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Last Updated on January 10, 2024

We are recruiting for an administrator. To apply for the post please call us on 01284 760421 and ask for Jill Scarff.

Job Description

Administrator – The Whitworth Co Partnership LLP

Whitworth Co Partnership is a small friendly architects/surveyors office in Fornham St Genevieve, Bury St Edmunds.

We are recruiting for the position of a part-time administrator. The role will be 10 hours per week over two days which are to be negotiated.

Key Responsibilities Include:

– Inputting of expenses, diaries, mileage, and Work in Progress reporting on Sage coretime.
– Creating invoices.
– Ensuring Whitworth complies with Health & Safety.
– Reviewing Insurance policies annually.
– Sourcing training needs for the company.
– Organising social events.
– Key safe organisation and control.
– Answering incoming telephone calls from clients.
– Other duties may be required for the company’s needs.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

– Good knowledge of Excel and Word.
– Be familiar with Sage coretime, however, training will also be given.
– Excellent communication skills.
– Excellent attention to detail.
– Good telephone manner is essential.

Job Type: Part-time

Expected Hours: 10 per week

Benefits:

– Company pension
– Free parking
– On-site parking

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Last Updated on January 10, 2024

We are delighted to announce a new addition to our team at Whitworth, Building Surveyor Craig Palmer. With over eight years of professional experience in the built heritage sector, Craig brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for historic buildings to our firm.

Craig’s journey in the field of building surveying has been both extensive and diverse. Throughout his career, he has shown passion for and proficiency in handling properties of various ages, demonstrating a keen interest in the unique complexities of historic buildings, an area of surveying and architecture in which we are proud to specialise at Whitworth. 

His skill set encompasses a range of services, including full building surveys, defects surveys, condition surveys and quinquennial inspections – particularly for non-conformist churches and other commercial structures.

Prior to joining Whitworth in 2023, Craig served as a Preconstruction Coordinator with one of the country’s leading heritage developers. During this time, he furthered his skills in planning, technical design, site coordination and land surveying. This background not only bolsters Craig’s ability to contribute to our projects but also reflects his commitment to excellence in every aspect of a project.

Craig is currently on track towards achieving full chartered status. We are confident that his wealth of experience, passion for heritage and commitment to providing high quality services will make a significant impact on the projects we undertake at Whitworth. 

Last Updated on January 10, 2024

In the heart of Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, beneath a Grade II listed townhouse, was a neglected space with immense potential – a barrel-vaulted brick basement. This basement had become plagued by dampness and decay, and needed attention. We were given the opportunity to restore this unique space and transform it into a welcoming and functional part of the home.

 

The basement, prior to intervention

Addressing signs of damp in a brick basement

Condensation had built up on the external wall and cupboards. As such, the basement was marred by rotting timber, and a sinister mycelium growth was found beneath the ply-clad stairs. The tell-tale musty odour was not abating. It was a space that no longer held its former charm, but was certainly suitable for renovation.

Our aim was to breathe new life into this basement while reviving its charm. To achieve this, the work began by replacing the iron grating with a glazed pavement light. By removing the window and addressing the deteriorating cementitious surround, the brickwork could be repointed with a lime mortar. This essential restoration allowed the brickwork to breathe, preventing water from seeping through from the pavement above.

 

Basement renovation Basement renovation

Before and after: iron grating to glazed pavement light

To tackle the issue of condensation, the cupboards and the window on the external wall were removed. This strategic decision not only minimised condensation but also allowed the wall to breathe. It also meant that rot and mould could no longer take root in the timber fabric of these elements.

 

Basement renovation Basement renovation

 

Rotten oak was replaced with like-for-like kiln-dried oak, with a bituminous backing where it met the brickwork. This careful approach ensured that at least one face of the timber was fully breathable, minimising direct contact with the brickwork.

The stairs, once clad in plywood and damp-proof membrane, underwent a dramatic transformation. The plywood was removed, the mould on the brickwork treated, and the toes of the tread were replaced with white brick. The result was a beautiful, safe and breathable brick staircase that added character alongside functionality.

 

Basement renovation

 

A timber floating floor with ventilation around the edges was added. In addition, new lighting and high-level sockets, connected to metal surface-mounted ducting, were strategically placed to enhance both functionality and aesthetics. To combat humidity, a humidistat was connected to a simplistic yet stylish wrought iron air brick. This aimed at reducing the overall humidity within the basement.

