
Practice

John Puttick Associates is an architectural studio creating places which are transformative to communities and our built heritage.
The practice is working across the UK on civic, public and community buildings, as well as places of work, from our base in London.
The studio was founded in 2014 with a competition-winning entry for the refurbishment of Preston’s Brutalist bus station, which reopened to the public in 2018 to critical acclaim, demonstrating the practice’s skill in delivering a technically challenging civic project which has secured the future of a Modernist icon.

The studio continues to specialise in the reimagining of existing buildings alongside new-build projects and is currently leading the retrofit of a Grade II Listed maltings in Grimsby town centre and the extension of a Grade II* Listed Charles Barry-designed church in Brighton. The practice has developed a long-term relationship with the charity OnSide, and, following the success of Legacy Croydon Youth Zone, is now delivering several youth centres across the UK.

Balancing responsive design with a rigorous approach to construction, the practice prides itself on delivering good value to clients as well as producing highly functional buildings that serve the needs and expectations of those who will use them for years to come. Projects are designed with simplicity and clarity, combined with joy and warmth – qualities expressed in the hand drawings and physical models that form a key part of the practice’s working process.
The work of the practice has received a number of awards including the international 2021 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize, the 2022 Civic Trust Special Award for Reuse and Adaptation, as well as national and regional awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Institute for Historic Building Conservation and the Royal Town Planning Institute.
John Puttick Associates is an RIBA Chartered Practice.
The practice is appointed to the Mayor of London’s Architecture+Urbanism Framework for the design of transport infrastructure.

