound.
We are also committed to the next generation of architects. Both Simon and Darren teach at the University of Portsmouth, keeping us connected to the latest academic thinking. We are proud to support apprenticeships within the studio—Andrew, our current apprentice, is a vital part of our team. This blend of teaching and practice ensures our work remains fresh, critical, and forward-looking.
Design Requires Clarity.
We take the wellbeing of our team seriously. We are working towards becoming a four-day week practice because we believe that a rested mind is a creative mind.
Architecture requires problem-solving and focus. By prioritising work-life balance and ensuring our team has time to recharge in nature, we ensure that when we are working on your project, you get our best energy, our sharpest ideas, and our full attention.
The team
Simon Drayson
Director
Darren Leach
Director
Nick Corrie
Associate Architect
Chris Kempster
Architect
Russell McCourty
Architectural Technolohist
Andrew Pizzey
Architectural Designer
Claire Lupton
Studio Manager
Archi
Studio dog
Simon Drayson
Director
Join the team.
We are always looking for amazing people to join us, people who share our growth mindset and our love of architecture. If you are interested in working in a studio that values design excellence and work-life balance equally, we’d love to hear from you.
We are recruiting for a new Studio Manager
Discover more.
- View the collection
Case Studies
See how we blend modern living with traditional character. Explore a collection of bespoke homes, from contemporary new builds to heritage restorations.
View the collection - See how we work
Our Approach
From the first conversation to the first glass of English Sparkling. Discover the four-stage framework we use to protect your vision and manage the complexity.
See how we work - Understanding Costs
Costs
How much does it cost? We believe in honest answers. Read our guide to budgeting, fees, and understanding the commercial reality of your project.
Understanding Costs