Decades of Experience

We have decades of experience in this sector and have delivered projects of all types and sizes to provide inspiring, inclusive and sustainable places to learn.

Design Philosphy

At the heart of our approach is a need to design buildings that provide for the physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual education of students.

A Collaborative Approach

Collaboration is key to our approach. Drawing on our knowledge, experience and success in other sectors such as workplace and healthcare we deliver excellence across our further and higher education portfolio.

We masterplan and design campuses that are flexible to future change in pedagogy and technology to secure long term success in an increasingly competitive landscape. With a focus on the importance of social interaction to enhance the student experience, we create places to learn that have a community feel and provide the contemporary facilities needed for the modern student to succeed.

Taking the time to fully understand the individual needs of each client we re-think from first principles the desirable characteristics of 21st Century learning and research environments. Shifts in the way projects are funded, advances in technology and new approaches to teaching are transforming expectations of learning environments

Sustainability is at the core of our work in education and we bring the knowledge to deliver sustainable, Net Zero Carbon and Passivhaus schools, colleges and universities.

Meet our Further and Higher Education Experts

Director
Cian Spowart
BSc  BArch  PgDip  ARB  ARB With over 20 years experience at Poynton Bradbury... Read More

BSc  BArch  PgDip  ARB  ARB

With over 20 years experience at Poynton Bradbury Architects Cian has an extensive portfolio of completed projects that range from a £30 million re-development of the Callywith College campus in Bodmin to the sensitive intervention of Lizard Lifeboat station, Lizard Peninsula. Cian works with a variety of public and private clients and is currently the design lead for a £60m Estates Transformation Programme with Cornwall Council to support the delivery of post-Covid workspace facilities and public-facing services across the County.

In 2018 Cian also started providing Design Manager support to MWJV, the consultant consortium delivering building and professional services to Cornwall Council, coordinating all design aspects from the supply chain across a wide range of sectors including Housing, Economic growth, Education, Estates Transformation, Placeshaping and Regeneration for circa £250m of construction value per year.

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Senior Architect
Iain Stewart
BArch(Hons)  M.Arch  ARB Iain studied at the Mackintosh School of Architecture... Read More

BArch(Hons)  M.Arch  ARB

Iain studied at the Mackintosh School of Architecture in Glasgow, winning in 1990 the City of Glasgow Medal, a RIAS Commendation and two Scholarships, one of which was used to complete his Master’s degree as an extension to the Architectural Diploma.

Before joining PBWC Architects in 2003, Iain worked in London on several award-winning projects. Since joining, he has led a number of large projects multi-million-pound projects, including the NHS women’s and children’s hospital, Chy Trevail, Town deal projects, Falmouth University Master planning, Cornwall College Master planning, The Brunel Building, and more alongside his Lecturer role held at Falmouth School of Architecture.

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Senior Architect
Carl Fowler
BA(Hons)  BArch(Hons)  RIBA  ARB Carl has a wealth of experience on large... Read More

BA(Hons)  BArch(Hons)  RIBA  ARB

Carl has a wealth of experience on large commercial and residential projects in the North West of England for national and international clients as well as together with local authorities. During his time at PBWC, he has successfully completed several projects, including the Tamar Crossing Offices, ESAM Advanced Manufacturing office and industrial building, Exmouth Watersports Centre, The Liner, Ocean View apartments, and Launceston College’s new science teaching building.

Carl brings extensive knowledge of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the delivery of projects through BIM software alongside leading the practice’s BIM Management and Implementation program. As a senior member of the practice Carl is able to manage multi-disciplinary teams and complex client groups, nurturing strong project team relationships and ensuring that design remains central to the delivery process,

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Architect
Jacob Down
BA (Hons)  MArch  PgCert  ARB  RIBA Jacob joined the practice in 2014 shortly... Read More

BA (Hons)  MArch  PgCert  ARB  RIBA

Jacob joined the practice in 2014 shortly after graduating from the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL. Since then, he led a diverse range of projects for a number of private and commercial clients across Cornwall alongside his Associate Lecturer role held at Falmouth School of Architecture. 

Jacob has in-depth experience in digital technologies including 3D lidar scanning and BIM and has written extensively for AEC magazine. He is currently managing the practice’s transition to B-Corp certification which will assess the practice’s business impact on people and the planet alongside profit.

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Senior Architectural Technician
Tony Strike
On leaving Helston School, Tony studied full-time at Cornwall College for two... Read More

On leaving Helston School, Tony studied full-time at Cornwall College for two years and attained an OND in Building Studies.  Tony joined the practice in 1985 as a Junior Technician and continued his studies on a part-time basis to complete an HNC in Building Studies. 

Tony has continued to work for PBWC Architects and has progressed to Senior Architectural Technologist.  He has worked on all forms of projects from small, domestic extensions to multi-million-pound projects including shore works, education, healthcare, tourism, sports, industrial and office facilities.

Tony is also responsible for IT, working closely with an external provider and senior management to ensure the practice remains at the forefront of technological innovation and computing.

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It’s fantastic to see all of the planning come together, and witness students and teachers making use of all of the wonderful facilities available.

Daniel Mather, Assistant Head of Penryn College

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Design for Higher and Further Education

Our expertise guides and contributes to the formulation of enduring campus development, encompassing new construction, renovation, and the ongoing maintenance of current educational infrastructure. We offer comprehensive assistance in the creation of long-term plans tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of educational institutions.

From the inception of new construction projects to the revitalization of existing teaching facilities, our involvement ensures a holistic approach. We collaborate closely with stakeholders to understand their vision and objectives, allowing us to craft development plans that align seamlessly with the institution's long-term goals. Whether it's envisioning a new campus layout, constructing state-of-the-art facilities, or enhancing and maintaining existing structures, our services are geared towards fostering a conducive and forward-thinking educational environment.

If you have a specific enquiry or if there's anything further you'd like to explore with us, please contact our team – we’re here to assist in every aspect of your project.