Cal Architects

General information

We are an award-winning architectural practice and have extensive knowledge and experience within the construction industry, underpinned by a proven track record for design quality across various work sectors.

Cal Architects was founded in 2014 by Simon North and James Thomson. Simon and James had previously worked together at Sturgeon North Architects, where they completed the multiple award-winning City Park in central Bradford, a hugely successful public realm regeneration project for Bradford Council.

Our architecture is innovative, environmental and commercial. Our designs are driven by a collaborative creative process; we engage with clients, consultants, contractors and end-users to deliver site-specific architectural solutions that are relevant, contemporary and timeless. We ensure that our concepts are strong and that the identity and objectives of the projects are retained throughout the process, from design to delivery.

Cal Architects are currently working on live projects valued between £100,000 and £25m within a wide range of sectors including residential, sustainable living, masterplanning, leisure and commercial. We have a resource stream that enables us to grow a specific team quickly - people want to work with us. Our work is not limited to a particular sector and do not believe in the ‘specialist’. We take a brief, we listen, we learn and we respond positively. Our approach is always hands on. We work, meet, discuss and most importantly listen around one very big table. Our core ideal is that everyone is involved and is fully up to speed.

We make models. Not finished models but tools for all the team to understand the parameters of the site. We work quickly to communicate concepts that respond to the brief, the context and the commercial constraints.

An environmental approach to architecture is built into everything we do - we consider sustainability as integral to good quality, well considered design. This manifests itself through being responsive, contextual designers.

We are delighted with the numerous local, national and international awards and press coverage that our projects have achieved throughout our years in practice. While we are not driven by a need for reward it is always nice to receive recognition for doing what we love.