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Start your project with PiP Architects...

Contact us today to explore how we can transform your space.

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“Your personal relationship with your architect is so important. PiP was the right fit for us. They design quite edgy stuff and we liked that they use more interesting materials.

They came up with three different designs and worked with us to create an overall flow through the house that really delivers what we wanted to achieve.

We trusted the PiP team to make good decisions, particularly on the technical aspects, and we felt in really safe hands.”

Thanks Jodie and Dan.

“Your personal relationship with your architect is so important. PiP was the right fit for us. They design quite edgy stuff and we liked that they use more interesting materials.

They came up with three different designs and worked with us to create an overall flow through the house that really delivers what we wanted to achieve.

We trusted the PiP team to make good decisions, particularly on the technical aspects, and we felt in really safe hands.”

Thanks Jodie and Dan.

Throw back to our Elm Street project of eight new dwellings in the ground of Listed buildings in the heart of Cambridge.

Still looking great in the sunshine a couple of years on.

Throw back to our Elm Street project of eight new dwellings in the ground of Listed buildings in the heart of Cambridge.

Still looking great in the sunshine a couple of years on.

At our Barton Road project, we used contrast to anchor the building in its rural setting:
Light vs dark. Near vs far. Robust vs refined.

The result is a house that feels calm and simple in the wider landscape, but rewards anyone who gets close with layers of detail and material richness.

At our Barton Road project, we used contrast to anchor the building in its rural setting:
Light vs dark. Near vs far. Robust vs refined.

The result is a house that feels calm and simple in the wider landscape, but rewards anyone who gets close with layers of detail and material richness.

Sunlight pouring through our trapezium atrium rooflight on a new build dwelling on Barrow Road in Cambridge.

Set within the local conservation area the home boasts a large basement, swimming pool and leisure facilities along with this beautiful garden wall.

Sunlight pouring through our trapezium atrium rooflight on a new build dwelling on Barrow Road in Cambridge.

Set within the local conservation area the home boasts a large basement, swimming pool and leisure facilities along with this beautiful garden wall.

In 2026, sustainability isn’t an optional extra.

It should be built into the way we design as standard.

Our baseline includes: ASHP, PV panels, battery storage

The technology and best practice are always evolving, but the principle stays the same:
good design, good value, and a lighter footprint.

In 2026, sustainability isn’t an optional extra.

It should be built into the way we design as standard.

Our baseline includes: ASHP, PV panels, battery storage

The technology and best practice are always evolving, but the principle stays the same:
good design, good value, and a lighter footprint.

What's the most expensive mistake in a self-build project?

Treating the concept stage as just a mood board exercise.

Concept design is where we join the dots between how you want to live, what the site allows, and what your budget can really deliver.

What's the most expensive mistake in a self-build project?

Treating the concept stage as just a mood board exercise.

Concept design is where we join the dots between how you want to live, what the site allows, and what your budget can really deliver.

For Jodie and Dan, the UK property market couldn’t deliver the crafted architecture they were searching for - so they came to us to design it.

This minimalism looks effortless, but it isn’t.

For Jodie and Dan, the UK property market couldn’t deliver the crafted architecture they were searching for - so they came to us to design it.

This minimalism looks effortless, but it isn’t.

"From our first meeting with Chris, we knew PiP was the right fit.

They listened carefully to our brief, made creative suggestions that we would never have thought of ourselves. PiP were incredibly knowledgeable about the planning process, and worked well with our planning consultants to navigate this very tricky stage.

We look forward to continuing to work closely with Chris and his team to deliver our forever home. We feel in very good hands indeed.”

Thanks Hanna

"From our first meeting with Chris, we knew PiP was the right fit.

They listened carefully to our brief, made creative suggestions that we would never have thought of ourselves. PiP were incredibly knowledgeable about the planning process, and worked well with our planning consultants to navigate this very tricky stage.

We look forward to continuing to work closely with Chris and his team to deliver our forever home. We feel in very good hands indeed.”

Thanks Hanna

This project began with the garden.

We designed an extension that would maximise glazing, improve flow and offer the indoor–outdoor connection the property needed, complete with a roof terrace that feels as the garden has spilled upwards.

Restrained design. Transformative results.

This project began with the garden.

We designed an extension that would maximise glazing, improve flow and offer the indoor–outdoor connection the property needed, complete with a roof terrace that feels as the garden has spilled upwards.

Restrained design. Transformative results.

Most houses we design don't need to be a PassivHaus.
But the principles inform every project.

Our Senior Architect Concha is PassivHaus certified. Here's her take:

"PassivHaus helps us design buildings that perform as well as they look. Orientation, airtightness, ventilation - these decisions shape every project from the start. The certificate isn't always necessary. But when clients want complete confidence in low energy use, comfort and long-term value, a full PassivHaus approach delivers this."

