Business Details
Award-Winning Sustainable Architects in Chichester
Established over three decades ago, HNW Architects has grown into a collaborative practice of more than 40 professionals operating from Chichester, Brighton & Hove, and London. Our mission remains unchanged: to design buildings that leave a positive social legacy through beautiful, appropriate, and sustainable architecture. With five creative directors leading our team, we combine deep industry experience with a commitment to addressing climate and biodiversity challenges.Our work spans architecture, masterplanning, and sustainable design, supported by in-house Passivhaus experts and certified conservation architects. We prioritise client collaboration, delivering award-winning solutions that balance creativity with commercial viability while maintaining rigorous environmental standards. As signatories of Architects Declare, we exceed RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge targets through actionable sustainability practices embedded in every project.
Services
Architecture
Masterplanning
Sustainable Design
Urban Design
Interior Fit-Out
Passivhaus Design
BIM Modelling
Conservation
Project Management
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of architectural experience across diverse sectors
- Our in-house Passivhaus designers deliver energy-efficient building solutions
- Award-winning team with RIBA-accredited conservation architects
- Sustainability experts exceeding 2030 Climate Challenge targets
- Collaborative approach proven through long-term client partnerships
What people say
Award-winning reputation
Sustainability focus
Collaborative process
Design excellence
Client-centric approach
Services
Architecture
Our architectural team creates innovative, context-sensitive buildings that balance aesthetic appeal with functional requirements. We work across education, residential, and commercial sectors, integrating sustainability principles from initial concept through to completion. Clients benefit from our 30+ years of experience delivering projects that enhance community wellbeing while maintaining commercial viability.
Sustainable Design
Sustainability underpins all our projects through fabric-first principles and Passivhaus standards. Our in-house experts develop energy-efficient solutions that reduce environmental impact while improving occupant comfort. We help clients achieve BREEAM ratings and net-zero targets through material selection, passive design strategies, and renewable energy integration across new builds and retrofit projects.
Masterplanning
We create holistic masterplans that shape thriving communities through careful consideration of environmental, social, and economic factors. Our approach revitalises town centres, expands urban fringes, and creates new neighbourhoods with sustainable transport links and green spaces. Recent projects demonstrate our ability to balance heritage preservation with modern development requirements.
Conservation
Our RIBA-accredited conservation architects specialise in preserving historic buildings while adapting them for modern use. We employ traditional materials and techniques to maintain architectural integrity during renovations. Recent projects include transforming redundant chapels into residential spaces and upgrading listed buildings to meet contemporary energy efficiency standards without compromising character.
Passivhaus Design
Certified Passivhaus designers deliver ultra-low energy buildings through meticulous attention to insulation, airtightness, and thermal bridging. We apply these principles to new constructions and retrofits, achieving up to 90% energy savings compared to conventional buildings. Our expertise covers residential, education, and commercial sectors, combining comfort with environmental responsibility.
People
Andy
Creative Director
One of HNW's five creative directors leading architectural innovation across education and commercial sectors. Champions collaborative design processes that balance client vision with sustainability goals.
Lee
Creative Director
Directs urban design projects integrating architecture with public spaces. Specialises in masterplanning schemes that enhance community connectivity while meeting environmental targets across southern England.
Rosie
Creative Director
Leads sustainable design initiatives with expertise in Passivhaus standards. Oversees residential projects achieving exceptional energy efficiency without compromising aesthetic quality or occupant comfort.
Duncan Bayley
Associate Director
Experienced project lead with a track record delivering complex education and civic projects. Recognised for transforming challenging sites into award-winning community assets through innovative design solutions.
Sally Till
Associate Director
Specialises in conservation architecture, breathing new life into historic buildings. Combines traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability requirements to create functional heritage spaces.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We offer full architectural services including new builds, renovations, and adaptive reuse across education, residential, commercial, and civic sectors.
How do you incorporate sustainability into projects?
We embed sustainability through Passivhaus principles, material selection, energy modelling, and BIM coordination to achieve environmental targets without compromising design quality.
Can you work on listed buildings?
Yes, our RIBA-accredited conservation architects specialise in preserving historic structures while adapting them for modern use and improved energy efficiency.
Do you operate outside Sussex?
While based in Chichester, Brighton & Hove, we work across the UK with recent projects in London, the South Downs, and nationwide masterplanning schemes.
How do you manage project timelines and budgets?
We employ experienced project managers using BIM Stage 2 protocols to maintain schedules and costs through detailed planning and transparent communication.
What awards have you won recently?
Our team received multiple SECBE Awards 2025 for innovative design solutions addressing complex urban challenges while maintaining environmental excellence across different building types.
