Business Details
14 Years
experience
Trusted RIBA Chartered Architects in Cornwall | Koha Architects
Koha Architects is a RIBA Chartered architecture practice based in Penryn, Cornwall, with a reputation for delivering sustainable, heritage-sensitive, and low-energy buildings. Founded in 2012 by directors Gary Wyatt and Derek Jackson, the practice combines over 60 years of combined experience across the UK, New Zealand, Malta, and Spain. Our collaborative approach prioritises environmental values, technical precision, and client engagement, offering full architectural services across all RIBA work stages. We specialise in new builds, alterations, and extensions, with a focus on passive design principles, circular economy practices, and contemporary vernacular architecture.Accredited by RIBA, we serve diverse sectors including residential, community, education, and heritage projects, maintaining a commitment to innovation and local context. Our teams global perspectives and local knowledge ensure designs that respond to both place and purpose, supported by expertise in net-zero strategies, community engagement, and complex planning approvals.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Heritage Conservation
New Build Design
Planning Consultancy
Interior Architecture
3D Visualisation
Contract Administration
Principal Designer Services
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of combined architectural experience across the UK, New Zealand, and Malta.
- Our RIBA Chartered accreditation ensures adherence to the highest professional and technical standards.
- Specialists in sustainable design, including passive energy strategies and low-carbon materials.
- Proven expertise in navigating complex planning approvals for sensitive heritage sites.
- Client-centric approach with a focus on collaborative, context-driven architectural solutions.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Practice
What people say
Loved the design
Thrilled with the result
Fantastic to work with
Imaginative solutions
Professional and understanding
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable architecture services integrate passive design principles, low-energy systems, and renewable materials to create environmentally responsible buildings. We specialise in net-zero strategies, circular economy approaches, and BREEAM assessments, ensuring projects meet current and future ecological standards while maintaining aesthetic and functional excellence.
Heritage Conservation
We preserve architectural heritage through sensitive restoration and adaptive reuse of listed buildings. Our expertise includes navigating complex planning requirements, sourcing traditional materials, and integrating modern functionality into historic structures while maintaining their cultural significance and legal compliance.
New Build Design
From concept to completion, we deliver bespoke new build projects tailored to client needs and site contexts. Our process combines innovative spatial design with technical precision, ensuring energy efficiency, regulatory compliance, and seamless coordination with contractors and consultants.
Planning Consultancy
We guide clients through the planning process for challenging sites, including heritage zones and conservation areas. Services cover feasibility studies, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation with local authorities to achieve successful planning approvals.
Principal Designer Services
As Principal Designer under CDM regulations, we embed health and safety considerations into project design from inception. This includes risk assessment coordination, contractor management, and ensuring compliance with legal obligations throughout the construction lifecycle.
People
Gary Wyatt
Director, Registered Architect
UK and New Zealand registered architect with 37 years' experience. Founded Koha Architects in 2012 after working in Sheffield, Barcelona, Manchester, and London. Specialises in sustainable design and community-focused architecture.
Derek Jackson
Director, RIBA Chartered Architect
14 years' experience in London practices, including work on MTV studios and Tate Modern. Expert in low-carbon design and project delivery. Co-founder of Koha Architects in 2012.
Bernard Vella
Director, Registered Architect
Malta-born architect with experience in high-end residential projects across Malta, Sydney, and the UK. Joined Koha Architects in 2020 after directing an award-winning practice in Malta.
Antony Morvan
Senior Technologist
CIAT Associate with over 10 years' architectural experience. Joined Koha in 2013 as a graphic designer and progressed to chartered technologist status, specialising in technical detailing and construction documentation.
Andrew Lewis
Senior Architectural Technician
Design graduate from Falmouth University with experience in projects ranging from street furniture to masterplanning. Specialises in natural building materials and has worked with Koha since 2013.
Questions
What architectural services do Koha Architects offer?
We provide full architectural services across all RIBA work stages, including feasibility studies, design development, planning applications, technical detailing, contract administration, and principal designer responsibilities.
Do Koha Architects specialise in sustainable design?
Yes, we specialise in sustainable architecture using passive design principles, low-energy systems, and renewable materials to create environmentally responsible buildings that meet net-zero targets.
Can they handle complex planning applications?
Yes, we have extensive experience navigating complex planning approvals for heritage sites, conservation areas, and contentious developments across the UK.
What project types do they work on?
We work on residential, commercial, community, education, and heritage projects, including new builds, renovations, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings.
Are they RIBA Chartered?
Yes, Koha Architects is a RIBA Chartered Practice, ensuring adherence to the highest professional standards in architectural design and service delivery.
Do they work outside Cornwall?
While based in Cornwall, we undertake projects across the UK and have experience working internationally in New Zealand, Malta, and Spain.
