Local architects mark 15 years of making people happy in new homes
As dedicated local architects, we’ve worked on almost 700 projects to transform properties into dream houses.
We took a look back at our journey so far to mark Studio J’s 15th anniversary in business.
The birth of our local architects serving Leeds, Wakefield and more
Like many businesses, Studio J was created out of necessity to overcome adversity.
Our founder James Butterworth was working at a large commercial architecture practice when the financial crash of 2008/09 hit. The construction industry was decimated, and architects across the country were made redundant.
In this challenging time, James decided to go it alone as a local architect and quickly secured two residential architecture projects in Leeds and Barnsley.
He’s never looked back.
Despite the recession which followed the 2008/09 crash, James found homeowners still needed a way to create more space for their families. In that market, buying a new house was difficult for homeowners.
But through creative house extensions, conversions and other home transformation projects, they could get a new-look property which met all their requirements.
And after that first project, James relished the opportunity to work closely with end users of the spaces he created.
Discover the properties we’ve revamped as local architects
Our very first project was creating a two-storey extension for a three-bedroomed, semi-detached home in Chapel Allerton, Leeds. The plans brought in a new kitchen-diner downstairs and a generous master bedroom with en-suite upstairs.
Although in architectural terms this was a small project, it was incredibly satisfying to design the space this family needed. The extension also allowed the homeowners to stay in the area they loved.
No matter the scale of the work required, this improvement in home life is always the most rewarding part for us. We give the same care and consideration to every project.
Over the years we have worked on so many different types of property. They have included a bespoke extension on a bungalow in Alwoodley and the modernisation of a former industrial building in Halifax. We’ve extended a home on greenbelt land in Tong, Bradford, and converted a derelict barn into a luxury five-bedroom property with a cinema room in Boston Spa near Leeds.
But we will continue to undertake remodelling and house extension projects that are smaller in size, but huge in terms of impact on lives.
We’re a Wakefield architects for commercial clients too
Commercial architecture has its own distinctive benefits. Two of the business projects we have worked on in the last 15 years are memorable, for very different reasons.
One was to create new build homes on a Leeds site with many restrictions in place. Our creative design complemented this site and secured a positive outcome with city planners against the odds.
The second project was to design a new sandwich shop for an empty shell retail building in Leeds. For the client, this was the realisation of a lifelong dream.
We created a bespoke plan which maximised the small space available. In addition, we brought to life all the little details the client had spent years visualising.
Trends and technology changes we’ve seen in residential architecture
In the past 15 years, the desire for open-plan living has increased dramatically. Most of us want open, useable space and relaxed living centred around a modern kitchen.
Houses built in the past tend to have two reception rooms and a smaller kitchen. So there remains plenty of work to do to remodel and extend those spaces to create a heart of the home!
However, when it comes to luxury living, we now see demand for extra height in rooms. Features such as galleried landings provide new ways to experience this space. Rooms dedicated to single activities, like a beauty room or a custom-made office, are also popular additions.
Finally, the technology used in architectural design has rapidly evolved. From starting on a traditional drawing board or 2D black and white CAD drawings, we now offer our exciting virtual reality in architecture service.
Our team of local architects has over 50 years of experience
Studio J can only complete such highly-rated work and the number of projects (around 50 a year on average) now thanks to the whole team’s approach.
Managing director James is now joined by architect Jacqueline Mo and architectural technologist Tom Booth.
Together we use over 50 years of combined experience to solve any challenge in a friendly, flexible and customer-focused way.
Looking ahead to the next 15 years as a Leeds residential architect
Our future plans are based on modest ambitions. Studio J’s priority will always be to achieve client satisfaction.
We don’t want to become the biggest architects in Leeds and Wakefield. Designing huge buildings to massage our egos! What is key to us is designing buildings that improve your life through understanding and creativity.
When our clients are happy, we’re happy too.
So here’s to another 15 years of transforming properties and making people truly happy in their homes and workplace.
If you’d like to be part of the next stage of our journey, get in touch today.
