YMD Boon is a trusted, multi-disciplinary building consultancy with over 50 years’ experience, formed by the merger of YMD Architecture and John Boon and Partners. We are a RIBA and RICS Chartered Practice specialising in architecture, building surveying, and health and safety services. We boast a team of 55 award-winning professionals, ranging from architects and architectural technologists to building surveyors, clerk of works and health and safety consultants.
Market Harborough
6b Anson House, Compass Point Business Park, Market Harborough, LE16 9HW
Birmingham Fort Dunlop, Fort Parkway, Birmingham, B24 9FE
Lincoln
Ground Floor, Building 3, Kingsley Office Park, West Central Business Park, Runcorn Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QP
Frameworks
We are proud to sit on numerous regional and national public sector frameworks, these framework awards clearly demonstrate our professionalism and ability to comply with rigorous pre-qualification assessments.
Frameworks simplify the selection process and give our clients additional confidence in our capability, our compliance with industry standards, and our commitment to delivering value for money. Our inclusion on these approved frameworks allows us to extend our services to a broader range of public sector clients through a transparent and efficient procurement process.
Accreditations
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and security across all our operations. Our adherence to internationally recognised standards is verified through UKASaccredited certifications in ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 45001 for health and safety and ISO 14001 for environmental management. In addition, we are proud to be Constructionline Gold accredited, demonstrating our dedication to excellence within the construction industry and our Cyber Essentials Plus certification emphasises our proactive approach to cybersecurity, ensuring robust protection for both our systems and our client's data.
Sustainability in design and decision-making
YMD Boon has extensive experience integrating netzero and sustainable practices into their designs, with a strong portfolio of low-carbon and carbon-neutral projects.
At the outset of each project, we engage with the client and design team to evaluate green design options through a whole-life cost analysis, integrating sustainable solutions where feasible.
Our team is skilled in designing and delivering costeffective, sustainable buildings. As a practice, we encourage our staff to minimise environmental impact through thoughtful design. Passive strategies to reduce a building's energy demand (especially for heating, cooling, and lighting) are essential for achieving cost-effective, low energy buildings. We follow a "fabric first" approach to enhance the performance of building materials and components.
We continually explore decarbonisation strategies to reduce energy demand and support the creation of cost-effective, low or zero-carbon buildings.
Committed to a greener future
YMD Boon is dedicated to reducing our environmental impact and achieving Net Carbon Zero, as outlined in our Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP). Managed by our Environmental Committee, who hold an IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) membership, our CRP is recorded in line with our ISO 14001 certification which was first achieved in 2014.
94% 10 82%
Electric or hybrid company fleet Of all projects delivered by local SME supply chain
Decarbonisation schemes onsite or completed this year
Our journey towards positive change
Our Social Value & Corporate Social Responsibility activities are proudly delivered through our YMD Boon Gives Back programme. We foster a culture of positive impact among our team, offering 1 Day Employer-Supported Volunteering per year for all our employees.
We ensure social value opportunities are always explored at the outset of each project, and create social value in many ways:
600 volunteering hours across SV & CSR initiatives
15 charities and community groups supported this year
T-Level Student undertaking condition survey with Chartered Building Surveyor
25 students mentored through RIBA Future Architects
£110k Social Value ROI (SVROI) generated last year
T-Level to Full-Time Employee
As a partner of Derby City Council’s Employers for Enterprise (E4E), we provided Building Surveying work experience to T-Level students from Derby College Group (DCG). The students were based in our offices, worked on various ongoing projects at the College, and regularly visited site.
Following the experience, one student was offered a full-time position as a Building Surveyor and is now pursuing an apprenticeship through Nottingham Trent University.
Volunteered at South Wolds Academy to help assemble picnic benches made from 100% recycled plastic as part of a larger kitchen refurbishment project.
Site visits for NTU students as part of RIBA Future Architects Student Mentoring Programme.
