Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Somerset
Louise Crossman Architects is a design-led practice specialising in private residential and cultural architecture across the South West of England. With deep-rooted expertise in Devon and Somersets landscapes, we combine local knowledge with a trusted network of professionals to deliver sustainable, context-sensitive designs. Our focus lies in crafting modern interventions that respect historic contexts, particularly within National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We prioritise client collaboration, ensuring each project reflects individual needs while maintaining technical excellence. Recognised for planning success and built schemes, our team brings decades of experience in listed buildings and traditional construction methods.We are committed to sustainable design, energy efficiency, and fostering long-term client relationships. As an Employee Ownership Trust, we ensure continuity and shared investment in our practices future. Our directors and senior team hold qualifications from leading institutions and have delivered award-winning projects that balance creativity with practicality. We pride ourselves on technical rigour, material innovation, and a deep understanding of regional heritage. Our studio culture encourages collaborative problem-solving, from concept to completion, ensuring every scheme meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and design integrity.
Services
Residential Architecture
Cultural Projects
Sustainable Design
Historic Building
Planning Consultancy
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of expertise in South West landscapes and heritage contexts.
- Our team includes RIBA-accredited architects with specialist conservation knowledge.
- We maintain a 95% planning approval rate in sensitive designated areas.
- Our Employee Ownership Trust model ensures long-term commitment to client projects.
- We use BIM software and sustainable construction methodologies for precision delivery.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
What people say
Flows better
Lighter spaces
Planning success
Technical excellence
Sustainable approach
Services
Residential Architecture
We create bespoke residential schemes that respond to site-specific landscapes and client lifestyles. Our expertise includes new builds, extensions, and conversions across Devon and Somerset. By integrating modern functionality with local materials, we deliver homes that enhance their surroundings while meeting contemporary living standards through all RIBA project stages.
Historic Building
Specialising in listed buildings and heritage sites, we balance preservation with modern adaptation. Our team applies deep knowledge of traditional construction methods and planning regulations to protect architectural legacy while improving usability. This includes detailed condition assessments, sympathetic material selection, and securing listed building consents for sensitive interventions.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable approach prioritises energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. We employ passive design strategies, natural ventilation, and locally-sourced materials to minimise carbon footprints. Projects incorporate renewable energy systems and comply with the latest building regulations, ensuring future-proof solutions that align with global sustainability goals without compromising aesthetic or functional quality.
Planning Consultancy
Navigating complex planning systems is central to our service. We prepare detailed applications for protected landscapes, negotiate with local authorities, and achieve approvals for challenging sites. Our 95% success rate in securing permissions stems from early stakeholder engagement, thorough contextual analysis, and presentation of compelling design justifications that meet regulatory requirements.
Cultural Projects
We design cultural facilities that enrich public spaces while respecting their historical context. This includes galleries, community centres, and heritage sites requiring specialist conservation. Our process involves stakeholder consultation to ensure projects meet community needs, combined with innovative design solutions that enhance accessibility and functionality while maintaining architectural integrity.
People
Louise Crossman
Director
BSc, Dipl Arch, RIBA. Louise leads contemporary architectural projects rooted in regional landscapes. With expertise in historic buildings and sustainable design, she ensures technical excellence across all schemes. Her leadership focuses on balancing creative vision with practical implementation for successful project delivery.
Charlie Ardren
Director
BA, MArch, PGcert. Charlie specialises in rural contemporary design and listed buildings. His meticulous approach combines material innovation with contextual sensitivity. He delivers technically rigorous solutions that maintain design integrity while meeting client aspirations for unique architectural outcomes.
Richard Ellis
Architect
BA, Dipl Arch, PG Cert. With 26+ years' experience, Richard excels in complex refurbishments and one-off homes. His expertise in material relationships ensures clarity in design execution. He specialises in resolving challenging briefs through precise, context-driven architectural solutions.
Amanda Draper
Architect
FdA, BA, MArch. Amanda combines interior design expertise with architectural practice. Her focus on sensitive locations includes navigating local planning authorities. She contributes detailed material selection and spatial innovation to achieve harmonious, functional designs.
Jacky Fletcher
Practice Manager
BSc, FCCA. Jacky oversees daily operations, ensuring efficient practice management. Her financial expertise and organisational skills support the creative team, maintaining business stability while facilitating growth and operational effectiveness.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We work exclusively in the South West of England, focusing on Devon and Somerset.
What project types do you specialise in?
We specialise in private residential projects and cultural buildings, including listed structures.
Can you assist with planning in protected landscapes?
Yes, we have extensive experience securing planning permission in National Parks and AONBs.
Do you offer sustainable design solutions?
Sustainability is core to our practice, incorporating energy-efficient design and traditional materials.
How do you collaborate with clients?
We build close relationships, listening to client needs and providing tailored architectural solutions.
