Devonshire Architects is a boutique architectural practice based in Bedford, dedicated to delivering contemporary and sustainable designs rooted in a nuanced understanding of our clients' needs, local contexts, and site dynamics. Our skill lies in attentive client engagement, resulting in designs that not only align with the brief and budget but also showcase thoughtful detailing and considered aesthetics.
As a flexible and accommodating practice, we prioritise ongoing communication and collaboration throughout each project stage. We acknowledge the diverse factors that shape architectural schemes, including architectural concepts, project briefs, cost considerations, practicality, construction methods, and timescales.
Our track record includes successfully navigating planning and listed building consents, particularly on intricate sites. Seeing projects through from conception to completion is a source of great pride for us. Our portfolio spans a variety of projects in the educational, commercial, charitable, and private residential sectors, reflecting our commitment to excellence across a spectrum of architectural sectors.
OUR TEAM
Our team of talented architects brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every project. We are committed to working closely with our clients to ensure that every detail is perfect.
Stuart Devonshire
BA(Hons) BArch ADPPA ARB RIBA
DIRECTOR
Stuart studied at The University of Liverpool, passing with distinction. He was awarded the Sir Charles Reilly Medal for the best thesis design, was nominated for the RIBA’s President’s Silver Medal and was profiled in Building Design magazine as one of the top graduates of that year. He subsequently worked at John Outram Associates and Project Orange in London before setting up MK40 Architects in Bedford 2009.
Whilst director / owner of mk40 architects, Stuart was the lead architect on numerous educational, residential and commercial projects. He worked on a wide range of projects including a new sports pavilion for Spratton Hall School and the Butterfly House for ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. The practice won a variety of local and regional awards for its domestic and educational projects.
Stuart stepped aside from mk40 architects in 2020 and set up Devonshire Architects. Since its inception the practice has grown and has a broad portfolio of work in the educational, commercial and private residential sectors.
Outside the office Stuart enjoys triathlons, keeping fit and spending time with his young family.
Rakesh Patel
BArch (Hons)
ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT
Rakesh joined Devonshire Architects during the summer of 2022. He studied at The University of Nottingham where he completed his Part 1. His final year project looked at materiality and green spaces within a mental health and wellbeing institute. Prior to joining Devonshire Architects he worked for Lloyd Harden Design and Skanska on a variety of small and large scale commercial and residential projects.
Rakesh works on a variety of different projects and scales within the office, with particular skills in 3d modelling and visualisations at varying stages of the project. Outside of the office Rakesh enjoys football, cricket and music.
Richard Garnon
BA(Hons) Dip Arch
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
Richard has nearly 30 years experience in the construction industry both in the UK and in Ireland. He has worked for several high profile practices in the UK and Ireland, including a former RIBA president.
Richard completed both his architectural Part 1 and Part II degrees at The University of Greenwich graduating in 1996. He has a vast array of experience and knowledge in a variety of different sectors across all stages of the RIBA Plan of Works.
He worked for Browning Lowe Ashdown Architects and Brady Mallalieu Architects in London on a variety of different scaled residential and listed building projects. He was responsible for all aspects of projects including, surveying, planning applications, construction information through to managing the project on site.
Richard then moved to mk40 architects in 2018, where he predominately worked on the successful redevelopment of Tresham College in Wellingborough. This involved the full refurbishment and over cladding of circa 6,000sqm of education space in the centre of town. Richard then joined Devonshire Architects in 2020 when the practice was formed by Stuart. Richard continues to work on a diverse range of projects and sectors through all parts of the RIBA plan of works.
Outside of work Richard enjoys photography, cycling, travel and music.
Debbie Gunn
BA (Hons)
PRACTICE MANAGER
Debbie is our Practice Manager, office administrator and oversees the day to day running of the office. She joined Devonshire Architects in 2021 and brings a wealth of experience from her previous career as a nursery manager.
Debbie graduated from Birmingham University in 2001 with a BA(Hons) in Professional Studies in Childcare. Prior to joining Devonshire Architects Debbie was a children’s nursery manager for 15 years, winning Nursery Manager of the year in 2016. She worked for several regional and national nursery companies in management roles before moving to Devonshire Architects in 2021.
Debbie brings her wealth of organisational and practical experience to a different sector, and is responsible for all aspects of office management. She oversees the day to day running of the practice, including administration and accounts. She is also the first point of contact for drawing issues and receipts, ensuring everything is correctly registered and in accordance with RIBA Chartered Practice Guidelines.
Debbie is an energetic, approachable professional who brings a wealth of experience to the successful running of the practice.