Who we are

​​Croft Design Collective are a group of architecture professionals with expertise in the environmental design of buildings. Working from our studio in Truro, we aim to create beautiful, user-focused and highly sustainable buildings by working collaboratively with our clients and fellow professionals.

​Formed by graduates of the Centre for Alternative Technology, a sustainable approach is at the heart of everything we do. We aim to go further to design buildings that are both healthy and comfortable for their users, whilst saving energy and money.
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James Kirkman                                                 

 | Managing Partner      | Architect

​James is particularly inspired by the impact architecture has on the lives and wellbeing of the people using the spaces we design. With an aspiration to create designs bespoke to the clients’ personality, he facilitates an open dialogue throughout the project from the very early design stages. This inevitably leads to good working relationships with our clients. An aptitude for carpentry led him to architecture but continues to inform the design process, with a thorough understanding of material choices, detailing and buildability in the context of our sustainability ethos. His delight in being able to put the necessary care and time into projects which they so deserve instigated the setup of Croft Design Collective. James oversees the practice management and manages day to day operations of our studio. 

​| Wellbeing  | TechnicalDesign  | UserFocused

​When not at the drawing board... James is likely to be found cooking up a delight, growing veg or making a mess in the workshop.

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Eve Williams                                                                    

 | Partner      | Architect

Eve brings a sensitivity and clarity to the design process, helping her to ground designs in the surrounding context. Having worked in conservation at a number of architecture practices she has an aptitude for sensitively adapting existing buildings to meet the needs of present-day and future users. An interest in vernacular architecture sparked research into conservation and craftsmanship, leading to practical building experience on a range of projects using natural materials. The level of rigour she brings to the design process enables well-considered design solutions in-line with the project brief.

| Natural Materials  | Crafted Design | Site Context
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When not at the drawing board... Eve is likely to be found exploring the coastline, swimming, sketching or walking somewhere the wilder the better!

Flo McKnight                                               

| Partner      | Passivhaus Designer

Flo is driven by our ethical responsibility to both the clients, as individuals, and to the wider planet. Bringing a rigour and keen eye for detail to the design table enables him to improve comfort for the client, whatever the project. Having qualified as a  Certified Passivhaus Designer, he is highly skilled in modelling the energy consumption of our designs which are tested and refined throughout the design process. With a recognition that sustainability goes beyond insulation, airtightness and natural materials he is keen to take a holistic approach to sustainability. 

| Low Energy Buildings  | Passivhaus Designer  
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​When not at the drawing board... Flo is likely to be found plunging into a freezing cold river, renovating his house or parenting.

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Gwyn Stacey                                                             

 | Partner            | Architect​

Gwyn brings a particular aptitude for facilitating collaboration in architecture. This can be seen through his work as a Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Architecture at the Centre for Alternative Technology, but also through his passion to integrate low energy building techniques into the mainstream construction industry.  With an interest in community and conservation he roots designs within their surrounding context while celebrating cultural heritage and traditional skills in a modern context.

Gwyn is both teaching and exploring the latest thinking in sustainable architecture, which continually informs our work at Croft. He is often found working with materials such as hemp:lime, bracken-crete, straw and earth while encouraging his students to test these materials in creative new ways.

| Education  | Conservation  | Community
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When not at the drawing board... Gwyn is likely to be found sailing the high seas, managing his woodland, or firing up the pizza oven with a cider in hand!

Our Practice

We are united in our sustainability values, seeking to respect nature through designs which have a light touch on the planets resources. We aim to go further to design buildings that are both healthy and comfortable for their users, whilst saving energy and money. 

​​​Since we are all partners in Croft, we all have a responsibility for the business and refinement of our services. We believe this is best for our team and best for our clients. In working with us you will always be working with someone who is an integral part of the business. 

Professional Development

​We are always keen to learn, to advance our capabilities in design & environmental architecture, as well as to develop our business. Through collaborating in our studio and with a wide network of industry professionals and specialists, we are always improving our skills and knowledge. We are also frequently enhancing our systems and the information we produce, all with the aim to be the best we can for our clients.



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Education

We are continually involved in education and have close ties with the Centre for Alternative Technology and Sheffield Hallam University. We enjoy working with educators, discussing the latest research and working with students who are taking their journey into Sustainable Architecture.





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FAQ's

We are sure that you have lots of questions when thinking about your new project. We have collated some of the questions that often get asked, to try to provide as much information as possible about us and how we work. ​
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FAQ's

Start your Project

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If you have any questions about how we work,
​or would like to chat about getting started with your project.​​

Contact Us

Our Projects

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Take a look at some of our projects to see how ideas come to life through this process.
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Our Projects