Archangel Architects

13/08/2026

A few hours on site can produce a huge amount of useful information.

Brian has been carrying out a point cloud scan of a commercial building, capturing the building as it is and creating an accurate digital record of the existing structure.

The scan produces a detailed 3D point cloud that can be used to understand the building, its dimensions and its relationship with the spaces around it.

This was a survey-only commission, but accurate information about an existing building is valuable in its own right. It gives clients a clear picture of what they have, and a reliable starting point for any future work.

There is something rather satisfying about seeing a building captured in this way, from millions of individual measurements into a single, navigable record.

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30/07/2026

A work experience placement is much more valuable when the work is real.

This week, Archangel welcomed the first of three students joining the practice this summer. As a Year 12 student interested in landscape design, he was given a live design exercise based on the landscaped area in front of one of our current projects.

Following the RIBA work experience toolkit, he developed a proposal for the space, exploring changes in level, ramped access and seating arranged around an existing memorial tree. At the end of the week, he presented his ideas to the team through sketches, plans and visualisations.

He also joined Archangel’s quarterly office meeting, where some fairly high-level practice strategy was under discussion, and accompanied Alex on a quinquennial church inspection. It was a varied introduction to architectural practice, from landscape design and presentations to business planning and the care of historic buildings.

Two more students will join Archangel next week. Each will be given a brief shaped around their own interests, but with the same aim: to offer a useful and honest experience of working in an architectural practice.

Image: The landscaped area in front of a city church which formed the basis of his design brief.

23/07/2026

The QI architect’s unofficial role is chief cobweb remover.

Nigel reached this conclusion after climbing six spiral staircases during a recent quinquennial inspection at Terrington St Clement Church. His hat provides the evidence.

The church contains a remarkable octagonal 15th-century font with an elaborate cover constructed in two parts. The Gothic upper section dates from the late 15th or early 16th century, while the 17th-century drum depicts scenes including the Baptism and Temptation of Christ.

It is also very much a living church, with a busy programme for children and young people, including Rock Café throughout the summer holidays.

It is both a joy and a privilege to play a part in caring for buildings such as this, and the remarkable treasures they contain.

An impressive building, an active congregation and another inspection completed with Nigel’s trusty hat gathering a few more cobwebs for the collection.

16/07/2026

People are sometimes surprised that Archangel takes on projects where the only job is to measure a building.

This week David has been at a former council office building in Cambridge, carrying out a full 3D laser scan. It's another project where Archangel's entire appointment is to provide accurate survey information for another design team.

That says something about the growing importance of good information at the start of a project.

Using Archangel's in-house 3D laser scanner, millions of measurements can be captured in just a few hours, creating a highly accurate digital record of an existing building. The data can then be used to produce measured drawings, BIM models or provide a reliable base for future design work.

It's a service that sits slightly outside what many people think of as an architect's role, but one that can save significant time, reduce risk and give everyone involved confidence that they're working from the same accurate information.

Whether Archangel goes on to design the building or simply provides the survey data, the aim is the same: to help every project begin with certainty.

09/07/2026

Some of the most satisfying projects start with the most awkward spaces.

This extension off Histon Road, Cambridge involved a curious wedge-shaped gap between the house and the garage. It wasn't a large space, but with some careful thinking it became an opportunity rather than a constraint.

By making every square metre work, we were able to create a light, practical extension with bespoke touches, including a desk and shelving neatly tucked above the slope of the staircase. Outside, relocating the bin store has improved the approach to the front door, creating a much clearer and more welcoming entrance.

Since we reached practical completion, the clients have added a garden studio by New Meaning FoundationeaningFoundation, using the same cladding as the extension so the two buildings sit comfortably together. It has been lovely to see the project evolve, and even better knowing that choosing New Meaning Foundation also supports training and employment opportunities through their social enterprise.

The clients are only just beginning to settle in, as one of them prepares to retire from ministry after many years of service. The planting will mature over time, and the resident tortoise seems content to explore the garden at its own pace.

Good residential architecture isn't about making the biggest intervention. More often it's about making everyday life work just that little bit better.

Many thanks to our wonderful clients, Ben Topham and the team at RCI Construction Ltd, and New Meaning Foundationw Meaning Foundation for helping bring the project together.

02/07/2026

Work is progressing well on site at All Saints' Church, Cottenham.

The main structure of the new tea station/servery and accessible WC is already taking shape, and it is exciting to see months of planning and design beginning to emerge on site.

These are still very much work-in-progress photographs, but they offer an early glimpse of how this important addition will sit within the church. Over the next few weeks, the external cladding will be installed, which will start to reveal much more of the finished building.

Projects like this are about much more than new facilities. They help historic churches continue to serve their communities, creating spaces that are welcoming, accessible and fit for the future.

We look forward to sharing more updates as work continues.

25/06/2026

A lovely evening at Homerton College for the East Property Awards, where Duck End Barns received a Highly Commended award in the Low Carbon Building of the Year category.

It was a real privilege for Apostolos to represent Archangel and to see the project recognised alongside such a strong shortlist of projects from across the East of England.

What was particularly encouraging was the breadth and quality of work being celebrated. From homes and community buildings to healthcare projects, it was heartening to see so many teams placing low-carbon design at the heart of what they do.

Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists, and thank you to the judges and organisers for such an enjoyable evening in a spectacular setting.

Most importantly, thank you to our clients, whose ambition and commitment made Duck End Barns possible.

📷 Swipe through to see a few photographs from the evening.

23/06/2026

Fantastic news for Northstowe!

18/06/2026

At a time when division often dominates the headlines, Northstowe is telling a different story.

We're delighted to see the news that the Northstowe Church Network has been selected as the preferred organisation to take forward plans for Northstowe's first dedicated faith and community site.

This is a project we've been privileged to support as it has evolved, working alongside a wide range of partners and engaging with local residents.

What makes the proposals particularly significant is the collaboration behind them. Christian and Muslim communities have come together around a shared vision for a building that will serve the whole town.

The plans include separate spaces for Christian worship and Muslim prayer, alongside community facilities designed for residents of all faiths and none.

During recent engagement events, we heard residents speak about the importance of belonging, welcome, friendship and connection. Those themes have helped shape the vision for the project from the outset.

Buildings cannot create community on their own. But they will help shape the community that forms around them, so their design is really important in achieving a sense of belonging, welcome, friendship, etc.

Congratulations to the Northstowe Church Network, Pathfinder Church, Northstowe Muslims and everyone who has contributed to reaching this important milestone. We look forward to helping take the project forward.

17/06/2026

Fantastic news for our friends at Pathfinder Church Northstowe! 👏👏

We're looking forward to developing a detailed design and exploring meanwhile use of the site until construction can begin!

Exciting times in Northstowe 🥰 Congratulations to everyone involved!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c23yv25lxxno?fbclid=IwY2xjawSfFJRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETA3OUtETEhsdzUycVVRMDlSc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHluuoVoZ9ZwKlYOogrSb2QrX-THM25LcIIlSm7PYu5i2527XHhnww7e8FYUg_aem_lmeteZCj0T1d8cBmVfyQKA

Church and Muslim networks collaborate on a new faith and community hub.