About us
Our Ethos
At Cox Martin Design all our projects are context driven.
Context driven architecture is the practice of designing buildings and spaces that respond to the specific conditions, needs, and values of their surroundings and users. It is not a fixed style or formula, instead it’s a creative and adaptive approach that is unique to each project.
A context driven project aims to enhance the community and environment within which it sits. ‘Context’ is not just the physical context, but can also be cultural, environmental, social, material, and technological.
We don't have a 'house style’ and are equally happy working on contemporary or traditional designs, new build, or conversions. We can take your project from a hand drawn sketch to completion on site, and our service can be tailored to meet your needs.
Having worked with many local Authorities across southern England, we have a great track record of achieving Planning permissions for our clients. So, if you have a project in mind, contact us for a free initial consultation.
People
Caroline Martin is an award-winning RIBA Chartered Architect and Interior Designer with over 25 years professional experience.
Having worked previously for small and medium sized practices, she brings with her a wealth of experience in housing, workspace, health care, community building and hotel projects. During her career she has been lead Architect on numerous projects, (both new build and conversion projects), taking them from initial concept design through to completion on site.
Having worked on both Grade II & Grade I listed buildings she is knowledgeable and skilled at integrating new elements into an historic setting and being able to negotiate with Conservation Officers and Historic England.
When not at work Caroline can be found riding her horse or walking in the countryside. In 2014 she set up Cox Martin Design with her husband Jeremy Cox.
Jeremy Cox worked as an Architectural Technician at Hampshire County Architects, where he worked on a number of award-winning schools and public buildings. After retraining, he spent time working in Forestry and now advises on trees and landscape design, as well as helping to manage and steer the practice. When not working, Jeremy can be found in the garden, or with his beloved Moto Guzzi motorbike.
Olly is a Junior Architectural Assistant and gets involved in updating the company website & social media accounts, doing cad work, & producing 3D models for the early stages of projects. Outside of the office, he is a qualified Parkour Coach and loves travelling & going to the Gym.
Cox Martin Design has a small core of staff which allows us to work cost efficiently for our clients, but also regularly collaborates with other professionals who work on a freelance basis for the practice. These include:
Wayne: is an experienced Senior Architectural Technician. Having started in the industry in 1990, he has a wealth of experience and technical knowledge.
James: is a Chartered Architectural Technologist with 10 years’ experience. He has a particular interest in bespoke energy conscious design and is experienced in working for homeowners and developers.
Liz: has over 18 years’ experience in commercial interior design and architecture. Throughout her career she has worked with high end clients, in Retail, Hospitality, and Workplace sectors. She has also worked on residential and education projects seeing schemes through from initial concept design to completion on site.
Services
We pride ourselves on listening to our clients and trusted Consultants, and collaborating with them, to achieve the best possible projects. We're very pleased to have a number of long-standing clients who return to use our services, time and again. But we're always happy to speak to potential new clients, and we offer a free initial consultation to see if we might be a good match.
Our services can cover all (or some) aspects of a project, as set out in the RIBA’s Work Stages. More details can be found here:
www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/resources-landing-page/riba-plan-of-work
These can include the following:
- Initial briefing & feasibility studies (including hand drawn sketches)
- Consultant Team recommendations
- Concept design
- 3D drawings & CGI’s
- Planning Submissions and consultation with the Planners
- Construction drawings & Tender packages.
- Tender analysis and preparation of contracts (using JCT standard form of contracts.)
- Building regulations submissions and negotiations with the building control officer
- Administering the building contract on site & Site Inspections
- Snagging inspections and building sign off
- Preparation of As-Built record drawings
We generally work in the South and Southwest of England including London, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex & Kent. We have also worked further afield into Wales & Shropshire.
We hold Public Liability and Indemnity Insurances as required by the ARB (Architects Registration Board) & RIBA and adhere to their Codes of Conduct. We also undertake regular CPD (continuing professional development) to keep up to date with regulations and best practice.
Fees
Being a small practice, we’re able to offer an individual service, at a competitive fee.
Each fee is calculated on a project-by-project basis depending on its size & complexity. The scope of our service will be laid out in our fee proposal so our role is clearly defined, and you know what to expect from us.
As Director & Lead Architect, Caroline is a member of the ARB (Architects registration board) & the RIBA (Royal institute of British Architects). She is also a member of AfH (Architects for Health) who promote good desihn in the healthcare sector.