Striking, sustainable architecture

Striking,

sustainable architecture

About Ecotecture: Sustainable architects in Sussex

At Ecotecture, we’re a team that honours heritage and embraces innovation

Working at the intersection of sustainability
and heritage

Working at the intersection of sustainability and heritage

Our promise is simple:

To design beautiful, sustainable, functional buildings that honour heritage while embracing innovation.

To make this happen, we live by 5 core beliefs:

To design beautiful, sustainable, functional buildings that honour heritage while embracing innovation.

To make this happen, we live by 5 core beliefs:

To design beautiful,
sustainable, functional
buildings that honour
heritage while embracing
innovation.

To make this happen, we
live by 5 core beliefs:

Slide

Sustainability isn't an 'add-on' - it's the starting point

Our founder, Jo, has been pioneering eco architecture since the ‘90s. To Ecotecture, concerns for the planet isn’t an afterthought; it’s the blueprint. We use materials that age well and reduce waste to create comfortable eco buildings – without compromising on aesthetic.

Critical approach - looking at the bigger picture

At Ecotecture, we add value to your building by acting as your critical design partner. We take a holistic approach, creating a unique design that serves not just you, the individual, but also the world around you.

Future-thinking design - while respecting the past

True sustainable architecture considers the next generation and what came before. Our designs form the perfect blend between modern and heritage, using old materials in new ways and making heritage buildings accessible.

Slide

Enjoying the process – without compromising on quality

Even though it's exciting, building and renovating is a stressful experience. But when you work with us, we take the complicated bits off your plate and bring our creative energy so you'll actually find the process FUN.

Strong ethical backbone - we're guided by what's right

Diversity and inclusion are at the core of what we do at Ecotecture. We're justice- driven, highly compassionate, and not afraid to speak up for what we believe in. Practising what we preach, we hire students and people from diverse backgrounds, and get involved in activism.

Slide

Sustainability isn't an 'add-on' - it's the starting point

With
Ecotecture,
your project’s in
good hands.

With Ecotecture, your project’s in good hands.

View our services

Slide

I wasn’t expecting architects that were so warm, enthusiastic and easy to work with. You can ask a stupid question – and that’s fine.

Other architects would’ve made what we had slightly bigger – Jo made it something else entirely. She made it bold, but not silly. It’s still a house, but it’s a house that’s ours. I wanted to open the front door and smile – and now I do.”

Rachel Dineens job title for Rachel

Slide

Ecotecture are crucial to designing the spaces within our housing developments.

One of my favourite parts of working with Jo is when she gets the tracing paper out and red pen and just rips apart our plans – and makes them so much better.

Ecotecture don’t just look at it as a set of drawings – they look at the bigger picture. The level of detail is crucial. It makes the build smoother and the end result better.

Alex Boggis, property developer

With
Ecotecture,
your project’s in
good hands.

With Ecotecture, your project’s in good hands.

View our services

Slide

I wasn’t expecting architects that were so warm, enthusiastic and easy to work with. You can ask a stupid question – and that’s fine.

Rachel Dineens job title for Rachel

Slide

Ecotecture are crucial to designing the spaces within our housing developments.

One of my favourite parts of working with Jo is when she gets the tracing paper out and red pen and just rips apart our plans – and makes them so much better.

Ecotecture don’t just look at it as a set of drawings – they look at the bigger picture. The level of detail is crucial. It makes the build smoother and the end result better.

Alex Boggis, property developer

We’ve been designing
eco buildings since
before it was trendy…

We’ve been designing
eco buildings since before it was trendy…

Hi, I’m Jo, founder of
Ecotecture. Sustainable
architecture isn’t just
what I do—it’s who I am

For over 20 years, my work has combined eco design with deep care for how buildings feel to live in. But you don’t have to be a self-confessed eco-warrior like me – everyone benefits from sustainable buildings.

As a long-standing member of AECB and chair and trustee of the IHBC, and now a Quaker, I’m committed to creating thoughtful, green, inclusive spaces, and leading the way for others to do the same. That’s what truly lights me up.

Through many challenges (five recessions!) and every project, one thing has never changed: My belief that good architecture should bring joy, comfort, and peace to those who use the space, and the world around it.

And that’s exactly what we do at Ecotecture.

Meet our amazing team…

Slide

Mel Laurie, Practice Manager

Mel’s the backbone of the practice. She keeps everything running smoothly, bringing a sense of calm to the creative chaos.

