Quinlan Terry Architecture

06/10/2026

Details in focus - Part 3

This week's detail is a hand-drawn stone cornice at eaves level.

A cornice does more than finish a building elegantly; its projection throws rainwater clear of the walls beneath it, protecting the stonework below. Getting the proportion right, in relation to the height and style of the building, is what makes an elevation feel balanced rather than top-heavy.

25/09/2026

Material Provenance - Part 2

Polished brass ironmongery — a recurring detail across our work, and a deliberate one.

Brass has centuries of history in fine architectural ironmongery: workable into fine detail, and it ages with a patina rather than corroding. Its classical character makes it a natural fit for traditional buildings.

14/09/2026

Details in focus - Part 2

A hand-drawn sash box window detail, straight from the drawing board.

The sliding sash mechanism dates back to the late 17th century, and the "box" conceals the counterweights that make it work. Every proportion, glazing bars and meeting rail is drawn out fully before the joiner ever picks up a tool.

04/09/2026

Material Provenance - Part 1

This week we're looking at limestone and just how many ways it can be used across a building.

From flooring to walling to tiling, limestone has been a mainstay of British architecture for centuries. It's prized for being relatively easy to work when first quarried, then hardening with age and weathering. What you're seeing here is the same stone, cut and finished differently depending on its job.

26/08/2026

Details in focus - Part 1

This week we're sharing a hand drawing of a new composite column.

The composite order is the most elaborate of the classical orders. It brings together the acanthus leaf detailing of Corinthian with the scrolled volutes of Ionic. Drawing it correctly takes time: every part of the column is proportioned in relation to its diameter, following rules that go back to the classical treatises.

14/08/2026

https://qtarchitecture.com/we-are-recruiting-architect-senior-project-manager/

Quinlan Terry Architecture is one of Britain’s most recognisable and longest-established classical practices. We are looking for a full-time Architect or Senior Project Manager to join the design and delivery team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the design and management of projects...

29/07/2026

At one of our ongoing projects, we've been working with a quantity of reclaimed timbers, some bearing the twists and surface cracking that only come from decades of seasoning and structural life. Rather than replace them, our approach has been to retain and rejuvenate, cutting back to sound material, addressing decay where present, and reworking sections back into use within the new structure.

Durability is not just about specifying the right materials new; it's about knowing which existing materials are still worth their place.

21/07/2026

have modelled and manufactured both a Composite capital and entablature, designed by us, for an ongoing project in Oxford.

Photography: Barr Build

13/07/2026

Mr Terry discussing brick selection for a project in Oxford at the end of last week.

10/07/2026

Recently completed: a bespoke oak library at one of our ongoing projects in Oxford.

The joinery wraps the full height of the room, with fitted shelving, integrated lighting and a concealed media unit built into the run. Every element was designed and detailed in-house before being made by hand.