Architecture and Masterplanning

We provide a full range of traditional architectural services to

clients throughout the world

Independent Schools

We have extensive experience in designing all types of buildings found within independent schools, from boarding houses, swimming pools, sports halls, specialist teaching facilities, libraries and dining halls for both Prep Schools and Senior Schools.

Masterplanning

Schools often go through phases of development sparked by changes in their circumstances or position relative to competitors. Before embarking on major capital investments many appoint us to undertake a campus masterplan. This process reviews the existing estate, identifies spare capacity, highlights weaknesses in their facilities relative to the sector and explores options for how best to re-shape their facilities in order to deliver their goals for the future. We help guide the school through the process offering expert advice and creative ideas to maximise the impact of any capital spend. We typically complete a wide-ranging consultation with the whole school community to understand the issues and ethos of the school. We often include a Space Audit which produces analytical data such as room utilisation within the timetable to highlight inefficiencies and limit the need for expensive new build projects.

By helping the school to critical review its existing condition, goals and ambitions for the future, a campus masterplan can ensure a sensible phased strategic framework for development.

Project Management

As Architects specialising in the Independent Schools sector with an extensive portfolio spanning over 20 years, we have gained the knowledge and expertise to successfully Project Manage projects on behalf of our clients.

We monitor, manage and administer complex projects and are skilled at working with multiple stakeholders within Independent Schools. We aim to help our clients to get maximise their value for money from each project we undertake.

International Schools

In recent years we have been invited to apply our experience of the Independent School sector to international school projects, in particular in China and the Middle East. We have worked for clients including Brighton College and Malvern College, completing strategic appraisals to address questions of capacity and the potential for expansion. We have completed several campus masterplans which have led to building projects, including a prep school teaching facility at Brighton College Al-Ain. We bring our knowledge of the British Independent School sector and apply it to the cultural context of the local setting.

Testimonials

squiresandbrown follow an extremely thorough process of involving key users. They spent considerable time watching and listening, and this approach has been an important part in assisting the School in refining its requirements. This is augmented further by a clear and easy presentational style. The personal service and responsiveness has been fantastic. I am very happy to recommend them

Amanda Cracknell

Bursar, Monkton Combe School

In my experience squiresandbrown approach every project with a clear, pragmatic attitude focused on squeezing the best possible design from whatever the budget may be. Unlike some other high profile practices, they work for the school rather than for their own self-promotion. They have a great reputation within the sector and in my opinion are the best architects in the market

Sean Ryan

Estates Bursar, Erskine Stewarts’ Melville Schools

I worked with squiresandbrown during our recent Arts and Innovation Centre build from inception to practical completion. The work involved both John Squires and Tim Brown both whom I found extremely innovative, knowledgeable and readily available at very short notice. They offered first class customer service and I would not hesitate to recommend them

Melanie Mason

Bursar, Aberdour School

In my view, John brings an unparalleled knowledge as an Architect of the independent schools sector. He quickly got an understanding of our ethos and his ability to engage and listen to a range of people and their ideas is first class. In my view, John Squires is an Architect of the highest calibre and I recommend him to you wholeheartedly

Chris Lumb

Headmaster, Clongowes Wood College

Our arts centre is a remarkable building, in tune with our unflashy ethos, our rich and eclectic architectural history and our credentials as a ‘green flag’ ambassador school. As you can see, I’m a huge fan. I’ve been through several ‘beauty parade’ experiences trying to find good architects: this one has been a winner!

Jonathan Taylor

Headmaster, Bootham School

squiresandbrown were a very easy company to deal with, and meticulous in their attention to detail, making sure that they understood what was required. The feedback they gave us was both imaginative in scope and extremely thorough. I would happily recommend them to any school looking to create a master plan.

Ken Grocott

Headmaster, Brighton College Abu Dhabi

squiresandbrown have been outstanding in the way that they have gone about every aspect of their work with us. John and the team are an absolute delight to work with – their enthusiasm, proactivity, humour and professionalism have impressed and delighted everyone here……they have come up with solutions to problems that have defeated others and they work incredibly hard.

Paddy Burrowes

Bursar Bradfield College

Working with John and his team was a delight for us. He showed all the flair required to design a school that children would love and yet remained open to the discussions that were required by the school to ensure we had buildings that really worked and would stand the test of time.

Alastair Ramsay

Headmaster The Downs Prep