Most houses we design don't need to be a PassivHaus.
But the principles inform every project.

Our Senior Architect Concha is PassivHaus certified. Here's her take:

"PassivHaus helps us design buildings that perform as well as they look. Orientation, airtightness, ventilation - these decisions shape every project from the start. The certificate isn't always necessary. But when clients want complete confidence in low energy use, comfort and long-term value, a full PassivHaus approach delivers this."

‘Sustainable’ shouldn’t be a greenwash on the surface of a project.

We start with four simple principles:

• Sustainable design – use less energy and resources.
• Passivhaus – let the building do most of the work.
• Biophilic design – more light, air, views and natural materials.
• Re use – when appropriate, start with what’s already there.

Together, they shape every project we work on.

‘Sustainable’ shouldn’t be a greenwash on the surface of a project.

We start with four simple principles:

• Sustainable design – use less energy and resources.
• Passivhaus – let the building do most of the work.
• Biophilic design – more light, air, views and natural materials.
• Re use – when appropriate, start with what’s already there.

Together, they shape every project we work on.

The planning battle isn’t always where you expect it to be.

At Woodlands Road, policy supported a replacement home, but the conservation officer objected to any demolition.

We slowed down, brought in heritage, landscape and energy specialists, and showed that a new net zero carbon house was the better outcome.

Neighbours, parish and local councillors backed the scheme – and it was unanimously approved at committee.

The planning battle isn’t always where you expect it to be.

At Woodlands Road, policy supported a replacement home, but the conservation officer objected to any demolition.

We slowed down, brought in heritage, landscape and energy specialists, and showed that a new net zero carbon house was the better outcome.

Neighbours, parish and local councillors backed the scheme – and it was unanimously approved at committee.

Pleased to share we've just secured consent for Crown Street...
11 new one-bed homes that sit comfortably in their surroundings.

We kept 80 Crown Street intact and let it lead the design.
The new block mirrors it rather than competing with it.

Simple, sustainable homes that will bring something valuable to an existing community.

Pleased to share we've just secured consent for Crown Street...
11 new one-bed homes that sit comfortably in their surroundings.

We kept 80 Crown Street intact and let it lead the design.
The new block mirrors it rather than competing with it.

Simple, sustainable homes that will bring something valuable to an existing community.

“The property was in such a poor state that it effectively needed gutting and completely rebuilding. Now, we’re delighted with our new home!

PiP listened carefully to our requirements and came up with some excellent proposals. we would thoroughly recommend them to anyone for the realisation of a high quality building project.”

Catherine Bailey

“The property was in such a poor state that it effectively needed gutting and completely rebuilding. Now, we’re delighted with our new home!

PiP listened carefully to our requirements and came up with some excellent proposals. we would thoroughly recommend them to anyone for the realisation of a high quality building project.”

Catherine Bailey

"I have some design ideas - but how do I know if they're possible?"

That uncertainty is exactly where good architecture begins.

We start with pencil and paper. This concept stage is where the project finds its logic. Everything that follows is stronger for it.

"I have some design ideas - but how do I know if they're possible?"

That uncertainty is exactly where good architecture begins.

We start with pencil and paper. This concept stage is where the project finds its logic. Everything that follows is stronger for it.

"Chris and his team consistently demonstrate a thoughtful, integrated approach ensuring the best possible end result. As a landscape designer, I particularly value architects who understand the importance of cohesive design across disciplines. PiP are an exceptional team to collaborate with."

Tristen Knight, Landscape Designer

"Chris and his team consistently demonstrate a thoughtful, integrated approach ensuring the best possible end result. As a landscape designer, I particularly value architects who understand the importance of cohesive design across disciplines. PiP are an exceptional team to collaborate with."

Tristen Knight, Landscape Designer

Bold doesn't have to mean disrespectful.

At this 1920s Arts and Crafts house in a Cambridge conservation area, we’re using shuttered concrete in arched forms to create something honest and contemporary.

Heritage isn't a constraint. In the right hands, it's a brief.

Bold doesn't have to mean disrespectful.

At this 1920s Arts and Crafts house in a Cambridge conservation area, we’re using shuttered concrete in arched forms to create something honest and contemporary.

Heritage isn't a constraint. In the right hands, it's a brief.

Zinc vs powdered steel:

Zinc is pliable. Complex details. Secret fixings. Higher cost. Limited but considered colour range.

Steel comes pre-formed . Faster installation. Any colour available. Lower cost. But visible fixings and catalogue edge components.

We choose based on what the building needs.

Zinc vs powdered steel:

Zinc is pliable. Complex details. Secret fixings. Higher cost. Limited but considered colour range.

Steel comes pre-formed . Faster installation. Any colour available. Lower cost. But visible fixings and catalogue edge components.

We choose based on what the building needs.

Every flat roof in Cambridge City is required to be green - it’s a local plan policy.

