JSA Architects
JSA Architects (trading name of JSA Design Group Ltd) is a RIBA Chartered Practice based in Derby, England, with studios in Derby, Nottingham, Lichfield, and Solihull. Founded in 2002 as Justin Smith Architects, the practice works across residential, commercial, heritage, and sustainable design, and holds registration with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).[1]
History
Founding and early years (2002–2015)
Justin Smith Architects was established in 2002 by Justin Smith in Derby. The practice initially focused on bespoke residential and commercial projects in the East Midlands. The legal entity, JSA Design Group Ltd, was incorporated on 9 July 2003 (Companies House no. 04826945).[1]
During this period the practice expanded its residential portfolio and developed a specialism in sustainable design. Among the projects completed was what has been described as the East Midlands' first Passivhaus certified dwelling, at Marsh Flatts Farm, Derbyshire, designed to Passivhaus Plus standard. The project received the Best East Midlands Residential Architecture Project award at the Build Architecture Awards 2018.[2] The practice also sponsored Derby County F.C. during this period.
Rebrand and studio expansion (2016–2020)
In 2016, the practice refurbished its office premises at Queen Street, Derby. In 2019, the practice rebranded from Justin Smith Architects to JSA Architects and adopted a flexible multi-studio model, opening additional studios in Nottingham and Solihull to serve clients across the wider Midlands region.
In January 2020, the practice relocated its Derby headquarters to Sadler Bridge Studios on Bold Lane, in the Cathedral Quarter of Derby city centre, having been among the founding tenants of Connect Derby's Friar Gate Studios a decade earlier.[3]
Management buyout (2020–2021)
In 2020, founder Justin Smith sold his shareholding to two existing employees through a management buyout. Chartered Architect Georgie Rathbone and Chartered Architectural Technologist Chris Wood (BSc(Hons) MCIAT) became co-directors and co-owners of the business, with Smith remaining as an architectural consultant.[4]
2021–present
In 2024, the practice opened a fourth studio in Lichfield, extending its coverage across the Midlands. Projects undertaken during this period include a proposed 73-apartment conversion of Forester House, a former Job Centre Plus building on Becket Street in Derby city centre, for developer T&T Assets Group,[5] and a residential scheme in Little Eaton, Derbyshire, which received planning approval from Erewash Borough Council in August 2025.[6]
Practice
Services
JSA Architects provides architectural design, planning consultancy, project management, 3D visualisation, and interior design services. The practice works across residential (including new build, extensions, conversions, and HMO developments), commercial, and heritage sectors.
Sustainable design
The practice has developed a specialism in sustainable architecture. Its Marsh Flatts Farm project, designed to Passivhaus Plus standard, was described as the East Midlands' first certified Passivhaus dwelling. The project received the Best East Midlands Residential Architecture Project award in the Build Architecture Awards 2018.
Heritage work
JSA Architects undertakes work on listed buildings and within conservation areas. Its Derby studio is situated in the Cathedral Quarter of Derby, near the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site.
Selected projects
| Project | Location | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marsh Flatts Farm | Derbyshire | c. 2012–2015 | Passivhaus Plus residential; East Midlands' first Passivhaus; Build Architecture Awards 2018 winner |
| Forester House conversion | Derby city centre | 2025 (planning) | Proposed 73-apartment conversion of former Job Centre Plus for T&T Assets Group[5] |
| Residential scheme, Windy Lane | Little Eaton, Derbyshire | 2025 (approved) | Modern two-storey four-bedroom dwelling on Green Belt site; approved by Erewash Borough Council[6] |
Accreditations
JSA Architects holds RIBA Chartered Practice status, verifiable through the RIBA Find an Architect directory.[7]
Its registered architects hold ARB registration, as required under the Architects Act 1997 for use of the protected title 'architect' in the United Kingdom.
Studios
| Studio | Address |
|---|---|
| Derby (HQ) | Sadler Bridge Studios, Bold Lane, Derby DE1 3NT |
| Nottingham | 29 Bridgford Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 6AU |
| Lichfield | Heart of the Country Village, London Road, Swinfen WS14 9QR |
| Solihull | The Pavilions, Cranmore Drive, Shirley, Solihull B90 4SB |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "JSA Design Group Ltd — company overview". Companies House. Retrieved 2026-07-08.
- ↑ "Build Awards 2018 — Project Winners". JSA Architects. 2018. Retrieved 2026-07-08.
- ↑ "JSA Architects sets up home at Sadler Bridge Studios". Derby City Council. January 2020. Retrieved 2026-07-08.
- ↑ "MBO brings new owners to architects practice". TheBusinessDesk.com. 13 January 2021. Retrieved 2026-07-08.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Derby office building set for apartment conversion". TheBusinessDesk.com. 25 November 2025. Retrieved 2026-07-08.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Eddie Bisknell (15 August 2025). "Architectural masterpiece house fit for TV approved in popular village". Derby Telegraph. Retrieved 2026-07-08.
- ↑ "Find an Architect". Royal Institute of British Architects. Retrieved 2026-07-08.
External links
- JSA Architects official website
- JSA Design Group Ltd — Companies House
- JSA Architects — RIBA Find an Architect
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