Architect, Liverpool Needed: Tips for Finding the Best Match for Your Project
How to Find the Right Architect for Your Next Project
Finding the right architect for your next residential or commercial project is crucial to its success. Whether you’re planning a home renovation, a new build, or a commercial development, the right architect can turn your vision into reality while ensuring that every detail is handled professionally and efficiently. Here’s how to find the perfect fit for your project.
- Choose a RIBA Chartered Architect
Look for architects who are RIBA Chartered. This ensures they meet the highest industry standards and have the qualifications and experience needed to deliver quality work. Whether you're based in Liverpool, Wirral, London, or anywhere in Merseyside or Cheshire, choosing a RIBA Chartered Architect gives you peace of mind that you're working with a trusted professional. - Assess Their Experience
Consider whether the architect has experience in the type of project you're undertaking. For residential architects, it’s important they have a portfolio that includes home renovations, extensions, or new builds. For commercial projects, find commercial architects with a background in office spaces, retail, or industrial developments. Local architects in Liverpool, Wirral, and beyond can offer the advantage of familiarity with local planning regulations and suppliers. - Review Their Portfolio
Always ask to see examples of previous work. An architect’s portfolio will showcase their design style, attention to detail, and versatility. Look for projects that align with your vision, whether modern, eco-friendly, or luxury. - Check Client Testimonials
Testimonials and reviews provide insights into an architect’s professionalism, communication, and ability to deliver on time and within budget. - Consultation and Communication
Once you’ve shortlisted potential architects, arrange consultations. Good communication is key to a successful project, so choose an architect who listens to your ideas and offers creative solutions.
Finding the right architect ensures a smooth, successful project. For RIBA Chartered Architects in Liverpool, Wirral, London, or Cheshire, contact a trusted architectural firm that aligns with your goals.
Feel free to reach out by phone, or call into our studios for a complimentary consultation with our team.
a look back to 2024 and our goals for 2025
a look back at 2024:
china town:
the team at 16a has been working on an exciting commercial project located in liverpool’s chinatown which is home to the oldest chinese community in europe.
currently, in the planning stage, we are looking forward to working on the development of a boutique hotel and restaurant space for our client, global school alliance.
home 96b:
2024 saw the launch of “home,” taking inspiration from john lennon's legendary "home restaurant" in new york. the once-neglected art deco bank on liverpool road in maghull has been transformed into a thriving restaurant and bar, right in the heart of maghull.
the team at 16a oversaw all architectural aspects from demolition to the finishing touches and interior design. their dedication promises a unique and inviting space that locals and visitors alike will enjoy.
heinz:
in partnership with usp, 16a created design proposals for reimagining numerous key aspects of the heinz factory at kitt green.
our goal was to promote an inclusive and innovative work environment that would not only improve functionality but also extend from the factory entrance to occupational health, research, and development, plus a canteen.
the initial design philosophy of this project is based on the idea of a dynamic, inclusive workspace. our idea is to build a strong foundation at the factory entrance, which would stand for unity and connectivity. this foundation represents kraft heinz's culture of cooperation and unity in addition to acting as a structural support.
egerton house:
egerton house was a former banana warehouse originally completed in 1874.
16a were commissioned for the refurbishment of the west wing of the building which we completed earlier this year. the refurbishment saw the number of offices grow from 25 to 50 and is part of a series of exciting projects in birkenhead after wirral council secured £25 million in funding from the government, to allow more businesses to thrive in such a prime location on the periphery of the wirral waters scheme.
roderick kearns:
in 2024 we launched roderick kearns, a collection of meticulously curated luxury designer homeware pieces bespoke to our clients and their homes. working with brands such as roche bobois, visual comfort and porta romana means we can deliver a range of high end products ranging from furniture, lighting and decorative accessories.
trend blogs:
this autumn, we launched trend reports focusing on some of the world’s largest design fairs, such as paris design week, pad london, and dutch design week. as a studio, it is crucial for us to stay up to date with trends, ensuring that we make informed choices that align with our clients' needs.
home building and renovation show harrogate:
in november the team took a trip to harrogate where we exhibited at the home building and renovation show. the show has been running for over 30 years now and was an excellent opportunity to gain inspiration and meet new clients.
looking forward to 2025:
the 16a Interiors team is looking forward to starting new residential and commercial projects in 2025 and visiting numerous trade shows, starting with the surface design show in february.
Cultural Treasures: Exploring Liverpool's Chinatown
Revitalising Liverpool's Chinatown: A Heritage of Resilience and a Vision for the Future
In the vibrant heart of Liverpool, Chinatown stands as a symbol of cultural richness and historical significance. As the longest-standing Chinese community in Europe, Liverpool’s Chinatown tells a story of resilience, adaptation, and community strength. With ambitious plans for "New Chinatown" on the horizon, many hope for a redevelopment of Nelson Street and surrounding areas to build on the city’s unique heritage.
Chinatown’s origins trace back to 1866, when the Blue Funnel Shipping Line established a route between Liverpool and China. Early Chinese immigrants, mainly sailors, settled near Cleveland Square due to its proximity to the docks. Over time, the community grew, forming the foundations of what would become Liverpool's Chinatown, including key streets like Pitt Street and Frederick Street.
During the early 20th century, the area flourished, becoming a hub of trade and culture, with shops, restaurants, and community centres. However, the neighbourhood was severely damaged during the Luftwaffe’s May Blitz in 1941, and parts of historic Chinatown were lost. In the aftermath, the community relocated to Nelson Street and surrounding areas, including Great George Street and Duke Street, where it remains today.
Today, Chinatown’s architectural legacy and cultural significance are evident, most famously with the towering Chinese Imperial Arch on Nelson Street. Standing at 44 feet, the arch was a gift from Liverpool’s twin city, Shanghai, and is adorned with 200 dragons—a striking symbol of the enduring relationship between the two cities.
Efforts to revitalise Chinatown are essential to preserving this rich heritage. A push towards the redevelopment of Nelson Street would not only celebrate its cultural roots but also create new opportunities for businesses and tourism, benefitting the wider community. With 16a being a RIBA Chartered architects in Liverpool, London, Wirral, and Shanghai at the forefront of conservation, hotel design, and renovation projects, there's great potential to restore Chinatown to its former glory while ensuring it thrives for future generations.
At a time when urban regeneration is crucial, architects and interior designers can play a vital role in conserving Chinatown's historical significance while embracing modern designs. As Liverpool moves forward with its "New Chinatown" vision, it will be exciting to see how this area can become a beacon of culture, history, and community for both locals and visitors.
For architects specialising in conservation, renovation, and community-focused design, Liverpool’s Chinatown offers a unique opportunity to blend tradition with modernity. Through thoughtful architectural planning and design, the revitalisation of Nelson Street could once again position Chinatown as a thriving centre of culture and commerce.
