Roberts Limbrick: Designing Spaces at the Heart of Communities
In the world of modern architecture and planning, Roberts Limbrick has established itself as a leading practice in the United Kingdom. Known for their dynamic approach and community-centred philosophy, the firm has become synonymous with creativity, innovation, and sustainability. With a presence in Gloucester, Newport, and London, Roberts Limbrick delivers architectural excellence across multiple sectors, ensuring every project enhances the lives of people who interact with the spaces they create.
This article explores the history, expertise, values, and achievements of Roberts Limbrick, offering an in-depth look at why the practice stands as one of the most respected names in architecture and planning.
Company Overview
Founding and Growth
Founded in 2008, Roberts Limbrick has grown from a regional practice into a firm with a team of over 100 architects, designers, and creatives. With more than 25 years of combined experience, the practice has cultivated a portfolio of successful projects that span education, healthcare, sport and leisure, community, commercial, and residential developments.
Website: https://www.robertslimbrick.com
Locations
The company operates from three major offices across the UK:
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Gloucester – The Carriage Building, Bruton Way, GL1 1DG.
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Newport – 1 Gold Tops, NP20 4PG.
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London – Devonshire House, 60 Goswell Road, EC1M 7AD.
These locations enable the team to serve clients nationwide, blending regional knowledge with national expertise.
Philosophy and Vision
Designed for Life
Roberts Limbrick’s ethos is captured in their tagline: “Designed for Life.” This phrase reflects their core belief that architecture should improve lives, strengthen communities, and provide long-lasting value. Their designs are more than structures; they are living, breathing environments where people can work, learn, heal, play, and connect.
Human-Centred Design
At the heart of their philosophy is an understanding of how people interact with places. The firm’s architects and designers strive to create environments that foster positive experiences, prioritising functionality, comfort, and sustainability.
Services and Expertise
Comprehensive Architectural Services
Roberts Limbrick offers a full range of architectural services, ensuring clients receive support from concept to completion. Their services include:
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Architecture – From feasibility studies to detailed design and construction management.
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Interior Design – Crafting interiors that are both functional and inspiring.
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Urban Design & Masterplanning – Creating frameworks for sustainable and inclusive urban growth.
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Landscape Architecture – Integrating natural environments with built forms for harmonious settings.
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Consultancy – Providing expert advice on planning, regulations, and compliance.
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3D Modelling – Using advanced visualisation tools to bring concepts to life before construction begins.
Sectoral Expertise
The practice has developed a diverse portfolio across multiple industries:
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Healthcare – Designing hospitals, clinics, and facilities that prioritise patient wellbeing.
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Education – Creating schools, colleges, and learning environments that inspire students and staff.
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Commercial – Delivering innovative workspaces that balance efficiency and design flair.
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Sport and Leisure – Developing stadiums, swimming complexes, and recreational centres.
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Community and Residential – Enhancing towns and cities with homes and shared spaces.
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Mixed-Use Developments – Combining residential, commercial, and leisure spaces to revitalise communities.
Sustainability and Responsibility
Commitment to the Environment
Sustainability is one of the firm’s defining values. Roberts Limbrick integrates environmentally responsible practices into every project, ensuring buildings meet high standards of energy efficiency, resource conservation, and ecological harmony.
Towards B-Corp Standards
The practice has embraced the principles of social and environmental responsibility, aligning with the B-Corp movement. This commitment demonstrates their determination to balance profit with purpose, creating positive impacts for both communities and the planet.
People and Culture
A Diverse Team
Roberts Limbrick employs 51 to 200 professionals, with more than 105 members publicly associated via LinkedIn. Their team brings together a wide variety of skills and backgrounds, ensuring creative, innovative, and pragmatic solutions for clients.
Collaboration and Creativity
The firm thrives on collaboration. Their culture fosters open dialogue, allowing architects, designers, and consultants to work closely with clients, stakeholders, and communities to shape meaningful outcomes.
Notable Projects
Cheltenham Racecourse
One of the firm’s standout projects, the redevelopment of Cheltenham Racecourse, included the design of the Princess Royal Stand and improvements to hospitality and event spaces. The project was recognised with several prestigious awards, including:
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Best Large Commercial Building at the LABC Awards.
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Project of the Year and Tourism & Leisure Award at the RICS Awards South West.
Honeybourne Place
A landmark office building in Cheltenham, Honeybourne Place balances contemporary design with sensitive conservation requirements. It has become a flagship commercial development, winning acclaim from the British Council for Offices (BCO).
Central View, Newport
This later-living residential development features modern apartments, landscaped communal spaces, and rooftop gardens. It demonstrates the firm’s ability to combine urban regeneration with quality living solutions.
Cirencester College
Roberts Limbrick designed state-of-the-art facilities at Cirencester College, including new digital skills and T-Level buildings, as well as refurbishments of existing blocks. These projects highlight their commitment to the education sector.
Sandwell Aquatics Centre
Completed in phases, the Sandwell Aquatics Centre became a high-profile project that showcased their expertise in sport and leisure facilities. The development contributed significantly to the region’s sporting infrastructure.
Awards and Recognition
Roberts Limbrick’s work has consistently earned industry accolades. Their designs have been shortlisted for the Architects’ Journal Architecture Awards and recognised by the British Council for Offices and RICS. Achieving BREEAM ratings ranging from Very Good to Outstanding, their projects reflect the highest sustainability benchmarks.
Future Outlook
Expanding Presence
With the addition of their London office, Roberts Limbrick has positioned itself to expand its influence across the capital and beyond. This growth reflects the firm’s ambition to serve larger and more diverse markets.
Upcoming Projects
Major projects currently underway include the Cotswolds Designer Outlet, a retail and leisure destination set to open in 2025, and the Spirax-Sarco Engineering HQ extension in Cheltenham, targeting BREEAM Outstanding sustainability standards.
Conclusion
Roberts Limbrick has built a reputation for delivering projects that combine creativity, sustainability, and community value. Their multidisciplinary services and wide sector expertise make them a trusted partner for clients seeking thoughtful, future-ready spaces. With strong roots in Gloucester and Newport, and an expanding presence in London, the firm continues to shape environments that are truly “Designed for Life.”
