HG Associates

22/06/2026

Notes from the field. 📝

Before proposals are drawn or applications submitted, time is often spent understanding the building itself.

Historic agricultural buildings can reveal centuries of adaptation through their construction methods, materials and alterations. Features such as these timber frames help build a picture of how a building has evolved and can influence how future changes are approached.

Understanding a building's history is often the first step in shaping its future.

19/06/2026

An impressive lakeside home on the shores of Lake Windermere. ⛰️

This project involved the refurbishment, renovation and extension of a historic lakeside property, alongside significant landscaping and site enhancements.

Working as part of the wider consultancy team, we helped support the planning process for a project that carefully balances the preservation of an existing property with the introduction of new spaces and facilities, all within a highly sensitive and exceptional setting.

The result is a fantastic example of how thoughtful design, planning and collaboration can help unlock the potential of a property while respecting its surroundings.

📍 High Wray, Lake Windermere

15/06/2026

Notes from the field. 📝

Not every site visit is about buildings.

While walking the perimeter of a project overlooking Windermere, we came across this historic gatepost which is helping inform the wider design approach for the site.

Details such as these often provide valuable clues about a property's history, character and setting, helping ensure future proposals feel rooted in their surroundings rather than imposed upon them.

Sometimes the smallest features tell the biggest stories.

13/06/2026

A wonderful project we've been proud to support over a number of years.

Located in the Scottish Borders, Kinmount House is a Category A listed 19th-century mansion house set within a historic designed landscape.

Working as planning consultants, we have supported a range of projects across the estate, helping to bring the client's long-term vision to life. This has included securing Listed Building Consent for the change of use of part of the Main House, supporting proposals for a purpose-built wedding pavilion and providing architectural, planning & quantity surveying assistance for a range of projects across the wider estate.

It has been rewarding to play a role in the continued evolution of such a significant historic property, helping balance new opportunities with the preservation of its character and heritage.

📍 Kinmount House, Scottish Borders

With thanks to Pettit Singleton Associates for the photography and their contribution to the project's mechanical and electrical design.

02/06/2026

A fascinating detail uncovered during our recent project for a historic property.

These intriguing markings, often referred to as “witch marks” or apotropaic marks, were traditionally carved into stonework or timber near entrances, windows and fireplaces to help protect buildings and their occupants from evil spirits.

Found across historic buildings throughout the UK, they are most commonly associated with the 16th to 19th centuries and are often discovered within heritage properties, churches, barns and rural buildings during conservation and restoration work.

This project includes some incredible historic architectural features, and we’re looking forward to sharing more from the wider project soon.

29/05/2026

It’s fantastic to see a client’s hard work recognised with a feature on the front cover of the recently published 'A History of Castle Sowerby from the 14th to the 17th Century'.

It has been a privilege to contribute to such an exceptional property, supporting our client throughout their heritage-led conservation and reinstatement project.

Projects like this are always a pleasure to be involved in, highlighting the importance of preserving the character and history of Cumbria’s rural built environment.

27/05/2026

A little update from outside the office…

Following the Bank Holiday weekend and with the sunshine holding up, the flower and rose beds outside our office are now in full bloom.

Over the past few months, Angus (our resident gardener, alongside his role as Planning Consultant) has been tending to the planting, which is now looking its best as we head into summer.

Hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend and is making the most of the sunshine! ☀️

20/05/2026

This week we have been joined in the office by Charlotte from Trinity School for a week of work experience!

Throughout the week, Charlotte has gained insight into the variety of work undertaken across the practice, supporting projects ranging from heritage and rural developments to agricultural applications and wider redevelopment schemes across Cumbria, including:

✅ Working on projects including barn conversions, refurbishment of a farmhouse and other heritage properties and agricultural applications
✅ Working on a larger redevelopment scheme near Carlisle’s Historic Quarter
✅ Assisting with planning applications and preparing AutoCAD drawings
✅ Attending several client and consultant meetings
✅ Visiting construction sites at various stages of development
✅ Attending a CPD session delivered by CreativeHutch and Eagle Labs

At HG Associates, alongside visiting critic and mentoring roles at universities, we aim to offer 2–3 work experience placements each year.

These placements provide insight into the planning, architecture and quantity surveying roles within the practice, with students attending meetings, visiting sites, and meeting clients across the region, rather than spending the week sat behind a desk.

We hope the experience provided a valuable insight into the variety of work and the different planning stages undertaken within the practice.

Best of luck in your future career, Charlotte!

14/12/2023

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of the team at HG Associates!

06/10/2023

We are incredibly proud to reveal our new brand identity and website!

As our team has grown and evolved over the past few years, we thought it was the perfect time to reflect on who we are and our core message. Our new branding reflects our growth and vision, whilst capturing our history, core values and expertise.

We have worked with the incredibly talented team at CreativeHutch who have guided us through the entire rebranding process, helping us get to the core of our brand and who we are as a business (both now and in the future). It has been a brilliant journey, and we are all very excited about what is to come!

We would also like to thank all the team at David Allen IT who have seamlessly undertaken the IT side of things for us as part of the rebrand.

Our new branding encapsulates our growth with particular focus on our expertise within heritage and rural settings, whilst maintaining a nod to our roots. The elegant hg lettering alongside our green accent symbol, which is evolved from the witch / apotropaic marks (of which we have often found etched next to the windows, doorways or fireplaces of the many historic and rural buildings we are lucky enough to work on), we feel portrays us very well and we are delighted with what CreativeHutch have done.

Please do visit our new website to learn more about who we are and the services we offer, covering our considered solutions across architecture, planning consultancy and quantity surveying, specialising in heritage and properties in rural settings.

Through our bespoke and sympathetic designs, heritage knowledge and multi-disciplinary experience, we can offer a more considered, efficient and cost-effective solution to our clients’ needs and we very much look forward to working with clients both old and new.

HG Associates - Chartered Architects, Planning Consultants & Quantity Surveyors - Carlisle, Cumbria