We could tell you how great we are, but it sounds so much better coming from our clients. Here's what they really think.
Big Ideas.
Real World Solutions.
20+ Years of Big Ideas
From designing and delivering the East Midlands’ first Passivhaus to being named the ‘Best Creative Architectural Studio’ by BUILD Magazine, we challenge outdated ideas to drag a dated industry into the future.
We rethink processes, improve how teams work together, and make client communication our cornerstone. So much so that we built our own software and client portal.
Design in the cloud. Feet on the ground.
When others were still tied to paper plans and office-bound meetings, we moved everything to the cloud. Then we went one further: we couldn't find practice management software that worked the way an architecture practice really works, so we built our own.
It's called Datum, and it runs everything here - every project, every drawing issue, every conversation with a planning officer. For you, that means a client portal you can log into any time to see your project: which stage you're at, what's been done, what's coming next, and who's waiting on what. When we chase the council, you'll see when we chased and what they said. No radio silence. No "just checking in" emails needed.
Making Architecture Make Sense. Finally.
We’ve been stripping the stress out of building projects since day one, giving clients clear options, honest advice, and stunning designs that actually work.
We keep the process straightforward - from first sketch to final handover - so you’re never left guessing what happens next. Every decision has a reason. And every space is shaped around how you actually live, work, or play.
We're rethinking design.
Because great results don't happen by accident.
01
Expertise over ego.
We know when to push boundaries and when to stick to what works. That’s how we lead on sustainability, unlock value in older buildings, and consistently deliver spaces that go further than the brief.
02
Clarity from day one.
We don't burden you with jargon, guesswork, or confusing fine print. Our process is transparent from the start, with clear fees, plain language, and honest conversations that make the entire process refreshingly simple.
03
Everyone's invited.
We've ditched the old model where architects dictate and everyone else follows. Instead, we listen and we collaborate. Clients, consultants, contractors—everyone brings something valuable to the table. And frankly, it's more enjoyable for everyone this way.
04
Complexity made simple.
Architecture has a lot of moving parts, but navigating them shouldn't be your problem. Our process breaks it down into clear decisions at the right time, so you stay informed and in control, without getting buried in paperwork.
05
Solutions, not trends.
Instead of chasing fads, we look to find unexpected solutions to everyday challenges. We look beyond the obvious, challenge conventions when they don't serve your project, and embrace new approaches that do.
06
Responsible by design.
Sustainable designs perform better, with buildings that cost less to run, feel better to use, and tread more lightly on the planet. That’s why we've been designing this way for years, long before 'green' became the marketing line of choice.
SAY HELLO
A small team with big ideas.
Chris
Director / Chartered Architectural Technologist
Justin
Architect / Founder
Olivia
Part I Architectural Assistant
Mertcan
Part II Architectural Assistant
Joao
Architectural Technologist / Visualiser
Tara
Studio Manager
What people have to say about us..
We're local architects serving the Midlands' best communities.
Happy Clients500
Completed Projects700
Planning Success Rate97%
OUR STORY
2002 - The beginnning
Justin Smith Architects started with a simple idea: architecture should be exciting, functional, and make sense. Our goal was to solve complex problems, not create them, and deliver stunning designs without the industry nonsense.
2002-2007 - Laying foundations
As our portfolio of bespoke homes and boutique commercial projects grew, so did our reputation for thoughtful, quality design. By 2007, we'd moved into a proper commercial office—ready for what came next.
2008-2015 - Pushing boundaries
Our early era of rethinking what architecture could be. We delivered the East Midlands' first ever Passivhaus, making sustainability standard practice long before it became a buzzword. Multi-million-pound homes quickly followed, and so did our commitment to the community: sponsoring Derby County FC and backing our local roots.
2016 - A home of our own
We practiced what we preached by remodeling our own purpose-built offices on Queen Street, Derby. Finally, we had a studio that reflected our approach: innovative, forward-thinking, and quality-focused.
2019 - A smarter future
We rebranded as JSA Architects and evolved our working model completely. Instead of being tied to one location, we shifted to flexible studios across the Midlands, allowing us to work closer to our clients while staying agile.
2020 - A new chapter
We transitioned from a founder-led practice to an employee-owned business, securing our future while preserving the client-first values that define us. Justin remained as an architect and consultant, while Chris took the wheel to lead us into a new era.
2021-2025 - Stronger than ever
Despite shifting markets and a global pandemic, 2021 saw record success, proving that adaptability and great design always win. By 2024, we'd opened our Lichfield studio, growing our reach while staying true to the collaborative, nimble approach that got us here.
2026 - Built, not bought
Twenty years of running projects taught us exactly what practice management software should do — and that nothing on the market did it. So we built Datum, our own app, and put a client portal at the heart of it. Every JSA project now runs through it, and every JSA client can see theirs, live, whenever they like.
