2018 Architecture Awards

105 2018 Architecture Awards Build stablished in 2002, Justin Smith Architects specialises in innovative, inspiring and sustainable designs; including homes, offices and leisure buildings. Headquartered in Derby, and with a regional studio in Nottingham the practice is conveniently located to serve clients across the midlands and the rest of the UK. The practice uses innovative cloud technology which provides all projects have their own online management system allowing the team to communicate with clients in any geographical location and provide 24/7 access to drawings, documents, tasks, milestones and updates with a complete audit trail. This innovative approach reflects Founder Justin Smith’s belief in a fresh, modern approach offering a very transparent yet personal service to every client. Many of the firms’ projects sit at the edge of planning policy and are very proud of the many planning successes which have been achieved in Greenbelt and open countryside, the firm has a current planning approval success rate of 95%. In locations such as these robust processes, outstanding visualisations and background supporting information is crucial. Justin firmly believes that the outstanding success rate is a combination of the exceptionally well thought out designs and the high quality design and access statements that are provided to support their designs. Among the firm’s recent success stories is its award-winning residential project Marsh Flatts Farm, which was designed to Passivhaus Plus standards - the German term referring to a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building which reduces its ecological footprint has an extremely high energy efficiency rating and being one of the first designs in the East Midlands to meet these standards. Whilst the project was focused on the energy efficiency the design was by no means compromised. The property sits in the countryside and has a material pallet to compliment the surrounding farm structures including a curved zinc roof, stone and wooden cladding. Recently, the team has obtained planning permission for a sustainable home in open countryside which covers 5 acres over a hillside. The home has been designed not only for the family but also to accommodate the families rare breed goats and miniature Mediterranean donkeys. The highly innovative and sustainable design nestles into the hillside and provides easy access to maintain the land and support animal husbandry. Moving forward, Justin has a clear vision for the practice for the future and as part of the continued growth has recently announced the acquisition of Derby based practice Eaton Design Architects. The acquisition also sees ESA owner and Chartered Architect Stephen Eaton join Justin Smith Architects as lead project architect. Justin saw a great deal of synergy with Eaton Design, particularly in the hospitality sector. JSA’s work in the sector has delivered the White Hart at Moorwood, The Horse and Jockey at Wessington and The Hurt Arms at Ambergate. Eaton Design compliments this with the Horseshoes at Long Lane, The Cock in at Muggington and The Bluebell at Kirk Langley. Justin commented “Eaton Design Architects are an excellent fit for JSA with their complimentary portfolio of work, whilst Stephen brings with him a wealth of experience whose work resonates with our creativity and passion for sustainability” . This acquisition will help drive even greater success for Justin Smith Architects and create a partnership that will better support the firms’ clients over the years to come. Creativity is central to the practice philosophy, and this will remain a core focus as the practice seeks to further enhance its already enviable success. E