ABOUT THE COMPANY
SNELL DAVID ARE AN ESTABLISHED ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE
SPECIALISING IN ALL TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL WORK.
We pride ourselves on our dedicated personal and flexible approach in all aspects of domestic architecture. Projects range from grand new-build houses and Listed building refurbishments to modest re-modelling and extension to existing homes with typical project values from £150k up to £5M. Regardless of project value we aim to deliver a personal and design-led approach to each and every project.
We operate two offices, one in London overlooking the river Thames in Wandsworth and our Cambridge office in nearby Whittlesford. This allows us to serve client’s projects across London, the South, South West, South East England and East Anglia.
PROCESS
THE WAY WE WORK
We follow a project delivery process which aligns with the RIBA Plan of Work. The 5 step process outlined below is a simple guide to our services and the steps needed to complete any project.
We can tailor these basic steps to suit your project needs and provide partial services where required, please do contact us to discuss how we can help with your project.
STAGE 1 - SURVEY
We start the process by undertaking a full measured survey of the property or site as it is important to have a base set of accurate CAD drawings to work from. These survey drawings form the basis for the following work stages.
In instances where properties have already been adequately digitally surveyed, we can commence Stage 2 Options Appraisal.
STAGE 2 - OPTIONS APPRAISAL
We work closely with our clients to accurately identify their brief, timescales and key accommodation requirements; from the must haves to desirable extras. We are also keen to understand the aspects of the property which are most and least pleasing to ensure we make the most of the opportunities.
We then produce sketch options for discussion, adopting a flexible and creative approach to produce something special which fits the client's requirements. Key considerations are layout, flow of spaces, openness or enclosure, light and choice of materials.
Careful consideration of likely statutory requirements is required at an early stage in the design process. Our experience allows us to advise on the likely acceptability of design proposals, but ultimately this is determined by the relevant authority.
Depending on project requirements, additional services may be necessary from other parties to consider impact on historic properties, daylight, trees and traffic. In addition, a quantity surveyor may be appointed to consider project costs from an early stage.
STAGE 3 - PLANNING
Once the design aspects are fully considered, we prepare drawings and documentation to liaise with the relevant local authority and any other statutory consultees to obtain the necessary consents for the proposals.
Depending on the requirements of the authority, additional services may be necessary from other parties to consider impact on historic properties, ecology, daylight, trees and traffic. We will liaise with any necessary parties to provide a co-ordinated submission for any approvals.
STAGE 4 - DETAIL DESIGN
A vital part of the process is to ensure that the full detail of the project is adequately described in drawings, schedules, other construction and health & safety information. This information is the key to delivering the carefully considered design and communicating this to building contractors to allow this to be adequately priced.
We liaise closely and coordinate with other consultants and specialists such as quantity surveyors, structural engineers, garden and interior designers as required. We undertake a series of client review meetings during the preparation of this information to discuss the design, materials and fittings which make up the detail of the project.
STAGE 5 - SITE OPERATIONS
When site works commence we are able to offer a number of services to ensure that our carefully developed designs are delivered to meet client expectations.
These services may include administering the terms of the building contract, respond to contractor queries, visiting site as required to monitor progress, programme, quality and financial issues.
PEOPLE
THE SNELL DAVID TEAM PROVIDES THE RIGHT BALANCE OF EXPERIENCE, CREATIVITY AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
The Directors take an active role in all aspects of the business, running their own projects directly as well as closely overseeing the office management of the practice. They are supported by a group of project architects, who run a broad portfolio of projects.
Snell David have a strong technical department lead by our experienced technologists. This provides invaluable support with working drawings and knowledge of the Building Regulations, other statutory regulations and sustainable design.
Project Architects along with Part 2 students provide a broad base of graphic and architectural drafting skills which enable Snell David to produce high quality visuals. The whole team is capably supported by our Part 1 students who join the practice on their year out as part of their architectural education.
Jim Cattle
Director of Snell David Cambridge
BA (Hons) MArch ARB
Jim joined Snell David in 2013 and became Director of the Cambridge practice in 2026, following a long-standing role shaping the practice’s design direction and delivery.
Jim specialises in bespoke residential architecture, from heritage homes to contemporary interventions and new-build properties. He is passionate about thoughtful, context-driven design and carefully guides projects from concept to completion, balancing design quality with practical, sustainable, well-managed project delivery.
