We fully understand what developers, funders 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.
At Peak Architects, we understand the importance of well functioning buildings. Our strong, valuedriven approach sees Peak Architects trusted by leading developers, where it is retained for a number of key projects.
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.
We have long standing relations with the authorities and have an outstanding track record in achieving Planning, specifically in the Peak District National Park. This brochure gives an overview of some of the previous industrial projects the people at Peak Architects have designed.
We fully understand what developers, funders and operators need to create successful projects.
Front cover image: Peak Architects’ Head Quarters at Broom Hall, Sheffield
Hill Pumps Sheffield
Peak Architects were appointed by Hill Pumps to develop proposals for the extension of their new headquarter building to provide an additional 3,000 sqft of manufacturing space and a new entrance pavillion.
Working within a restricted budget and programme, the project was delivered successfully.
The brief for the pavillion building was to provide a unique and distinct block from the main building; giving clarity to the po int of entry and making a clear statement about the innovation of Hill Pumps. This was provided by the vertical ‘anthracite’ cladding and its angular form, both of which are in contrast to the rectangular horizontal silver clad production facility.
Computacentre Hatfield
Working directly with the senior management team, Paul Holden was responsible for the delivery of this headquarter building for Computacenter, located on the Hatfield Business Park.
His role was centred around the delivery of the 225,000sqft high bay distribution centre.
Unique to the solution was the need for pairs of pre-cast concrete fire walls to protect against sequential collapse and were put in place at the request of the building insurers.
A further 100,000sqft of packaging, administration and office accommodation was provided by the installation of three mezzanine levels within the main building.
*Paul Holden’s work whilst employed by Scott Brownrigg Architects
Sound Design Creation Centre Barnsley
Working with our client Pitstop Productions, we have developed proposals for a unique headquarter building of approximately 10,000sqft.
The Sound Design Creation Centre will mean that PitStop will be able to offer a space that allows the recording of outdoor and indoor sounds to feed directly into studio, where they can be placed directly into the game engine. Moreover, it will be a facility where other audio teams can create and collaborate in the multiple studios and spaces planned.
The building is designed to look like an ‘agricultural barn’ due to its sensitive countryside setting; the timber facades are layered with timber baffles to reduce the visual impact of the windows.
Trade Counter Units Sheffield
The proposals seek to demolish the existing workshop and outbuildings which occupy the site, re-develop the existing external car park into 7No.high quality commercial buildings of varying sizes providing approximately 20,000sqft of accommodation.
The proposals will introduce soft landscaping and planting on the site in addition to provide 30 No.parking bays, for both customers and staff members.
The treatment of the facades look to combine a modern aesthetic and functionality, with two contrasting coloured bands extend around each building.
Crossways E4-E5 Dartford
As the Director in charge of the distribution and industrial sector at Scott Brownrigg, Paul Holden was responsible for the development of a comprehensive master plan for the development of the Crossways Boulevard Business Park on behalf of Whitecliffe Properties.
The initial phase of works delivered plots E4/E5. The solution proposed a terrace of 3No B1/B8 units, providing accommodation varying from 40,000sqft - 70,000sqft units, with a dedicated goods yard and dock levellers to the rear and parking to the front of the units.
*Paul Holden’s work whilst employed by Scott Brownrigg Architects
Paddock Wood Tonbridge
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, as part of their Curio Collection.
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.
The 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 in 2015, 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.
Professional, Design Driven and Scalability
By aspiring, from the outset, to work with the country’s leading clients, Peak Architects invested heavily in technology and systems. Both Paul’s and Patrick’s backgrounds include projects where they managed teams between 25 to 45 architects, enabling them to fully grasp the importance of management information and flexibility of reporting to suit clients’ requirements.
BIM (Building Information Modelling) is at the heart of every Peak Architects project, ensuring efficiency and speed as well as accurate coordination.
This is something our clients have said they especially appreciate, as Peak Architects work to the same exacting standards as much larger, less agile practices.
By underpinning the firm’s creativity with a strict, best practice business model, Peak Architects has created a ready-made scalability to its work that means it is ready to manage projects of almost any size.
Our Approach
Unusually for an architect running his own practice, founder Paul Holden has worked in-house as project director for a series of commercial developers. It was in these roles that his ‘developer’s nose’ was honed by his being in charge of the entire design ‘v’ cost issue, making him a genuine asset for any client seeking to engage an architect who has a true understanding of the key development issues.
This experience should give confidence in Peak Architects’ unique grasp of exactly how development of all types across multiple sectors and institutions works. This rigorous approach can be integral in securing funding and ensuring that the design process evaluates; tests and rationalises to ensure that the cap ex and the value/cost equation underpin the preferred design solution.
Of course, this does not limit Peak Architects’ ability to be creative, flexible and strategic designs but this is underpinned by the ‘business case’.
