Sketchbook

Three years after completing our restoration and retrofit of Harper Street at Middleport Pottery, we returned to photograph the terraced street once more. This time the commission wasn’t about capturing a moment of transformation, but about observing how the scheme has quietly become part of its place.

Harper Street typifies pottery workers’ houses built in Stoke-on-Trent in the late 1800s. Once ringing with the clatter of feet down the backs as workers clocked on at the pottery, it is now home to a community of independent makers alongside the pottery's archive. It was designed to be authentic, to show the marks of time. It reveals its character not in contrast to its context, but in harmony with it.

We found a place that feels grounded, lived-in, and truly itself. It reminds us that architecture isn’t static. It evolves, absorbs, and adapts. And sometimes, the best images are those taken after the dust has settled.

Captured as part of our Conservation Area Appraisal in Morley Leeds, the little free libraries are a reflection of community pride and the spirit of the area. Each one is bespoke and painted by local artists, this one identifying two remarkable Morley women. Alice Cliff Scatcherd - suffragist, founder member of the Women's Franchise League, and trade unionist, who donated Scatcherd Park to the people of Morley. And Beryl Burton, a seven-time world champion racing cyclist and 90-time UK champion, who broke records set by men. We captured the libraries as part of our analysis, not just because they are wonderful things, but because they recognise the quality and distinctiveness of the area and the community's desire to celebrate and maintain its architectural and cultural heritage.

Our masterplan for Stockwood Discovery Centre revisits one of our favourite Buttress projects and asks the question, what next? How can we improve what you have and make it sustainable for the future?

Focusing on environmental and commercial sustainability, we listened to the current experiences of staff and visitors to understand what needs love and attention and what is already brilliant but could work harder.

One thing we heard was the need to make more of the entrance. Currently hidden behind a soft screen of vegetation, it’s easily missed—and many people are missing out on a visit to Stockwood altogether. Lucy's sketch illustrates one part of the proposal where dynamic and colourful wayfinding celebrates Stockwood and extends the visitor experience beyond the point of entry.

Process diagrams can be beautiful too. This one for the Ancoats Mobility Hub, helps to translate data into visual information that aligns the concept with the project vision.

We love this pencil drawing by Architectural Technologist Marcus of Ancoats Dispensary. Whilst working on the technical detail of retrofitting the listed building, he was quietly creating this amazing drawing of the original, imagining its original form.  

At a time when digital tools dominate, we’re proud that the craft of hand-drawing is alive within our team. It sharpens how we see, think, and connect with the character of the places we design for.

Created to kick-start our masterplan project for Portsmouth Cathedral, this image is a visual representation of the process of active listening, playing back our understanding of their vision, aspirations and excitement, with a little sprinkling of us ...

"This iconic building has long played a pivotal role in the spiritual and cultural life of the community. We are excited to be part of a project that honours its rich maritime heritage all the while ensuring its future relevance and anchoring it in its constant service to God." Edward Kepczyck, Director.