MP Chartered Architects Celebrates 40 Years in Business

What began as a single architect working above a garage alongside a resident cat has grown into MP Chartered Architects, now proudly celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Founded on 2 October 1985, MP Chartered Architects has grown from humble beginnings in High Ongar into one of the area’s longest-established architectural practices, employing a team of 13 professionals and support staff while continuing to serve homeowners, businesses and developers across Essex and beyond.

The practice was established by Martyn Pattie at a time when architecture looked very different. There were no emails, smartphones or digital drawings. The business initially shared office space in High Ongar with Swan Developments, with time divided between working on development projects and building an independent architectural practice.

That first office no longer exists, having since been replaced by two houses designed by the very architect who once worked there.

As the business developed, Swan Developments relocated to Ongar and new premises were created above a garage at 4 Orchard End. It was here that MP Chartered Architects truly found its feet.

Daily life was a far cry from the fast-paced digital world of today. Each morning a secretary would cycle to the office to collect handwritten dictation before returning later with typed correspondence ready to be posted. Drawings were produced by hand on traditional A1 drawing boards and communication relied on letters and telephone calls rather than emails and video meetings.

The arrival of technology was gradual. The practice’s first computer was used sparingly, often switched on only occasionally to check for emails. However, recognising the opportunities offered by the emerging digital world, MP Chartered Architects became one of the first architectural firms in Essex to launch its own website, demonstrating a willingness to embrace innovation while maintaining traditional values.

Growth continued steadily throughout the 1990s. By 1991, the team had expanded with the addition of an architectural technologist, creating a two-person practice supported by freelancers as workloads increased.

The turn of the millennium brought further change. In 2000, planning consultancy Smart Planning was founded by Russell Forde within the same office, creating a close working relationship between the two businesses. Despite limited space, collaboration flourished.

In 2002, a joint venture led to the purchase and refurbishment of a High Street property formerly known as “Blinds, Bobbins and Spools”. The building was transformed into a modern two-storey office, with each business occupying its own floor. As the practice continued to grow, a full-time secretary joined the team and the office became an increasingly busy hub of architectural activity.

By 2006, Smart Planning had moved to larger premises, allowing MP Chartered Architects to occupy the entire building. With around six staff by this point, the company was thriving. Traditional paper records and drawings filled every available space, while the familiar drawing board gradually gave way to Computer Aided Design (CAD) and digital workflows.

The next significant chapter came unexpectedly.

The former Ongar doctors’ surgery at Great Bansons had stood vacant for several years when an opportunity arose to transform the site. Although the practice was not actively seeking a new home, the potential to create a purpose-designed office alongside additional commercial and residential space proved too attractive to ignore.

The move also carried personal significance. The original surgery had been designed in 1976 by local architect John Amor, who had provided valuable early career experience to Martyn Pattie during his college years. Working alongside John Amor’s son, Rex Amor, who owned and built the property, plans were developed to breathe new life into the building.

In 2016, MP Chartered Architects relocated to Great Bansons, where it remains today.

The practice now employs eight architectural professionals supported by five administrative and marketing staff, operating from a modern workspace with dedicated meeting rooms and collaborative facilities. While much has changed since the early days above a garage, the core principles of the business remain the same.

Over the years, the company has evolved from Martyn Pattie Architects and Designers to MP Architects LLP and now MP Chartered Architects Ltd. Through each chapter, its commitment to thoughtful design, personal service and quality architecture has remained constant.

To mark the milestone, the team recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with a special event at The King’s Head in Ongar. Clients, colleagues, consultants, friends and family came together to reflect on four decades of projects, partnerships and achievements while looking ahead to the future.

From one architect, a garage and a cat to a thriving multidisciplinary practice, the story of MP Chartered Architects is one of steady growth, adaptation and enduring commitment to the local community.

Forty years after opening its doors, the tools may be more sophisticated, the team much larger and the projects more ambitious, but the spirit of the practice remains exactly as it was on 2 October 1985.

ENDS

For media enquiries, photographs or interview requests, please contact:

Charlotte Winter

MP Chartered Architects Ltd
Great Bansons, Ongar, Essex
charlotte@mparchitects.co.uk