Hpa Chartered Architects

19/10/2026

Back in the summer, we were invited to join Tony Johnson and Maggie Murray on Love Lancaster BID’s The Professional Pod, a series where businesses working in Lancaster city centre are interviewed about them and the place in which they work.

Zoë & Richard joined Tony and Maggie (on the hottest day of the year) at Merchants 1688, for an in-depth chat all about HPA, a quick-fire round, and their views on architecture, as well as what they'd like to see more of in Lancaster.

Find out more and watch our episode here: https://www.hpa.ltd/hpa-architects-features-on-love-lancasters-the-professional-pod/

16/10/2026

Why is heritage architecture so important? 🤔

Historic buildings are much more than structures from the past; from listed buildings and historic monuments to parks, gardens and wider historic places, these buildings and landscapes form an important part of the character and identity of the places in which we live.

But preserving heritage is about more than protecting buildings for their own sake. Historic places have a much wider role to play in supporting communities, attracting visitors and contributing to the UK economy.

We see this relationship between heritage, architecture and place as an important part of creating sustainable futures for historic buildings.

Read our latest article where we look at the data that backs our passion for the preservation of these spaces:

15/10/2026

Thank you very much for the feature, Lancaster Guardian!

Lancaster architects celebrate 21 years of leadership 👇

14/10/2026

This year marks a significant milestone for HPA Architects, as we celebrate 21 years of Richard Wooldridge as a director of the practice 👏🏻

Since becoming a director of HPA in 2005, Richard has played an imperative role in shaping the practice, its projects and the approach to architecture, planning and the built environment.

Read more about Richard's incredible 21 years (and counting) over on our website: https://www.hpa.ltd/21-years-of-leadership-celebrating-richard-wooldridges-journey-at-hpa-architects/

Congratulations, Richard!

13/10/2026

Yesterday, Jia Y. and Holly visited Decorex International at Olympia London, exploring one of the leading events for luxury interiors and design.

They were able to see beautiful materials, the latest innovative products and exceptional craftsmanship first-hand, as well as meet new & established brands and discover fresh ideas, inspiring new possibilities for future projects.

Here are some of their favourite sights from Decorex 👇🏻

12/10/2026

Last week, Talyllyn Railway's Liz Porrett and Ian Drummond shared an important update on ‘Preserving our Past, Building our Future’ - an ambitious project to improve the facilities that support the railway.

In January 2026, The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) announced a landmark £3.6million grant for extensive regeneration of the Railway, and the project has now been granted official permission to start works! This means that the team can now look to appoint the relevant contractors and hope to start on site throughout autumn.

Read more about HPA's work with this iconic railway on our website: https://www.hpa.ltd/works-to-begin-at-talyllyn-railway/

📸 Nathan Spence

05/10/2026

As the Lake District canopy along Ullswater's shoreline shifts from summer to autumn, Another Place hotels's Treehouse comes into its own, discreetly tucked into the oak, ash and yew treeline.

Remarkable in any season, but particularly beautiful as nature begins to slow down, we're reflecting on an incredible project.

Find out more here: https://www.hpa.ltd/rooted-in-autumn-how-the-changing-seasons-complement-the-treehouse-at-another-place/

02/10/2026

We are a finalist in the Professional Services Award at the Love Lancaster BID Business Awards 🎉

We're really looking forward to attending the Awards and celebrating all the incredible businesses in our city. You can find the full shortlist here: https://lovelancaster.co.uk/events/love-lancaster-business-awards-2026/

Good luck to all the finalists! See you in November 🏆

01/10/2026

Zoe Hooton has been back out on the road again, this time for the H+R SOCOTEC UK Building Pathology Conference 2026.

The two-day annual conference took place at Oxford Brookes University and brought together academics, researchers and industry professionals to explore the latest developments in building environment research, policy and technical innovation.

With a focus on the factors affecting building performance and occupant wellbeing, the event provides an opportunity to share knowledge, discuss emerging challenges and explore practical solutions for an ever-changing built environment.

Events such as this provide valuable opportunities to stay up to date with developments across the industry, share knowledge and bring new ideas back into practice.

Read more about Zoë's visit here: https://lnkd.in/ebb7CX-Z

30/09/2026

What makes a thriving city centre? 🤔

Last week, Lorena Booth visited Cotton Court Business Centre for a panel discussion with Preston Partnership which focussed on not only the future of Preston with Preston BID, but how we make our city centres successful, resilient and enjoyable places to be.

Lorena’s thoughts from an insightful discussion:

🛍️ City centres need to be more than retail. A successful mix of places to live, work, socialise and spend time is increasingly important.

🤝 Good placemaking puts people first. Creating welcoming streets, public spaces and connections that encourage people to stay, explore, and return.

🏫 Our existing buildings and heritage are an asset. Retaining character while finding new uses for vacant and underused buildings can play an important role in regeneration.

🎉 City-centre living can bring greater vitality. Support local businesses and creating activity beyond traditional working and shopping hours.

👫 Successful regeneration relies on collaboration between local authorities, businesses, developers, designers, and communities.

Plenty of food for thought around the role that architecture and placemaking can play in creating thriving, sustainable city centres; thanks again to Preston Partnership for a great event.

https://www.hpa.ltd/