who we are

We are barefoot architects.
We have a shared set of values and work with like-minded clients who care about people and the planet.

about us

We are a RIBA Chartered Practice with offices in Bristol and Devon, offering contemporary design with a focus on social and environmental sustainability across the South of the UK.

The first major built work of the practice was Chalk Wall House in Dorset, designed for Sam’s parents and self-built with them. The project - which was given a one in a million chance of getting planning - explored key themes of the practice, including low energy ecological design, natural, ecological materials, and passive design strategies. This transformative project enabled Sam's parents to stay in the town they know and love, in a house that meets their needs now and the future.

This remains a great example of our approach of using creative strategic design solutions on difficult sites, where gaining a planning consent was almost impossible. Since then, we’ve continued to take on the odds and win planning consents on some of the most challenging sites by demonstrating that our projects can improve their site, setting, community and transform the way people live.

Our current portfolio of projects shows our focus on homes, housing and community projects at all scales from £100k to £10m.

If you are interested in working for us, please check out our current opportunities here.

meet the team


  • founding director

    Sam leads on a wide variety of projects, with extensive experience in community-led projects. His interest and experience is in sustainable, low-energy, low impact architecture.


  • co-director

    Rob joined Sam as a co-director in 2016, bringing a wealth of experience in the design of housing, technical delivery, and practice management. His particular interests are in craft and construction.


  • project architect

    Jess joined Barefoot Architects in 2011 following her Masters degree. She has a passion for the politics of social architecture, and a rigorous attention to technical detail.


  • project architect

    Maria is interested in what regenerative design can mean for the environment and the community. She is a qualified architect with 9 years of experience in architectural practices. Maria is also a certified Passivhaus designer.


  • architectural assistant

    Ashley is the most recent addition to the Barefoot Architects team! A talented designer, with a multidisciplinary background, Ashley has made a great start within the practice.

  • project architect

    Martina joined Barefoot Architects in 2017 after working with director Rob Hankey and has worked on projects such as the multi RIBA Award winning Corten House in Bristol.


  • architectural assistant

    Julian joined Barefoot Architects in 2022 as an experienced architectural assistant with professionally developed design and technical skills from 4 years of experience in practice.


  • architectural assistant

    Will is a highly motivated Masters graduate, whose passion lies in creating spaces that have a positive impact on peoples’ lives.


  • practice manager

    Peta joined the practice in 2021 as Barefoot’s Practice Manager. Within the practice Peta is first point of contact for all enquiries, and is involved in developing our internal systems and marketing.


  • project architect

    David is a passionate advocate of social and environmental justice and has a keen interest in sustainable construction. He has more than 8 years experience working in architectural practice.


  • project architect

    Since moving to Bristol 2 years ago, Dave freelanced with his partner on a range of projects. With a passion for making, construction and detailing he has lots of post-planning experience.


  • architectural assistant

    Adam joined us in 2023 with his 1st Class degree from University of the West of England. His particular passion interest is in adaptive reuse of old buildings.

who we support

As a practice we are proud to be affiliated with like minded organisations who are passionate about creating a better world.

We are a RIBA Chartered Practice which means we have rigorous systems in place to ensure design excellence, and are registered with our professional regulatory body the ARB whose code of conduct we follow.

In our search for continuous learning and improvement we support the Green Register, who provide us with environmentally focussed continuous professional development, as well as Timber Development UK whose research allows us to develop expertise in timber Frame construction methodologies.

As a practice that specialise in Cohousing projects we support the UK Cohousing Network, and Community Land Trust Network - both of whom support many of our amazing clients.

We are a Living Wage Employer (we don’t forget the cleaners).