Structure
The practice is led by a management team comprising four directors and three associates. A technical team of twenty is supported by administration and accounts staff. Architectural commissions are undertaken by teams that are tailored to the specific needs of a particular project. A director guides the team and is responsible for ensuring a close working relationship between the client and the practice.

Location
In 2004 the practice moved from The Old Swan at Great Bourton to the heart of Banbury. The new location is a highly attractive Victorian building, renamed Acanthus House, in Hightown Road, opposite the Horton Hospital and a mile Junction II on the M40. The site has off-road parking at the front and a large garden to the rear. The building been renovated throughout to provide studios and design workstations suitable for modern architects.

Expertise/services
Acanthus Clews offer a full range of architects’ services, from initial feasibility studies, through all the design stages to production drawings, specifications and project management. Specialist knowledge of historic buildings conservation includes: condition surveys and inspections, maintenance & conservation plans and guidance on all aspects of listed buildings, ancient monuments, churches and cathedrals.

Sectors and Professional Relationships
Acanthus Clews mainly operates within six business sectors: Conservation, Residential, Education and Community, Healthcare, Hotel and Leisure, Commercial. For more information, click on Sectors.

Sometimes a particular project requires Acanthus Clews to lead a consultant team or work in conjunction with fellow construction consultants and project managers.

The practice has been awarded a number of term commissions from government departments and currently has a partnering agreement with the local district council.

In House Resources
The practice has a fully networked CAD system using design workstations. Administration and accounts are similarly networked on computer and the complete data system is comprehensively backed-up.

The RIBA supplies both the on-line and bound suppliers’ library, which provides comprehensive legislation and standards information.

Quality Management System
The Quality Management System of Acanthus Clews Architects is certified as applicable to ‘Chartered Architecture, Project Management and Historic Building Consultancy’. BS EN ISO 9001 accreditation was achieved in 1995. The continuous review of the system ensures that the office procedures meet the required standard, evolve with changing work practices and are of significant benefit to clients.

The Acanthus Group
Acanthus Clews is a member of the Acanthus network - a national group of independent architectural practices under the Acanthus banner, with a combined force of over 150 professionals in twelve offices around the country.

Visit the Acanthus web site: www.acanthus.co.uk