About Us!
At Peak Architects, we’re passionate about designing spaces where people can be entertained, relax, mentally and physically recharge. We believe in creating better guest experiences and designing spaces for the mind to dream, reflect and become inspired.
Our strong, value-driven approach sees Peak Architects trusted by leading developers, as well as by high profile organisations like the Bike & Boot, Bespoke Hotels and the Devonshire Hospitality Group, where it is retained for a number of key projects on the Chatsworth Estate.
We fully understand what cultural institutes, charities, developers, funders, franchises and operators need to create successful projects. The team’s designs are based on the financial feasibility, ensuring the facilities stack up to the core of the business case.
For hospitality projects, we work with existing operators, or provide support in the development of new ones, enhancing the guest experience. The logistics and day to day operation of the facilities are key to the success of the project and are considered throughout the design process, in close collaboration with the operators.
For cultural projects, the visitor’s experience forms the basis for all design interventions, underpinned by the financial directions from the business case, working in close collaboration with the relevant funding bodies and ensuring their specific requirements are met at the outset.
Our Team
The practice is led by Paul Holden, who has over 30 years’ experience within the architectural and construction industry across the globe.
Established in 2015, the company has quickly built a proven track record of delivering inspiring designs and buildings across a large variety of sectors in the architectural design and interior design fields.
Since its inception, the company has grown significantly to a team of fifteen and uses a variety of media from model making and hand drawn sketches to the latest computer modelling and 3D visualisations to communicate its ideas and allow the client to be central to the developing designs and decision making process.
Central to our approach is to conserve, protect and convert the buildings to sustainable uses that preserve their character and fabric. We have a series of principles that we advocate, these being:
• Use of traditional materials and construction techniques where possible whilst integrating modern techniques which preserve the environment within which the buildings exist;
• Engagement with local historians and the estate as part of a proactive engagement with Historic England and the LA conservation team;
• Seamless and discreet Integration of sustainable construction methods and technology;
• New elements/ facilities are placed as free standing ‘sculptural elements’ within the spaces;
• Where possible, off-site manufacturing is promoted to lessen works on site to reduce the programme, impact on the site and improve build quality;
• In developing and implementing any heritage project, early stakeholder engagement is essential in ensuring an agreement on the approach, layout and methodolgy.
Peak Park
Peak Architects have a good track record and working relationship with Peak District Park Planning Authority. The key to our approach is to engage early with the Planning Authority and, where buildings are listed, with Historic England (English Heritage).
This approach has allowed us to maintain a high planning success rate in providing innovative design solutions that utilise locally derived materials, reinforce and enhance the character of the Peak Park, whilst being bespoke to each client.
We have an extensive network of consultants and contractors who work locally and nationally and can, as necessary, assist in providing a comprehensive design service for both residential and commercial developments in the National Park.
Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of all buildings and we believe it should be embraced as an opportunity to add value, promote innovation and enhance the environment within which we live. It requires a holistic approach and should be bedded into a building at the outset.
Above all, sustainability must be a practical attribute, neither bolted on as a series of clever accessories nor so overburdening or complex that it makes the building impractical.
Peak Architects have an extensive working knowledge of refurbishment of buildings utilising ‘Enerphit’ principles and ‘Passiv Haus’ design when applied to new build.
Bike
& Boot Hotel,
Location
Peak District National Park
Client
Bike & Boot
Status
Completed 2023
Peak Architects assisted in the delivery of this 3 star 60 bed hotel on the site of the former Rising Sun pub in the Hope Valley. The Bike & Boot Hotel is a new leisure-orientated hotel brand that seeks to address the changing UK hospitality offer. The rooms have a design-led feel with purpose designed entertainment, designed to appeal to anyone enjoying the outdoor activities that the Peak District has to offer.
Hospitality & Leisure | New Build | Peak Park
Chatsworth Farm Shop
Location
Peak District National Park
Client
Chatsworth Settlement Trust
Status
Completed 2021
Working closely with the client, Chatsworth House Estate, Peak Architects designed the extension and reconfiguration of the existing restaurant at Chatsworth Farm Shop.
The proposals were required to improve the restaurant’s visible presence and capacity and create additional kitchen space to meet the demands of the restaurant.
Conservation and Heritage | Refurbishment | Peak Park
Chatsworth House Stables
Location
Chatsworth House
Client
Chatsworth House Trust
Status
Completed 2019
Conversion of the Grade I* listed stable courtyard at Chatsworth House, to provide a new restaurant and retail space. Working within the confines of the Listing; strategies were incorporated to incorporate underfloor heating and a rationalised ventilation system.
The works were completed within a 15 week programme.
Conservation and Heritage | Refurbishment & Extension
The Hart Hotel
Location
Shoreditch, London
Client
Seven Capital
Status
Completed 2019
Peak Architects were employed by the developer, Seven Capital, as ‘Design Managers’ on the delivery of this prestigious 124 bedroom, 4* hotel for the operator Hilton..
Our role was to undertake initial site evaluation and then assist in the appointment of the delivery team, undertake design audits through the planning and detailed design stage and undertake site inspections and quality audits through the construction phase.
Coxmoor Golf Club
Location
Sutton in Ashfield
Client
Coxmoor Golf Club
Status
Planning
Peak Architects were invited to enter a limited competition for the refurbishment and extension of the Club House for Coxmoor Golf Club. Our bid was based upon an innovative design that incorporated the original elements whilst providing flexible accommodation. Combining existing structures and new linking forms the overall design which was unified by a lightweight roof structure.
Refurbishment and Extension | Hospitality & Leisure
Barrow Farmstead
Location
Wentworth, Rotherham
Client
Fitzwilliam Wentworth Estates
Status
Planning
Conversion, reconfiguration and extension of the historic Barrow Farmstead for the Fitzwilliam Wentworth Estate . Set in a conservation area on the outskirts of Wentworth village, the scheme will provide a variety of commercial serviced office accommodation in this stunning rural setting.
Conservation | Refurbishment | Hospitality | Peak Park
Oldham Heritage and Arts Centre
Location
Oldham
Client
Private Developer
Status
Feasibility
The design takes into consideration the developing vision for the ‘Cultural Quarter’ in Oldham in re-using and refurbishing the Grade II listed former Library into a Heritage and Arts Centre.
The New Heritage & Arts Centre will complement and extend the existing cultural quarter offer and create a vibrant community cultural complex alongside Gallery Oldham and Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre.
Heritage | Community | Sustainability
The Pestana Hotel
Location
Chelsea Bridge, London
Client Berkeley Homes
Status
Completed 1992
Peak Architects Director, Paul Holden, was Project Director for the delivery of this 200 bedroom 4* hotel for Portuguese operator, Pestana.
The hotel was part of a large mixed use development providing over 1,500,000 sqft of residential, office and restaurant facilities, together with parking for 700 cars on this waterfront site, adjacent to Battersea Power Station.
Hospitality | New Build | Sustainability
The Bank House
Location
Peak District
Client
Private Client
Status
Completed 2016
Working closely with the new management owners, Peak Architects were instrumental in developing layouts for this proposed bar/restaurant in the heart of Hathersage and assisting in the ‘change of use’ planning application.
Peak Architects developed the interior concepts which were then developed further in conjunction with specialist fit out contractors, Whiteheads, in Sheffield.
Hospitality | Refurbishment | Heritage
SHEFFIELD | HOPE VALLEY