Business Details
Award-Winning Architectural Design Services in Cambridge
Saunders Boston is a thriving practice with over 60 professional staff across studios in Cambridge and Exeter. Our team of architects, architectural technologists and interior designers deliver award-winning projects across diverse sectors including education, residential, retirement living, sport and leisure. We utilise REVIT/BIM technology and virtual reality to develop innovative designs from concept through to on-site delivery. Our open-plan studios foster a professional yet friendly atmosphere, enabling collaboration on projects ranging from schools and leisure centres to housing developments and university facilities. With a focus on people-centric design, we create spaces that respond to how individuals live, work and interact. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our long-standing partnerships with clients such as Sanctuary Housing, Essex Housing and educational institutions nationwide.We actively embrace sustainability principles in all our projects, ensuring environmental considerations are integrated from the earliest design stages. As industry leaders, we maintain strong relationships with contractors and consultants to deliver complex developments on time and to the highest standards. Our expertise spans new builds, refurbishments and masterplanning, with notable projects including The Perse School Sports Centre and The Valley SEN School. We continually invest in staff development and cutting-edge technology to maintain our position at the forefront of architectural innovation.
Services
Sports Centre Design
SEN School Architecture
Retirement Living Schemes
University Facility Development
BIM Modelling Services
Housing Masterplanning
Leisure Centre Refurbishment
Commercial Building Design
Sustainable Architecture
Interior Design Solutions
Highlights and features
- We employ 60+ professionals across Cambridge and Exeter studios
- We utilise REVIT/BIM and virtual reality technology for precision design
- Our team delivers award-winning projects across multiple sectors
- We maintain open-plan collaborative working environments
- We specialise in both new builds and complex refurbishment projects
Services
Sports Centre Design
We create state-of-the-art sports facilities tailored to educational institutions and community needs. Our designs incorporate spectator areas, changing facilities and multi-use spaces. Recent projects include The Perse School Sports Centre and Diss Leisure Centre, demonstrating our expertise in functional, aesthetically pleasing sports architecture.
SEN School Architecture
Our inclusive school designs cater specifically to special educational needs requirements. We focus on creating safe, accessible environments with sensory spaces and adaptable learning areas. The Valley SEN School project exemplifies our commitment to designing educational facilities that support diverse learning needs through thoughtful spatial planning.
BIM Modelling Services
We utilise Building Information Modelling (BIM) throughout our projects to enhance precision and collaboration. Our REVIT/BIM expertise ensures accurate 3D modelling and efficient project delivery. This technology enables virtual reality walkthroughs and improved coordination between architects, engineers and contractors during all design phases.
Housing Masterplanning
We specialise in creating comprehensive housing schemes ranging from affordable dwellings to retirement living communities. Our approach balances density with quality of life considerations. Recent projects include 34 affordable homes in Washingborough and a 65-unit extra care scheme in Oundle, demonstrating our versatility in residential planning.
Interior Design Solutions
Our interior design team creates functional, aesthetically cohesive spaces for educational and commercial clients. We focus on zoning strategies, material selection and furniture specification. Recent work includes Christs College interiors and the Centre for Resilience office fit-out, showcasing our ability to enhance workplace and learning environments through thoughtful interior architecture.
People
Darren Heffer
Director
With extensive experience leading architectural projects, Darren Heffer oversees strategic direction at Saunders Boston. He specialises in complex developments and maintains strong client relationships. His leadership ensures design excellence across the practice's diverse portfolio.
Martin Lindus
Director
Martin Lindus brings expertise in educational architecture to his director role. He manages large-scale school projects and mentors junior staff. His technical knowledge ensures high-quality delivery of complex building programmes across multiple sectors.
Zib Gotto
Head of Interior Design
As Head of Interior Design, Zib Gotto leads creative interior solutions for commercial and educational clients. She specialises in spatial planning and material specification, ensuring functional yet aesthetically pleasing environments that enhance user experience.
Iona Campbell
Head of Sustainability
Iona Campbell integrates sustainable principles across all projects as Head of Sustainability. She advises on environmental strategies and ensures compliance with green building standards. Her expertise helps clients achieve energy-efficient, future-proof developments.
John Blair
Consultant
John Blair provides specialist architectural consultancy to the practice. With decades of industry experience, he offers strategic advice on complex projects and contributes to design reviews, ensuring continued excellence in the firm's architectural output.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in education, residential, retirement living, sport and leisure projects, along with BIM modelling and interior design solutions for commercial clients.
Which areas do you cover for architectural projects?
We operate from Cambridge and Exeter studios, working on projects throughout East Anglia, South West England and nationally for major clients.
What technology do you use in architectural design?
We utilise REVIT/BIM software and virtual reality tools for precise 3D modelling, enabling better visualisation and coordination throughout the design process.
Do you handle both new builds and refurbishments?
Yes, our expertise covers new developments and complex refurbishment projects, as demonstrated by our work on school buildings, leisure centres and housing schemes.
How do you incorporate sustainability into designs?
Our Head of Sustainability integrates environmental considerations from initial design stages, focusing on energy efficiency, material selection and long-term building performance.
