Business Details
Chartered Architects in Lancashire | AW A Architects
AW A Architects is a RIBA registered practice based in Lancashire with extensive experience in architectural design. Our founding director, Andrew Wolstenholme, brings over two decades of expertise in commercial and residential projects across the North West, including private residences, commercial developments, and leisure facilities. We specialise in navigating complex planning processes, having secured approvals for hundreds of housing units on diverse sites. Our network of trusted professionals ensures tailored solutions for projects of varying complexity. A growing focus on conservation and rural design reflects our commitment to harmonising modern architecture with natural environments. We prioritise client relationships, offering bespoke designs aligned with individual budgets and requirements. Our services span the full RIBA Plan of Works, from feasibility studies to construction administration. We pride ourselves on transforming challenging projects into rewarding experiences through transparent communication and technical excellence. With a reputation for creativity and reliability, we serve both private and public sector clients. Our fixed-price packages for smaller domestic extensions provide accessible solutions without compromising quality.
Services
Residential Extensions
Commercial Projects
Planning Applications
Barn Conversions
Housing Layouts
Highlights and features
- Full Measured Surveys
- Feasibility And Conceptual Design
- Housing Layouts
- Masterplanning
- Permitted Development
- Prior Approval
- Pre-Planning Advice Applications
- Outline Planning Applications
- Householder And Full Planning Applications
- Listed Building Consent Applications
- Change Of Use Applications
- Design And Access Statements
- Building Regulations
- Building Regulation Applications
- Full Construction Drawings And Tender
- Contract Administration
- Principal Designer
- Architects Certificates
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
What people say
Brilliant architect
Super responsive
Amazing extensions
Professional and friendly service
Perfect reconfigured space
Services
Residential Extensions
We design and manage residential extensions tailored to client needs and budgets. Our process includes feasibility studies, planning applications, and construction oversight. Clients benefit from our expertise in maximising natural light and creating seamless indoor-outdoor spaces.
Planning Applications
Our team prepares and submits comprehensive planning applications, including design and access statements. We leverage deep local authority knowledge to secure approvals for complex projects, from listed building consents to change of use applications.
Barn Conversions
Specialist conversions of agricultural buildings into modern living or commercial spaces. We balance heritage preservation with contemporary design, ensuring compliance with conservation regulations while optimising functionality and aesthetics.
Commercial Projects
Full architectural services for commercial developments, including office spaces and leisure facilities. We focus on practical layouts, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective solutions that align with business operational needs.
Housing Layouts
We create housing schemes for greenfield and brownfield sites, specialising in masterplanning and securing planning permissions. Our designs prioritise sustainable development and community integration while meeting local authority requirements.
People
Andrew Wolstenholme
Founding Director
Andrew has over 20 years' experience in architectural design across residential and commercial sectors. His expertise includes planning appeals, conservation projects, and rural developments. He established AW A Architects to provide client-focused solutions combining creativity with technical excellence.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full RIBA-stage services including feasibility studies, planning applications, building regulations, and construction administration for residential and commercial projects.
Do you handle planning permission processes?
Yes, we prepare and submit planning applications, including complex cases like listed buildings and change of use, leveraging our local authority experience.
Are your fees fixed-price?
We offer fixed-price packages for smaller domestic extensions while maintaining flexibility for tailored solutions on larger projects.
How long do projects typically take?
Timelines vary by project scale but we prioritise efficient delivery, with smaller extensions typically completed within 6-12 months from initial consultation.
Do you work outside Lancashire?
While based in Lancashire, we operate across the North West including Manchester, North Yorkshire, and surrounding areas.
Reviews (6)
Neil Hewitt
Apr 21, 2022
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An absolute pleasure to work with, produced various 3d rendered options in a timely manner and really went the extra mile to ensure we were happy. highly recommended AWA A Architects. Thank you!
Siraj Mohmed
Sep 01, 2021
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Andrew provided an exceptional service for some works we invited him to architecturally design. He's a true professional and offered honest advise that at first we weren't in agreement with but when he explained the practicalities it made perfect sense. Andrew provides multiple options and explains the logic behind each one and carefully listens to your feedback on each option and then helps you to incorporate design aspects that you like within each to bring your vision to life.
We asked Andrew to design a contemporary extension with open plan living along with a utility room, gym/summer room and a porch and literally we were WoWed. I have previously heard on TV where people go wow but this is the first time we actually went WOW as he has taken our brief and created something spectacular, he has thought of every detail carefully. I have no doubt that when I need any architectural work doing AW A Architects will be the first to call.
We asked Andrew to design a contemporary extension with open plan living along with a utility room, gym/summer room and a porch and literally we were WoWed. I have previously heard on TV where people go wow but this is the first time we actually went WOW as he has taken our brief and created something spectacular, he has thought of every detail carefully. I have no doubt that when I need any architectural work doing AW A Architects will be the first to call.
Angela Marr
Aug 01, 2021
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Very happy with the drawings Andrew provided and his understanding of our requirements. He provided several options for our consideration ahead of the final drawings. I would not hesitate to use him again or recommend him to others.
Roberta Cameron
Jul 12, 2021
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Andy has taken a genuine interest in our project, which has resulted in an excellent scheme. This is the second time we have used Andy at AW A Architects and we can certainly recommend the firm.
Ashley Dinsdale
Jul 03, 2021
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We have used Andrew to extend and redesign our house. At all times he has been extremely knowledgeable, patient and professional. He has really listened to what we want, while at the same time managing our expectations with regards to what is permitted within the Local Authority planning rules. We are delighted with the final plans he has produced for us. Absolutely first rate- would definitely recommend!
Carl Allen
May 08, 2021
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Andrew's a brilliant architect. Super creative and flexible. Also, he's super responsive and personable. He's designed two amazing extensions for me (one large, one small). He also has a solid network of other professionals (builders, engineers, etc.) and strong links with planning, building control, etc. so he's not just an architect. I see him as my point person for the entire project. His fees are very reasonable. I trust him and recommend him highly.