Hives Architects LLP was originally formed in Reading in 1934 by Eric G.V.Hives. Eric's uncle, Ernest Hives rose from being Charles Rolls' mechanic to chairman of Rolls-Royce, and the practice worked on the company's factories in Derby. Eric's sons Colin and John joined the firm and it undertook several large office schemes in Reading and the new town of Bracknell. Nigel Garrett became a partner and in 1996 sole proprietor until the formation of the current partnership with Cornelius Kavanagh in 2010.
Hives Architects LLP was originally formed in Reading in 1934 by Eric G.V.Hives. Eric's uncle, Ernest Hives rose from being Charles Rolls' mechanic to chairman of Rolls-Royce, and the practice worked on the company's factories in Derby. Eric's sons Colin and John joined the firm and it undertook several large office schemes in Reading and the new town of Bracknell. Nigel Garrett became a partner and in 1996 sole proprietor until the formation of the current partnership with Cornelius Kavanagh in 2010.
Hives Architects LLP was originally formed in Reading in 1934 by Eric G.V.Hives. Eric's uncle, Ernest Hives rose from being Charles Rolls' mechanic to chairman of Rolls-Royce, and the practice worked on the company's factories in Derby. Eric's sons Colin and John joined the firm and it undertook several large office schemes in Reading and the new town of Bracknell. Nigel Garrett became a partner and in 1996 sole proprietor until the formation of the current partnership with Cornelius Kavanagh in 2010.
Hives Architects LLP was originally formed in Reading in 1934 by Eric G.V.Hives. Eric's uncle, Ernest Hives rose from being Charles Rolls' mechanic to chairman of Rolls-Royce, and the practice worked on the company's factories in Derby. Eric's sons Colin and John joined the firm and it undertook several large office schemes in Reading and the new town of Bracknell. Nigel Garrett became a partner and in 1996 sole proprietor until the formation of the current partnership with Cornelius Kavanagh in 2010.
Hives Architects LLP was originally formed in Reading in 1934 by Eric G.V.Hives. Eric's uncle, Ernest Hives rose from being Charles Rolls' mechanic to chairman of Rolls-Royce, and the practice worked on the company's factories in Derby. Eric's sons Colin and John joined the firm and it undertook several large office schemes in Reading and the new town of Bracknell. Nigel Garrett became a partner and in 1996 sole proprietor until the formation of the current partnership with Cornelius Kavanagh in 2010.
Despite their appeal, barn conversions can be daunting projects to undertake. No two are the same: there will always be differences in terms of design, location, personal requirements and planning issues, not forgetting costs. As a firm of experienced RIBA architects with proven expertise in converting and renovating barns, we can help you take your barn conversion project from planning to completion.
WELCOME
We design buildings that work for our clients and are kind to the environment.
We are a small and friendly architectural practice who work on projects from inception to completion.
Our experienced designers listen to you, and with vision and expertise, design the buildings you need.
Hives Architects was originally formed in Reading in 1934, and has operated continuously since.
The practice has always worked on a wide variety of building types and for a range of clients.
Please contact us for an initial consultation.
If you are looking to reduce the energy use of your building project we have in-house expertise to help you achieve your goals. Alistair Cruickshank is our Passivhaus Consultant and energy expert.
Please contact us for an initial consultation to see how we create more comfortable, energy efficient buildings.
OUR TEAM
As a practice we take pride in our work and your projects. We are a friendly, enthusiastic and professional team who offer innovative design solutions coupled with a high level of personal service, expertise and experience. The expertise and up-to-date knowledge of our staff goes hand-in-hand with a best possible client service. We draw in 3D, using Archicad, which is an object based drawing package, ready for BIM modelling for larger and more complex projects.
HENK
ARCHITECT RIBA | PARTNER
Henk qualified as an architect in 1999 at the University of Delft. He also studied at the University of Bath. He worked at Foster and Partners, and at HLM Architects, on large office schemes and significant education projects. Henk joined Hives in 2010 and has been a partner since 2014. He oversees work in all sectors, including challenging planning applications, and delivery of a number of key projects on site.
ALISTAIR
LOW ENERGY AND CERTIFIED PASSIVHAUS CONSULTANT | PARTNER
Alistair qualified as an architect in 2002. He previously worked at HLM, and at Bouygues UK. Alistair joined Hives in 2020 and has been a partner since 2022. As a certified Passivhaus consultant he specialises in low energy building design, reducing environmental impact, whilst achieving high levels of internal comfort and build quality. He provides design and technical experience alongside specialist qualifications and energy modelling to provide truly sustainable projects.
GODA
ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT
Goda graduated from the University of Nottingham where she gained both her Bachelors and Masters in architecture. She joined us during the COVID-19 lockdown. Goda worked at ADAM Architecture, on alterations to large houses and master planning projects. She recently achieved planning permission for 6 Passivhaus dwellings, and is working on extending and converting an office building into flats as one of her current projects.
CARL
ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT
BRIONY
ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT
CORNELIUS
ARCHITECT RIBA
Carl graduated from Oxford Brookes in 2019 and joined us in 2020, having previously worked at YKDesign. Carl has worked on a number of residential schemes, including a large care home to residential use conversion, and a new build mixed use building with restaurant and flats in London. Carl helped with obtaining planning on a 300m2 extension recently.
Briony joined the practice in 2021 after obtaining first class BA (hons) at the University of Portsmouth. Her interest in Passivhaus meant we were most excited to talk to her. Briony's currently working on conversion schemes and residential extensions before starting part 2 studies next year.
Cornelius qualified as an Architect in 1999. In 2001 he joined Hives, specialising in work on listed buildings but also new-build in a traditional style. He was a partner between 2010 and 2020 and continues to support the practice as a consultant where needed for heritage statements and listed building advice.
JERRY
HIVES HEARING DOG
Jerry is Alistair's hearing dog. He helps with various things like listening for alarms and doorbells. He also ensures there's never a dull moment when he's in the office!
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
We are always interested in speaking with likeminded and talented individuals!
Please contact us at info@hivesarchitetcs.co.uk with your CV and Portfolio for consideration.
TESTIMONIALS
GREENBANK
Professor J Almond, Dr K Almond
“Hives Architects helped us to distil our design ideas and brief into a beautiful new home. Henk and his team successfully navigated us through sketch design, detailed design and planning stages. The house was designed around our ambitious requirements on comfort, zero fossil fuel, and minimal energy use. Now that the house is complete we really enjoy the well-proportioned spaces and flow through the house, as well as the balanced design of the exteriors, and the way the house connects to the gardens and landscape.”
Reading
Guildford
Hives Architects LLP
Quadrant House
Broad Street
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 7QE
0118 958 7331
Hives Architects LLP
37 Recreation Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 1HP
01483 322331