// HISTORY

HL has helped provide Architecture, Interior and Building surveying services since being founded in 1979 in Durham.

// about us / history

Built on a history of openness in our services and professional integrity,  HL is one of the largest architectural and interior design practices in the North East with an unparalleled reputation for embedding cost effectiveness, whole life costing, sustainability and functionality into our buildings.

Teesside Uni Axo

The original partners Mike Litchfield and Stephen Howarth have now retired and the practice is now led by five directors, Jonathan Yates, David Pickersgill, Neil Turner, Elisa Berry and Keith Handy, based in Durham and London.

The practice originally established itself with commissions in the hotel, medical and education sectors. Through the years the practice has grown in new directions adding commercial, residential, industrial and specialist projects along with additional disciplines.

The heritage expertise and reputation has grown along with the expansion of HL interiors has continued, all adding diversity and experience to the practice.

We have completed projects throughout the country across many sectors through the history of HL. The principles of the founding partners have continued with the growth and evolution of the practice.

Our success is due to our design team. Our team deliver projects of all sizes for clients throughout the UK, adding value to every project by combining the right mix of skills, technology, expertise and flair.  We have a history of training and developing new staff so they can grow their experience within the practice.

We have a proud reputation for reliable delivery of projects as the lead consultant, or through professional collaboration.  Our philosophy is to pull together the best expertise into a project team, whether in design or management assignments. We enjoy many long standing joint venture relationships and alliances for project delivery and they remain important to our history and future.

Our 30 strong team is professional, talented and friendly working in our design studios. We have huge experience across a variety of sectors whilst maintaining the importance and individuality of each commission.

Architect Awards
Architects