Williams Lester Architects

We know that our clients place huge value in the working relationships we build with them. Taking time to understand their business needs and aspirations has resulted in a high proportion of repeat business. We have been able to provide consistency to our clients through the longstanding directors who have grown an understanding of our client's specific needs.

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.

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. An earlier understanding of design intent allows client involvement in modifying a design to achieve their requirements.

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.

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.