Business Details
Award-Winning Chartered Architects in Lancashire
AW+A Architects, a registered RIBA practice, is situated in Lancashire. Its founding director, Andrew Wolstenholme, boasts over two decades of experience working in commercial practice in and around Manchester, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, and the wider North West region.Andrew's expertise spans a broad spectrum, encompassing everything from private residences to expansive commercial office developments, as well as hotels and recreational facilities. Notably, he holds a wealth of knowledge in designing housing for both the private and public sectors and has secured approvals for numerous housing projects on both greenfield and previously developed land. Furthermore, he has effectively represented clients in Planning Appeals, serving as an expert witness.
Throughout his tenure in the field, Andrew has established a robust network of dependable and talented professionals who are available for guidance and can be engaged when their specialized skills and experience are required for more intricate projects.
Services
Full Measured Surveys
Feasibility Design
Housing Layouts
Masterplanning
Permitted Development
Planning Applications
Building Regulations
Construction Drawings
Contract Administration
Principal Designer
Details
- Licensed
- Insured
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial architectural design.
- Our RIBA-chartered practice provides tailored solutions for unique project requirements.
- We specialise in planning approvals and conservation projects with rural contexts.
- Our client-focused approach ensures transparent communication and budget adherence.
- We maintain a network of trusted professionals for seamless project execution.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
Payment methods
- Cash, Debit cards, Credit cards, Mobile payments, Bank transfers
What people say
Brilliant architect
Super responsive
Amazing extensions
Solid network of professionals
Stress-free process
Services
Full Measured Surveys
We conduct detailed site surveys to capture existing conditions accurately. Our surveys form the foundation for all subsequent design and planning stages. This service ensures precise data for informed decision-making in residential and commercial projects.
Feasibility Design
Our feasibility studies assess project viability through initial design concepts. We explore spatial arrangements, material choices, and budget considerations to establish clear project parameters. This service helps clients understand potential outcomes before committing to detailed plans.
Planning Applications
We prepare and submit comprehensive planning applications for residential and commercial developments. Our expertise includes householder applications, listed building consents, and change of use proposals. We guide clients through the approval process with strategic planning advice.
Building Regulations
We ensure designs meet all statutory requirements through detailed building regulation submissions. Our service includes technical drawings and specifications for compliance with safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency standards. We manage approvals for both domestic and commercial projects.
Contract Administration
We oversee project execution from tender to completion, ensuring adherence to design specifications and budgets. Our administration service includes contractor coordination, site inspections, and contract compliance monitoring. This ensures quality control throughout the construction process.
People
Andrew Wolstenholme
Founding Director
Andrew has over 20 years of experience in architectural design across residential, commercial, and leisure sectors. His expertise includes planning approvals, rural conservation, and housing developments. He specialises in merging modern design with natural environments.
Questions
What areas do you cover for architectural services?
We operate across Lancashire, Manchester, North Yorkshire, and throughout the North West region.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we specialise in both sectors with experience ranging from private homes to commercial developments.
Can you assist with listed building conversions?
Yes, we have extensive experience preparing listed building consent applications and conservation projects.
What planning services do you offer?
We provide full planning support including pre-application advice, outline applications, and permitted development assessments.
How do you manage project budgets?
We create tailored solutions with full consideration to client budgets at every design stage.
Reviews (6)
Judith Askew
Aug 26, 2022
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Andrew was recommended to us by a known and trusted builder for the extension to, and refurbishment of, a 1980's house. He understood our brief, and was able to add some fresh ideas and suggest some minor tweaks, most of which we accepted. He had a constant eye on both our budget and value for money, without compromising on quality. He, in turn, recommended a builder, who turned out to be absolutely first class - a rare find in the immediate post-Covid lockdown periods.
Above all, Andrew, was extremely pro-active, working very quickly on both the pre-contract design and approvals processes, and subsequently dealing with any issues arising during the works. We can recommend his practice with absolute confidence. Judith and Philip Askew
Above all, Andrew, was extremely pro-active, working very quickly on both the pre-contract design and approvals processes, and subsequently dealing with any issues arising during the works. We can recommend his practice with absolute confidence. Judith and Philip Askew
Mike Jones
Aug 07, 2021
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Andrew has done a great job with the conversion of my commercial building, he took the time to understand the job and figure out the best use of space to maximise the project while satisfying building regulations. Andrew has been very responsive to queries and happy to assist with tradesmen when needed. The plans he produced far exceeded my expectations. I hope to work with him again in the future. Thanks
Jon Guest
Jul 14, 2021
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Excellent service, drawings for small extension and loft conversion produced very quickly and to a very high standard. Andrew has dealt with local planning office and building regulations making the process as worry free as possible. I would not hesitate to recommend his services.
Ashley Dinsdale
Jul 03, 2021
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We have used Andrew to extend and redesign our house. At all times he has been extremely knowledgeable, patient and professional. He has really listened to what we want, while at the same time managing our expectations with regards to what is permitted within the Local Authority planning rules. We are delighted with the final plans he has produced for us. Absolutely first rate- would definitely recommend!
Sharon Moss
Apr 21, 2021
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We employed Andrew of AW A to design a house extension in a greenbelt area, our brief was given to him and he interpreted everything we wanted and produced a modern design that fits in with the surrounding area. We were very impressed with the service, Andrew responds promptly and is highly recommended.
Roger Phillips
Apr 11, 2020
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Andy designed our kitchen extension and came up with some fantastic ideas and suggestions for the space. We wouldn't hesitate to use his services again and would recommend AW&A Architects to anyone looking for any kind of domestic building work. We have plans to do some further work in the future and will definitely be using AW & A Architects for this. We will also recommend Andy/AW & A to friends and family.





