Nicholas Jacob Architects LLP

16/01/2026

Pippa attended the Building Better Futures event by Women in Construction Anglia at the House of Commons on Wednesday 14th January representing Suffolk Joint Construction Committee. There were inspiring presentations by Constructed Pathways and Renee Preston who are striving to make the construction industry more accessible and inclusive. Pippa was able to talk with Jack Abbott MP for Ipswich about the Fawcett Report on women’s experience of architecture. She explained the staggering attrition rates of Women in Architecture UK; 57% of student architects are female, 47% of newly qualified architects are women, 31% of practicing architects are female and only 15% of women architects have senior leadership positions. Thanks to the RIBA EDI group, Pippa has a seat at the table to help re-write policies and hopes Jack Abbott will want to engage in the conversation.

Clare Friel has an incredible way of connecting people, celebrating the wins in the East and sharing the space with students from the Eastern Education Group who are transforming education for the next generation.

Flickr gallery by Farlie Alexander
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01/01/2026

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year.

Thank you to all our clients, partners and connections for the support, collaboration and conversations over the past year. It’s been a pleasure working with so many great people.

Best wishes for a healthy, successful and enjoyable 2026.

24/12/2025

We'd like to wish all our clients, collaborators and friends a very Merry Christmas.

We hope you enjoy a well-earned break and some time with the people who matter most. We look forward to what the new year brings.

From all of us at NJ Architects.

17/12/2025

We regularly work with buildings that need to function for modern commercial use while retaining the character that makes them special. Our latest article looks at this in practice through the Isaac Lord Complex on Ipswich Waterfront.

It was a phased transformation of fifteenth to nineteenth century buildings into bars, restaurants, a micro-brewery, accommodation and flexible commercial space.

We're currently working with the client on future proposals for the site, which will be revealed in 2026!

You can read the full article here 👇
https://njarchitects.co.uk/ipswich/enhancing-commercial-potential-in-historic-buildings

26/11/2025

Over a fifth of England’s homes and a third of non-residential buildings are more than 100 years old, so sensitive upgrades have huge potential for cutting carbon and improving energy performance.

At NJ Architects, this balanced approach runs through our work. It’s never about freezing a building in time but adapting it with care so it continues to serve people for generations.

We also guide clients through the consent process, ensuring any sustainable upgrades to listed buildings meet both heritage requirements and environmental goals.

Our article looks at how traditional craftsmanship and modern environmental standards can work together. 👇

Lutyens designed everything from intimate English country houses to monumental works like the Cenotaph and the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

17/11/2025

Take a look at our article about why iconic architects still shape our future...

Lutyens designed everything from intimate English country houses to monumental works like the Cenotaph and the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

13/11/2025

Conservation isn’t only about saving buildings, it’s about preserving the stories they tell.
We know that the smallest details, from hand-carved bannisters to historic mortar, are what safeguard authenticity. Every detail matters because it connects us to craftsmanship, culture and community identity.
Read more:

06/10/2025

We’re proud to have been part of the restoration of a 17th-century Suffolk manor house - home to acclaimed artist Glenn Brown and his partner Edgar Laguinia.
It was recently featured in an in-depth article celebrating its meticulous revival.

When Glenn and Edgar acquired the Grade II* listed property, it was in a poor state of repair with multiple enforcement notices. Working alongside them, we helped return the house to its original grandeur, combining deep respect for heritage with technical precision.

We’re delighted to see this remarkable project receive such recognition.

Read the full feature here:

To restore the 10-bedroom estate in rural Suffolk, England, the couple worked with an architectural historian to bring back the property’s original grandeur

06/10/2025

We’re pleased to share that planning and listed building applications have now been submitted for the sensitive restoration and conversion of Grade II* listed building - The Great White Horse Hotel.

The plans include:
- Restoration of historic features, including the famous Dickens Room
- 21 new apartments across the upper floors
- 3 retail units and new community spaces to bring life back to the building
- A “fabric first” approach to sustainability, improving efficiency while preserving authenticity

This project represents a sustainable model for town centre regeneration: revitalising a cultural landmark while supporting Ipswich’s urban renewal.

Read more about the project and see our proposed designs here:

20/08/2025

Last week we shared aerial footage from our surveys of Ipswich’s historic mansions. This time we’re taking you over Christchurch Mansion.

Partner Shaun Soanes has been using drone technology to capture detailed views from above as part of the condition surveys we’re carrying out for Ipswich Borough Council. This gives us an invaluable perspective on areas that are difficult to access, helping us spot any repairs needed to preserve these important landmarks.

Take a look at Christchurch Mansion from the skies 👇

15/08/2025

Our Partner, Shaun Soanes, recently captured aerial footage of two of Ipswich’s significant historic buildings: Chantry Mansion (video below) and Christchurch Mansion.

Shaun was able to record high-resolution images and video from above with his drone, giving us a unique perspective of these heritage properties. The footage forms part of condition surveys we are undertaking for Ipswich Borough Council, helping to identify what repairs and maintenance work may be needed to preserve these important landmarks for the future.

By combining traditional surveying expertise with modern drone technology, we can assess hard-to-reach areas safely, efficiently, and in detail – all while capturing the beauty of these remarkable buildings from a new angle.