Student Accommodation & Residential
“It is with pleasure that I can confirm we have been dealing with YMD Boon on various projects, and I can endorse their professionalism as second to none along with their ability to react and reconfigure any amendments as necessary. They work to our budget requirements and deliver. I have found the team to be very helpful and knowledgeable and their dealings with planners and construction companies cannot be faulted. The detailed plans provided are always specific and very little is left to chance.”
Special Projects Manager – Private Client
We are committed to designing and delivering high-quality, sustainable living spaces and residential developments with the end user at the core of our designs.
We aim to maximise the development potential of each site, no matter how challenging or complex. By exploring options and collaborating closely with clients, our goal is to create a sense of place that fosters community value and meets the needs of all stakeholders. Sustainability lies at the heart of our designs, as we work to balance environmental responsibility with functionality and aesthetic appeal. Our partnership with East Midlands Homes Group reflects this commitment, with our affordable housing scheme in Leicestershire recognised as a benchmark for future developments.
Experienced in
• Masterplanning
• Affordable Housing
• Shared Ownership
• Market Sale
• Care Homes
• High-End Residential
• Student Accommodation
• Retirement Villages
• Hotels
Student Accommodation | Stephenson Campus, SMB College Group
We design high quality residential schemes and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) developments that enhance the student living experience. Our PBSA projects include a range of accommodation such as cluster flats, studio apartments and en-suite rooms that feature communal spaces, well connected to campuses and local amenities. From concept design to feasibility studies and cost estimation, we provide expertise to bring visions to life. We support planning applications by preparing documentation, liaising with authorities, and ensuring regulatory compliance to streamline approvals. For large projects, we offer end-to-end support including project management, stakeholder coordination, and quality control measures. Our technical expertise ensures that all design and technical drawings meet the highest standards, with detailed reviews and constructive feedback to enhance outcomes.
We were appointed by a private developer to provide architectural services to demolish a derelict building in the Hockley area of Nottingham and design and deliver a new building for retail space and student accommodation.
The works include a new cafe or coffee shop on the ground floor along with a 66-bed student accommodation on the upper floors. Within the student accommodation there will be a lobby which includes a reception desk, waiting area and management office as well as a mixture of studio and cluster flats.
Wheeler Gate, Nottingham
We have been appointed by a private developer to provide architectural and principal designer services to design and deliver the upper four floors of a Grade II listed building conversion from disused office space to 33 luxury student accommodation units in the city centre of Nottingham, whilst the ground floor will remain occupied by the series of existing retail units. The building will remain sensitive to the architectural and historic design and we are working closely with planning and building control on this scheme. The works will include internal alterations and roof works to accommodate the mixed-sized units whilst respecting the character of the listed building. The scheme has achieved planning and is currently on site.
Key Details
Client:
Private Developer
Location:
Nottingham
Value:
£1.8m
Services:
Architecture
Principal Designer
Stephenson Campus, Coalville
We were appointed by SMB College Group to provide design services for a new 108 bed student accommodation at their Stephenson Campus in Coalville, Leicestershire.
Using Revit Software, we designed the scheme within a short period of time and presented the options to the stakeholders for their approval.
We proactively initiated conversation with the Local Authority on behalf of the College. The scheme was taken to planning stage.
Key Details
Client: SMB College Group
Location:
Stephenson Campus, Leicestershire
Value: £5m
Services: Architecture
Agard Street, Derby
We were appointed by a private developer to provide architectural services to design and deliver an 8-storey building to provide 94 PBSA units consisting of studios, cluster flats and communal facilities on Agard Street in Derby in the University District.
The area is becoming an important student quarter with the arrival of the business school facing the site and other student apartment schemes nearby.
The proposed building layout comprises an L-shaped building with two perpendicular accommodation areas accessed through a vertical central circulation core, linking to the spinal corridors to each floor level.
The building, standing over 18m tall, is listed on the government’s high-risk building register and has been constructed to the latest fire safety standards.
It features a range of enhanced fire safety measures, including a secondary escape stair, Category 4 sprinklers with backup power, mechanically vented escape routes, a firefighting lift with ground-floor mimic display, and a UPS backup. Structural integrity is 90 minutes throughout, extending to 120 minutes in the firefighting core.
