ABOUT US
Knox McConnell Architects has provided architectural conservation and historic building services since 2007.
All our work is on historic listed buildings – many of which are grade 1 listed. We have extensive experience of working on ecclesiastical buildings and we are fully conversant in the processes relating to Faculties, Diocesan Advisory Committees, Fabric Advisory Committees for Cathedrals and the Care of Cathedrals Measure.
Whilst we are enthusiastic about historic buildings and believe in a scholarly and conservation-based approach to our work, we are also realists. We take a flexible approach, looking creatively into how to maximise budgets to get best value out of limited funding.
OUR WORK ETHICS
Working together
We adopt a collaborative approach, working as a team with the client, contractor and consultants, looking creatively into how to maximise budgets to get best value out of available funding to help deliver high quality solutions.
Investing in our local community
Our office is in the heart of Saltaire – a World Heritage site with a wonderful community spirit. We enjoy helping support local charities and events, either through volunteering our time and/or providing financial support through sponsorship and donations.
We like to use local suppliers and work with people geographically close to our projects if they have the right experience. It minimises travel and keeps money and skills in the local economy.
Skills, Education and Training
Currently, key heritage skills are at risk of being lost, so where possible, we like to integrate and promote heritage skills and training opportunities into our projects, particularly in trying to engage young people in developing an interest in the heritage industry.
Environment & Sustainability
Our work in historic building conservation is inherently sustainable. We repair and re-use buildings, using traditional and locally-sourced materials with less embodied energy. We are committed to working towards net zero carbon for each heritage site and encourage clients to reduce their carbon footprints. We introduce energy efficient, sustainable technologies when appropriate and led the groundbreaking installation of the first photovoltaic panels on a Cathedral in England in 2012. We advise clients to carry out an energy audit as a first step in considering a building project.
Our Working Environment
We believe that happy employees make for better work, which is why we understand the importance of work-life balance. We know that our staff have passions and responsibilities outside of work, whether that’s raising children, caring for loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply taking time for themselves. That’s why we have a flexible working policy that allows for remote work and accommodates various personal circumstances. We value our employees’ wellbeing and are committed to supporting them in all aspects of their lives, both inside and outside of work.
We firmly believe in the power of diversity and inclusivity. We celebrate and welcome individuals from all walks of life and we are committed to providing an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We strive to ensure that all employees have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in their roles.
OUR TEAM
Ulrike Knox, Architect & Director, RIBA, AABC
Ulrike is a specialist conservation architect with an extensive background spanning over 25 years in the heritage sector. Her professional journey began with valuable experiences at Martin Stancliffe Architects and Purcell in York, and at Francis Johnson & Partners in Bridlington, eventually leading her to establish her own practice in 2007. At present, she currently serves as the Cathedral Architect for Bradford, Manchester, and Carlisle Cathedrals, and also fulfils the role of inspecting architect in the dioceses of Durham, Leeds, Lincoln, Sheffield and York.
Ulrike has contributed to the field in various honorary capacities. She served on the Cathedral Fabric Commission for England from 2011 to 2022, the Leeds Diocesan Advisory Committee since 2010, and the Judging Panel of the Natural Stone Awards of Great Britain since 2010. She was President of both the Ecclesiastical Architects’ and Surveyors’ Association, and the Bradford Society of Architects and Surveyors, and currently serves as an assessor for the AABC accreditation scheme for conservation architects.
Stephen McConnell, Architect & Director, RIBA CA
Stephen is an RIBA accredited conservation architect with over 10 years of experience working on the repair and adaptation of historic buidings. Prior to joining the practice in 2012 he worked for several Yorkshire based architectural practices in a range of sectors including projects for MacMillan Cancer Relief, Universities and Local Authorities.
Stephen has been working closely with client groups on community-based projects to give new life to tired buildings. He is particularly keen to encourage the use of forgotten and redundant spaces in existing buildings, unlocking the potential for creative re-use. Stephen is a member of Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and the C20 Society.
Fiona Johnson, Architect, AABC
Fiona is a talented accredited conservation architect with a keen eye for detail and a passion for preserving historic buildings for future generations. Her impressive journey began in 2014 when she completed a year out experience with us. Since then, she has developed her conservation expertise at Donald Insall Associates before rejoining our practice is 2020.
She has been actively involved in several noteworthy projects on grade 1 listed buildings, including Towneley Hall in Burnley and Brocklesby Park in Lincolnshire. Fiona’s extensive knowledge and experience in architectural conservation make her an invaluable asset to our team.
Fiona also contributes her expertise as an architectural advisor on the Leeds Diocesan Advisory Committee.
Sabhyata Halli, Architectural Assistant
Saby is an architectural conservation professional who recently joined our team in 2022 to further advance her career in the field. In 2021, Saby successfully completed her Master of Arts degree in Conservation Studies (Historic Buildings) from the Department of Archaeology at the University of York. Prior to this, Saby received her Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree from Visvesvaraya Technological University, India, and had the privilege of interning with renowned Heritage Building Conservation Architect, Vikas Dilawari, in Mumbai, India.
With her strong background and expertise in architectural conservation, Saby has contributed immensely to our projects since joining the team. She is also known for her excellent communication skills and ability to work well in teams.
Let’s work together
Please get in touch if you want to a general chat about a project or if you have problems with your building.