Nicholas Jacob Architects LLP

02/11/2026

On 1st November 2026, we marked 30 years since Nicholas Jacob Architects was established in Ipswich.

To celebrate, we're looking back at how the practice began in 1996, some of the projects we've worked on and how architecture has changed over the past three decades.

Here's our anniversary article, which includes reflections from Nick and Shaun on the past 30 years and what lies ahead.

01/11/2026

30 years of Nicholas Jacob Architects!

On 1st November 1996, Nicholas Jacob Architects began life in Nick Jacob's home in Ipswich.
Thirty years later, we're celebrating three decades of architecture and conservation, with a portfolio of projects that includes some of East Anglia's most significant historic buildings.

A great deal has changed since those early days. Hand-drawn plans have largely given way to digital design, 3D modelling and new technologies, while the demands placed on architects have become increasingly complex.

What hasn't changed is our approach to understanding buildings, working closely with clients and finding imaginative, practical solutions.

As founder Nick Jacob explains:
“The main thread that has run through the 30 years of NJ Architects is the repair and adaptation of historic buildings of all types to make them fit for purpose and have a viable future.”

As our partner Shaun reflects:
"The real achievement of thirty years isn't just what we've built or restored. It's creating a practice with the knowledge, experience and people to continue long after those of us who started it."

We're proud of the projects we've worked on, the relationships we've built and the talented people who have been part of the practice over the years.
Here's to the next chapter!

31/10/2026

Happy Halloween! 🎃

29/10/2026

Yesterday's Budget included two announcements that could make a difference to developers planning smaller residential schemes.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG):
The Government has announced plans to exempt residential developments on brownfield sites of up to 1.5 hectares from Biodiversity Net Gain requirements.
Currently, most developments are required to achieve at least a 10% biodiversity net gain, which can add costs and complexity to smaller schemes.
The proposed exemption could make some previously developed sites more financially viable and encourage developers to reconsider opportunities that may have been difficult to progress.

Building regulations:
The Government has also committed to avoiding major changes to building regulations for the remainder of this Parliament, except where changes are needed for building safety. For developers, greater certainty around regulations could make it easier to plan projects, manage costs and make investment decisions.

Both announcements will be of interest to those considering residential development, although the details and implementation dates will need to be confirmed.

At NJ Architects, we work with developers on a wide range of residential projects, helping them assess site opportunities, understand planning requirements and develop designs that respond to their surroundings.

You can read more in the Government's Budget 2026 announcement:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/budget-2026-document/budget-2026-html

27/10/2026

We're delighted that our project at Bendall's Farm in Mendlesham has been recognised at the Suffolk Joint Construction Committee (SJCC) Craftsmanship Awards 2026, winning Category C - Residential Extension, Alteration, Restoration/Repair.

The project involved designing a contemporary extension to a traditional Suffolk farmhouse, creating a spacious, light-filled kitchen, entrance hall and cloakroom whilst respecting the character of the original building.

The design combines traditional brickwork and slate roofing with extensive glazing, exposed structural steelwork and bespoke Shou Sugi Ban timber cladding. Inside, a dramatic double-height kitchen and elevated glass-balustraded walkway provide views across the surrounding gardens.

Congratulations to our client and principal contractor, HeronBuild, on this well-deserved recognition of the craftsmanship involved.

Read more about the project and view the photographs on our website:

An award-winning contemporary extension to a traditional Suffolk farmhouse, combining bespoke Shou Sugi Ban timber cladding and more.

27/10/2026

New rules are coming into effect across England on 31st October 2026, changing how planning applications are determined by local authorities.

Under the new arrangements, more applications will be decided by planning officers rather than elected councillors sitting on planning committees. This includes most householder applications and certain smaller residential developments.

Here in Suffolk, East Suffolk Council is also changing its planning committee structure, replacing three committees with a single committee.

For homeowners, developers and those planning work to listed buildings, the changes could affect how their applications are handled.

Although the decision-making process is changing, the planning requirements themselves remain in place. Applications will still need to address local planning policies, design considerations, heritage protection and any other relevant constraints.

We regularly prepare and manage planning applications for residential developments, historic buildings and other projects, including sites with complex planning requirements.

You can find out more about the changes on the Government's website:

GOV.UK - The best place to find government services and information.

21/10/2026

Good news for Bourne Mill in Colchester.
Bourne Mill is among 20 historic buildings across England set to benefit from the Government's latest heritage funding announcement, with support being provided through the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund.

This is particularly welcome news for us, as we have previously worked on Bourne Mill as part of our term commission with the National Trust, which included building inspections at several historic properties across Suffolk and Essex.

Historic buildings like Bourne Mill require ongoing care and specialist conservation knowledge. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential for identifying problems early and helping to protect these buildings from further deterioration.

It's encouraging to see investment being made in preserving our architectural heritage and helping to safeguard these important buildings for future generations.

Read more about the funding announcement:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-drive-to-restore-churches-and-revitalise-heritage-buildings-in-communities-across-england-announced

Find out more about our work with the National Trust:
https://njarchitects.co.uk/portfolio/the-national-trust/

74 heritage and faith buildings including churches, synagogues, town halls and castles will receive support from the Places of Worship Renewal Fund and the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund.

18/10/2026

We have been appointed by East Suffolk Council to assess the condition of Martello Tower P in Felixstowe and develop proposals for its conservation, repair and future use.

Built in the early nineteenth century as part of Britain's coastal defences, the Grade II listed tower is also a Scheduled Monument.

Working alongside specialist consultants, we are developing a conservation and repair strategy that respects the building's historic character, whilst also considering ways to improve accessibility, visitor facilities and opportunities for community use.

The project is currently at RIBA Stage 2, with the aim of helping to secure the tower's long-term future for generations to come.

More info about the project, our architectural drawings and sketch can be found here:

Conservation assessment and feasibility proposals for a Grade II listed building and Scheduled Monument on the Felixstowe seafront.

17/10/2026

Historic England has published new guidance on the structural conservation of ruins, covering the challenges of assessing, repairing and preserving historic masonry structures.

It's a subject we have first-hand experience of through our work at The Abbey West Front in Bury St Edmunds.

This unusual collection of houses was built into the ruins of the west front of the medieval Benedictine abbey, a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Serious maintenance and structural problems had left the properties uninhabitable, requiring a carefully considered approach to their restoration and conservation.

The project brought these historic buildings back into use while protecting the significance of the medieval ruins, and received four awards and commendations:

- RIBA Spirit of Ingenuity Regional Award
- RICS Conservation Award Commendation
- Suffolk Association of Architects Craftsmanship Award
- The Bury St Edmunds Society Architectural Award

Historic England's new guidance:
https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/structural-conservation-ruins/

16/10/2026

Good news for some of East Anglia's historic churches and heritage buildings.

The Government and Historic England have announced more than £41 million in funding to help repair and restore historic buildings across England, including churches in Cromer, King's Lynn, Great Yarmouth and Dereham.

The funding will support essential conservation and repair work, helping to protect these important buildings and keep them in use for future generations.

We have extensive experience in ecclesiastical architecture and conservation, including our work at St Margaret's Church in Ipswich, where we undertook a major programme of repairs and conservation involving historic stonework and the restoration of its 17th-century ceiling paintings.

Historic churches are an important part of our architectural heritage, but maintaining them requires specialist knowledge, skilled craftspeople and significant investment. It's encouraging to see funding being made available to help safeguard these buildings for the future.

Read more about the announcement here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-drive-to-restore-churches-and-revitalise-heritage-buildings-in-communities-across-england-announced