People

Rebecca Brock
Architect

Charlotte Ireson
Associate

John Puttick
Director

Martin Aberson
Associate

Joe Horgan
Architectural Assistant

Sabrina Lee
Architectural Assistant

Dilara Kuran
Architectural Assistant

Sophie Smith
Architectural Assistant

Leo Hadlow
Architectural Assistant
John Puttick
Director
BA DipArch ARB RIBA
John Puttick
Director
BA DipArch ARB RIBA
John founded John Puttick Associates in 2014 and has over 20 years of experience as an architect. He takes a hands-on approach and oversees all aspects of the practice’s work from conception to completion. John is passionate about using architecture to benefit communities, and leading teams to deliver complex and challenging projects.
John led the refurbishment of Grade II Listed Preston Bus Station, which was awarded the World Monument’s Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize and Civic Trust’s Special Award for Reuse & Adaptation, amongst others. He has lived and worked in the United Kingdom, United States and China, designing significant civic, transport, commercial, residential, and cultural projects across those regions.
John has taught architecture at The Bartlett, University College London, he is a regular guest tutor at the University of Nottingham, and a member of the Quality Review Panel for Essex County Council. Drawing is central to John’s practice as an architect, and MoMA in New York holds a book of his drawings in its collection.
Charlotte Ireson
Associate
BA DipArch ARB
Charlotte Ireson
Associate
BA DipArch ARB
Charlotte joined John Puttick Associates in 2015 and has led a number of significant projects. She has considerable experience in working with multi-faceted clients and leading design teams at all stages of the design and construction process. Charlotte graduated from the University of Nottingham and qualified as an architect in 2002.
Since joining John Puttick Associates, Charlotte has been the Project Architect for Legacy Youth Zone, leading all stages from conception to completion. She has been the project leader for a series of creative heritage projects including the refurbishment and extension of Watford Museum and a series of Grade-II Listed Victorian warehouses to provide a centre for young people in Grimsby. Charlotte has contributed towards several other projects including the interior refurbishment of the Mayflower Building in Manhattan, delivered to an exacting standard of quality.
Martin Aberson
Associate
BA MArch ARB WAT
Martin Aberson
Associate
BA MArch ARB WAT
Martin is qualified as an architect in both the UK and EU and joined John Puttick Associates in 2017. He studied architecture at the University of Greenwich. He has a strong design focus, leading the practice’s work in three-dimensional design and technology. Martin has extensive experience with delivery during the construction stage and has a passion for how buildings are made.
Since joining John Puttick Associates, Martin has been the Project Architect for a Mourner’s Shelter and Lodge in a cemetery in Hertfordshire, leading the project through all stages to completion of construction, and for the renovation of a Grade-II Listed church in Hove. He was part of the team that delivered Legacy Youth Zone, seeing the project through technical drawings and construction, and is currently leading the design of Preston Youth Zone. Martin also teaches architecture at the University of Greenwich.
Rebecca Brock
Architect
BA MArch ARB
Rebecca Brock
Architect
BA MArch ARB
Rebecca studied architecture at Roma Tre University in Rome and joined John Puttick Associates in 2021. During her studies she took part in two Erasmus exchange programmes at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland and the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands. Rebecca has strong presentation and communication skills and is fluent in English and Italian.
Since joining John Puttick Associates, Rebecca has completed the concept design of a gallery for Hundred Heroines – an organisation promoting women photographers. She is currently working on the technical drawings for Horizon Youth Zone – a project that involves the refurbishment and extension of a series of Victorian warehouses to provide facilities for young people – as well as the design stage of the new-build Thurrock Youth Zone. She has also contributed towards the design of a project for two new-build townhouses in Kings Cross, London.
Dilara Kuran
Architectural Assistant
BA Hons DipArch MArch
Dilara Kuran
Architectural Assistant
BA Hons DipArch MArch
Dilara studied architecture at the Mackintosh School of Architecture in Glasgow before completing a Masters in Housing and Urbanism at the Architectural Association in London. She joined John Puttick Associates in 2023. Originally from Turkey, Dilara has worked in both Istanbul and Tokyo, Japan on projects ranging from a nursery school to the regeneration of a UNESCO heritage site. She is fluent in both English and Turkish.
Dilara is motivated by pursuing social, cultural, and environmental value through architectural design. Since joining John Puttick Associates, she has worked on a range of youth-focussed projects in Blackburn, contributing to both design and technical stages.
Sabrina Lee
Architectural Assistant
BA Hons MArch AA Dipl
Sabrina Lee
Architectural Assistant
BA Hons MArch AA Dipl
Sabrina studied architecture at the Architectural Association in London, having previously studied landscape design in Hong Kong. She joined John Puttick Associates in 2024. Sabrina’s previous experience includes working at Wilkinson Eyre in Hong Kong on the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Innovation Building and acting as Community Engagement Coordinator for a neighbourhood project in London. She speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
Sabrina is passionate about civic buildings and well-crafted architecture. Since joining John Puttick Associates, she has worked on the refurbishment and extension of Darwen Town and Market Hall, an important civic project in the north-west of England.
Sophie Smith
Architectural Assistant
BA
Sophie Smith
Architectural Assistant
BA
Sophie joined John Puttick Associates in 2025. Graduating from the University of Sheffield, Sophie has a particular interest in sustainable methods of construction and the reimagining of existing buildings for new uses, which she explored in her final year design thesis. Sophie has strong hand drawing skills, which she uses alongside digital tools such as BIM and CAD to develop and visualise design concepts.
Since joining John Puttick Associates, Sophie has focused on a major project for the refurbishment and extension of Darwen Town and Market Hall. She has explored the design through 3D modelling and contributed towards project coordination and the RIBA Stage 3 documentation set.
Joe Horgan
Architectural Assistant
BA Hons
Joe Horgan
Architectural Assistant
BA Hons
