Country House Architects
We are Country House Architects grounded in traditionalist values of architecture and proudly progressing the design of Classical and Arts and Crafts Country Houses. Our architectural practice transcends ‘building’ design by celebrating and providing a full art-house portfolio for our clients’ homes. In creating poetry within all objects and spaces, we form an inspirational backdrop to our clients’ lives. Alongside Jonathan, our Architects and Designers push the boundary of ‘art in architecture’ and create everything associated with house design, from bespoke doorknobs and furniture, to estate landscapes and garden structures.
Call 01173 790079 or email info@jonathanleesarchitects.co.uk to discuss your project.
‘In our Studio you will find pens, pencils and watercolour paints strewn between sheets of half drawn sketches and drawing paraphernalia. Somewhere, hidden amongst the tracing paper is a drawing board or two. And under the piles of books, are Macs and PC workstations that assist us in creating wonderful things.’ – Jonathan Lees RIBA
Read
about this Cornish Home
Read
Series one ‘Our Approach to Architecture’ in the Writings Library
Read
about ‘The Belvedere Garden Folly’
‘…progressing the Classical, Vernacular and Arts and Crafts language of architecture….’
We are a unique design practice with a philosophical approach grounded in the creation of classically influenced architectural design. We are inspired by the playfulness of progressing the Classical, Vernacular and Arts and Crafts language of architecture and designing our country houses, taking a distinctive approach to the art of building by focusing on an artistic and craft-influenced design process.
One of the core beliefs of our practice is that architecture is the art of building, and that bricks, stone, plaster, iron, brass and timber are an Architect’s medium when creating an artwork or diorama for the patron of the design.
Our Writings Library showcases a handful of project profiles and a collection of architectural essays and musings.
Read ‘The Arts and Crafts Country House in Oxfordshire’ project memoir.
Everything associated a country house, both interior and exterior, from door handles, light fittings and furniture, to windows, grates, grills, handrails, doors, staircases and cabinetry are designed by the Architectural team in our studio.
Visit our Curiosities Emporium, where some of our bespoke items designed for clients are exhibited.
Our studio invents its own palette and rulebook for design, based on many years of experience, research and learning from our ancestors and fellow artisans.
Although traditional building techniques and processes form the backbone of our knowledge, they do not restrict us in our ventures to be inventive, innovative and forward thinking.
‘Our challenge as Architects and designers is to ensure that we embrace our progressive nature but do not lose sight of what we have learnt from the past.’
Architecture is not just a visual art. It is a physical sculpture, an acoustic melody and a delicate painting. It is the use of proportions to create perfect compositions. Architecture is the invention and poetry of objects and spaces working together to create the contextual backdrop to our life experiences.
‘….thinking outside the
conventional box.‘
We encourage as much freedom and play in our studio for the designs to flow with creativity and thinking outside the conventional box.
‘….invention and poetry of
objects and spaces….‘
As a design-house, we enjoy pushing the boundaries of unique, bespoke designs, whilst learning from a wealth of historical examples and skilled trades in order to create objects, features and pieces that celebrate the design language of the overall building and personality of our clients.
Our aim as Country House Architects, is to create spaces forming a multitude of incidental surprises that are found and enriched by the inquisitive, ambitious homeowner.
‘The Arts and Crafts tradition has had a profound influence on my creative life.’
‘For me, the Arts and Crafts tradition has had a profound influence on my creative life. My interest in Classical architecture stemmed from a love of history and from learning about the ancient civilisations, from ancient Egypt, the golden age of classical Greece through to the Roman Empire. This early interest spread to ancient architecture and I was soon consumed by a love of the history of architecture and how it has developed through the ages.’ – Jonathan Lees RIBA
With Classical architecture now only being taught as a history module in most schools of architecture, it is difficult to see a future for it. But with a focus on sustainable and ecological design, there comes a resurgence in interest in the Arts and Crafts approach. We are, perhaps, entering a new age, one that looks to technology to help us to preserve our planet and meet our demands, but also one that looks to our ancestors for inspiration and example.
Awards won by some of our projects;
British Woodworking Federation 2017 – Overall Project Winner
Brick Awards 2018 – Category Winner for Craft
Natural Stone Awards 2020 – Winner of Craftsmanship Category
Natural Stone Awards 2024 – Highly Commended in the Interiors Category
Natural Stone Awards 2024 – Commended in the New Build Traditional Stone Masonry Category
Browse the Curiosities Emporium that showcases a range of bespoke items designed for some of our clients.
or
Read a selection of musings and essays written in our Writings Library, including in-depth specific project profiles on some of our projects.
Contact us by email or telephone if you find inspiration and would like us to work with you on your project.
info@jonathanleesarchitects.co.uk
01173 790079