About
Our approach
We work across a diverse range of building typologies, including ecclesiastical and community spaces, public and academic institutions, high-end residential developments, and country houses - all with thoughtful, context-driven design at the core of the project.
Our projects consistently involve historically significant or listed buildings, often situated in architecturally sensitive settings. Where appropriate, we design new interventions within the historic fabric, particularly when a building is being repurposed for a new use.
We foster a spirit of genuine collaboration across the design team and promote a partnering mindset between client and contractor. We are experienced in working closely with Conservation Officers, Building Control Officers, and Parochial Church Councils, and we value the long-standing professional relationships we have built.
As Managing Director, Andrew Coles remains closely involved throughout all RIBA work stages, supported by a flexible and experienced team
Studio
Andrew Coles
BA(Hons), DipArch, RIBA, SCA
Andrew is the founder and managing director of Coles Conservation Architects Ltd, having previously held senior roles at two leading historic buildings Architects practices in the UK.
Andrew is qualified as a Specialist Conservation Architect with the RIBA and is currently serving as Guardian for the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), sitting on their Technical and Research Committee. As a Quinquennial Inspector for the Diocese of London, Andrew is also inspecting Architect to several important City of London Churches.
Christopher Walker
BA(Hons), MArch, PGDip
Christopher joined Coles Conservation Architects Ltd as Associate Director in mid-2023 and has previously held roles at two other leading conservation practices.
Chris has experience working across a range of project types in the heritage sector, including private clients, museums, and ecclesiastical. Chris has presented to the likes of SAVE Britain’s Heritage and King Charles III, and he has a keen interest in the introduction of modern, well-designed interventions within historic settings.
Oliver Garland
BA(Hons)
Olly joined the practice in 2024 as an Architectural Assistant, having achieved a first-class honours in Architecture from Central Saint Martins in 2023.
Olly is also a student and committee member within the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects, and he has given lectures at the National Gallery in London on the works of Canaletto and Pieter de Hooch. Other notable university achievements include a nomination for the 2021 North London RIBA Innovation Award, for his first-year university co-living project.
Swara Bharadwaj
BArch (Hons)
Swara joined Coles Conservation Architects as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant and graduated from the University of Nottingham with Honours in 2023.
Swara has previously had a year’s experience as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant in historical conservation in the Cotswolds and has worked across various parts of the heritage sector, including institutions such as the National Trust, for private clients and ecclesiastical projects.
Adrian Copeman
F.C.C.A
Adrian is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants with many years’ experience in senior management roles, accounting and taxation in both small and large businesses.
He has been instrumental in the development of Coles Conservation Architects from its incorporation. With a background in assisting a diverse range of start-ups across a number of differing sectors, Adrian has provided strategic guidance in the early growth of the business.
Oliver Bradbury
Ph.D., M.Litt.
Oliver is a highly experienced architectural historian and researcher, who works across a wide range of historic building analysis, especially focussed on documentary-based research and archives.
Widely published as a sole author, and in peer-reviewed academic journals, he was awarded a Ph.D. in 2018. This was based on his most significant book to date, Sir John Soane’s Influence on Architecture from 1791 – A Continuing Legacy (Ashgate Publishing Company, 2015). The book was on the ‘Long List 2016’ nominations for The William MB Berger Prize for British Art History, 2016. The paperback was published in 2018.
Sara Kelly
BA (Hons), MA
Sara works with Coles Conservation Architects as an Architectural Assistant and manages PR for the practice.
In 2016, Sara graduated from Newcastle University with a BA (Honours) in Architecture and completed an MA from Chelsea College of Art in 2019. Since graduating, she has developed a career spanning Design, Textile Art and Education.
