Ian Abrams
Dip Arch BSc, Building Conservation MSc, RIBA
Ian has been a chartered architect since 1984, and has a wealth of experience, largely in residential developments, with a bias towards conservation and listed buildings, although he enjoys designing contemporary structures, too. Before establishing his practice in 1991, Ian was an associate at a medium-sized architectural practice in Royston, where he worked on large-scale developments, such as a library, doctor’s surgery, apartment buildings and retirement homes as well as one-off private houses.
Ian is well-known for his designs for large residential houses built for private clients, and for extensions, alterations and residential developments, often in sensitive sites such as conservation areas and listed buildings. He has a good relationship with many conservation officers.
Heritage buildings are a specialty of Ian’s. He believes they need custodians to care for them and preserve them for future generations but also recognises that, unless they are made comfortable for their owners, they are not likely to be valued and may fall into disrepair. He and his wife, Sheila, lived in a Grade II listed cottage for 24 years, and he therefore understands how important it is that heritage buildings are adapted for modern families. Sheila and he moved to a more modern property in Ely in 2024.
Ian studied part-time for his first degree at North East London Polytechnic (NELP) in the 1980s, while working at London Transport’s Architect’s Department. He was awarded his first-class Masters’ degree in Building Conservation at Anglia Ruskin University in 2012.
Both Ian and Sheila enjoy photography, walking, canoeing, gardening and occasional wild swimming, as well as being hands-on grandparents.
Email Ian