ADAM Architecture

15/10/2026

A recent visit to Poundbury, a mixed-use urban extension to the town of Dorchester, captured in the last light of the day.

Built on Duchy of Cornwall land, Poundbury is currently home to 5,000 people in a mix of private and affordable housing, masterplanned by Leon Krier and designed in accordance with the principles of architecture and urban planning as advocated by His Majesty, King Charles III.

These photos show the Northern Quadrant of Poundbury which was designed in close collaboration between ADAM Partner George Saumarez Smith and Ben Pentreath, working with CG Fry & Son Homes, Morrish Homes and Places for People.

Photography by Jake Eastham

12/10/2026

We sat down with one of our in-house architectural historians Dr Helen Lawrence-Beaton at Chettle House to discuss the work restoring this remarkable building and the legacy of its architect, Thomas Archer.

Discover more about Archer's life and work in Helen's new publication, Thomas Archer: A Forgotten Baroque Master: https://www.waterstones.com/book/thomas-archer/helen-lawrence-beaton/9781917458009

12/10/2026

We sat down with one of our in-house architectural historians Dr at Chettle House to discuss the work restoring this remarkable building and the legacy of its architect, Thomas Archer.

Discover more about Archer's life and work in Helen's new publication, Thomas Archer: A Forgotten Baroque Master, available via the link in our bio.

08/10/2026

We were delighted to support the launch of our in-house Architectural Historian Dr. Helen Lawrence-Beaton’s new book, Thomas Archer: A Forgotten Baroque Master, in London yesterday.

The press launch brought together colleagues, friends and fellow architectural enthusiasts to celebrate the culmination of years of Helen’s research which started as her PHD topic and continued throughout her professional career. ADAM Partner Hugh Petter joined Helen for the occasion, alongside Unicorn Publishing Group, the book’s publisher.

Congratulations on the launch of your new book, Helen!

Thomas Archer: A Forgotten Baroque Architect is available to purchase here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/thomas-archer/helen-lawrence-beaton/9781917458009

07/10/2026

We're pleased to see ADAM Partner George Saumarez Smith featured in Country Life Magazine, reflecting on why some clients choose to build a new country house rather than restore a historic home.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience designing country houses, George explores the enduring appeal of creating homes that combine traditional architectural principles with the needs of modern living.

As George writes: “There remains a certain nervousness around the building of new country houses. It is something to do with old-fashioned English taste that has always been suspicious of anything that looks too new.”

Read the full article below:

To celebrate the publication of a book on houses he has designed, George Saumarez Smith reflects on why some people choose new rather than historic homes. Photographs by Peter Dixon.

07/10/2026

How can villages grow while retaining the qualities that make them distinctive and successful places to live?

In Good Village Growth, a new publication by the urban design team at ADAM Architecture, the team explores its approach to creating new development that is rooted in the character, landscape and traditions of existing rural settlements. The publication considers how thoughtful master planning can provide much-needed housing while strengthening connections, supporting local amenities, encouraging walking and active travel, and creating places that are well integrated with their surroundings.

Read the full publication via the link in our bio.

06/10/2026

How can villages grow while retaining the qualities that make them distinctive and successful places to live?

In Good Village Growth, a new publication by the urban design team at ADAM Architecture, the team explores its approach to creating new development that is rooted in the character, landscape and traditions of existing rural settlements. The publication considers how thoughtful masterplanning can provide much-needed housing while strengthening connections, supporting local amenities, encouraging walking and active travel, and creating places that are well integrated with their surroundings.

Drawing on our experience of village extensions and smaller residential developments across the UK, the publication brings together a range of projects that demonstrate these principles in practice. From site assessment and community engagement through to masterplanning, design coding and architecture, it sets out an approach to village growth that seeks to create lasting social, environmental and commercial value.

Read the full publication on our website: https://adamarchitecture.com/journal/good-village-growth

01/10/2026

ADAM are proud to promote this year's scholarship for the 2027 ‘Great Buildings: Classical Architecture in Rome’ programme led by the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art hosted by the The British School at Rome.

Our commitment to architectural education is closely connected to our long-standing relationship with the British School at Rome, where ADAM Partner Hugh Petter designed the extension of a library wing and has helped support students through scholarship opportunities over many years.

Studying Rome's extraordinary architectural heritage remains one of the most valuable experiences for those pursuing classical architecture, and we're pleased to help make this opportunity available to the next generation.

Find out more about the scholarship and application process via the link: https://www.classicist.org/calendar/courses/great-buildings-classical-architecture-in-rome-2027/

25/09/2026

Our in-house architectural historian Dr Helen Lawrence Beaton recently presented a talk for Heritage Open Days, exploring the life and career of Baroque architect Thomas Archer.

Drawing on the research behind her book ‘Thomas Archer: A Forgotten Baroque Master’, Helen explored Archer’s influential career at Queen Anne’s court, his role as Groom Porter, and how his success shaped the Hampshire estate he established at Hale.

Helen’s expertise on Archer was also recently featured in The Telegraph article, ‘Sacred Mysteries: Baroque beauty brought to Birmingham’.
Read the article: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2026/09/19/sacred-mysteries-baroque-beauty-brought-to-birmingham/?msockid=39a39cbbb7a66dad27678becb6f16cfe

For those who missed the talk and would like to discover more about Archer’s life and legacy, Helen’s book is available to purchase: https://www.waterstones.com/book/thomas-archer/helen-lawrence-beaton/9781917458009

25/09/2026

ADAM Partner Darren Price was invited to reimagine a gallery at Westland London Antiques, creating an immersive space inspired by the private study of 18th-century architect Sir William Chambers. Yesterday evening Darren was in discussion with Giles Kime about his curation and the role of colour in reimaging interiors.

Layered with exceptional antiques, architectural objects, drawings and books, the room celebrates craftsmanship, heritage and the intellectual world of one of Britain's most influential architects. Bespoke panelling and cornices by Philip Clay Cabinetry , a Georgian-inspired colour palette by Edward Bulmer Paint, and even a period-inspired scent have been carefully curated to transport visitors back in time.

It is a space where architecture, travel, archaeology, curation and craftsmanship converge; where visitors can, for a moment, feel as though they have stepped back in time and Sir William Chambers has only just left the room.

The Westland gallery is open to the public to view in their showroom.