Architectural Services & Design

Turning under used spaces into special places

We spend time working closely with our clients, building users and local communities to create special places to live, work and thrive.

Architecture is at the heart of what we do. Our architects and designers work closely with clients, communities and stakeholders to create attractive, practical and sustainable places that improve lives and add lasting value.

From new developments to regeneration schemes, refurbishment and conversion, we bring together expertise in conservation, sustainability, retrofit, BIM and building safety. Our approach combines creative design, technical expertise and commercial understanding to deliver distinctive, buildable solutions shaped by their context and purpose.

As a RIBA Chartered Practice, we provide a comprehensive architectural service across all stages, from feasibility and concept design through to construction and handover.

Our multidisciplinary team includes RIBA chartered architects, architectural technologists, BIM managers, passivhaus designers, retrofit, energy and overheating assessors. This breadth of expertise allows us to assemble the right team for every commission.

Whatever the scale or complexity, our focus remains the same: thoughtful design, careful coordination and places that perform well for our clients and the people who use them.

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Director
Manuel Atkinson

BA (Hons), M.Arch, ARB, RIBA, Dip.DEA

Director
Manuel Atkinson

BA (Hons), M.Arch, ARB, RIBA, Dip.DEA

I joined BTP in 2008, qualified as an Architect in 2013, and progressed to Director in 2017. Over my career, I’ve built extensive expertise across the full range of design criteria for housing, later living, and care environments, including HQI, DQS, Lifetime Homes, HAPPI, NDSS, and Building Regulations accessibility standards.

Sustainability is a core part of my professional focus. I am an accredited Energy Assessor for both new-build and existing homes (OCDEA / DEA) as well as a certified Home Quality Mark Assessor and PAS2035 Retrofit Designer / Assessor. Within BTP, I lead many of our sustainability initiatives; developing strategies to help clients realise their ambitions, meet zero-carbon targets, and align with the Future Homes Standard.

Since 2013, I have also played a key role in enhancing BTP’s BIM (Building Information Modelling) capability. I have achieved multiple BRE qualifications, including ISO 19650 accreditation, enabling me to manage BIM processes and workflows effectively across our projects.

In 2024, I joined the RIBA Principal Designer Register, gaining Principal Designer status with High‑Risk Building (HRB) expertise for both CDM and Building Regulations following rigorous training and examination. I now act as Building Regulations Principal Designer across a range of new‑build and refurbishment schemes, providing trusted guidance to clients and development teams.

My advanced knowledge of BIM, sustainability, and the Building Safety Act also sees me deliver regular training, CPD sessions, and workshops for Registered Providers and contractors.
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Architectural Technician
Catherine Morel

BA(Hons), M.Arch
Architectural Technician
Catherine Morel

BA(Hons), M.Arch

I joined the BTP team in 2025 with over 20 years' experience in the production of technical drawings throughout the RIBA work stages.

I previously worked for an AJ100 practice focused on large-scale residential, Extra Care living, and Community Healthcare Hubs. I contributed to the technical delivery of Salford City Council’s first completed Passivhaus scheme, providing low-energy homes for some of the region’s most vulnerable residents. Working on socially driven projects that respond to urgent housing needs in overlooked communities has shaped my approach, balancing technical detailing with lasting, thoughtful design.

Outside of the office I am a dedicated stationery obsessive, culture buff, avid reader and very poor Crown Green bowler.
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Architect
Pardis Naji

BSc (Hons), M.Arch, ARB, RIBA
Architect
Pardis Naji

BSc (Hons), M.Arch, ARB, RIBA

I joined BTP in June 2024, qualifying as an architect in April 2026. I previously worked at a large Manchester practice bringing experience in commercial developments, multi-storey car parks and high-rise residential projects.

My background includes designing homes to national space standards and accessibility requirements. At BTP, I enjoy combining technical detail with thoughtful design, with a particular interest in conservation, refurbishment and sustainability.

Outside work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, travelling, hiking, playing badminton and horse riding.