Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Architects in Ipswich for Innovative Design Solutions
Established in 1912 by Harold Ridley Hooper, Hoopers Architects has built a legacy of conceptual innovation in architectural design. Our practice specialises in regeneration projects, repurposing existing structures to create sustainable, socially enriching spaces. We collaborate with clients who share our passion for architecture and placemaking, delivering solutions across healthcare, education, residential, and community sectors. Our NHS SBS Framework accreditation underscores our expertise in healthcare environments, where we prioritise therapeutic design to support mental health outcomes.With a team of RIBA-chartered professionals, we balance craftsmanship with commercial acumen, addressing urban, social, and environmental challenges through projects like the award-winning Grimwade Street social housing and The Nest SEND facility. Our work with organisations such as Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and Ipswich Town Football Club demonstrates our commitment to creating functional, inspiring spaces that enhance wellbeing across diverse settings.
Services
Healthcare Architecture
Educational Buildings
Residential Design
Community Spaces
Historic Building Refurbishment
Sports Stadium Design
Details
- Year established: 1912
Highlights and features
- We have over 110 years of architectural experience since 1912
- Our team includes RIBA-chartered architects with NHS framework accreditation
- We specialise in regenerating buildings to create sustainable, therapeutic environments
- We deliver award-winning social housing and mental health facilities
- Our portfolio spans 10+ sectors including healthcare, education, and sports architecture
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
Services
Healthcare Architecture
We design therapeutic healthcare environments that support clinical outcomes, specialising in mental health facilities. Our NHS-accredited team creates spaces that balance functionality with patient wellbeing, using natural light and calming materials. Projects include Rivers Hospital and Samphire Ward, integrating clinical requirements with recovery-focused design principles.
Educational Buildings
We create inspiring learning environments across all education sectors, from primary schools to sixth form colleges. Our designs prioritise natural light, flexible spaces, and accessibility, as demonstrated in The Nest SEND facility and St Benedict's Science Labs. We collaborate with educators to create spaces that enhance teaching and student wellbeing.
Residential Design
We design contemporary residential properties that integrate with their surroundings, such as Ambient House and College Farm. Our approach balances modern living standards with environmental considerations, creating homes that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces through innovative courtyard designs and sustainable materials.
Community Spaces
We revitalise community infrastructure through projects like Bethesda Baptist Church and Attwells Ipswich. Our designs enhance public spaces while preserving local character, creating accessible, functional areas that foster community engagement and cultural activities across urban and rural settings.
Historic Building Refurbishment
We specialise in preserving architectural heritage while modernising functionality, as seen in Suffolk Building Society's listed building refurbishment. Our approach maintains historical integrity while incorporating contemporary design elements and sustainable technologies to extend building lifespans and adapt them for modern use.
People
Craig Driver
Director
BA(hons) DipArch RIBA qualified architect with extensive experience leading complex architectural projects across multiple sectors including healthcare and education.
Jamie Alston
Senior Associate
MArch RIBA architect specialising in delivering large-scale projects, with particular expertise in healthcare and community infrastructure developments.
Ross Warren
Senior Associate
DipArch ARB registered architect focusing on regeneration projects and sustainable design solutions for both public and private sector clients.
Scott Alexander
Architect
MArch RIBA architect contributing to diverse projects across education, residential and community sectors with a focus on conceptual design innovation.
Aaron Padmore
Architectural Assistant
DipArch assistant supporting design teams with technical expertise across various project stages, from initial concepts to construction documentation.
Questions
What architectural sectors does Hoopers specialise in?
We specialise in healthcare, education, residential, community spaces, historic buildings, and sports stadium design.
Are you accredited by professional architectural bodies?
Yes, we are a RIBA Chartered Practice with NHS SBS Framework accreditation for healthcare architecture.
Can you handle historic building refurbishment projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience in sensitively restoring and adapting historic buildings for modern use.
Do you work on mental health facility design?
Yes, we create therapeutic environments for mental health facilities, including the award-winning Grimwade Street project.