Key Details
Client: Private Developer
Location: Derbyshire
Contract Value:
£6.4m
Services:
Architecture
Principal Designer
Regent Road, Leicester
We were appointed by Montessori Group to provide design services for conversion and major extension of the existing building to HMO student accommodation to provide 40 units in Leicester. The design was carefully tailored to comply with local authority HMO standards and regulations, including minimum size requirements, fire safety measures, and strategies. The site situated in a conservation area. The proposed three storey building designed sympathetically, respecting the existing building and the surrounding area. It is separated from the existing by a glazed link and wraps around the existing building creating a courtyard. The scheme was taken to planning stage.
Key Details
Client: Montessori Group
Location:
Leicester
Value:
£3m
Services: Architecture
Birch View, Derbyshire
We were appointed by Optune Homes, on behalf of Derby City Council, to provide architectural services for the demolition of an existing Church Hall and the design and delivery of 14 one and two bedroom apartment blocks with external parking. All layouts met the council’s affordable housing criteria. Birch View’s significant level changes required careful planning to maximise space and ensure suitable access for future residents. Mature trees with Tree Preservation Orders were retained wherever possible, and early engagement with the local authority streamlined planning approval. As Lead Designer, we coordinated all design packages, including subcontractors’ inputs, ensuring efficient layouts and a fully integrated approach.
Key Details
Client:
Optune Homes on behalf of Derby City Council
Location:
Derbyshire
Value: £5m
Services:
Architecture,
Lead Designer
Dyne Road, London
We were appointed by a private developer to convert an existing education block into 37 apartment flats. The project involved stripping back the façade while retaining the concrete structure, adding two lightweight floors to the roof, and extending the building to one side. The design incorporated re-cladding the entire façade to create a modern and attractive street presence. The building's local listing added complexity, requiring adherence to conservation policies. We supported the client with documentation and design presentations, successfully guiding the project to planning stage.
Key Details
Client: Private Developer
Location:
Kilburn, London
Value: £4m
Services: Architecture
Station House, London
Key Details
Client: Private Developer
Location West Drayton, London
Contract Value: £2m Services: Architecture
Principal Designer
Station House, London
We were appointed by a private developer to provide architectural services for the conversion of a locally listed office block into 34 apartments over four storeys. The project initially faced significant challenges during the planning process due to the unique characteristics of the existing building and the need to find a viable solution. Despite these obstacles, YMD Boon supported the client by supplying clear information, crafting persuasive arguments, and participating in design presentations to planning officers, ultimately leading to a successful outcome.
Lovat Fields, Milton Keynes
We were appointed by Gleeds Global on behalf of Lovat Fields to re-organise and refresh the Retirement Village’s existing facilities to secure the future viability and attractiveness of the village.
The Retirement Village, based in Milton Keynes, consists of 259 one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments and bungalows. The existing facilities include a café, drinks bar, shop, fitness suite, restaurant, village hall, hairdressers, and a library, an IT suite and more. Our aim was to provide a modern, fully accessible social hub for residents of all age groups and their friends and family.
Retirement Village | Gleeds Global on behalf of Lovat Fields
Key Details
Client: Gleeds Global on behalf of Lovat Fields
Location:
Milton Keynes
Contract Value: £3.1m
Services: Architecture
Space Planning
Nottingham Trent University | Ceremonial Hall
Heritage & Conservation
“The completed building is central to the University’s strategic aim to personalise the student educational experience and to act as an anchor institution underpinning and adding to the culture of the City and region. The opening of the original hall in July was very well received by the University and City authorities, students and their guests.”
M.G. O’Donoghue - Director of Estates - Nottingham Trent University
We offer extensive historic building expertise with a practical and innovative approach to conservation.
We work with both listed buildings and those in conservation areas where we have built strong relationships with conservation authorities across various regions. Our approach respects the existing fabric and historic features, providing solutions that align with the original style while ensuring efficient building use.
