Ian Abrams
DipArch 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 – though he also 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, but also for extensions, alterations and residential developments – often in sensitive sites, such as conservation areas and within the grounds of 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 relevant and comfortable for their owners, they are not likely to be valued and may fall into disrepair. He and his family live in a Grade II listed house, and therefore understands how important it is that heritage buildings are adapted for modern families.
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.
Ian lives in a listed thatched cottage with his wife, Sheila. They both enjoy photography, walking their two terriers in the surrounding countryside, canoeing, and occasional wild swimming, as well as being hands-on grandparents.
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