The intention is good – biodiversity enhancement, stormwater management, ecological benefit for the city.

Our role is making it work for each project.

Every flat roof in Cambridge City is required to be green - it’s a local plan policy.

The intention is good – biodiversity enhancement, stormwater management, ecological benefit for the city.

Our role is making it work for each project.

Nine homes. One former farm site. Nearly there.

We've been with this project from the very beginning — working alongside Beechwood Estates and Jesus College to bring this Harston development to life.

The final landscape touches are going in now - the part when the spaces between the buildings start to make sense.

Nine homes. One former farm site. Nearly there.

We've been with this project from the very beginning — working alongside Beechwood Estates and Jesus College to bring this Harston development to life.

The final landscape touches are going in now - the part when the spaces between the buildings start to make sense.

Good architecture leaves room for collaboration.

At High Street Chesterton, we established volume, light and flow.

Sarah Austin from B-Property shaped the spaces with a beautifully considered material palette and detailing.

Good architecture leaves room for collaboration.

At High Street Chesterton, we established volume, light and flow.

Sarah Austin from B-Property shaped the spaces with a beautifully considered material palette and detailing.

At Grantchester Road:

The triangulated first floor extension works within 45-degree guidelines.

The chamfered zinc dormers maximise useable loft space.

The constraints shaped the form.

At Grantchester Road:

The triangulated first floor extension works within 45-degree guidelines.

The chamfered zinc dormers maximise useable loft space.

The constraints shaped the form.

On our Grantchester Road extension and loft conversion, every room floods with natural light:

Chamfered zinc dormers in the loft.
Floor to ceiling angled glazing on the first floor

A continuous ribbon of glass wrapping from wall to roof above the dining table at ground level.

Every space enjoying views out towards a beautiful private lake.

On our Grantchester Road extension and loft conversion, every room floods with natural light:

Chamfered zinc dormers in the loft.
Floor to ceiling angled glazing on the first floor

A continuous ribbon of glass wrapping from wall to roof above the dining table at ground level.

Every space enjoying views out towards a beautiful private lake.

There are two types of green roof: intensive and extensive.

Read our short guide on the two systems, how to choose between them and what to expect from each.

https://www.piparchitecture.co.uk/post/green-roofs-explained

There are two types of green roof: intensive and extensive.

Read our short guide on the two systems, how to choose between them and what to expect from each.

https://www.piparchitecture.co.uk/post/green-roofs-explained

Value engineering doesn’t have to mean lesser architecture.

At High Street Chesterton, we swapped burnt larch cladding for fibre cement board, and zinc roofing for powder-coated steel – but thoughtful detailing kept the strong design intent intact.

Value engineering doesn’t have to mean lesser architecture.

At High Street Chesterton, we swapped burnt larch cladding for fibre cement board, and zinc roofing for powder-coated steel – but thoughtful detailing kept the strong design intent intact.

Gaining planning approval isn’t the end of the architectural project.

At High Street, Chesterton, developer B Property came to us with permission already in place.

We took an inherited design and brought it to life on site.

Gaining planning approval isn’t the end of the architectural project.

At High Street, Chesterton, developer B Property came to us with permission already in place.

We took an inherited design and brought it to life on site.

Corten steel ages with intention.

Developing a natural rust finish over time, it brings seasonal variation as the building settles into its context.

At Willis Road, we used it to bridge Victorian heritage and contemporary design.

Corten steel ages with intention.

Developing a natural rust finish over time, it brings seasonal variation as the building settles into its context.

At Willis Road, we used it to bridge Victorian heritage and contemporary design.

If your site is in a conservation area, do you have to design something to match the Georgian or Victorian heritage all around?

No.

Complement the setting through scale, materials and proportion – not through fake historical details.

Contemporary design can (and should) respect heritage without copying it

If your site is in a conservation area, do you have to design something to match the Georgian or Victorian heritage all around?

No.

Complement the setting through scale, materials and proportion – not through fake historical details.

Contemporary design can (and should) respect heritage without copying it

How do you save a historic building AND make it fit for 21st Century life?

At Waterside in Ely, we did something counterintuitive.

Remove the roofs. Drop new buildings inside.

Read more here: https://www.piparchitecture.co.uk/post/waterside-ely

How do you save a historic building AND make it fit for 21st Century life?

At Waterside in Ely, we did something counterintuitive.

Remove the roofs. Drop new buildings inside.

Read more here: https://www.piparchitecture.co.uk/post/waterside-ely

Planning approved for this contemporary family home in Cambridge.

The brief called for balance and harmony:

* Double height atrium
* Panoramic views
* Generous open plan spaces

When a design feels right for the site, planning will often follow.

Planning approved for this contemporary family home in Cambridge.

The brief called for balance and harmony:

* Double height atrium
* Panoramic views
* Generous open plan spaces

When a design feels right for the site, planning will often follow.

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