Scorer Hawkins Architects are an RIBA Chartered Practice based in Lincolnshire, specialising in the design and conservation of buildings in historic settings.
Our Approach
All of our projects have a common approach to their design, reflecting a desire to achieve honesty in their composition and use of materials, as well as to add to the wider environment in a sensitive way. We celebrate the innate qualities of materials and give great thought to the manner in which they are connected and finished.
We relish the opportunity to work within historic settings, either by restoring existing buildings or introducing new structures. Every project is different but we always seek to tap into what is special about a place or a space and add to a pre-existing narrative rather than jarring difference for its’ own sake. This sometimes means extensive historical and archaeological analysis and recording, often working with specialists in the field. We draw on historic, vernacular forms and materials but combine them with contemporary space and place-making. We believe in enduring buildings with a long design-life, capable of making a positive contribution to their setting for many generations.
Practice History
The practice was originally founded by renowned architect, Denis Clarke-Hall in 1937 and became principally known for its revolutionary innovation of school building design. Sam Scorer joined the practice in 1949 and became a Partner when the Lincoln office opened in 1954. A further office in Newcastle was opened in the 1960s but since 1974, the practice's work has been carried out exclusively from Lincolnshire.
Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Sam Scorer developed a national reputation for his pioneering work with hyperbolic paraboloid roof structures and for his sensitive approach towards the emerging concept of building conservation. His significant and distinctive body of work throughout Lincolnshire retains a remarkable local appreciation to this day. Three of his buildings are now listed, including Lincoln's Grade II* Ermine Estate Church, which is now widely considered to be one of the most architecturally important churches of the 20th Century.
Philip Hawkins became a Partner in 1987 and the practice adopted the name of 'Scorer & Hawkins' from 1989. Following Sam Scorer's retirement in 1995, Philip continued the practice's work from Horncastle, developing its reputation for historic buildings with a host of conservation-focused projects throughout Lincolnshire. Continuing the practice's work into the future, Chris Bowen and Jonathan Capek became directors in 2020 and the practice moved to its present location in Skendleby, at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds. The practice is now thought to be the longest-established architectural practice in the county.
To find out more about the enduring legacies of Denis Clarke-Hall or Sam Scorer, please click the thumbnails below:
Our Team
The practice team at Scorer Hawkins Architects has a wealth of experience in both architecture and conservation, which we apply to the interesting and varied workload the practice maintains. We pride ourselves on having a diverse mix of talents but a common desire to produce work of the highest quality.
Philip Hawkins - Conservation Architect
Having achieved nearly forty years' experience as a Chartered Architect, Philip has been the lead consultant on a great number of diverse projects; ranging from medieval churches to new-build community centres and from small thatched cottages to grand country houses. He has a highly established reputation as a specialist consultant in historic building conservation and has been on the register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC) since 2004.
Chris Bowen - Chartered Architect
BSc(Hons), DipArch, MArch, ARB
Chris completed his architectural qualifications at Nottingham University before working for Tasou Associates in London, where he established a broad experience in heritage-led regeneration schemes and high-end residential developments. Chris has since forged a particular reputation for successfully obtaining planning consent for extremely challenging and complex sites. Over the last few years, Chris has led numerous of conservation schemes, including three buildings in East Lindsey on the Heritage at Risk Register; finding new uses for them and securing their long-term futures. In addition to his work in practice, Chris has tutored post-graduate architecture students at Nottingham University and is currently an Associate Lecturer at Lincoln University School of Architecture.
Jonathan Capek - Chartered Architect
Since qualifying in 2011, Jonathan has primarily worked on the conservation of listed buildings and new developments in highly sensitive settings. He has been Project Architect on a number of high-profile conservation projects including St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Imperial War Museum and the University of Cambridge. In recent years, he has overseen works to convert the Grade I listed School of Pythagoras to a highly serviced archive facility for St. John's College, Cambridge; as well as an ambitious new residential development for Winchester College, in the heart of Winchester’s cathedral district. Jonathan is also an Associate Lecturer at Lincoln University School of Architecture.
Joel Glazer - Junior Architect
BA(Hons), MArch
Joe Mulholland - Architectural Assistant
BArch (Hons)
Lucas Talbot - Architectural Assistant
BArch (Hons)
Collaboration
We have developed a firm belief in the essential need for teamwork and always strive to build a strong relationships with both clients and practitioners across the wider construction industry. Over many years we have built-up a comprehensive list of leading consultants, contractors and craftsmen, who can be relied upon to work collaboratively to achieve imaginative design solutions and workmanship of the highest order.
Accreditation
The AABC Register is an independent accreditation body with the primary purpose of informing clients and protecting the historic built environment from damaging interventions by people not skilled in historic building conservation and adaption. Control by a conservation accredited professional is a requirement of grants being awarded for repairs to historic buildings by the Heritage Lottery Fund and many government funded works. All registered architects are re-assessed every five years as a continual skills appraisal process and for applicants to demonstrate their insights, understanding and application of the building conservation principles.
All regional DAC offices administer the Inspection of Churches Measure, which requires that all church buildings be inspected by an approved Architect or Surveyor once every five years and produce a Quinquennial Inspection report. Over the years, the practice has served more than 130 churches across Lincolnshire.
Recruitment
While we are not actively recruiting at the moment, we are always happy to hear from candidates looking to join our team and develop a career in Architecture with us. Therefore, please feel welcome to email a copy of your CV and samples of your professional work to: projects@scorerhawkins.co.uk
