Business Details
37 Years
experience
RIBA Chartered Architects in Ringwood, Hampshire
Williams Lester is a RIBA Chartered practice established in 1989, delivering tailored architectural solutions across residential, commercial, and heritage sectors. Our director-led approach combines over three decades of experience with advanced 3D modelling and BIM technology to create functional, sustainable designs. We prioritise contextual sensitivity, clear communication, and collaboration with clients and consultants, ensuring projects meet unique requirements while enhancing built environments.Our team's expertise in conservation, sustainability, and complex site challenges has earned repeat business and industry recognition. We maintain a culture of innovation through regular design critiques and staff development, fostering long-term client relationships built on trust and technical excellence.
Services
Conservation
BIM
Sustainability
CDM
Heritage
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience in residential, commercial, and heritage architecture.
- Our director-led approach ensures consistent quality and expert oversight.
- We utilise advanced BIM technology for precise 3D design and collaboration.
- Specialists in conservation projects within historic and environmentally sensitive areas.
- Committed to sustainability through fabric-first design and passive energy solutions.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Practice
What people say
Experienced, attentive and knowledgeable
Director-led approach
First-time planning approval
High-quality design
Dynamic response to changes
Services
Conservation Architecture
Specialising in historic building preservation within Conservation Areas and near Listed Buildings. Our expertise includes Heritage Statements, restoration, and adaptive reuse while maintaining environmental sensitivity. We collaborate with ecologists and arboriculturalists for projects in protected natural settings like SSSIs and National Parks. Our approach balances historical integrity with modern functionality.
BIM Implementation
Full BIM Level 2 integration using Autodesk Revit for collaborative 3D design. We resolve construction issues pre-site implementation, enhance visual communication, and improve planning authority engagement. Our 100% model-based workflow from concept to technical design ensures precision across residential, commercial, and heritage projects while maintaining client involvement throughout the process.
Sustainable Design
Fabric-first sustainability approach optimising energy efficiency through site analysis and passive solutions. We specialise in SAP assessments, Code for Sustainable Homes compliance, and BRE-guided environmental design. Our strategies reduce upfront costs and maintenance while creating energy-efficient buildings tailored to client priorities and ecological contexts.
CDM Compliance
Principal Designer services under CDM 2015 regulations, focusing on design-stage safety integration. We conduct peer reviews, provide timely safety information, and ensure regulatory compliance without compromising design integrity. Our proactive approach minimises risks while maintaining project efficiency and client interests.
Heritage Consultancy
Expertise in designing within historic environments including conservation areas and listed buildings. We prepare detailed Heritage Statements, navigate planning permissions, and implement best conservation practices. Our team collaborates with specialist consultants to address complex challenges like protected trees, level changes, and conservation area restrictions while achieving planning approvals.
People
Stephen Johnson
Director
Stephen leads design projects with over 30 years' experience in residential and commercial architecture. He champions contextual sensitivity and BIM integration, ensuring technical excellence while maintaining Williams Lester's collaborative culture through regular design critiques and staff mentorship.
James Green
Director
James specialises in heritage conservation and complex planning applications. With expertise in navigating conservation area restrictions and Listed Building consents, he has secured multiple first-time approvals for challenging projects including the Salisbury nursing home extension and Market Place redevelopment.
Lisa Summer
Director
Lisa oversees sustainability initiatives and environmental policy implementation. Her focus on fabric-first design solutions has delivered energy-efficient projects across education and residential sectors. She leads the practice's training regime, ensuring staff development in sustainable design best practices and BREEAM compliance.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in conservation, BIM, sustainable design, CDM compliance, and heritage projects across residential, commercial, and education sectors.
How long has Williams Lester been in business?
We've been a RIBA Chartered practice since 1989, with our three directors collectively providing over 90 years of architectural expertise.
Do you work outside Hampshire and Dorset?
While based in Ringwood, we undertake projects nationwide, particularly in areas with conservation or environmental sensitivities.
How do you handle complex planning challenges?
Our team combines historic knowledge with digital tools to resolve issues like protected trees, level changes, and conservation area restrictions.
Can you assist with sustainable building certifications?
We provide SAP assessments and collaborate on Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM certifications using BRE environmental guidelines.
What is your design process approach?
We use BIM from concept stage, conduct site analysis, and maintain client collaboration through 3D models viewable on digital devices.