By aspiring from the outset to work with the country’s leading clients, Peak Architects invested heavily in technology and systems. Paul Holden’s background includes projects where he managed a team of 45 architects, so he fully grasps the importance of management information and flexibility of reporting to suit client requirements.
BIM (building information modelling) is at the heart of every Peak Architects project, ensuring efficiency and speed as well as accurate and flexible reporting methods. This is something our clients have said they especially appreciate, as Peak Architects works to the same exacting standards as much larger, less agile practices.
By underpinning the firm’s creativity with a strict, best practice business model, Peak Architects has created a ready-made scalability to its work that means it is ready to manage projects of any size.
Central to our process and values is the belief that by engaging, listening and exploring we will articulate the client’s vision and exceed their aspirations. Our values can be summarised as follows:
• Collaboration The success of any project is driven by the the quality of the team and its collective approach; we will guide, motivate and control this group from start to finish.
• Client Consultation Central to each project is the client, through continuous dialogue we will articulate the client’s vision and exceed their aspirations.
• Design Good design is central to the role of the architect, it must inspire but it need not take more money or time or be attention seeking.
• Affordability Determining budgetary constraints at the outset of the project is important, working within this budget and controlling cash flow are essential.
• Integrity We act in a professional manner; treating all parties with the courtesy and respect expected engendering trust.
• Deliverability Understanding materials and applying good detailing are essential in the delivery of high quality buildings.
• Pro-active We are pro-active not reactive; we encourage a ‘can do’ attitude.
• Sustainability Sustainability is an integral part of good architecture. We aim to design buildings that are best prepared for future changes whilst considering their impacts from inception, construction and through to operation and beyond.
• Knowledge We are committed to best practice through continued learning.
• Flexibility Flexibility in use and ease of potential adaptation in the future are key considerations in the design of all of our projects.
Policy Statements
Equality and Diversity Policy
We are committed to a policy of treating all of our employees and job applicants equally. No employee or potential employee shall receive less favourable treatment or consideration on the grounds of race, colour, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sex, disability or marital status or will be disadvantaged by any conditions of employment or the Company’s requirements that cannot be justified as necessary on operational grounds.
Every member of management and all employees are instructed that:
• There should be no discrimination on account of race, colour, religion, disability, nationality, ethnic origin, sex or marital status;
• The Company will appoint, train, develop and promote on the basis of merit and ability;
• All employees have personal responsibility for the practical application of the Company’s equal opportunities policy;
• Special responsibility for the practical application of the Company’s equal opportunities policy falls upon managers and supervisors involved in the recruitment, selection, promotion and training of employees.
• The Company’s grievance procedure is available to any employee who believes that he or she may have been unfairly discriminated against.
• Disciplinary action will be taken against any employee who is found to have committed an act of unlawful discrimination. Serious breaches of this policy will be treated as gross misconduct.
Health and Safety Policy
This is a statement of the Health and Safety Policy of the Company as required by the terms of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The policy of the Company is to do all that is reasonable to secure the health, safety and welfare of persons at work, to prevent personal injury and damage to property and protect everyone from foreseeable work hazards, including the public insofar as they may be affected by the business of the Company.
The Company regards the promotion of health and safety measures as a mutual objective for the Company and employees at all levels. The objective of the Policy is to advise employees at all levels of safe working methods, equipment and conditions.
The responsibilities of the Company are so far as are reasonably practicable:
• To provide and maintain equipment and systems of work that are safe;
• To provide training and instruction to enable employees to perform their work safely and efficiently;
• To follow methods and procedures to ensure that all operations and activity can be carried out safely.
• To consult with staff about Health and Safety matters as required by law.
The policy of the Company with respect to all matters concerned with safety, health and welfare is formulated and carried out by each company’s designated safety officer.
Environmental Policy
We believe that a healthy environment is necessary for the well being of all society, our people and our business. We recognise that our operations have an effect on the local, regional and global environment and are committed to minimising any potential harmful effects of such activity and to the prevention of pollution.
Environmental regulations, laws and codes of practice are regarded as setting the absolute minimum standards of environmental performance.
Quality Assurance Policy
The Directors of Peak Architect Limited have appointed a Quality Manager to establish and direct the implementation of a quality system to conform with BS EN ISO 9001 and this Quality Manager has the authority to enforce the requirements of the system, to manage the system and audit its implementation.
Staff Development Policy
We are committed to the provision of staff development for all staff to enable individuals and groups to achieve their full potential and contribute to our culture of excellence.
We encourage continuous professional development by actively supporting job-related external training to achieve its aims and objectives and support the RIBA and other associated bodies’ mandatory requirements.
Cambridge Lakes - Speculative B1/B8 units located in linear terrace providing units ranging from 75,000sqft to 40,000sqft.
