Purcell (architects)

In 1947, Donovan Purcell set up a small practice in Bury St Edmunds. Working on church and army buildings for many years, Purcell developed his expertise in conservation and in 1960 was appointed Surveyor to the Fabric of Ely Cathedral.

In 1965, Purcell partnered with architects Peter Miller and William “Bill” Tritton and the practice of Purcell, Miller and Tritton was established. Three years later, the partnership registered with offices in Bethel Street, Norwich and Sydney Street, London.

Over the years, the practice set up studios across the UK to provide strong regional coverage. The practice rebranded as Purcell in 2012[1] and expanded, opening studios in Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle and Nottingham. Purcell acquired Worcester-based architect S T Walker and Duckham in 2015[2] and merged with Norfolk-based practice Reynolds Jury Architecture in 2016.[3]

Internationally, the practice established its first studio in Hong Kong in 2009 and has developed its coverage in Asia Pacific with heritage consultancy teams in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia.

In May 2019, it became a limited company,[4] transitioning to an employee ownership model in 2021.[5]

As of 2022, Purcell has UK studios in Bristol, Cambridge, Canterbury, Cardiff, Colchester, Leeds, London, Manchester, Norwich, Oxford and York. The practice is the UK's 16th largest practice according to the AJ100 in 2021[6] and ranked 83rd in the World Architecture 100 in 2022.[7]

Notable employees of Purcell have included Corinne Bennett.

The practice offers design services, masterplanning, heritage consultancy, conservation expertise, funding advice and planning advice. It has worked on many UK listed buildings.

Purcell works across eight sectors: cultural, education, hospitality, places of worship, public, residential, transport, and workplace and retail.

Purcell has worked on notable public and private buildings in the UK and internationally including:

• Bristol Aerospace Centre, Filton Airfield
• Canterbury Cathedral
• Cardigan Castle
• CoRE (Centre of Refurbishment Excellence)
• Coworth Park Spa
• Durham Cathedral
• Flinders Street Station
• Florence Institute
• Hampton Court Palace
• Hong Kong Cricket Club
• The Hyde, Dillington House
• National Maritime Museum, Sammy Ofer Wing
• Oxford University Museum of Natural History
• Penarth Pier Pavilion
• Shackleton's Hut, Cape Royd
• The Wallace Collection, The Great Gallery
• Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts
• Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park
• National Portrait Gallery
• Renovation of Clifton Cathedral, Bristol[8]

• Official website