Joe joined John Puttick Associates in 2023. Graduating from the University of Nottingham, he is passionate about sustainable design with a community focus. With hands-on experience from executing his own self-build projects, Joe brings his knowledge of materials and technical construction to each project.
Since joining John Puttick Associates, Joe has contributed towards the early stages of several projects including Darwen Youth Centre and Blackburn Rovers, bringing his strong design, CAD and model making skills to the team.
Leo Hadlow
Architectural Assistant
BSc
Leo Hadlow
Architectural Assistant
BSc
Leo joined John Puttick Associates in 2024. Graduating from the Welsh School of Architecture, Leo has a particular interest in sustainable methods of construction such as mass timber and bio-composite materials, which he explored in his final year design thesis. He is fluent in English and Japanese, and away from architecture was previously part of the team at Glyndebourne Opera House. Since joining John Puttick Associates, Leo has contributed towards several projects including the refurbishment of St Andrew’s Church in Hove and the design of a community centre in Horley. He brings strong design, CAD and model making skills to the team.
Awards
Civic Trust Award
Regional Finalist
2026
Civic Trust Award
Highly Commended
2025
Civic Trust Special Award
Reuse & Adaptation
2022
Civic Trust Award
2022
World Monuments Fund
Knoll Modernism Prize
2021
Royal Institute of British Architects
National Award
2019
Royal Institute of British Architects
North West Regional Award
2019
Royal Institute of British Architects
North West Conservation Award
2019
Royal Town Planning Institute
North West Heritage & Culture Award
2019
Institute for Historic Building Conservation
North West Conservation Award
2019
Civic Trust Award
Regional Finalist
2026
Civic Trust Award
Highly Commended
2025
Civic Trust Special Award
Reuse & Adaptation
2022
Civic Trust Award
2022
World Monuments Fund
Knoll Modernism Prize
2021
Royal Institute of British Architects
National Award
2019
Royal Institute of British Architects
North West Regional Award
2019
Royal Institute of British Architects
North West Conservation Award
2019
Royal Town Planning Institute
North West Heritage & Culture Award
2019
Institute for Historic Building Conservation
North West Conservation Award
2019
Press
In pictures: John Puttick Associates completes Horizon Youth Zone in Grimsby
Building Design Magazine
2026
At Grimsby’s Horizon Youth Zone, revitalised industrial spaces offer young people room to grow
RIBA Journal
2026
John Puttick converts listed Grimsby warehouses into youth club
Architects’ Journal
2026
In Conversation: John Puttick Associates
Heritage Now
2025
Supporter’s Column: John Puttick
What is the future of British transport buildings?
Architecture Foundation
2025
John Puttick Associates refurbishes Hove church, adding timber porch
Architects’ Journal
2024
St Leonard’s Church
Architecture Today
2024
Does conservation have to be so conservative?
Architecture Foundation
2024
John Puttick’s reworked Preston youth centre wins approval
Architects’ Journal
2023
Transiting Forward: Why We Preserve Modern
Knoll Works
2022
Building a Circular Economy
Architecture Magazine
2022
This is why a Bus Station has just been awarded a major architectural prize
Architectural Digest
2021
Preston’s Award Winning Bus Station
The Guardian
2019
Lasting Impression: John Puttick
Concrete Quarterly
2021
Best Projects of 2020: Mourners’ Shelter
Archello
2020
John Puttick designs mourners’ shelter with snake-like bench
Architects’ Journal
2020
Sketchbook: John Puttick
Architects’ Journal
2020
Brutalism Resurrected: Preston Bus Station
DETAIL Magazine
2020
One to Watch: John Puttick Associates
FX Magazine
2020
Building Study: John Puttick Associates’ Croydon Youth Zone
Architects’ Journal
2019
Rowan Moore’s best architecture of 2018
The Observer
2018
Thought for Tomorrow: New Departures
Building Magazine
2018
My Inspiration: John Puttick
Building Design Magazine
2018
Building Study: Preston Bus Station by John Puttick Associates
Architects’ Journal
2018
Forgotten Gems: Preston Bus Station
The Culture Trip
2018
Puttick completes restoration of Preston Bus Station
Building Design Magazine
2018
Preston Bus Station review – a glorious reprieve
The Observer
2018
A Brutalist rebirth in Preston
Construction Manager Magazine
2018
Mayflower Lobby, New York by John Puttick Associates
Architects’ Journal
2017
Architects’ Directory 2017: hotly tipped talents
Wallpaper*
2017
Great Detail: John Puttick on Piano’s Menil Collection roof
Architects’ Journal
2016
In pictures: John Puttick Associates completes Horizon Youth Zone in Grimsby
Building Design Magazine
2026
At Grimsby’s Horizon Youth Zone, revitalised industrial spaces offer young people room to grow
RIBA Journal
2026
John Puttick converts listed Grimsby warehouses into youth club
Architects’ Journal
2026
In Conversation: John Puttick Associates
Heritage Now
2025
Supporter’s Column: John Puttick
What is the future of British transport buildings?
Architecture Foundation
2025
In pictures: John Puttick Associates retrofit Victorian power station into youth hub in Blackburn
Building Design
2025
John Puttick Associates refurbishes Hove church, adding timber porch
Architects’ Journal
2024
St Leonard’s Church
Architecture Today
2024
Does conservation have to be so conservative?
Architecture Foundation
2024
John Puttick’s reworked Preston youth centre wins approval
Architects’ Journal
2023
Transiting Forward: Why We Preserve Modern
Knoll Works
2022
Building a Circular Economy
Architecture Magazine
2022
This is why a Bus Station has just been awarded a major architectural prize
Architectural Digest
2021
Preston’s Award Winning Bus Station
The Guardian
2019
Lasting Impression: John Puttick
Concrete Quarterly
2021
Best Projects of 2020: Mourners’ Shelter
Archello
2020
John Puttick designs mourners’ shelter with snake-like bench
Architects’ Journal
2020
Sketchbook: John Puttick
Architects’ Journal
2020
Brutalism Resurrected: Preston Bus Station
DETAIL Magazine
2020
One to Watch: John Puttick Associates
FX Magazine
2020
Building Study: John Puttick Associates’ Croydon Youth Zone
Architects’ Journal
2019
Rowan Moore’s best architecture of 2018
The Observer
2018
Thought for Tomorrow: New Departures
Building Magazine
2018
My Inspiration: John Puttick
Building Design Magazine
2018
Building Study: Preston Bus Station by John Puttick Associates
Architects’ Journal
2018
Forgotten Gems: Preston Bus Station
The Culture Trip
2018
Puttick completes restoration of Preston Bus Station
Building Design Magazine
2018
Preston Bus Station review – a glorious reprieve
The Observer
2018
A Brutalist rebirth in Preston
Construction Manager Magazine
2018
Mayflower Lobby, New York by John Puttick Associates
Architects’ Journal
2017
Architects’ Directory 2017: hotly tipped talents
Wallpaper*
2017
Great Detail: John Puttick on Piano’s Menil Collection roof
Architects’ Journal
2016
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