our story
our origins
The practice was established almost 40 years ago by founding architects, Messrs Downes and Illingsworth, who wished to establish their own private practice in North Yorkshire.
The partnership was initially formed on the basis of a genuine talent in the house-building industry as well as extensive experience gained through their local authority backgrounds, working on a broad range of public sector projects. The client base quickly expanded and was sustained by their attention to detail and dedication to client satisfaction.
Their individual characteristics and talents combined well and meant that the business went from strength to strength, and remains so, with the current directors having gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise from their predecessors, gaining experience in a wide variety of project type and size, from the smallest extension to multi-million pound development, with a particular specialism in the residential and housing sector.
The business has seen many changes over the years and Judy and Paul, the owners and directors since the founding partners retired over 15 years ago, have 65 years joint experience at the practice and have helped steer the business, since the 1980’s, through two major recessions with the practice continuing to thrive through the current climate.
our ethos
Achieving great design solutions is always our ambition, but a sound commercial attitude and an awareness of context means the results we accomplish are not only beautiful but practical and feasible.
We work closely with our clients to establish and understand their brief and offer early advice in a professional, consistent manner with the aim to deliver successful schemes and to realise their aspirations with functional and imaginative architecture, ensuring all projects progress as smoothly as possible from the outset through to completion.
We have made a conscious decision to remain a small, intimate concern thus enabling the principals to retain ‘hands-on’ involvement and ensuring every client is dealt with personally by a senior practitioner throughout the course of the project with a direct line of communication and personal attention.
We delight in client satisfaction and are rewarded with a high level of repeat business and personal referrals from a large number of clients, companies and individuals alike. We have attracted and sustained productive relationships with a range of clients spanning many years.
our methods
With our training dating back to the pre-computer age, we still love to design initially by hand, with a soft pencil, scale rule, eraser, felt tip pens and sheets of tracing paper, all used to investigate and explore different sketch ideas in a fluid and free-hand way.
We then discuss these initial concepts with the client and work together to develop the proposals further if necessary, liaising with other consultants and the local authority as required to ensure the project progresses through the next stages as smoothly as possible.
Initial sketch ideas are then developed into computer drawings, utilising both Autocad and Drawing Express systems to best suit the project type. This transition is typically undertaken by the same principal, ensuring the concepts do not get lost in the translation and the designs are transformed from 'doodles' to workable, accurate proposals.
We pride ourselves in our attention to detail and high quality presentation, ensuring every project is expressed in the most appropriate manner for the particular purpose.
our services
Whether it be innovative ideas, complex designs or simple, cost-effective solutions, we are adaptable, responsive and committed, and very flexible in our role, as individuals or within a team, acting as lead consultant or as an integrated member of the design team.
Our services are fully bespoke and can be tailored to suit most project requirements. We can offer a full architectural package, from inception to completion, or particular stages only, such as: undertaking viability and feasibility sketches to establish site and property potential; master-planning; measured surveys; pre-planning enquiries; supporting statements; obtaining planning consents and building regulation approvals; planning appeals; developing schemes for tender and construction; contract administration.
We have a close association with a number of local consultants that we work alongside, such as Structural Engineers, Landscape Architects, Planning Consultants, Ecologists, Arboriculturalists, Drainage Engineers, Land Surveyors, Artists and Illustrators, etc.
Visit our services page to find out a little more or contact us to discuss your specific requirements and see how we can help with your project.
our home
Based in in the picturesque market town of Thirsk in the heart of North Yorkshire, we are a very well established, family run, award winning chartered architect’s practice that has been delivering successful developments of all types and scale for almost forty years.
We undertake projects across the country but have particularly strong connections with clients, councils and consultants in the local and surrounding districts.
Operating for many years from old, rented rooms above the HSBC bank, we are now located just off the south-eastern corner of the market square in our own, fully renovated, open plan, modern office space.
Our location means that we are free from the hustle and congestion common in the cities, yet easily accessible by car or train with immediate access to the motorways and main-line railway stations. As such we are in an ideal location for welcoming visitors and for us to reach our clients in all directions with relative ease and speed.