Our team will support you throughout all stages of your historic building project. We help clients assess the condition of historic buildings, manage risks, and develop effective remedial solutions. Each project is tailored to the client's needs, whether maintaining the building's original style or incorporating modern, energy-efficient designs.
Experienced in
• Conservation Areas
• Grade I Listed Buildings
• Grade II Listed Buildings
• Planning and Listed Building Applications
• Listed Building Condition Surveys
Selection of Current Clients
Grade II Listed Building Expansion | Blackfordby St Margaret's C of E Primary School
Grade II Listed Building Refurbishment | Warwickshire County Council
Grade II Listed Building Refurbishment | Castle Rock School
Our Services
Bingham Leisure Centre, Bingham Arena
Architecture
We offer a full range of architectural services and diverse range of expertise from master planning through to technical detailing and full project management. We carefully study the site from the outset and consider factors such as sustainability, future flexibility and robust detailing all in line with available budget to achieve best value for money. We ensure these are integrated within our design to help our clients to meet their stakeholder's aspirations and reduce environmental impact.
We approach every scheme with due consideration to the wider setting to ensure future developments and expansions are not compromised. We carry out a comprehensive risk assessment to ensure a realistic cost and programme can be produced from the outset. On all projects, we deliver creative and high-quality designs, which assist in reducing running costs, provide flexible spaces and meet the expectations of the end users. We have a ‘get it right, first time’ approach and develop pragmatic technical solutions throughout. We listen to our clients, we understand the brief and we deliver innovative, future-proofed designs.
BIM & Visualisation
YMD Boon has extensive experience in Building Information Modelling and its requirements. In the early concept phase, we produce 3D visualisations and walkthroughs to help clients quickly grasp design ideas and better understand proposals.
Throughout detailed design and construction, we use BIM models to facilitate collaboration and discussions between the design team and clients in a 3D environment. This allows us to identify potential clashes early, streamlining workflows and achieving significant cost and time savings.
Our BIM services enable us to explore energy-efficient strategies, assess environmental impacts, and optimise building performance to meet the highest sustainability standards.
Principal Designer, Building Safety Act & CDM
We regularly and successfully undertake the roles of Principal Designer, Principal Designer under the Building Safety Act, and CDM Advisor. This expertise ensures we deliver comprehensive safety oversight throughout the design and construction phases, prioritising regulatory compliance, risk management, and client satisfaction.
Principal Designer
We have professional staff trained to undertake the role of Principal Designer, and all Design staff are trained to fulfil their duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. Our Principal Designers are responsible for planning, managing and monitoring the co-ordination of the health and safety aspects of the design.
Building Safety Act
Under the Building Safety Act, we ensure designs comply with safety regulations, particularly fire safety and structural integrity. We maintain detailed documentation, manage risks with other professionals, and ensure buildings meet safety standards while communicating transparently with clients and stakeholders.
Construction (Design & Management) Advisor
Our dedicated CDM Advisor works closely with our team to ensure H&S risks are identified and addressed from the outset. They offer well-informed advice and training on construction design processes, risk mitigation, best practice H&S application and current legislation. They assist in eradicating foreseeable H&S risks or, if full mitigation is not possible, taking steps to reduce the risk to create cost-effective solutions that never compromise quality or safety.
Masterplanning & Placemaking
We offer masterplanning, placemaking and strategic planning services, focusing on long-term, flexible visions for client assets. We analyse land use, building connections, and surrounding environments, working closely with clients, key stakeholders and wider community. We provide costed feasibility studies and phased plans based on the feed-back of consultations to optimise asset development, attract investment, and ensure effective upgrades or replacements.
Masterplan | Newark & Sherwood District Council
Masterplan Boston Borough Council
Building Surveying
YMD Boon has a team of over 20 Building Surveyors, 90% of which are Chartered or working towards their Chartership. We specialise in developing existing buildings and in restoring, repairing, and maintaining structures, including the conservation of historic and listed buildings. The nature of our services ranges from:
Project Delivery: Project Management, Contract Administration, Design & Specification, Site Supervision & Clerk of Works, Principal Designer, Feasibility Studies & Options Appraisals.
