Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Chartered Architects in Bakewell
Established in 1959, Smith & Roper is a RIBA Chartered architectural practice rooted in Bakewell, Derbyshire. Our expertise lies in the creative reordering of historical and listed buildings alongside contemporary urban architecture, serving clients nationally and internationally across locations including the Peak District, Ireland, Italy, and the Cayman Islands. As a family-run business, we have cultivated enduring relationships with planning authorities, conservation officers, and craftspeople, ensuring projects benefit from deep industry knowledge. Our portfolio spans conservation, commercial, education, ecclesiastical, and residential sectors, with a design philosophy prioritising ethical responsibility to site and user.We deliver projects with a proactive, personal approach, maintaining continuity from initial consultation to on-site completion. Our commitment to sustainable design is inspired by our surroundings in the Peak District National Park, balancing heritage preservation with modern functionality. With Principals serving on Diocesan Advisory Committees, we bring specialist insight to church and heritage projects. Our teams dedication to innovation and craftsmanship ensures clients receive tailored solutions that exceed expectations, as evidenced by long-standing client satisfaction and industry recognition.
Services
Architectural Design
Building Surveying
Conservation Projects
Residential Extensions
Church Reordering
Commercial Architecture
Ecclesiastical Projects
Sustainable Design
Historic Building Advice
Urban Regeneration
Details
- Year established: 1959
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of experience in architectural design and conservation.
- Our team specialises in listed building reordering and heritage-sensitive projects.
- We offer a proactive, client-focused approach with project continuity.
- Our work balances ethical design with sustainability in the Peak District.
- We maintain strong partnerships with planning authorities and conservation experts.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
What people say
Innovative schemes
Satisfied clients
Professional approach
Services
Architectural Design
We create contemporary architectural solutions tailored to site-specific challenges. Our process integrates aesthetic vision with functional requirements, ensuring projects meet planning and conservation standards. Clients benefit from our expertise in both new builds and adaptive reuse of historic structures.
Conservation Projects
Specialising in listed buildings, we preserve historical integrity while modernising functionality. Our team collaborates with conservation officers and craftspeople to ensure compliance with heritage regulations. Projects include churches, mills, and period residences across the UK and abroad.
Church Reordering
We provide sensitive reordering of listed church buildings, balancing liturgical needs with accessibility. Our Principals roles on Diocesan Advisory Committees inform designs that respect architectural history while enhancing usability for modern congregations.
Residential Extensions
We design extensions that harmonise with original structures while introducing modern elements. Focused on the Peak District and beyond, our work ensures seamless integration of new and old, prioritising natural light, space, and sustainability.
Building Surveying
Our surveying services assess structural integrity and compliance for residential and commercial properties. We provide detailed reports and recommendations for repairs, conversions, or development, supporting informed decision-making for clients.
People
Geoffrey Benjamin Roper
Founder
Ben Roper co-founded Smith & Roper in 1959, bringing a legacy of professionalism and design excellence. His expertise in quantity surveying and project management shaped the practices ethos of balancing creativity with practicality, mentoring generations of architects.
Questions
What areas do Smith + Roper operate in?
We work nationally and internationally, including the Peak District, Sheffield, Ireland, Italy, and the Cayman Islands.
Do you specialise in listed building projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience in reordering and conserving listed buildings, including churches and historic homes.
How does your team approach sustainability?
Our designs prioritise sustainable materials and energy efficiency, inspired by our commitment to the Peak District environment.
Can you assist with ecclesiastical projects?
Our Principals serve on Diocesan Advisory Committees, offering specialist expertise for church renovations and extensions.
What is your design philosophy?
We blend ethical responsibility with creativity, ensuring each project respects its heritage while meeting modern needs.
