Great stuff
We use creativity and innovation to deliver quality services and value beyond our clients' expectations. We concentrate our efforts on new opportunities for growth within sectors where we can make a positive contribution.
Our story
Seventy years since 1956
From post-war Newcastle to a group of four businesses.
1956
Arnold Shaw Waring and Leonard Netts establish Waring and Netts following their work in Newcastle City Architect's Department. The practice emerges from post-war reconstruction, shaped by public service and social responsibility.
1958
Early commissions in housing and local authority work establish a reputation for reliability and clarity at a time of rapid national building programmes.
1963
The practice is appointed Consulting Architects to Morpeth, Wallsend and Gosforth Councils, signalling growing trust and regional presence.
1968
Completion of Montagu Court introduces a new level of architectural confidence to Gosforth, combining density, amenity and ambition in a landmark residential building.
1970
Avondale Court receives national recognition, confirming the practice's standing beyond the region and reinforcing its commitment to quality in housing design.
1973
Bulman House is delivered as a collectively owned professional building in Gosforth. It becomes the practice's home for several decades and a symbol of stability.
1979
Leadership transitions are carefully managed, ensuring continuity as founding partners step back and new voices shape the studio.
1980
Appointment to the Tyne and Wear Metro embeds the practice within one of the region's most significant infrastructure projects.
1984
Blyth Community Hospital marks a decisive move into complex healthcare environments and establishes a long-term sector specialism.
1988
The Cadcam Centre for British Shipbuilders reflects technical confidence and a forward-looking approach to research and innovation buildings.
1991
A long-term relationship with Aldi Stores UK begins, introducing systemised delivery and efficient construction.
1994
Conservation work with the National Trust at Cragside and Gibside signals the emergence of heritage and reuse as a defining strand of the practice.
1997
A new headquarters opens at Balliol Business Park, Benton, marking confidence and permanence as the practice enters a new century.
2000
Strategic focus shifts towards education, public investment and partnership-led delivery.
2006
Major education programmes expand the practice's reach across the UK, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted delivery partner.
2007
The practice becomes SPACE Architects, reflecting an evolving identity and broader ambition.
2011
National growth accelerates, supported by expanded digital capability and multi-office working. BIM and digital workflows are embedded at the core of practice, laying the groundwork for specialist businesses and tools.
2016
Spaceworks opens in South Gosforth, bringing the wider Space Group together in a shared workplace designed around collaboration and culture.
2018
Creative reuse and transformation of existing buildings become central to the portfolio, alongside continued education and civic work.
2023
SPACE Architects achieves B Corp certification, formalising a long-held commitment to responsible practice and business as a force for good.
2025
Alongside a number of heritage awards across multiple projects, SPACE received an RIBA North East Award for The Farrell Centre. The practice was also recognised as a three-star Best Company and named Best Small Company to work for in the North East.
2026
SPACE Architects marks seventy years of practice with a year-long programme of celebratory events and activities.
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