ABOUT US

Geoff and Claire formed Shu Architects in March 2019. As Shu Architects, we pride ourselves on being an independent, boutique architecture studio that offers a personal and bespoke service. Our passion and commitment to projects has helped ensure that clients return to use our services time and time again.

As well as well considered, low-energy new-build we have considerable experience in the re-use and refurbishment of buildings. Claire is an RIBA registered Conservation Architect and Geoff is a Certified Passivhaus Designer and we use these skills to promote a ‘fabric first’ approach to design.

We recognise the importance of added value and focus on deliverable design. We work as a team and collaborate together on all of our projects meaning everyone in the practice works on projects from inception to completion. This is really important for us as it means when we do our initial designs we do it in the knowledge that we know how it can be delivered on site. This also ensures that there is a continuity of service for our clients.

We are based in central Bristol but we undertake projects in the South of England and Wales. These range in size from £0.5 million to £10 million.

Geoff and Claire were formerly both design directors at Studio Henley Architects, which closed following the death of Nick Henley. Some of the completed projects showcased on this website are ones they were instrumental in leading and delivering.

SERVICES

We offer architectural services for all stages of a building project. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Planning Applications

  • Building Regulations Applications

  • Construction Drawings

  • Building Tenders

  • Monitoring Construction

  • Passivhaus Designer

  • Conservation Advice

  • Principal Designer

  • Feasibility Studies

  • Concept Design


We believe in being open about fees, and being clear about what you can expect from us. We offer a customised service for each client and are always happy to look at new projects to see how we can help. If you have a project you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our Team

 

Geoff smith

Geoff studied at Portsmouth and Kingston Universities and has over 20 years of experience as an architect. 

After obtaining his degree Geoff worked for 2 years in Japan with the Japanese practice, Atelier Zo. He learned to speak Japanese and the experience has given him a lifetime interest in Japanese modernism. He travelled back to Japan in 2009 to research modernism and traditional architecture of the ‘everyday’.

His early career was with Re-Format architects in Hampshire before moving to Bristol to start with Barlow Henley architects, where he first began working with Claire. Geoff has helped to successfully deliver residential, commercial and marine projects in London and the south west. An interest in low-energy residential design led Geoff to become a certified Passivhaus designer in 2019.

Geoff is also an Associate Lecturer at the University of the West of England and has taught and examined for professional Part 3 qualifications. He is committed to the sustainable adaptation of existing buildings and low-energy solutions for new buildings.

Claire humphreys

Claire has been a practicing architect for over 20 years who studied at Sheffield University and has always had a passion for both environmental and heritage design.

Her early career was spent with Broadway Malyan in Manchester then Gardner Stewart Architects in London before moving to Bristol in 2007 to work with Barlow Henley Architects where she worked alongside Geoff.

She completed a MSc in low energy and environmental design in architecture at the Centre for Alternative Energy in 2005. The use of natural materials and sustainable technologies lead her to be more involved with both cutting edge new builds as well as sensitive heritage projects. Since moving to Bristol in 2007 she has delivered many successful projects involving the conversion and remodelling of listed buildings and buildings in the heritage environment in Bristol, Bath & London for both the residential and commercial sector. In 2018 she became a registered RIBA Conservation Architect.

She has a passion for urban environments and is committed to improving our cities for their people and a more sustainable future.

Megan Peeks

Megan joined Shu Architects in July 2020 and has since completed her architectural studies to qualify as an Architect.

Megan has a keen interest is sustainable and site responsive architecture and enjoys the challenges of rethinking existing buildings.

gemma llewellyn

Gemma joined Shu Architects after graduating from UWE, having completed her studies in Architecture and Environmental Engineering. Now an apprentice with the practice, she is continuing her studies at UWE, working towards the Architecture Masters Part II qualification.

Gemma is interested in passive and low energy buildings and how this can be achieved by incorporating environmental engineering strategies at early design stages.