Client Testimonials
“ DIP have successfully completed a number of sites for Mulgrave Properties. They have all been designed to an original and individual concept. Their professional service, in dealing with the issues of complex design and planning, works hand in hand with Mulgrave Properties philosophy of providing original and high-quality residential developments. ”
“ All housing sites that require planning are a journey that is understood by DIP. Their schemes pay particular attention to the surroundings and environment and are flexible in their approach and strive to produce positive results for their clients. ”
“ Linden Homes has employed the services of Downes Illingsworth on a number of medium sized to large residential schemes over recent years. We have always found Judy and her team to be professional and deliver to tight timescales. DIP work well with other consultants and the local authorities to ensure the final schemes satisfy the criteria for all parties and hence ultimately deliver planning consent approval ”
“ We have worked with Downes Illingsworth for the last 10 years on our leisure developments and found them to be most professional, creative and attentive. I would thoroughly recommend them to others looking for a professional and creative practice that are good value for money. ”
“ Our project, a demolition and rebuild, looked to be tricky to get through planning and I had received conflicting advice on how best to proceed. Downes Illingsworth immediately understood our objective, they put together a robust planning application, liaised with the planners and permission was granted without issue. The whole process was a true collaboration; taking our ideas and creating a plan which matched the brief perfectly – we are building something that has exceeded what we hoped for! ”
“ We would like to thank Downes Illingsworth for designing and planning a beautiful dormer bungalow for us. The quality of their work was exceptional, and we were most impressed with the professionalism and after-sales support, which went far beyond our expectations. We wouldn’t hesitate to use them in future or recommend them to family and friends. The service we received from them from start to finish was excellent. ”
“ I recently retired from working for over 40 years in the construction industry. Deciding to carry out some works at home I was recommended to use Downes Illingsworth Architects. What a good recommendation! Very approachable and easy to deal with throughout; responsive and proactive, dealing with planning most effectively. ”
“ We have worked with Downes Illingsworth on various projects over the past several years including projects that range from luxury hospitality venues, farming related buildings all the way through to residential property. We have always found them to be diligent and thorough in their approach to organising a project from the start to the end and building great relationships with all the parties involved in a project, which creates a smooth delivery. We have been very happy with all the work they have done for us over the years ”
“ I have worked with Judy and her team at Downes Illingsworth Partnership for many years and most recently in my role as Technical Director at Rouse Homes. She has always provided a very professional service, being on hand to respond to requests and willing to meet tight deadlines; to work closely with us to realise our design ambitions for our unique developments and ensure successful outcomes with, more often than not, far from straightforward planning applications ”
“ We wanted a porch on our home of 43 years and a larger garage for storage and access to the car. We did not want the extension to look like a bit added on. Judy designed us the perfect job. The house is now enhanced by the extension and already looks as if it was built that way. Judy gave us as much time as we needed to discuss the project and ensured it met our requirements. She dealt with the planners and building regulators efficiently. We cannot recommend her more highly. ”
“ Thank you to Judy and her team. We are delighted with our new extension. The plans you drew up have worked beautifully, in keeping our old house’s authenticity while bringing it up to date. Your service has been impeccable and especially with all the hard work you put in with the planning department. I would highly recommend your company to anyone looking to build or extend. Many thanks again. ”
“ I was very impressed by the professionalism and efficiency of Judy Walkland of Downes Illingsworth Architects. She took on board all the problems and difficulties the site presented and came up with imaginative and practical solutions. The final design provides for three very individual properties which will fit well into their surroundings as well as exhibiting design flair. ”
Ian Hessay
Managing Director, Mulgrave Properties
Matthew Gath
Director, Yorvik Homes
Andy Cramer
Technical Director, Linden Homes
Coppergreen Developments Ltd
Jo Clapperton
Ousebank Farm, Great Ouseburn
Linda & Brian Halliday
Highfield, South Kilvington
Brian May
Church Garth, Topcliffe
Mark Blundell
Mount St John Estate & Farm
Andrew Spiers
Technical Director, Rouse Homes
Mr & Mrs Jefferson
Easingwold
Mr & Mrs Watkins Wright
Whixley
Susie Grant, Stockeld Park
Sicklinghall
contact us to discuss your next project
To see how we can help with your development and work together to realise your ambitions,
call us on 01845 524758 or message us using the form below and we will be back in touch.
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Our Contact Details
Downes Illingsworth Partnership Limited
56 Market Place
Thirsk
North Yorkshire
YO7 1LW
01845 524758
info@diparchitects.co.uk
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