BTP_Architects

I’m happy to share that I’ve obtained a new certification: ABBE L3 in EE for Older and Traditional Buildings from Elmhurst Energy! Great to have this completed as part of my PAS2035 Retrofit Assessor Accreditation.

Today meet Emma Cross, Business Development Director at BTP. 💼 What is your role at BTP? I'm BTP's Business Development Director and I recently celebrated by 10 year anniversary here!! I don't know where the time has gone, but it's testament to working with such a great team of people. At BTP, I juggle a variety of roles, from business development and client care to bid management and marketing communications. My main aim is to ensure the company continues to grow and deliver exceptional quality for our clients. 🏰 What has been your favourite project so far? One of my highlights has to be winning the design competition to carry out the restoration of Shire Hall and Museum at Grade I listed Lancaster Castle. It was a fascinating project, which involved restoring the iconic hall interior and its intricate ceilings while also repairing the stonework, pinnacles and windows externally. The castle also has a colourful history, having served as a court and prison since medieval times.   🏆 What have you achieved since joining BTP? When I started at BTP 10 years ago, there wasn’t a business development or marketing function in place. Coming from larger corporates, I loved the challenge of setting it all up from scratch. This included business planning, tender management, launching a new website, and developing our PR and social media. 🐕🦺 If you weren’t in business development, what would you be doing? Growing up, I wanted to be a dog handler with the police—I’ve always loved animals. While that didn’t pan out, I still enjoy spending time with my Samoyed, Milo, exploring the beautiful Peak District on long walks. It’s my favourite way to unwind! ⛰️ What might someone be surprised to know about you? My family finds it hilarious that I now lead hikes across the Peak District—especially considering that not long ago, I could barely navigate my way out of a car park! It’s safe to say my sense of direction has improved, but I put that down to apps like OS maps and actually focusing on where I'm going!

This #ThrowbackThursday, we’re looking back on a project from this year that we’re particularly proud of: the refurbishment of Green & Slater Rest Homes in South Manchester for Southway Housing Trust. 🏡 The project included upgrading 24 apartments and communal spaces to create a modern, comfortable environment tailored to older residents' needs. 💡 The BTP team successfully converted the former warden’s two-storey house into two separate self-contained flats and a bed-site into a one-bedroom flat. By improving accessibility, energy efficiency and overall design, we’ve helped ensure the scheme meets today’s standards while improving quality of life for residents and keeping energy bills low. ✨ We’re proud to have worked with Southway Housing Trust to deliver a refreshed, welcoming space for the community. #affordablehousing #sustainability

🌟Looking back at 2024 🌟 As the year draws to a close, we’re reflecting on an incredibly productive 2024 at BTP Architects. It’s been a year of growth, innovation, and meaningful contributions across a range of projects. From designing and delivering new homes to remediating high-rise buildings and undertaking extensive PAS 2035 retrofit projects, our team has been working hard to make a positive impact for our clients and communities. Meanwhile, our conservation team has been preserving history by repairing and restoring churches, castles, and other treasured landmarks. Here’s a quick snapshot of what we’ve achieved this year—thank you for being part of our journey!

As we approach the new year, we’re looking back on some of the projects we’re most proud of from 2024. One standout project this year has been the transformation of a former school site in Bolton into 40 high-quality, affordable homes for Bolton at Home 🏡 🔄 This challenging brownfield development is a great example of BTP’s commitment to breathing new life into disused spaces, creating much-needed housing while preserving the character and heritage of the local area. 👨👩👧👦 The scheme, featuring a mix of two and three-bedroom houses, and a 3 storey apartment block, is designed with families in mind. And, with sustainability at its heart, the project delivers energy-efficient homes that meet modern living standards while contributing to the community’s future. 🌱 ✨ We’re proud to have played a role in transforming this site into a vibrant residential development, addressing housing demand and supporting the regeneration of the local area. #TransformationTuesday #affordablehousing #placemaking #sustainability

🎄✨ Season’s Greetings from BTP Architects! ✨🎄 To our amazing clients, colleagues, and friends – we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎅🎁 Instead of sending Christmas Cards this year, we're donating to Shelter, which supports people at risk of homelessness to make sure there's a home for everyone. We've really enjoyed partnering with you throughout 2024, and are excited to continue working together in 2025! Enjoy the festive break! 🌟🍾 #MerryChristmas #HappyNewYear #BTPArchitects #FestiveSeason #Shelter

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at BTP today! 🎄🎅 We're rocking our most stylish (and maybe a bit questionable) jumpers for #ChristmasJumperDay, all in the name of raising money for charity. #festivefun #teamspirit #architects

#ThrowbackThursday Today, we're looking back at our Southport Road project in Scarisbrick – a standout scheme that brought 40 modern, affordable homes to this charming rural village. Working with One Vision Housing and MBE CONSTRUCTION, we designed homes tailored for residents aged 55+, blending seamlessly with the local rural character and meeting the challenges of planning a rural exception site. 🏡 Key highlights: - Thoughtful designs ensure every home is a joy to live in, with features like easy furniture placement. - A fabric-first approach makes the homes cost-effective to maintain and eco-friendly for residents. - Plenty of green space and a courtyard, creating a harmonious and inviting community feel. We’re proud to have worked closely with planners and One Vision to make this project a reality. #Lancashire #Architects 

Looking back to our team's fantastic work on Ellison House for ASHTON PIONEER HOMES! 🏢 As lead architects, we oversaw the £2.2m external refurbishment of this 11-storey tower block in Ashton-under-Lyne, part of a broader programme of tower block upgrades. Key improvements included: 🌍 Installation of an External Wall Insulation (EWI) system for improved energy efficiency 🪟 Upgraded windows, doors, and entrance for improved aesthetics and security 🛠️ Balcony recladding to modernise the building’s appearance 🏠 Conversion of store areas into additional accommodation to maximise space This project is a great example of the BTP team’s expertise and commitment to improving safety, sustainability, and quality in high-rise living. #Manchester #Refurbishment #Architects #TransformationTuesday

The festive spirit was in full swing at our fantastic BTP Christmas party on Friday night! The entire BTP team came together to celebrate with some festive drinks around Didsbury, wrapping up the evening with an Indian meal at the wonderful Sangham. 🎄🎅 A huge thank you to everyone on the team for their hard work throughout the year. We’re looking forward to achieving great things together in the New Year! #architects #festivespirit #xmasparty #teambuilding