How we work

Since our inception in 2014, NCA has grown to a team of 8, led by our Principal Architect and Director Neil Clarke. We maintain an informal and collegial atmosphere that encourages individual creativity and teamwork in an open, collaborative environment. Our design approach is contextual, responding to client brief and built environment.

In our experience it is fundamental to form a strong relationship between Architect and Client. NCA seek to establish a clear understanding and dialogue with our Clients in order to develop a collaborative shared vision that incorporates their long term goals and aspirations.

The projects in our portfolio represent the ethos of NCA, with considered, practical and innovative designs, refined in their details. We carefully consider our clients aspirations and seek to develop a comprehensive understanding of the local context, program, and landscape precedents prior to preparing any design concepts. We study these and develop a common view of objectives and challenges.

Our Team

  • Neil Clarke

    FOUNDER / DIRECTOR

    Neil completed his professional training at the Oxford School of Architecture in 2007. Before setting up his own practice, Neil worked at Berman Guedes Stretton as a Project Architect, where he was promoted to Associate.

    Neil is an experienced and technically accomplished practitioner with a broad portfolio of work ranging in scale and complexity.

    His ethos is to constantly strive to exceed his client’s high standards and expectations through close collaboration establishing a clear, shared vision.

  • James Corris

    ASSOCIATE / PROJECT ARCHITECT

    James is a qualified Architect and has over 10 years experience. He has been project lead for a number of projects, including complex high-end residential properties in Oxford.

    Since joining the NCA team, James has lent his skill and experience to our projects in Davenant Road, Oxford, Dorchester-on-Thames and Cumnor. James is architectural lead in our busy studio, working closely with Neil in the delivery and management of our key projects.

  • Shane Weir

    SENIOR TECHNICIAN

    Shane has worked on a diverse range building projects ranging from high end residential projects to volume housing projects.

    Shane has gained a wealth of experience spanning over 18 years, and understands the importance of co-ordination between contractor, client and building control, to ensure the best solutions are provided.

  • Oliver Tyler

    SENIOR TECHNICIAN

    Over fifteen years of architectural & planning experience working with private clients and a range of residential developers on a variety of traditional and contemporary projects ranging from large one-off bespoke homes to contemporary apartment schemes across the home counties and Gloucestershire.

    Well versed in planning and technical areas from feasibility stage through to working drawings, Oliver is proficient in the preparation of full plans planning applications and detailed drawing packs for tender submission and building regulations approval.

  • Ryan Kelly

    TECHNICIAN

    Ryan has previous practice experience working with Oxford University Colleges at both planning and construction phases.

    His work ethic is matched only by his enthusiasm for construction detailing. Ryan leads our BIM team and 3D design.

  • Darren Ward

    PROJECT ARCHITECT

    Darren is a qualified Architect. He has a wide range of experiences from working in a bespoke architectural practice in Rotterdam and large multi-disciplinary firm in the UK for the past few years. Project typologies include high-rise residential developments, mixed typology and density housing, student accommodation, office design, retirement living, small scale infrastructure, public amenity spaces and large bespoke homes.

    He has extensive design awareness, attention to detail, design narrative and software skills. All of which, have been developed across various RIBA work stages for a number of high-profile clients.