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East Midlands’ first Passivhaus to being named the ‘Best Creative Architectural Studio’ by BUILD Magazine, we challenge outdated ideas to drag a dated industry into the future.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 collaborate, and make client communication our cornerstone—so projects run smoother, faster, and with fewer surprises.
When others were still tied to paper plans and office-bound meetings, we moved everything to the cloud, making collaboration seamless whether on site, in the studio, or at the kitchen table.
Working from flexible studios in Derby, Nottingham, Lichfield, and Solihull, we stay connected to the communities we serve. No unnecessary overheads, just local expertise where and when you need it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
01
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
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
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
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
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
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.
01
The most sustainable buildings are those people want to keep. We prioritise the human experience through natural light, healthy materials, thermal comfort, and acoustic quality to produce buildings people connect with emotionally, not just functionally.
02
We design buildings that belong to their place, whether that's by respecting historical context, enhancing local character, or creating new focal points for community interaction.
03
Sustainable is our starting point, not an add-on service. Every material choice, orientation decision, and system specification is evaluated for its environmental impact alongside aesthetics and function.
04
We challenge the notion that buildings should be designed for a single purpose or short lifespan. Instead, we create adaptable spaces using materials that age gracefully and systems that can evolve—so your project stays useful, valuable, and loved long into the future.
Director / Chartered Architectural Technologist
Architect / Founder
Architectural Assistant
Architectural Technologist / Visualiser
