The Latest News from our Blog - Blair Gratton Architects

24 March, 202324 March, 2023

New Architect Designed Roof to Tower of Church

New hatch and leadwork
New leadwork and winters view

Last year marked the completion of a project to replace the roof of the church tower at St. Peter’s Church, which we administered as Church Architect.

An early example of structural concrete, thought to be constructed in the early 20th century, the roof replaced the original timber roof. However, after almost a century of use the roof was failing and beginning to crumble into the belfry, becoming an extreme hazard to the occupants and the integrity of the bell chamber below.

As Churches Architect, we were appointed from start to finish to carry out a survey and work with a specialist conservation Engineer to complete a proposal; timber frame with leadwork covering.

A tricky construction process – the only access to the roof was via tight spiral staircase – we worked as Principal Designer and managed the Building Contract with a specialist Contractor to agree a scaffolding solution which worked for all parties. Allowing the church to continue on with its activities and the Contractor to carry out the project in conjunction was important.

We re-visited this winter, to appreciate the quality of the works and admire the fantastic views in the snow fall.

Read more about another church we have worked on here.

Are you interested in working with an Architect? Read about what it means here.

8 March, 202313 April, 2023

Updates to our Portfolio

Check out our Portfolio page to see our newly uploaded sustainability focused ‘Greenbelt’ project by Blair Gratton Architects:

This project concerns a new build house in Dorset, with brief for a detached dwelling for a Client keen on sustainable elements with long-life durability.

12 January, 202312 January, 2023

Learn More About Getting Your Project Started With Us

Blair Gratton Architects Ltd. of Derby and Derbyshire

The first step to take in that extension or new build project idea you have in mind, is to get in touch and set up a meeting with an established team of Architects with a history of success in Derbyshire.

Send a message via our contact form or give us a ring to speak to a friendly member of our team in order to arrange a convenient time to visit us at our new central Derby offices. We are situated on the First Floor of 24 The Strand, in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter.

At our offices, you can discuss your project over a coffee, and anything you’d like to know about what it means – and how beneficial it can be to you – to appoint an RIBA Chartered Architect. The consultation with our Director and Lead Architect Simon Gratton, is free.

Perhaps you’re more comfortable with your Architects viewing your site first-hand. Simon is more than happy to come and visit and any fee to cover time will be deducted if you appoint us.

We have a great working relationship with a wealth of consultants, we garner years of knowledge in building in Derbyshire, and most importantly, we get results. What’s more, we are one of most established Architect Practices in Derby and the County, with a long-running lineage dating back 70 years to William Blair and Partners; this is no small feat.

Architecture runs in the family. John Blair took over from his father William, before a partnership with John Gratton brought Gratton into the title. Simon joined the practice in 1998 after returning from London.

Working as an established team, we continue to add to our legacy of quality build projects in Derby and Derbyshire.

In addition, read more about working with an Architect here.

15 December, 202215 December, 2022

Updates to our Portfolio

Check out our Portfolio page to see two newly uploaded projects:

These projects look at and detail our involvement as Architects with the design and construction of new choir stalls at The Church of Saint Matthew in Darley Abbey, and the conversion of a characterful, historic barn into a dwelling in the Derbyshire countryside.

16 November, 202216 November, 2022

1 Year on – Derby Architects’ Upgrade of Youth Pursuits Centre

One year on from celebrating its practical completion as Project Architects, we revisited the refurbishment of a youth outdoor pursuits centre, in the Derbyshire Countryside.

We were asked to help design and develop a scheme for improving and upgrading the accommodation quarters of the centre. After almost 40 years, the interior design and layout was due a serious refurbishment and upgrade.

What resulted was a significant re-design of the bedrooms and en-suite layouts, the kitchen, and social areas, maximising the spaces and aiming to improve the enjoyment and wellbeing of the guests and staff.

Following our survey of the building, we took the project through all RIBA Work Stages as Architects. This included working with several key consultants and administering the project on site with a reputable Contractor from start to finish to a tight, punctual deadline.

Our involvement in the scheme also included the interior furnishings – we designed a bespoke, curved, oak front desk to the entrance, which has been a useful addition to the running of the centre from day-to-day.

Even a year on, we are thrilled with the results. A key part of the project brief was ‘robustness’ and the quality of the works and standard of upkeep has stood up ours and the Clients’ vision incredibly well.

See more of our portfolio here as we continue to update it.