Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Chartered Architects in Colchester | Hurley Porte & Duell
Hurley Porte & Duell has been delivering architectural excellence since 1945, founded by W.C de la Porte. Our practice combines a rich heritage with modern innovation, offering tailored solutions for residential, commercial, and community projects. With over seven decades of experience, we specialise in navigating complex planning challenges, including listed buildings, and provide comprehensive services from initial design to project completion. Our RIBA-chartered team utilises advanced BIM technology and CAD systems to ensure precision and collaboration.Centrally based in Colchester, we prioritise sustainable design, value engineering, and client-centric service, evidenced by our high rate of repeat clients and personal recommendations. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our indemnified service, fixed-fee transparency, and deep local authority knowledge. We pride ourselves on transforming visions into functional, inspiring spaces that enhance communities and environments.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Architecture
Community Projects
Project Management
Listed Building Consultancy
Details
- Year established: 1945
Highlights and features
- RIBA Chartered Architects with 71 years of industry experience
- Specialise in listed building approvals and local planning expertise
- Offer value engineering and sustainable design solutions
- Provide fixed-fee transparency and project management services
- Maintain a 95% client return rate through personalised service
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
What people say
Excellent service
Professional throughout
Highly recommend
Best building regulations
Creative solutions
Services
Residential Architecture
We offer comprehensive residential architectural services, including extensions, conversions, and new builds. Our process begins with free consultations and feasibility studies, followed by planning approvals and building regulation submissions. With expertise in listed buildings and local planning requirements, we provide project management options using vetted contractors. Fixed-fee packages ensure transparency, while our 71-year legacy guarantees design excellence tailored to client needs and budgets.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial services follow the RIBA Plan of Work, offering eight-stage project management from inception to completion. We act as lead consultants, contract administrators, and principal designers, utilising BIM technology for precision. Services include feasibility studies, cost estimation, and procurement strategies. With CAD software and National Building Specification integration, we deliver customised solutions for offices, retail spaces, and industrial facilities, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and client objectives.
Community Projects
We specialise in community-focused architecture, including schools, healthcare centres, and village halls. Our team assists with grant funding applications and offers 'no grant, no fee' options for financially constrained projects. Using value engineering, we balance client needs with budgetary limits while prioritising sustainability. Services include feasibility assessments, planning approvals, and construction management, supported by our expertise in collaborative design and local authority engagement for optimal community impact.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide residential, commercial, and community architectural services, including design consultancy, planning approvals, and project management. Specialisms include listed buildings and grant-funded projects.
How do you handle listed building projects?
Our team has extensive experience with listed buildings, combining heritage preservation with modern functionality. We manage complex planning approvals and regulatory compliance for historic structures.
Can you assist with community project funding?
Yes, we offer grant funding advice and 'no grant, no fee' options for community projects, ensuring financial viability while maintaining design quality.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Colchester, we work across Essex, London, Suffolk, Berkshire, and Kent, delivering projects tailored to local planning requirements and community needs.
How are your fees structured?
We offer fixed-fee packages for each project stage, with transparent pricing. Fees can be customised to suit project complexity and client requirements.
Reviews (3)
Alan Bainbridge
Mar 01, 2021
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We have been very impressed by the work done. Mark Potter has given very helpful advice, and his work has been professional and efficient.
Stephen Elsey
May 30, 2018
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Out of all the local architects that I approached for the project, only Mark seem to have the vision of what could be achieved and delivered a first class professional service. Excellent value for money, timely and informative throughout. No hesitation in recommending to others.
Clifford Sims
Aug 23, 2016
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Mark Potter and Steve Nevard were great to work with: imaginative by sympathetic to our requirements, they kept the project on the go and made sure we were always kept up to date with progress. When we hit a snag, they sorted it out or discussed the options openly with us. They were very good value for money and professional throughout with us and third parties. We would recommend them highly
