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our story

Born and based in North Devon, NPAS is a family-run architectural practice combining creative design, planning expertise and local knowledge to deliver thoughtful, practical architecture with a personal approach rooted in our rural communities.

NPAS began as a small, family-run practice in 2007, when Nigel founded the business from his home office. Starting as a sole practitioner, he was soon joined by his wife, Debbie, whose initial administrative role developed into a passion and expertise for planning strategy.

Together, Nigel and Debbie built NPAS around a straightforward philosophy: combine practical architectural knowledge, creative thinking and a thorough understanding of the planning process with a genuinely personal service.

Since those early days, NPAS has grown considerably while remaining proudly family-run. Today, our established team brings together architectural, design, planning, technical and administrative expertise, allowing us to support clients throughout every stage of their project.

Our work has grown too. From bespoke homes, extensions and residential developments to rural, agricultural and commercial projects, including specialist Class Q conversions, we approach every project individually, looking carefully at the site, the client’s ambitions and the opportunities available.

Despite our growth, the values behind NPAS haven’t changed. We remain approachable, practical and committed to our clients, with a focus on producing thoughtful, functional architecture and finding solutions to challenging planning and design situations.

It’s this combination of family values, architectural experience, local knowledge and planning expertise that continues to shape NPAS today.

NPAS began as a small, family-run practice in 2007, when Nigel founded the business from his home office. Initially working as a sole practitioner, Nigel was soon joined by his wife Debbie, whose administrative support quickly evolved into a deep passion for planning strategy. Together, they laid the foundation for a practice built on dedication, expertise, and a shared commitment to helping clients navigate the complexities of planning and design.

Over the past 17 years, NPAS has grown into a thriving team of 9, each member bringing their own expertise and passion for architecture. Our focus has always been on delivering thoughtful, functional designs tailored to the unique demands of each project. This approach has resulted in a consistent track record of successful planning applications and satisfied clients.

“More than highly recommended. A first-class service from a fairly priced, approachable, friendly team. Five planning applications, two conversions, two new builds and then a size change – all perfectly executed and approved first time.

Then recommended to 3 friends who all had the same experience – well done NPAS. Also used for building regs Would rate with 10 stars if Google offered them! Thank You!”

our approach

At NPAS, we believe good architecture begins with understanding its surroundings. From the landscape, orientation and natural light to views, local character and existing buildings, every site has something unique to offer.

Our approach combines contemporary design with carefully considered materials and architectural forms, creating buildings that feel distinctive yet belong naturally within their setting.

Every project starts by listening. We take the time to understand your ambitions, how you want to use the building and what you hope to achieve.

From there, we explore the opportunities of the site to develop a solution that is practical, achievable and built to last.

Design and planning go hand in hand. With extensive experience of rural planning in North Devon, we consider planning strategy from the outset, helping shape proposals that respond positively to their site, surroundings and planning context.

The result is thoughtful architecture that works for you, the site and the place it calls home.

“Debbie, Nigel and the Team at NPAS were great listening to our requirements, giving great feedback and were successful in getting our planning application approved. Really recommend NPAS.”

our work

Browse our work by sector

private homes
housing
developments
commercial
heritage and
conservation
extensions and
refurbishments

Marc Worden

senior architectural technician

Marc is an experienced Architectural Technologist and Designer with over 25 years’ experience delivering projects across residential, commercial, agricultural and heritage sectors. He combines a strong technical understanding with a genuine passion for design, taking projects from initial concept and planning through to detailed construction.

His experience includes new-build, alongside the conservation and adaptation of historic and listed buildings, renovation and development projects. Marc also brings a diverse design background spanning retail, interiors and furniture design. In his spare time he enjoys skiing, surfing and travel.

[email protected]

Matt Charles

architect

Matt is a Project Architect with over 10 years’ experience in the construction industry. Before joining NPAS in 2026, he worked on medium- to large-scale projects across the UK, spanning sports and leisure, education, retirement living and residential development.