Steven Carroll
Director Of Snell David London
BA (Hons) BArch RIBA
Steven studied at the University of Liverpool and worked at Buttress Fuller Alsop Williams, Manchester in 2006 gaining full qualification and 5 years’ experience working on commercial and private residential projects on new and listed buildings.
He joined Snell David in 2010 becoming Director in 2023.
Merrick Baltruschat
Associate Director of Snell David Cambridge
BA(Hons) MArchD ARB
Merrick joined Snell David Cambridge as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant in 2016 after completing his BA(Hons) at UWE in Bristol, he then earned his MArchD from Oxford Brookes University in 2020. He completed his Part 3 studies at The University of Cambridge in 2023, achieving registration with the ARB and stepping into the role of Project Architect.
Kathryn Pedley
Director of Snell David Cambridge
BA(Hons) MArch ARB
Kathryn is a qualified architect with over 10 years of experience in residential architecture across Cambridge and London. Her work includes a wide range of projects, from bespoke private homes to housing developments for commercial developer clients, leading projects from concept through to completion. Her long-standing experience in Cambridge provides valuable local knowledge and a strong understanding of the area’s planning and design context.
Alan Smith
Senior Architectural Technologist
BA (Hons) MCIAT
Alan obtained his architecture degree at Leicester Polytechnic (now De Montfort University). He joined Snell David in January 2018 having previously worked in several architectural and surveying practices in East Anglia.
Alan has extensive experience working on listed buildings and residential projects. He has also worked on archaeological projects across Europe, Scandinavia the Middle East and India.
Tamara Sokolik
Architectural Designer
BA(Hons)
Tamara gained her qualification (equivalent to part I and part II) in Technion, Israel, followed by 8 years of experience working on variety of sectors.
She joined Snell David in February 2019 after enriching and adapting her knowledge to UK requirements in Bristol and Cambridge practices.
Daniel Cornell
Part II Architectural Assistant
BA(Hons) MArch
Daniel completed his Part II at Newcastle University and his Part I at Plymouth University.
Prior to joining Snell David in December 2020, he gained experience working on high-end residential schemes in Devon and Cornwall.
Garbhan Donnelly
Part II Architectural Assistant
BA(Hons) MArch
Garbhan recently completed his Master’s at the University of Dundee in Scotland. He has previous work experience at Part 1 with Knox-Clayton Architects in Belfast, where he contributed to a variety of project types, gaining valuable experience on bespoke residential architecture.
Barbara Mindak
Part I Architectural Assistant
BA(Hons)
Barbara completed her Part 1 at the University of Cambridge and joined Snell David in November 2024 to gain hands-on experience in the architectural field.
Outside of work, Barbara volunteers in heritage conservation and enjoys a variety of water sports.
Joshua Rogers
Part I Architectural Assistant
BA(Hons)
Josh graduated with a BA (Hons) in Architecture from Norwich University of the Arts in 2024.
Before joining Snell David Architects in August 2025, he gained experience at a Norfolk-based practice, where he worked on bespoke homes in the East Anglian region.
Hauwa Jafar
Part I Architectural Assistant
BA(Hons)
Hauwa studied her degree at the University of Portsmouth.
After finishing her Part I she worked at another practice, before joining Snell David in Apr 2025 to further her experience before returning to complete her studies.
Alex Dudley
Part I Architectural Assistant
BA (Hons)
Alex studied at Oxford Brookes and joined Snell David in October 2025 to obtain experience towards his full qualification.
Alex enjoys running and the occasional gig, cars, and socialising with friends. He has an unhealthy obsession with Rightmove.
James Snell
Consultant
BA(Hons) DipArch RIBA
James studied architecture at Oxford Polytechnic and joined HTA Architects Ltd in 1987, working on a wide variety of new build and refurbishment projects as well as master planning large scale regeneration housing schemes. He became Design Associate in 1995 and Design Director in 1998 before joining Richard David in 2000 to establish Snell David Architects.
James has over 20 years experience designing and delivering residential projects, large and small.
Richard David
Consultant
BA(Hons) DipArch RIBA
Richard studied architecture at Oxford Polytechnic and has previous architectural experience on commercial, retail and industrial projects. He established Snell David with James Snell in 2000.
CAREERS
We currently do not have any vacancies. Please check back regularly as all vacancies are advertised on our website.
