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The Studio

Ethos
Approach
People

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.

Approach

Assurance
Process

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.

People

Team
Design
Build

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Colin Hughes

Office Dog

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.

Ryan Gormley

Associate Design Director 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.

Rob Rees

RICS Commercial Manager

Rob is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with 17 years’ experience in the super prime residential construction industry. He has a range of experience working both as a Contractors Quantity Surveyor and a Professional Quantity Surveyor for the Client on a variety of projects.

Rob had previously held positions at Award winning practices such as Rigby and Rigby and Lando Design and Build in Mayfair and Central London.

Rob’s experience includes pre contract and post contract roles working in sectors such as commercial CAT A fit outs, schools, residential and large infrastructure projects for clients sure as the Environment Agency and Thames Water.

Rob Piper

Head of Construction

Rob is Head of Construction at Fabric, he possess a stand out knowledge of all things residential development.

Rob started out in construction managing and delivering high volume residential developments, winning several NHBC awards. Rob holds a varied skill set and a great eye for detail and desire to produce exceptional finishes, an ethos he is proud of with working at Fabric.

Rob really wishes he was an Architect but he can’t sit still long enough.

Tom Sheldon

Architect

Tom is an Architect with experience on a range of public and private schemes since qualifying in 2021. Having worked in both small and large practices he has developed a passion for working with existing buildings.

Tom has a BArch from the University of Nottingham; MArch and PgDip from the Birmingham City University and outside of work is busy working on his own house renovation.

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.

Anna Longley

Part II Architectural Assistant

Anna joined Fabric in summer 2024 as a Part 2 Architectural Assistant after completing her MArch at The University of Nottingham. During her studies, her first-year work won the Nottingham and Derby Society of Architects Student Design Prize and was showcased at the Birmingham Architectural Association’s Women in Architecture event. Her final year Thesis received a Commendation as the Best Reuse and Transformation of an Existing Building and gained the Architecture Today Student Prize Nomination.

Alongside her time in education, she worked as an Assistant Tutor to the BArch course. This made her realise how far she’s come since beginning her own Architectural journey and is excited to get stuck into Part 3 at Fabric.

Away from designing houses, Anna is a keen hockey player – she’ll be found most Saturday’s captaining her local team, Ashby Ladies 1XI or out walking her dog, Lilo.

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.

Jade Lloyd