 

Basement renovation

Basement renovation: The result

Within just one week of completion, the basement’s humidity levels dropped significantly, from the mid-90s to a manageable 84%. The persistent musty odour had vanished as a result. The room now boasts abundant natural light, constant air circulation and the freedom for pent-up moisture within the walls and floor to dissipate naturally.

 

To browse similar projects, visit our portfolio. If you are in need of an architect or surveyor in the Suffolk area or beyond, contact us here.

Last Updated on August 17, 2023

Bishops Stortford Baptist Church is situated on Twyford Road, just by the River Stort. The Church relocated to this location in 2012, having moved from The Bishop’s Stortford High School in London Road, and prior to that, a building in Newtown Road which served the congregation for 101 years.

Bishops Stortford Baptist Church

The current location features a contemporary, purpose built structure which accommodates the Church’s primary activities, as well as a second structure adjacent to the church, called the ‘Bridge Building’. Whitworth has recently completed the extensive refurbishment of this second structure, which was a former dilapidated industrial building.

Bishops Stortford Baptist Church

The building now offers a welcoming foyer lounge, from which Church members and visitors can access a number of flexible-use spaces. These spaces can now accommodate a range of Church activities, including their very busy Exchange Facility, which offers practical support to those in need in the community. 

In addition there are a number of small meeting rooms and a substantial hall to accommodate larger gatherings and youth activities. 

These new facilities will complement the existing Church facilities next door, and enable the Church to widen their scope of activities on the site.

This building was formally opened on Saturday 21st January.

To discover more of our architectural work on churches both historical and contemporary, visit our portfolio.

Last Updated on August 14, 2023

Whitworth are thrilled to announce that we are celebrating our 60th anniversary this year. Though 60 years is just a fraction of the age of some of the historic buildings in our portfolio, it is a significant achievement as a local architecture and surveyor firm in Bury St Edmunds, where Whitworth first launched, and is still resident to this day. 

Whitworth 60th anniversary

60 years as architects and surveyors in Suffolk, East Anglia and beyond

We were founded in 1963 as Whitworth & Hall, before merging with Boniface Associates of Bishop’s Stortford in 2000 and expanding into Norwich four years later. In 2016, the firm underwent a name change to Whitworth, carrying us forward to 2023, where Whitworth continues to be the firm of choice for local, national and international clients.

Over the past 60 years, we have built a reputation for excellence in architecture and design. We have worked on a wide range of projects, from small residential homes to large commercial buildings and public spaces, while specialising in historic buildings. We are proud to have a portfolio of work that makes a positive impact on the communities we serve.

The future of Whitworth

We are excited to continue our work for the next 60 years and beyond. Our team of talented and dedicated professionals is committed to creating and maintaining beautiful, functional, and sustainable buildings that will improve the lives of the people who use them.

We would like to thank all of our clients, partners, and employees for their support over the past 60 years, and we look forward to continuing to build better communities with you in the years to come.

Last Updated on August 14, 2023

It has recently been announced that Ed Thuell, architect and partner at Whitworth, has been adopted as a planning adviser to the Bury Society.

Ed will be gradually taking over from interim planning officer Richard Summers over the coming months, and it is expected that he will stand as a Trustee at the Bury Society’s annual general meeting in June 2023.

What is the Bury Society?

The Bury St Edmunds Society CIO (Bury Society) is a charity open to everyone who wishes to preserve and improve the culture and lifestyle of Bury St Edmunds. Whitworth and Bury St Edmunds are intrinsically linked, as the town has been home to our head office for many decades, and our portfolio includes a wide range of projects within the area.

Bury St Edmunds features a number of historic buildings, many of which require careful consideration in regards to repairs or the sensitive addition of contemporary materials and designs.

In his newly appointed position, Ed, alongside co-adviser Peter Riddington, will utilise his vast experience and intimate knowledge of the town to tackle the challenges of urban design, alongside the wider planning issues that crop up amongst the great variety of planning applications that come to the attention of the Bury Society.

Ed will of course continue as normal in his position at Whitworth.

For more information about the Bury Society, please visit their website.