BBH Architects

What is your background?

Adam: My father, Bob, was co-founder of the company back in 1976 and so I have grown up with it ever since really. During my career I have experienced other practices and trained in various establishments around the country, settling for the longest time in Bath and working for an architects practice in Bristol. It was always on the cards that at the right point there would be the option to return to Dartmouth and become a part of BBH for the future. In 2004, such discussions started to develop as my father and Paul looked to consider his retirement plan and the practice transition through that time. We were starting a family of our own at that period so it was the right time to consider the move and give my children the same opportunities to grow up around the South Hams as I had.

Paul: I was working for an architects practice in Shropshire but moved to Devon in 1996 to be with my girlfriend and now wife, who was studying at Plymouth University. I started at BBH as the office junior and have been fortunate to have been able since to work my way up to being a director of the company. This shows the company’s commitment  to the development and training of staff. I have been in every single position so I feel I can understand all of the staffs’ issues, worries and concerns as they grow with us.

Why did Bob decide to set up an architects practice in Dartmouth?

Adam: He used to come down to Beesands on holiday as a child, staying at the caravan park on the beach. His family came from Leicestershire, but he loved it here. Mum and Dad took the plunge and moved down in 1972, a year or two after Dad had fully qualified as an architect.

How many staff does BBH employ?

Paul: Currently 16 -  we have got a wide range of staff from qualified architects, qualified technologists, technicians, architectural assistants as well as year out students.

Has building design changed much over the last 10 years; what are the trends now compared to a decade ago?

Paul: In Dartmouth we are seeing more contemporary builds. When I started here everything was much more traditional but, over the last five to ten years, planners have been more receptive to more contemporary, modern architecture, providing it is in an appropriate location.

Adam: Definitely; there’s now a much wider understanding of good design. The likes of TV shows such as Grand Designs, architectural magazines and the internet have made a huge difference. The lay person is so much more aware of design as it is so much more accessible. People expect more, push for more and come to a project with a far greater awareness, which pushes us to progress design ideas and maximise the potential of every site and location.

How has new technology helped you do your job?

Paul: We have recently installed a virtual reality machine in our Salcombe office which has been received really well. We can now create 3D models of clients’ buildings, then clients can wear 3D goggles and literally walk around the outside and inside of their properties in 3D reality. It is a really powerful tool that helps clients to visualise their properties and for us to improve the design at an early stage. We believe we are one of the few practices in the South West that can offer this service.

How does the trend for featuring large windows in property relate to the overall design plan?

Adam: We have to install far greater levels of building insulation and need an awareness and attention to technical building connections that improve air tightness in order to compensate for the desire for huge walls of glass. Technical developments in glazing systems have been fantastic but, over large areas, heat loss and solar gain are both issues we cannot ignore when having to comply with or even exceed modern standards. If you think about it, recent technical advances in buildings have been huge e.g. there was almost no requirement to put insulation into buildings prior to 2000. It’s those kind of changes, coupled with the clients’  knowledge or expectation or desire to push boundaries and experience different things which is really exciting. It’s a great time to be doing what we are doing.

What has been your most exciting project?

Paul: Ravenseye overlooking the river near Warfleet Creek. It is a contemporary new build but, at the same time, it is respectful of its surroundings. It was a challenging project both at the planning stage and whilst on site but one which we are very proud to have done. There were many consultants involved. We tried hard to bring everything together technically, yet retaining the concept of the original design which was tricky but I think it has turned out to be a fantastic building.

What else do you do apart from design and build new properties?

Adam: What is fantastic about what we do is the variety. We could be working on the refurbishment of a church one day, an important listed building the next, a very contemporary Ravenseye-type new build for a client or a simple and small extension locally in the town. Each require respect and attention to detail in order to deliver the service expected.

Does Dartmouth provide you with more work than a similar sized town would?

Adam: There is a bit of a microclimate down here compared to what is happening in the wider world because it is a desirable, lovely place to be. Property holds its value and because it is a desirable location, people invest here. This encourages new building and refurbishment. We benefit from this for which we are very thankful. When economic conditions have been a bit tough , we have just worked harder, become more efficient and resourceful whilst staying true to our ethos.

Why did you open a new office in Salcombe in August 2017?

Adam: We always had it in the back of our minds to spread our wings a little bit, to strengthen our presence locally and promote what we do. We have always maintained a good base of clients in and round Salcombe and Kingsbridge and so to have a bit more of a presence in this area was just too good an opportunity to miss when the appropriate space became available. We definitely don’t see it as another office, it’s more of a shop window. Alex Perraton, who has been with us for seven years, became fully qualified last year and to acknowledge this and give him greater opportunity to develop his career with us, he’s been charged to run the office on a full time  basis. We make sure that other senior and junior staff spend suitable time there in support. This has worked well during the first few months and we expect to see this office thrive over coming years.

What does the future hold for BBH?

Paul: I can possibly see another office in the next five years or so, but at the moment our initial one to two year plan is to consolidate what we have established in Dartmouth and develop our new studio office in Salcombe. Bob is still a director here and he is working towards full retirement soon, however he has set Adam and I up with an absolutely fantastic business and one which we will hopefully continue build on and take from strength to strength.

First published By The Dart magazine March 2018

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