About

Our Vision and Approach

At the heart of every commission lies our unwavering aim: to create spaces that inspire more enjoyable, effective, and sustainable lifestyles. Each project is approached uniquely, considering its specific needs, site, and resources, often leading to innovative solutions.

Design Philosophy and Collaboration

Our designs are driven by value for money, sustainability, energy conservation, and respect for surroundings. These principles emerge from a collaborative process involving both clients and designers. We partner with a diverse range of specialists including surveyors, structural and building engineers, landscape designers and ecologists, energy experts, and water engineers. We provide expert advice on the services and specialists suited to your project.

Advanced Modelling and Visualization

From the outset, we utilize computer modeling to simulate projects in 3D. This allows for immersive client exploration, analyzing the interplay between proposals, orientation, site, and context. At each design stage, we can generate accurate visualizations, sun studies, and photo montages. Our concept, design, and construction information leverage ArchiCAD's BIM software, ensuring fully IFC-compliant data for builders and suppliers.

Experience and Expertise

With over 30 years of experience, we have forged strong relationships with specialist contractors and suppliers. We pride ourselves on successfully delivering even the most challenging projects. Our comprehensive knowledge of both traditional and contemporary building materials, as well as advanced construction techniques, enables us to advise on a wide range of alternatives, balancing appearance, economics, longevity, robustness, and maintenance.

Our Professional commitment

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 where he became an Associate . Richard set up his own Practice in 2012 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.