Practice
We deliver beautiful, sustainable buildings which clients love.
What We Do
We tackle all sorts of building types and sizes, unique one-off homes, uplifting education spaces, commercial projects with design flair, luxury flats and cost-effective student accommodation: we come to each one with a genuinely creative approach. We are one of very few practices to have satisfied the planning policy permitting only ‘truly exceptional’ country houses.
Our buildings work well. Always sustainable, they make the best possible use of the site and the budget, they please our clients and they please the public. They are bold and uplifting on the outside, spacious and bright on the inside. They stand out but they are considerate to their context.
Our approach to design
It’s fair to say we have a design philosophy, with four common strands linking our buildings:
- First, our love of form-making. All our buildings are strong shapes containing great spaces to stir the soul.
- Second, a strong sense of order. Each of our buildings has a clear ordering principle which informs every part of it, so it all feels of a piece and quite natural.
- Third, we love light! Natural light flooding interior spaces is so good for the spirits but also so good for the architecture: we use it to articulate shape, space and surface.
- Fourth, a desire to design buildings which stand the test of time. The right moment to judge a building is fifty years hence. We avoid trendy notions and gizmos; we use ideas and materials which are robust and which will age with grace.
Why choose us
Choosing an architect is an important decision. Initial consultations are always free so please do get in touch with any questions you may have. In the meantime, here are some reasons you might consider working with Adrian James Architects.
- We are an RIBA Chartered Practice.
- All our architectural work is done under the supervision of an RIBA architect.
- A strong environmental policy guides our every action.
- We are experts in planning and supporting clients to gain planning permission.
- We have years of experience in running contracts on site with the ability to be demanding but fair.
- We are creative and innovative, many of our buildings have won awards.
- We have excellent reviews and feedback from our clients.
The key players
Adrian James MA Dip Arch (Cantab) ARB RIBA
Managing Director
Trained at Cambridge University, Adrian worked on the design and procurement of exceptional buildings in the UK, the USA and Europe before settling in Oxford and starting his own studio. As well as managing the practice and ensuring its commitment to quality in all its architectural services, Adrian leads or guides the design development of all commissions. Adrian combines a passion for architecture with real expertise in steering projects through the planning process including, if necessary, planning appeals and public enquiries.
When he isn’t sketching he is climbing to the top of mountains the world over – and singing in the Oxford Gospel Choir.
Darren Riddle BA (Hons) Dip Arch (Kingston) ARB RIBA
Associate
Darren has come back into the AJA fold after a few years gaining valuable contractual and commercial experience elsewhere. He returns with bandwidth across many sectors and an assured mindset to help catalyse the practice’s growth.
Darren is absolutely in tune with the practice’s devotion to dynamic shape-making. He was born to the craft of architectural modelling and loves to design striking contemporary buildings which combine dramatic forms with the principles of sustainable architecture. His previous work on Oaklands and Incurvo embodies this holistic philosophy.
When Darren has any spare time from being the proud parent of two youngsters he gets physical in the gym or on the road.
Sarah Shekleton MA Oxon
Practice Manager
Sarah has already had four careers; in FMCG marketing, development, the not-for-profit sector and education. Managing AJA is her fifth adventure and her portfolio of responsibilities covers a cornucopia of areas. Ask her anything and she will set off at high speed to find an answer.