About Us – Profile – Approach – Hunter Architects & Planners
Working with a small number of clients each year, we specialise in the design, renovation, extension and remodelling of existing houses as well as new bespoke self-build and speculative homes.
For each our focus is you.
You’ll be inspired by our ceaseless ambition to explore and create your perfect home as together we seek that elusive equilibrium – a home that responds to every demand and occasion of life while balancing the financial, functional, practical and technical aspects of your build.
The magic thread that runs through it all is you. Understanding, interpreting and formulating a solution that responds to your unique circumstances is our vital starting point.
Our approach
We have no fixed aesthetic preferring to listen, interpret and then realise your aspirations to create an inspiring and robust building that stand the test of time.
Balancing imagination and pragmatism
A beautiful home should also be functional. While we take care to maximise light and space, we also pay attention to your need for ease of access, storage and flexibility. We’ll accommodate pushchairs, wheelie bins and wheelchairs to make sure your home works for you for life.
Ego-less architects
We mean it when we say it’s all about you and your future happiness. Like you, we believe life is for living. So, let’s build you a home that helps you do that to the very best of your ability. If you share our passion for a life well lived, we’ll get on famously.
Context is everything
What surrounds your home? How will you use the space? How much is the construction budget? Are there planning restrictions? Geographical compromises? Context drives and defines your build. We seek to balance these elements. Be assured, your personal context is always at the centre of our build.
Expertly crafted Homes
While the shell of a house, the daylighting, space and function set the tone for a project, the sense of homeliness and comfort are in the details. For that reason, we work with a range of local craftsmen and suppliers. As part of our service, we would look to introduce and integrate these aspects into the early design stages.
Your Team
Ian Hunter
BA (Hons), MArch, RIBA, RTPI
Full of ideas and energy, Ian will transport you from ‘could be’ to ‘will be’ as he elevates your ideas into fully functioning design specifications. 
Gillian Hunter
BA (Hons), MArch, RIBA
Gillian takes these ideas and aspirations and translates them into a home, balancing form and space to make them work seamlessly for you.
At a glance
- RIBA Chartered Architects
- RTPI Chartered Town Planner
- Trafford Council Accredited Planning Agent
- LABC Partner for Building Regulations
- Sustainability and Conservation Experience
- Built their own house
- Parents to three young boys
At a glance
• RIBA Chartered Architects • RTPI Chartered Town Planner • Sustainability and Conservation Consultants • Built their own house in 2010 • Trafford Council Accredited Planning Agent • LABC Partner for Building Regulations • Parents to three young boys
It was a sunny September day at Sheffield University when Ian and Gillian first met. Working on a model of Farnsworth House, sparks flew.
20 years later, the duo are the proud parents of three young boys and founders of Hunter Architects & Planners in Altrincham, Cheshire.
After working for international and award winning Architects, Ian and Gillian realised there was a better way of doing things. In 2006 they devised a boutique architecture, planning and sustainability service for consumers exclusively looking to develop high quality family homes.
Since that time, Hunter Architects & Planners has earned a reputation as an established local specialist, renowned for its friendly, efficient and exacting service and elegant, contemporary design.
Coupled with years of experience and knowledge, Hunter Architects & Planners offers clients an inspiring yet reassuring service that’s approachable and supportive. Having built their own sustainable house on a challenging site with a modest budget, Ian and Gillian have first-hand experience visualising and realising a build. They also recognise the rewards. You’ll find a human approach at the heart of everything they do.
Architecture
Straightforward advice.
Designing homes from concepts and feasibility studies and securing planning permission and building regulations approval, our in-house Chartered RIBA Architects provide a full architectural service to see you through to the finished article.
Planning
Current and relevant
With an in-house RTPI Planning Consultant we have a successful record obtaining planning permission (including via appeal) across Green Belt, Conservation Areas, Backland Plots, Paragraph 55 Homes as well as using Permitted Development rights.
Why Hunter Architects
Work with a husband and wife team Most architectural firms have a poor female-to-male Architect ratio. Gill’s expertise are prized in this industry and we’re proud to offer clients a balanced team with complementary skills and approaches.
Who offer expert planning and sustainability assistance As an in-house service, this specialist expertise remains affordable and sustainability can become an integral feature of all designs. While not always a driver, we find sustainability is an important factor for many clients.
And deal exclusively with bespoke, residential projects We intimately understand the planning, technical and regulatory aspects and have the right contacts to make your project a success. With experience designing and constructing our own bespoke, sustainable family home, we understand and appreciate the financial, legal and personal complexities, limitations and requirements of the process and project.
Useful Articles
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Architects have an unique insight and approach which can help to add value to your project and ensure the project meets, and exceeds your expectations.
read moreThis is personal
We recommend meeting face-to-face for a head-to-heart discussion. We want to grasp exactly what you’re looking for while understanding more about what is achievable in time, space and budget. A conversation sets everything in motion.
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