Matt has taken an active role in overseeing the studio’s design output, drawing on experience across Devon, including barn conversions and bespoke homes. He enjoys working closely with clients to develop thoughtful design solutions that respond to each project’s character and constraints.

Outside the studio, Matt enjoys pilot gig rowing and coastal walks with his wife and dog, Bobby.

[email protected]

Chloe Hewitt

accounts administrator

Chloe is an integral part of the Accounts and Administration team, helping to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the practice. Her role includes communicating with clients, preparing quotations, tracking potential projects and coordinating with the wider team to ensure new projects get off to a well-organised start.

With extensive experience in business accounts and administration, Chloe brings a knowledgeable and organised approach to her role. Her attention to detail and friendly communication help support both clients and the team throughout each project.

Outside the studio, Chloe enjoys spending time with her two young children, family and friends.

[email protected]

Sharlene Curley

project cordinator

Sharlene is a Project Coordinator who plays a key role in keeping projects organised and progressing smoothly. With excellent organisational skills, she coordinates between clients, consultants and the design team, while also managing external surveyors as required to ensure the right information is available at each stage.

Her previous experience as a legal assistant in Barnstaple has given Sharlene a strong eye for detail and a methodical approach to her work. She is committed to providing a professional and helpful service, maintaining clear communication, efficient workflows and ensuring clients remain informed and supported throughout their project journey.

[email protected]

Hayley Martin

accounts manager

Hayley plays a key role in managing the financial operations of the practice, overseeing both client and internal finances to help ensure the business runs smoothly and efficiently. Her organised and considered approach supports the financial health of NPAS and contributes to the continued growth of the practice.

Alongside her financial responsibilities, Hayley provides valuable business support across the team, helping maintain effective internal processes and consistent service delivery. Having lived in Barnstaple throughout her life and worked across a variety of local sectors, she brings a broad range of experience, knowledge and understanding to the day-to-day operation of the business.

[email protected]

Joe Polkinghorne

Architectural Designer

Joe is an Architectural Designer working primarily across residential and rural projects, from early concept design through to planning approval. His work focuses on the sensitive redevelopment of rural sites, including barn conversions, replacement dwellings and fallback schemes. He has a particular interest in contemporary rural architecture, combining modern design with materials and forms that respond naturally to their setting.

Joe also has a keen interest in visualisation, emerging technology and software development, exploring new ways to improve project presentation and design.

Outside the studio, Joe is renovating an old terraced house, gaining valuable hands-on experience of construction and existing buildings.

[email protected]

Ben Jeffery

architectural technician

Ben is an accomplished Architectural Technician with three years of experience in the field, specialising in transforming creative architectural visions into practical, functional designs. Holding an HNC in Construction and The Built Environment, Ben has a strong foundation in the principles of construction and design.

His commitment to continuous learning and professional development drives him to deliver innovative solutions that are both practical and imaginative. Ben enjoys playing darts and socialising at the weekends.

[email protected]

Nigel Polkinghorne

Director & head of design

Nigel is an Architectural Technician and founder of NPAS, bringing extensive experience across a wide range of architectural projects. He is often the first point of contact for new projects, visiting sites to meet clients, understand their ideas and assess the opportunities and constraints of each property.

With his wealth of experience, Nigel can quickly see the potential in a site and offer a range of design and layout ideas from the outset. His practical knowledge helps clients explore different possibilities, making the most of the space, setting and individual character of each project.

Outside the studio, Nigel enjoys running, dog walking and gardening.

[email protected]

Debbie Polkinghorne

Director & head of planning

Debbie is a Director at NPAS, bringing extensive knowledge of the planning system and playing a key role in guiding the practice and its continued growth. She thrives on navigating complex planning challenges, collaborating with local authority and government planning teams to help achieve positive outcomes for clients.

Working closely with the design team, Debbie ensures proposals respond effectively to planning policy and requirements while maintaining strong communication throughout the process. As a Director, she is committed to developing lasting client relationships, maintaining high standards across the practice and ensuring NPAS continues to provide a professional, personal and customer-focused service.

[email protected]