Who we are
Lucas+Western Architects is a design led practice that builds on the reputation of its predecessor, Lucas Hickman Smith, for high quality, sustainable design. Formed in 2004 when Terry Hickman Smith and Paul Lucas merged their already well established practices, Lucas Hickman Smith provided a friendly and flexible range of architectural services which were readily adapted to suit client needs. Lucas+Western Architects continues this approach and the team, most of whom have made the transition from Lucas Hickman Smith, can draw on significant experience across a wide range of building types. As a Wymondham based practice we are conveniently placed to undertake projects both locally and throughout the eastern region.
Our Approach
We offer a high-quality architectural service based on combining the best of traditional and modern architecture, to provide our clients with buildings that are tailor-made for their needs. We always aim to bring imagination to a project in order to lift it out of the ordinary. We believe that the building process is a team effort and that the best results can be obtained by working closely together in new and innovative ways. This requires flexibility and an ability to look beyond preconceived ideas of the role of the architect. As a smaller practice, Lucas+Western Architects can offer all the benefits of a highly personal service structured to suit individual client’s requirements.
Read more about the ideas that underpin our practice here
RIBA Chartered Practice
As an RIBA Chartered Practice we have committed to maintain high standards of effectiveness and performance. The Chartered Practice scheme is an accreditation system run by the RIBA which is a means to assure potential clients of our quality, design excellence and service. In line with this status we have adopted health and safety policies and quality management procedures which help to ensure that our activities are undertaken safely and efficiently. These policy documents follow RIBA guidelines and are available for inspection. We also have commitments to continuing professional development and are required to maintain Professional Indemnity Insurance. Our current level of cover is £2m.
Designing for Sustainability
Our founding principle is to show that buildings can work with the environment to produce functional architecture with the ability to challenge and delight. Sustainable design has been at the heart of all our projects since long before such ideas became fashionable. We conceived and assembled the project for the ground-breaking EcoTech Centre in Swaffham and have applied robust, practical environmental design in all our work ever since, from larger industrial/commercial projects down to the smallest domestic extensions. We have an environmental policy which informs our everyday activities and is reviewed on a regular basis.