Business Details
30 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Award-Winning Architects in Ipswich
NJ Architects is a highly motivated team dedicated to producing designs that balance brief, location, budget, and planning constraints, often within historical contexts. We collaborate closely with clients, craftspeople, and authorities to achieve the highest design standards informed by sustainability principles. Our commitment extends beyond aesthetics to environmental consciousness, believing architecture can shape a better future. With extensive experience in commercial and residential projects, including community spaces, private homes, historic conservation, and ecclesiastical buildings, we combine traditional expertise with modern technologies like BIM.Our RIBA Chartered Practice status ensures adherence to rigorous quality standards, while our AABC-accredited conservation specialists deliver tailored solutions for listed buildings. We pride ourselves on transparent communication, technical excellence, and a holistic approach to design, from feasibility studies to project completion.
Services
Concept Design
Conservation
BIM Management
Interior Design
Insurance Recovery
Drone Capture
Feasibility Studies
Technical Design
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- 35 years of accredited conservation experience with English Heritage and National Trust projects
- RIBA Chartered Practice with rigorous quality management systems
- BIM Level 2 compliance for collaborative project delivery
- Award-winning expertise in historic building restoration
- Holistic approach combining traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- AABC
- Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists
What people say
Award-winning conservation
Excellent client communication
Innovative use of technology
Deep historical knowledge
Attention to detail
Services
Conservation Architecture
Specialists in historic building conservation with AABC accreditation. We deliver sensitive repairs, extensions, and adaptations for listed buildings and scheduled monuments. Our team prepares heritage statements, impact assessments, and grant applications while maintaining architectural integrity through traditional craftsmanship combined with modern techniques.
BIM Management
Implementing PAS 1192-2 Level 2 standards, we coordinate multidisciplinary teams using BIM for improved collaboration. Our cloud-based systems enable real-time client access to project data, ensuring seamless integration from concept design through to construction and facility management phases.
Insurance Recovery
Expertise in high-value historic building insurance claims following fire, flood, or storm damage. We manage the complete recovery process including loss adjuster negotiation, mitigation strategies, and expedited reinstatement through management contracts while preserving architectural heritage.
Concept Design
Creating tailored architectural visions through collaborative client workshops. We develop feasibility studies, massing models, and planning applications with 3D visualisations, ensuring alignment with budgetary constraints and regulatory requirements while maintaining design integrity.
Interior Design
Offering holistic interior solutions from kitchen/bathroom design to full spatial reconfigurations. We combine architectural context with functional requirements, working with specialist designers to deliver cohesive schemes that enhance both aesthetics and usability of historic and contemporary spaces.
People
Nick Jacob
Founder & Principal Architect
With 35 years' conservation experience, Nick established the practice in 1996. AABC accredited, he specialises in historic building restoration and has worked on prestigious projects including Westminster Abbey and Colchester Castle.
Shaun Soanes
Partner & Conservation Architect
30-year collaborator with Nick Jacob, Shaun manages large-scale projects and leads technical teams. Chartered member of CIAT, he oversees IT systems and BIM implementation while maintaining expertise in both traditional and contemporary construction methods.
Hugh Bunbury
Consultant Architect
RIBA Conservation accredited with over 30 years' experience. Hugh specialises in creative interventions for historic buildings, having worked on numerous listed properties and scheduled monuments across residential and ecclesiastical sectors.
Loriana Jaconelli
Senior Architect
15 years' post-qualification experience including significant heritage projects. Formerly project architect for a 5* hotel conversion at The Crescent, she brings expertise in delivering complex conservation schemes for both private and public clients.
Stephen Jeffery
Conservation Architect
Specialist in timber-framed buildings and historic impact assessments. Stephen provides technical leadership on conservation projects and mentors junior staff in traditional building techniques and modern adaptation methods.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in conservation architecture, contemporary design, interior architecture, BIM management, and insurance recovery projects for historic buildings.
How experienced are you with listed buildings?
With 35 years of AABC-accredited conservation experience, we've completed numerous projects for English Heritage, National Trust, and private clients.
Do you work outside Suffolk?
While based in Ipswich, we undertake projects nationwide including London, East Anglia, and beyond for both private and public sector clients.
Can you handle complex planning processes?
Yes, we navigate complex planning requirements with Historic England, local authorities, and amenity societies to achieve successful outcomes.
What technology do you use?
We employ BIM Level 2 standards, Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, and drone technology for surveys and project visualisation.
