Francis Roberts Architects
We aim to design and construct unique modern buildings inspired by respect for tradition and site context.
We use a mixture of traditional and modern techniques and particularly value collaborations with artists and craftsmen. This approach is directly influenced by the work of the Arts and Crafts movement and is characterised by a feeling for place translated into building form, materials and detail. Our projects include the new grandstands at Towcester Racecourse with their strongly picturesque and celebratory form. In contrast, the Studio for Robert Camlin in Powys is a discreet reinterpretation of the local farm vernacular using locally-sourced materials and self-build methods. Our lottery-funded building for the arts organisation Welfare State International featured the conversion and extension of an old school building. The building was highly acclaimed and won a RIBA national award. We have completed the project at Preston Minster which is the latest example of our work in converting ecclesiastical buildings to include space and facilities for wide public use. Our addition to a Georgian house at Summer Hill in Cumbria is the newest expression of our interest in contemporary architecture in a historic context.
We are often commissioned in connection with the design of building developments on historically significant sites. This has given us a strong interest in urbanism and master-planning and we have collaborated on a number of studies with Camlin Lonsdale Landscape Architects most recently in Portrane near Dublin. We have completed the design of a major development of buildings and public space in the precincts of Blackburn Cathedral. In Autumn 2003 we were invited by the Prince’s Trust to become members of a network of practitioners interested in the discussion and promotion of New Urbanism. The invitation was accompanied by an exhibition of our work with other practitioners at the Prince’s Trust in London. This has led to work for Duchy of Cornwall developments at Newquay and at Poundbury, Dorchester.
Along with our new projects and urban studies we are active in the repair and restoration of historic buildings. We regularly work with English Heritage, the Lottery Boards and other grant-making organisations. The practice has two partners: Francis Roberts sits on the F.A.C. for Carlisle Cathedral and is a brother of the Art Workers Guild; Dominic Roberts sits on the Northern Buildings Committee of the Victorian Society and on the Art and Architecture Committee of Liverpool Archdiocese Liturgy Commission. Francis Roberts is AABC (Architects Accredited in Building Conservation) registered.