About the practice

We are a multi-award-winning practice with extensive experience designing projects with lasting value for our clients and the communities in which we work. Originally founded as Leonard Baart Associates in the 1963, the practice has evolved through various iterations before becoming BCHN Architects in 2023 following a merger between Baart Harries Newall and Bott Cruise Architects. The practice is led by Dr Paul Harries and Mark Newall, founding partners of Baart Harries Newall, and Michael Cruise and Barbora Bott, who both have extensive design-led experience working at major Birmingham practices for much of their careers. Together they share an ethos for high-quality design and personal service, with the merged practice bringing together an array of complementary skills and expertise to provide an unrivalled client experience. Our diverse portfolio extends across a range of sectors and at all scales and our talented team has significant experience in architecture, masterplanning, urban regeneration and conservation, interior design and sustainable design.