Mel lives with an unusual cat called Pocket, who meows in mime.

Katherine Ryan Senior Architect

Katherine’s our senior architect with a fastidious eye for detail, working on both design and technical projects, providing an all-round expertise.

She spends her spare time playing Roller Derby and is particularly fond of her cat, Special Agent Dana Scully.

Babatunde Ibrahim, Architect

Babatunde has been a proud member of the Ecotecture team since we sponsored him from Nigeria as a Part 2 Student.

He loves gaming, and even has a favourite game for each genre! (we won’t list them all)

Graham Whitehouse, Senior Architect

Graham’s a highly experienced architect who brings five decades of architectural practice to our team, supporting us part-time as an expert witness.

Graham is trying to enjoying a slower pace of life and spend time with his grandchildren – but most architects never fully retire.

Slide

Richard Merrick, Head of Technical

Richard’s been a firm part of the Ecotecture team for over 18 years. He’s basically part of the furniture now…

Although Richard’s a dedicated father to his three children and cat, he could give Grinch a run for his money.

Abigail Tonking Architectural Designer (Part 1)

Abigails’s in her third year in practice as part of her four-year course. Her enthusiasm and dedication is a real testament to her character.

Pepper, Office Pawtector

Pepper is our trusty office protector. But don't worry – she can be easily appeased with belly rubs and treats.

She loves long walks and causing trouble with delivery people.

Slide

Mel Laurie, Practice Manager

Mel’s the backbone of the practice. She keeps everything running smoothly, bringing a sense of calm to the creative chaos.

Mel lives with an unusual cat called Pocket, who meows in mime.

Award-winning, accredited
eco architects in Sussex

2020s

Award

Talk

Award

Accreditation

Architecture Award Name

IHBC Summer School

Architecture Award Name

AECB

IHBC

Winner – Grade II* listed water mill conversion

Winner – Round straw bale building

Historic Places – People Places

Winner – 17th-century Quaker House

Former trustee

South East branch chair and trustee

2010s

Award

Accreditation

Talk

Award

Architecture Award Name

IHBC

AECB

Haywards Heath

District Business Association

AECB Conference

RIBA

Architecture Award Name

Winner – Grade II* listed water mill conversion

South East branch chair and trustee

Retrofit for the future.

Sustainable Building

Importance of the AECB and how to evolve

Sustain versus conservation

Winner – Round straw bale building

2000s

Award

Talk

Award

Accreditation

Architecture Award Name

Women in Construction

Architecture Award Name

AECB

Winner – Round straw bale building

Balancing life and practice

Winner – 17th-century Quaker House

Former trustee

Looking for sustainable architects in Sussex with a critical eye and creative flair?

You’re in the right place. We’ll support you with a plan that focuses on what truly matters and minimises the harm your build leaves behind, without compromising on beautiful design.

Striking, sustainable architecture

Striking,

sustainable architecture

Working at the intersection of sustainability
and heritage

Working at the intersection of sustainability and heritage

Sustainability isn't an 'add-on' - it's the starting point

With
Ecotecture,
your project’s in
good hands.

With Ecotecture, your project’s in good hands.

With
Ecotecture,
your project’s in
good hands.

With Ecotecture, your project’s in good hands.

We’ve been designing
eco buildings since
before it was trendy…

We’ve been designing
eco buildings since
before it was trendy…

We’ve been designing
eco buildings since before it was trendy…

2020s

2010s

2000s

Address

Contact

Site-map

Address

Contact

Site-map

Site-map

Striking, sustainable architecture

Striking,

sustainable architecture

Working at the intersection of sustainability and heritage

Working at the intersection of sustainability and heritage

Sustainability isn't an 'add-on' - it's the starting point

With Ecotecture, your project’s in good hands.

With Ecotecture, your project’s in good hands.

With Ecotecture, your project’s in good hands.

With Ecotecture, your project’s in good hands.

We’ve been designing eco buildings since before it was trendy…

We’ve been designing eco buildings since before it was trendy…

We’ve been designing eco buildings since before it was trendy…

2020s

2010s

2000s

Address

Contact

Site-map

Address

Contact

Site-map

Site-map

Working at the intersection of sustainability
and heritage

With
Ecotecture,
your project’s in
good hands.

With
Ecotecture,
your project’s in
good hands.

We’ve been designing
eco buildings since
before it was trendy…

We’ve been designing
eco buildings since
before it was trendy…

We’ve been designing
eco buildings since before it was trendy…