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Ethos
Design. Develop. Deliver.
Fabric Design & Build are a collective of architects, designers, interior designers and construction specialists who create beautiful spaces and buildings. We are a small office based in Solihull, but a practice fuelled by a passion for what we do.
We always deliver a personal service to our clients, and we take pride in the positive, lasting relationships that we create on every project. Our collaboration of architects and construction experts allows us to take a project from inception to delivery, providing a unique and efficient service to our clients.
Ultimately, a Fabric scheme is uniquely identifiable through the quality and craftsmanship evident throughout its design.
We aspire for recognition as the leading design and development practice throughout the Midlands and the Cotswolds. Whatever the brief, whether that be through a new build, refurbishment or extension, it is never just a drawing service that we provide. High-quality design drives our end product.
We understand that construction projects can be a stressful time for clients. However, through our approach, we manage and take full control of your project's technical and construction stages. We aim to allow you to invest your time in the enjoyable design process whilst ensuring a high-quality service and finish.
Our unique collaboration of the construction and design team allows for complete control over the project budget and scope throughout the process. The early comprehension of the architectural package between the two teams removes the risk of the as-built project differing from the contract documents, retaining Fabric's design ethos. Our craft is the enjoyment of realising someone's vision.
Assurance
What are the advantages of the Design & Build concept?
Time
Save time by performing tasks concurrently, rather than hiring individual companies to carry out tasks sequentially. A Design and Build approach can complete a project faster than using trades separately.
Collaboration
Our team of talented individuals has an integrated, collaborative approach. The synergies within the team promote innovative ideas and inspiration.
Quality
We have a dedicated management team for each project to ensure a considered approach to every aspect of the build. We pride ourselves on our commitment to high-quality standards.
Cost
Save money through efficiencies derived from the close working relationship and cooperation between members of an established Design and Build team.
Ease
Making life easier for yourself by leaving all aspects of the project to us. Also, with just one point of contact, it is straightforward for you to monitor progress on the build.
Testimonials
We are highly passionate about what we do, and the quality of our work and are delighted to say that most of our business is generated through recommendations.
Process
Elements of ‘Turn-key’ Design & Build
01
Initial appraisal
This involves understanding your needs and aspirations and then advising you on how your project can best meet these.
02
Design stage
The next step is to transform your vision into a series of drawings and images. This can start with simple concept sketches, before developing into formal drafted architectural plans, progressing through the planning stage, building regulations applications, and construction packages. The design team at Fabric will assist you through the RIBA Work Stages, the industry standard for architectural lead design projects.
03
Procurement
Once your requirements are finalised, a detailed specification will be produced. This will include details of the skills, materials, fixtures, and fittings that are required and enables us to understand a definitive project cost, paving the way for the construction process and the start on site.
04
Build
This is the main phase of the project, during which your concept becomes a reality. With support from the design team, our highly skilled construction team and craftsmen take control of your project’s construction stage, ensuring a high-quality service and finish. A turn-key approach allows us to monitor the budget closely, whilst maintaining the highest standards of finish and programme.
05
Post-construction
This is where we maintain an ongoing relationship ensuring you have complete peace of mind.
James Hughes
Founder and Managing Director
Ryan Gormley
Lead Architect ARB / RIBA
Dion Barrett
Architect ARB / RIBA
Nikos Nempis
Part II Architectural Assistant
Dave Baldock
Part III Architectural Assistant
Aimee Hughes
Studio Manager
Katie Gibbard
Administrator
Conrad Dudley
Project Manager
Paul Bristow
Project Manager
Daniel Bristow
Project Manager
Mitchell Webb
Builder
Steve McCloskey
Joiner
Robert Gillies
Builder
Craig Gillies
Builder
Jason Woakes
Builder
Zennan Anderson
Apprentice
Joe McCloskey
Apprentice
Colin Hughes
Office Dog
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James Hughes
Founder and Managing Director
James is our founding Director and is as passionate and committed as they come.
James first started out in life as a carpenter before studying architecture at Birmingham City University and furthering his studies with an Msc in Construction Project Management from the University of Birmingham, and a Pg Dip and MA in Urban Design from Oxford Brookes.
James possesses a unique set of skills and experience making him equally comfortable in construction, as he is design. This depth of industry understanding gave James the ability to challenge convention and create Fabric's holistic design and build service in 2017.
James has an unwavering commitment to his profession, and is motivated by creating meaningful, lasting architectural legacy alongside delivering a positive customer experience to all of his clients.
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Ryan Gormley
Lead Architect ARB / RIBA
Ryan is Lead Architect at Fabric. He holds a PgDip and M Arch from Birmingham City University and a BA from Oxford Brookes. During his Master’s studies, he obtained two RIBA President’s medal nominations.
Ryan has gained experience across a range of fields including residential, commercial, and, higher education; across projects up to £60 million. Ryan became a Chartered Architect and member of the Architects Registration Board in 2020.
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Dion Barrett
Architect ARB / RIBA
Dion is a chartered Architect at Fabric. He has experience in both design and delivery of Residential, Commercial and Higher Educational projects up to £60 Million and became a Chartered Architect and member of the Architects Registration Board in 2019.
Dion holds a BA and MArch from Liverpool John Moore’s University and PgDip from the Royal Institute of British Architects. He is also the Founder of Studio 50two, an Architecture Filmmaking Studio - using film to document the stories behind the built environment. Outside of the office, he is also an active member of the Birmingham Architectural Association, regularly organising events to increase collaboration and knowledge within the sector.
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Nikos Nempis
Part II Architectural Assistant
Nikos Joined Fabric in 2019 as a Part II Architectural Assistant, having acquired his MArch degree from Robert Gordon University of Aberdeen. His third-year project was shortlisted for the Rob Hunter Award, and he has been involved in numerous exhibitions around Scotland such as the RIAS Convention and Architecture Fringe 2019.
Nikos has particular experience in sustainable residential and commercial developments. He is equally passionate about architecture as interior design and leads the practice with his model-making and Revit proficiencies.
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Dave Baldock
Part III Architectural Assistant
Dave is a Part III Architectural Assistant at Fabric and Studio Assistant to the Foundation Year Architecture course at Birmingham City University. He holds an M Arch from Birmingham City University and a BA from Central Saint Martins, London. His M Arch thesis was nominated for the inaugural AJ Student Award 2018, and since then he has been involved in various architectural delineation competitions and journal entries.
He has professional experience in both residential and education sectors.
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Aimee Hughes
Studio Manager
Aimee has been with the practice since its conception, her high organisational levels and administration skills are what keep the practice running.
Aimee is responsible for managing the day to day operations of the business ensuring a continuous and uninterrupted crossover between both design, and build facets.
Aimee is passionate about marketing and increasing the company’s exposure through social media.
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Katie Gibbard
Administrator
Katie's high organisational levels and administration skills are what keep the practice running.
Katie is responsible for managing the day to day operations of the business ensuring a continuous and uninterrupted crossover between both design and build facets.
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Conrad Dudley
Project Manager
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Paul Bristow
Project Manager
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Daniel Bristow
Project Manager
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Mitchell Webb
Builder
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Steve McCloskey
Joiner
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Robert Gillies
Builder
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Craig Gillies
Builder
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Jason Woakes
Builder
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Zennan Anderson
Apprentice
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Joe McCloskey
Apprentice
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Colin Hughes
Office Dog
He may look like a small lion, but he couldn’t be further from it. Colin is a Chow Chow, and despite their ‘aggressive’ stereotype, Colin is one of the most passive dogs you could ever meet, spending most of his nine till five fast asleep in the center of the office.
