Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Barnstaple
NPAS is a family-run architectural practice established in 2007, combining over 40 years of industry experience with innovative design solutions. We specialise in transforming client visions into functional, inspiring spaces through residential, commercial, and barn conversion projects. Our team of 12 professionals prioritises client collaboration, delivering tailored designs that harmonise with their surroundings. With a proven track record of successful planning applications, we guide clients from initial consultation to project completion. Our services include architectural design, planning consultancy, building regulation compliance, and 3D visualisations.We serve clients within a 50-mile radius of Barnstaple, including North Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall. Our approach integrates ecological considerations, structural expertise, and sustainability principles. We pride ourselves on transparent communication, competitive pricing, and a personal service that has earned numerous client recommendations. Our directors, Nigel and Debbie Polkinghorne, lead a team with accreditations including Chartered Architectural Technologists. We maintain strong relationships with external consultants to ensure comprehensive project delivery.
Services
Architectural Design
Barn Conversions
Residential Design
Commercial Design
Planning Applications
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined architectural expertise
- Our team includes Chartered Architectural Technologists
- We guarantee 100% planning application success rate
- We provide free initial one-hour consultations
- We deliver 3D visualisations for informed decision-making
Associations and certifications
- Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists
What people say
First-class service
Approachable, friendly team
Perfectly executed projects
Highly recommended
Excellent communication
Services
Architectural Design
We create bespoke architectural designs for residential and commercial projects, focusing on functionality and aesthetic appeal. Our process combines client vision with technical expertise to deliver spaces that harmonise with their environment. We utilise advanced CAD systems and 3D visualisation tools to ensure clear communication of design concepts.
Barn Conversions
Specialising in transforming traditional barns into modern living spaces while preserving historical character. We handle planning challenges, structural assessments, and sustainable adaptations. Our team has particular expertise in listed building conversions and securing planning permissions for sensitive rural developments.
Planning Applications
We manage full planning submission processes including feasibility studies, site analysis, and local authority liaison. Our 100% success rate in recent applications reflects deep knowledge of local planning policies and effective strategy development for complex rural and urban projects.
Building Regulations
We prepare detailed technical drawings meeting UK building standards and manage approval processes with local authorities. Our services include fire safety assessments, insulation specifications, and accessibility compliance to ensure smooth construction phases.
3D Visualisations
We provide photorealistic 3D renderings and virtual walkthroughs to help clients experience designs pre-construction. This technology supports informed decision-making and enables early adjustments to optimise spatial layouts and material selections.
People
Nigel Polkinghorne
Director & Head of Design
With over 40 years' experience, Nigel founded NPAS in 2007 specialising in barn conversions and new builds. He excels at creating bespoke designs that complement North Devon's landscape while maintaining strong client relationships throughout project lifecycles.
Debbie Polkinghorne
Director & Head of Planning
Debbie leads planning strategy with deep knowledge of local regulations, ensuring seamless approval processes. She has developed NPAS's reputation for navigating complex planning challenges while maintaining exceptional client service standards since 2007.
Darren Mayne
Chartered Architectural Technologist
Darren brings 17 years' experience in residential and commercial architecture, specialising in building regulations and sustainability. His SAP assessor accreditation supports energy-efficient design solutions that balance modern requirements with traditional construction methods.
Alex Bailey
Architectural Designer
Alex focuses on bespoke residential design, leveraging her North Devon roots to create context-sensitive solutions. She builds strong client relationships through attentive listening and translates complex requirements into functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces.
Rick Gilroy
Chartered Architectural Technologist
Rick specialises in heritage projects with decade-long experience in listed building alterations and conservation area developments. His current MSc studies in Building Conservation enhance NPAS's expertise in preserving architectural history while meeting modern needs.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in residential design, barn conversions, commercial developments, planning applications, and building regulation compliance across North Devon and surrounding regions.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide a free one-hour initial consultation to discuss your project requirements, budget, and planning considerations.
How do you handle planning applications?
We manage the entire planning process including site analysis, documentation preparation, and liaison with local authorities to ensure successful approvals.
Can you create 3D visualisations of designs?
Yes, we offer 3D renderings and virtual walkthroughs to help visualise projects before construction begins.
What areas do you cover?
We operate within a 50-mile radius of Barnstaple, covering North Devon, Somerset, Exeter, and North Cornwall.
