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East Midlands’ first Passivhaus to being named the ‘Best Creative Architectural Studio’ by BUILD Magazine, we challenge outdated ideas to drag a dated industry into the future.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.
Most helpful and efficient...
JSA architects have been most helpful and efficient in developing plans for a proposed new bungalow for our occupation in old age. Probably not the easiest of clients, they has managed our requirements and aspirations cleverly and tactfully to produce practical solutions of both site payout and building design. They have retained and managed sub-consultants to produce the reports necessary to support our planning application in which their good working relationship with Council officers has been helpful to our cause. Their communications has always been timeous and efficient, both face to face, by e-mail and by telephone. Thank you! John and Anne Cartmell.
JCJohn Cartmell
A very professional and reliable firm.
JSA Architects are a very professional and reliable firm. They have expert knowledge in dealing with Listed Buildings and properties located within a conservation area. Their expertise also extends to general planning issues and construction management. They always return your calls in a timely manner. Highly recommended.
KPKnight Property Investments
Very clear, organised and easy to work with...
It was an absolute pleasure working with JSA Architects. Chris Wood was very clear, organised and easy to work with, for a project that we gratefully helped on for the 3D visuals. The design produced by JSA Architects clearly demonstrated the passion and thought process that they went through to meet their clients needs, expectations and dreams. The level of detail, excellent design and clear communication made it even more enjoyable to work with. Furthermore, JSA Architects' portfolio really demonstrates all of the above mentioned and I highly believe much more, for every project and client they work with. Definitely our top recommendation for architects and again, a massive pleasure on collaborating with you.
KRKreativiz
Communication has been first class throughout which is so vital.
JSA and specifically Georgie Rathbone have been excellent all the way along a very slow, frustrating planning application with Amber Valley Borough Council. Although the process is still not complete, we have no problem in recommending JSA for anyone considering dealing with a Grade II listed property negotiation. Communication has been first class throughout which is so vital.
EBElli Barrow
They provided clear drawings that my builders were really happy with.
I approached JSA after my previous architect acquired planning permission for extensions and alterations to my home. I needed detailed drawings for building regulations approval, and they were more than happy to take on the project when the previous architect stopped communicating. They provided clear drawings that my builders were really happy with, and they proposed changes to the design that would improve the general layout and look, but this required further planning permission. They submitted the applications and gained planning approval all without additional charges just because they saw an opportunity for improvements. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
KFKelly Fisher
Cannot recommend enough.
Chris has been brilliant through the whole process of re-designing our home. Cannot recommend enough. Thank you ☺️
SHShaun Hogg
Communication throughout was excellent.
We worked with Georgie on a small project in Melbourne. We found her to be extremely helpful and quickly able to understand what we wanted. Communication throughout was excellent. We were successful with our application which helped resolve a dispute that had been outstanding for over 12 months.
LTLouise Thompson
They really did approach our project as if it were their own.
Following a recommendation, we engaged JSA Architects to prepare and submit a challenging planning application within the green belt. I can honestly say that they did not disappoint. Each stage of the application was handled with consummate professionalism by Chris Wood and the team at JSA. Chris quickly came up with a bespoke strategic plan designed to maximise the site's potential. His extensive expertise was invaluable especially when dealing with council officials and engaging specialists to provide additional reports in order to further support our application. The team at JSA consistently exceeded expectations and proved always willing to go the extra mile. They really did approach our project as if it were their own. We would highly recommend JSA Architects without reservation.
MTMarcus Thomas
Very professional but also very down to earth...
Chris has been nothing but fantastic since we approached him for our project. He came with a wealth of expereince and ideas that really helped us create a wonderful living space. He is very professional but also very down to earth. I would highly recommend him!
ZMZoe Miller
A professional and personable experience.
A great experience working with JSA. A professional and personable experience. Highly recommend.
JDJ&K Developments Ltd
Great ideas and really detailed drawings...
I am a builder who has worked with JSA and found them to have great ideas and really detailed drawings. Chris whom I dealt with on the project was very friendly and approachable and explained easily and concisely any details and was really great to work with.
DBDeene Ball
Outstanding design and service.
Outstanding design and service! From the outset we have been impressed with JSA who took the time to thoroughly understand what we were trying to achieve and came up with a perfect solution, utilising the current space more effectively rather than the more costly route of an extension. The drawings they provided were of a very high quality and our builder remarked that they were better than most he had seen. Since the design process they made themselves readily available in answering queries from ourselves, the builder and building control, responding to emails the same day. Chris was particularly helpful when building control raised a number of queries and telephoned them himself to discuss and resolve them. Chris has been very professional and friendly throughout - regularly checking in with us to see how we were getting on and has shown a genuine interest and desire to help if we have needed. The work is nearly complete and we are absolutely delighted with the result. We thoroughly recommend Chris and the team.
RPRebecca Parkes
Very professional but approachable team.
I have found JSA to be a very professional but approachable team of architects and technologists. I have worked with hundreds of architectural practices around the country. JSA would certainly be one of the more professional practices. JSA were keen to seek very in depth details regarding our SIPS product in order to provide their clients with a comprehensive set of construction drawings. They were also not adverse to taking some advice from our design and technical departments. I have completed a couple of projects with them now. Although the structures were challenging on their own merits, the knowledge and technical capabilities of the JSA team ensured a successful project in each case, with a set of happy clients. We have since recommended some of our own clients to seek the services of JSA.
PBP1 Building Systems
All in all, a great service...
Great experience working with JSA who produced an amazing design and definitely incorporated ideas we would not have thought of. We found them to be very efficient and very prompt in responding to any queries we had. We received a speedy positive response from the Council for our plans, again they kept us posted on any developments. All in all, a great service, would recommend and use JSA in the future. Thank you!
SKSandy Kooner
So much better!
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FCFake Client C
Excellent service from the very start
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FCFake Client B
Honest and very knowledgeable!
JSA visited my house to help me decide on the best way forwards with adaptations for my disabled daughter. I was truly grateful for the advice they gave - and this was done in a really impartial way. Without the help of JSA I think that I would be still stuck with the dilemma. Honest and very knowledgeable!
HCHelen Coley
We're local architects serving the Midlands' best communities.
Happy Clients500
Completed Projects700
Planning Success Rate97%
OUR STORY
2002 - The beginning
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.
