About

With every commission our aim is to create places that will inspire the people who use them to a more enjoyable, effective and sustainable way of life. Each project is treated as a unique response to its needs, site and resources; often provoking innovative solutions.

Value for money, sustainability, energy conservation and surroundings are the inspiration of our designs, derived from a team approach of client and designers. We work with a wide range of other specialists; surveyors, structural & building engineers, landscape designers & ecologists, energy specialists, water engineers. We can advise on the services and specialists that are appropriate to your project.

Through computer modelling we simulate building projects from the outset in 3D, working with clients through immersive exploration to analyse the opportunities and relationship between proposals, orientation, site and context. We can generate accurate visualisations, sun studies, photo montages at each stage of the design process. Concept, design and construction information is based on ArchiCAD’s BIM software to generate all building data, fully IFC compliant for issue to builders and suppliers.

Over the past 30 years we have built strong ties with specialist contractors and suppliers in the area and take pride in delivering the most challenging projects. Our understanding of traditional and current building materials and advanced construction techniques allows us to advise clients on a wide range of alternatives and the competing demands of appearance, economics and longevity, robustness and maintenance.

We are an RIBA Chartered Practice . What does that mean?
Only architectural practices that meet a strict eligibility criteria can register as a RIBA Chartered Practice. All RIBA accredited Chartered Practices:

  • employ a required number of individual RIBA Chartered Architects
  • have appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance
  • have an effective Quality Management system
  • have comprehensive Health and Safety and Environmental policies in place
  • are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with a Code of Practice in a manor appropriate to their status.
    They are committed to excellence in design and customer service. That's why the RIBA only promotes accredited Chartered Practices to clients. View the full Code of Practice here

Richard Swann BSc BArch ARB RIBA

Richard studied Architecture at the University of Bath and completed his studies in 1987. After a period of work with Niall Phillips, NVB and Feilden Clegg he joined Bruges Tozer Architects in 1990 and became owner of the Practice in 2012, now trading as Swann Design.
His skills include a flair for imaginative & detailed building components, a broad understanding of materials and construction methodologies and a rigorous approach to contracts. He heads up all projects and oversees the running of the Practice. He has won several national awards for his work. CV

Richard is past Chair of the Frome & District Civic Society, Parish Councillor & Director of Frome Cohousing.

Katy Duke BSc. BArch

Katy studied at the University of Bath and qualified in 1983. She worked for Moxley Jenner and Feilden Clegg then moved into Conservation & Regeneration work with local authorities, before moving back into architecture in 2007. She joined the practice in 2014 and has a wide ranging experience including client-side project management for Bristol City Council, town centre management with Mendip District Council, urban design and running innovative community projects. CV

Richard and Katy are married & live in a converted passive solar Victorian school.

Swann Ltd. trading as Swann Design, company number 09997335.