“We believe that each project must belong to its place and time, tread lightly on the environment and inspire its users – and we have consistently sought to articulate these core values in all our work. ”
Like Architects was established in 2011 by Michael Martin and Ciaran Deazley at the end of the last recession. Initially drawing upon relationships with the local banks, the practice grew out of transforming failed residential assets into viable planning approvals thereby reshaping derelict portions of Belfast city centre.
Since then, Like have built a reputation on delivering quality buildings which add value for our clients.
Spanning numerous sectors, our work is characterised by a rigorous and analytical approach to function and planning, whilst ensuring a refined approach in the detail. We are passionate about quality design, achieved through collaborative dialogue with clients.
Each scheme is approached individually in response to site context, brief and imbued with a specific architectural narrative, resulting in a diverse portfolio and bespoke solutions for our clients
Among large-scale commercial projects, the practice has been involved in since January 2020 are Merchant Square and Eagle Star House office developments in Belfast; Aparthotel in Belfast; The Keep retail development in Belfast; the Queensway Store redevelopment in Crawley; and Milngavie retail development in Glasgow.
Its commercial portfolio has grown out of work with new clients, as well as through repeat business with long-term clients, including an increasing number of projects necessitating the repurposing of outdated structures as an alternative to the former knock-down-and-rebuild approach.
Reducing the carbon impact of building through the reuse of embodied carbon within existing buildings is also increasingly a focus.
Awarding Architectural Practice of the Year (Commercial) to Like Architects, judges said: “Like Architects’ entry epitomises everything that any other modern-day practice should aspire to.”
Projects garnering recognition for Like Architects in the Architectural Practice of the Year (Residential) category, meanwhile, included private residential developments on the Ormeau Road and Lisburn Road, social housing on Tate’s Avenue and Lewis Mews, and purpose-built student accommodation at Library Street and Little Donegall Street, all in Belfast.
Following Ulster University’s relocation to Belfast, Like Architects purpose-built student housing schemes to support the growing student population total in excess of 4,000 bedrooms.
Other projects included a private residential development in Bushmills and a residential masterplan in Warrington providing up to 900 new homes within the town centre.
A common thread across the practice’s residential projects is seeking to deliver the best value for clients in terms of optimising site capacity while navigating challenging planning policy constraints.
Each scheme is approached individually in response to site context and brief and is imbued with a specific architectural narrative, resulting in a diverse portfolio and bespoke solutions for clients.
Awarding Architectural Practice of the Year (Residential) to Like Architects, judges said: “The judges were impressed by the wide range of diverse residential projects delivered by Like Architects — many of which were in urban and challenging sites.”
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Like Architects were awarded Architectural Practice of the Year (Residential) and Architectural Practice of the Year (Commercial) at the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards 2022.
These awards are very much the product of a team effort and we are incredibly proud and delighted to have such great staff, clients and consultants to share this recognition with.