Building Consultancy: Condition Surveys, Dilapidation Surveys, Pre-acquisition & Residential Surveys, Measured Surveys, Party Wall Surveyor, Building Defect Analysis.
Education Funding Support: Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), School Condition Allocation (SCA), Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF), Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), T-Level Funding, Post-16 Expansion, Section 106 Funding.,
Thermal Imaging & Drone Surveys
Where access is limited or restricted, our surveys are delivered using drone technology. YMD Boon employ in-house drone operators who work under the direction of YMD Boon Chartered Building Surveyors. These drone surveys can be used for condition assessment or thermal imaging.
Drones largely reduce the amount of time needed on site and the requirement for hire of powered access or scaffolding is eliminated. Some areas of roofs may be completely inaccessible by traditional methods and fragile and ageing roofs may present serious health and safety risks if accessed. The use of drones eliminates these risks and challenges.
Thermal Drone Image of Roof | Bishop Stopford School
Funding Support
Primary & Secondary School Funding
We consistently complete around 80 Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) bids each year and have maintained long-term partnerships with many of our clients, having been involved with CIF since its inception. We are one of the leading CIF consultants in the East Midlands, securing 36% of all successful bids in this area in 2024/25. In addition, we currently partner with 14 MATs to support the prioritisation, coordination, planning, and delivery of their School Condition Allocation (SCA) funding. By assessing the current condition and future needs of school buildings, we produce comprehensive reports that help Trusts maximise their investment in capital improvements.
Further Education Funding
We support clients in securing grants through Post-16 Capacity Fund, T-Level Capital Fund and Institute of Technology Fund. We have partnered with FE colleges to secure over £20m in funding for new, expansion and refurbishment schemes in recent years.
Decarbonisation & Energy Efficiency Funding
We help public sector organisations secure government decarbonisation funding. We have recently assisted two FE colleges in obtaining £6m through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) to support heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency improvements across their campuses.
Local Authority Funding
We assist local authorities in securing Levelling Up and Towns Fund grants to support capital investment projects aimed at 'levelling up' regions. Recently, we helped Boston Borough Council and Boston College secure £12.45 million through the Boston Town Deal.
Kitchen Refurbishment for East Midlands Education Trust | Funding Secured through SCA
Bricklaying Workshop at Derby College | Funding Secured through T-Level Capital Fund
Derby College Decarbonisation Programme | Funding Secured through PSDS
The Mayflower | Funding Secured through Boston Town Deal
Health & Safety
Our Chartered team of Health and Safety Consultants has over 25 years’ experience in supporting and advising clients to raise Health and Safety standards, whilst enabling them to continue their day-to-day operations.
Our clients enjoy a personable yet professional service which they can rely on. Our proactive approach will provide pragmatic solutions to ensure all relevant risks are managed suitably and sufficiently to protect staff and members of the public.
Many of our consultants are CMIOSH qualified and have worked both in-house and as independent health and safety consultants in a range of industries.
Fire Risk Assessments
YMD Boon is a proud Affiliate Member of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM), which places us at the forefront of the fire profession industry.
Our team of competent professionals can conduct a thorough fire risk assessment tailored to your firm’s unique needs. From identifying potential hazards to devising practical action plans, we ensure that your premises are fully compliant and equipped to mitigate fire risks effectively. Beyond the assessment, we provide comprehensive support to address any identified shortcomings.
Experienced In
• Competent Person Service
• Fire Risk Assessments
• Management Audits
• Gap Analysis
• CPD-Accredited Training Courses
• Online Training Academy
• Site Inspections
• Incident Investigations
CPD-Accredited Training Courses
If you require one-off training on a particular health & safety topic, our team can deliver CPD-approved training courses on-site or online, as and when your school requires it. Additionally, we offer an eLearning Training Academy Service which provides detailed online courses on Fire Safety, Food Safety, Working at Height and more. Having access to all Health & Safety training courses in one place makes it much easier to keep on top of your organisation’s training needs and allows you, and your staff, to complete the training in your own time and at your own pace.
