SERVICES
Comprehensive architectural services founded on experience and innovation
At Williams Lester, we offer a wide range of architectural services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client and project. As a RIBA Chartered practice based in Ringwood, Hampshire, we bring over 35 years of experience across sectors including residential, commercial, education, and heritage.
Our services span from initial concept design and planning through to technical detailing, project management, and delivery. We also specialise in Building Information Modelling (BIM), sustainable design, and conservation work, ensuring that every project is both forward-thinking and contextually sensitive. Whether it’s a new build, retrofit, or adaptive reuse, we pride ourselves on delivering thoughtful, high-quality architecture with a personal touch.
CONSERVATION
Williams Lester has established a strong reputation for projects within the Conservation Sector. This has included extensive experience in designing within a historic setting such as Conservation and Special Character Areas, and within the proximity of Listed Buildings. When required, we have the in-house expertise to prepare Heritage Statements to support applications.
Whenever a project brief requires intervention, alteration to or restoration of a Heritage Asset, we always ensure that the appropriate research and analysis is undertaken, and that best Conservation practice is deployed. Where necessary, we work closely with respected Heritage Consultants to ensure this.
Conservation, of course, does not just relate to historic constraints, but also environmental and ecological ones. We are very familiar with overcoming the challenges of designing within sensitive natural settings such as SSSI’s, RAMSARS and National Parks, where, when required we seek the supporting advice of ecologists and arboriculturalists.
BIM
Building Information Modelling (BIM) was conceived to improve the performance of the UK construction industry as a response to the Latham report in 1994 in which collaboration at design stage was found to be an area requiring major improvement.
Williams Lester were early adopters of BIM. We have invested heavily in the implementation and support of BIM technologies, such as Autodesk Revit, working collaboratively with our ‘BIM active’ project partners towards BIM Level 2.
Today, 100% of our project output, from concept to technical design is completed using model software. Having now completed numerous projects using a collaborative BIM process, we are finding that:
- Better collaboration is achieving better quality information.
- Complex construction issues are resolved before a project is implemented on site.
- There is improved visual communication and legibility of design.
- An earlier understanding of design intent allows client involvement in modifying a design to achieve their requirements.
- Clearer communication is achieved with Planning Authorities and at public exhibitions.
SUSTAINABILITY
We take a fabric first approach to sustainability, seeking passive solutions over active bolt-on systems. This begins with the first analysis of brief and site, considering such things as orientation, trees, ecology, location and amenity. Through this approach we can ensure that the initial design concept is optimised to its environment, leading to a finished scheme that is energy efficient and contributes towards a sustainable community.
We work with the client to understand their priorities, ensuring that the environmental response to each project is tailored to the client brief. We always seek to create environmentally sustainable buildings and places that achieve our client’s requirements with the minimum upfront cost and maintenance.
We provide SAPs (Standard Assessment Procedure) in house and work with partner specialists on the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM. We use BRE guidance on environmental design and keep up to date with the latest sustainable best practice. The practice has an Environmental Policy in place covering our approach to sustainable design and sustainability in our workplace.
CDM
Having undertaken specialist training we are able to comply with our duties as Principal Designer under CDM 2015.
We cultivate the design team to act in our client’s best interest by designing-in safety rather than ‘bolting on’ compliant solutions to meet the regulations.
We regularly peer review our projects for safety and ensure that the appropriate level of information is provided in a timely manner.
Our aim is to work efficiently and achieve a ‘right first time’ environment within the project team.
Book a consultation.
Request a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your project.