A Shift in Practice: Designing a Life in Norwich
Adam and Laura each spent around ten years working for large, award-winning practices in London. Adam at Foster + Partners and Hugh Broughton Architects, and Laura at Assael Architecture. They were fortunate to work with brilliant people and gain experience on complex, high-profile projects.
After a decade however, both were ready for a change. London is an exciting place to build a career, but it can also be intense and prohibitively expensive.
They found themselves craving more space, fresh air, and a better balance between work and life.
They also wanted to use their skills to deliver projects that felt closer to people and community, rather than the large developer-led schemes that dominated much of their work in the capital.
Travel played a key role in that shift.
In September 2024, they took a three-month sabbatical to cycle across Europe, covering more than 3,000 kilometres from the UK to Montenegro.
“That time outdoors gave us space to think about what we wanted next in life and work”
Norfolk kept coming up in those conversations. Visiting Laura’s family there had always felt like a holiday.
By the time they returned, they had decided they wanted to make it home, and to set-up their own architectural practice, Postlethwaite Hill Architects.
Before relocating permanently, Norwich and Norfolk held special meaning for them in different ways.
Laura grew up there, so it was a place that had always felt familiar and full of memories. For Adam, it was somewhere new that felt full of potential.
Having those different perspectives has been valuable.
They’ve also noticed how much Norwich has evolved. The city centre feels more vibrant and lively than ever, particularly in the evenings compared to when Laura was growing up. “We love wandering through the city, popping into the churches, stopping for coffee, and finding a bite to eat — Yalm and Haggle are favourites,” Adam shares.
As architects, they particularly appreciate the city’s medieval character, not just its historic buildings, but also the intricate fabric and patchwork of streets that always seem to hold a new secret.
Adapting to Norfolk’s needs
Planning legislation allowing the conversion of agricultural buildings to residential use under permitted development has opened up exciting possibilities for sustainable re-use.
By carefully interpreting and translating the qualities of these structures, it’s possible to create homes that are both unique and functional, with a sense of continuity between past and present.
Postlethwaite Hill Architects have recently submitted proposals for two such conversions — a former granary and a set of former chicken sheds — and have enjoyed exploring the creative challenges they present.
A challenge not commonly found in London where they started their professional careers.
A Place for Design and Belonging
Adam and Laura have truly made a home for themselves in Norwich and don’t envision being anywhere else for the time being. As they continue exploring the city and countryside in their free time, their focus is now on creating and developing their practice.
Reflecting on the move, Laura says, “We found ourselves craving more space, fresh air and a better balance between work and life.”
For them, Norwich offers exactly that – a place where professional ambition and personal wellbeing can coexist.