Winner of The King of Prussia Gold Medal 2017

Awarded to an architect for a project involving innovative, high quality church conservation or repair that overcomes the greatest aesthetic or technical challenge.

Contemporary Design in the Historic Context

Richard Crooks Partnership was established by Richard and Hilary Crooks in 1995 to offer personal ‘hands-on’ partner-led architectural and building consultancy services from inception of a project through to its completion and beyond. We believe the key to successful projects is a good understanding of the demands of the commission and a close working relationship with clients. Our integrated, coherent approach producing quality design solutions meeting the brief and providing value for money. We always strive to deliver projects which inspire and possess the added ‘Wow Factor’. This is demonstrated by the prestigious awards we have received for some of the projects.

Projects undertaken by the Practice include repairs, conservation work, condition reports & maintenance inspections; alterations, extensions, refurbishments, conversions & new build schemes ranging in value from £5,000 to over £1,000,000 for ecclesiastical, education, community, domestic, retail and commercial clients. Currently a significant amount of the practice workload relates to Grade I, Grade II* & Grade II Listed historic buildings.

Experience & skills gained over many years while working with existing buildings enables us to offer practical advice to clients on building maintenance and repair issues as well as sensitive design solutions for alterations, conversions, extensions & new build.

We work on a regular basis with other consultants such as conservators, structural engineers, cost consultants, M&E engineers, ecologists and health & safety advisors and can draw together a project design team to provide the full range of necessary skills. Likewise we work regularly with skilled specialists such as stonemasons, bespoke joiners, roofing contractors, glass designers & conservators, metal workers etc.

Richard Crooks Partnership has established a broad and loyal client base providing regular work either directly on a repeat basis or by recommendation and referral to others. A number of clients have been known to the partners for twenty five years or more and can verify our reputation for delivering quality projects on time and within budget. We are however always looking for new opportunities and challenges.

We are proud to have been involved in the rescue of a number of condemned, derelict and redundant historic buildings for which new uses have been found in order to secure their future for the benefit of future generations. These include conversion of old agricultural, domestic, education and ecclesiastical buildings, of which some have been Grade I and Grade II* Listed. Our success is demonstrated by the prestigious conservation and civic awards we have received.

In altering or extending an historic building we consider the way its use may change over time so it remains relevant for the foreseeable future in order to secure its long term care. There needs to be a balance between respect for the old and celebration of the new. Any scheme should also successfully project the dedication, vision and aspirations of the building owner as well as promote the opportunities the building offers and potentially be able to accommodate new uses. We always strive to deliver projects which inspire and possess added ‘Wow Factor’ often by the introduction of contemporary  elements. No scheme should however irreversibly damage the original structure or harm its significance.

Winner of The King of Prussia Gold Medal 2017 & Excellence in Church Architecture Awards 2020

The King of Prussia Gold Medal is awarded to the architect of a project involving innovative, high quality church conservation or repair that overcomes the greatest aesthetic or technical challenge.

The Medal was given by King Freidrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia in 1857, a passionate and committed patron of architecture. Today the medal is awarded annually by a panel of judges comprising Prince Nicholas Von Preussen (a direct descendant of the King of Prussia), HRH The Duke of Gloucester and representatives from the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association and the National Churches Trust.

Richard Crooks Partnership is proud of being awarded the medal in 2017 and again in 2020.

OUR AWARDS

Qualifications, memberships and accreditations

RIBA – Chartered architects
AABC – Architects Accredited in Building Conservation
EASA – Members of the Ecclesiatical Architects & Surveyors Association
IHBC – Affiliate Members of Institute of Historic Building Conservation
SPAB – Member of Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
HRBA – Member of the Historic Religious Buildings Alliance

 

We want to hear about your project

Whether your project includes repairs, conservation work, alterations, extensions, refurbishments, conversions & new build schemes involving ecclesiastical, education, community, domestic, retail and commercial building we welcome the opportunity to discuss your plans.

Contact Us