Big Ideas.

Real World Solutions.

We started JSA in 2002 with a simple idea. To do things differently.

Whether its a family home, commercial workspace or boutique hotel, our clients come to us because we make the complex simple.

Because your building project should be exciting, not exhausting.

20+ Years of Big Ideas

From designing and delivering the East Midlands’ first Passivhaus to being named the ‘Best Creative Architectural Studio’ by BUILD Magazine, we challenge outdated ideas to drag a dated industry into the future.

We rethink processes, improve how teams collaborate, and make client communication our cornerstone—so projects run smoother, faster, and with fewer surprises.

Design in the cloud. Feet on the ground.

When others were still tied to paper plans and office-bound meetings, we moved everything to the cloud, making collaboration seamless whether on site, in the studio, or at the kitchen table.

Working from flexible studios in Derby, Nottingham, Lichfield, and Solihull, we stay connected to the communities we serve. No unnecessary overheads, just local expertise where and when you need it.

Making Architecture Make Sense. Finally.

We’ve been stripping the stress out of building projects since day one, giving clients clear options, honest advice, and stunning designs that actually work.

We keep the process straightforward—from first sketch to final handover—so you’re never left guessing what happens next. Every decision has a reason. And every space is shaped around how you actually live, work, or play.

We're rethinking design.

Because great results don't happen by accident.

01

Expertise over ego.

We know when to push boundaries and when to stick to what works. That’s how we lead on sustainability, unlock value in older buildings, and consistently deliver spaces that go further than the brief.

01

Expertise over ego.

We know when to push boundaries and when to stick to what works. That’s how we lead on sustainability, unlock value in older buildings, and consistently deliver spaces that go further than the brief.

01

Expertise over ego.

We know when to push boundaries and when to stick to what works. That’s how we lead on sustainability, unlock value in older buildings, and consistently deliver spaces that go further than the brief.

01

Expertise over ego.

We know when to push boundaries and when to stick to what works. That’s how we lead on sustainability, unlock value in older buildings, and consistently deliver spaces that go further than the brief.

01

Expertise over ego.

We know when to push boundaries and when to stick to what works. That’s how we lead on sustainability, unlock value in older buildings, and consistently deliver spaces that go further than the brief.

01

Expertise over ego.

We know when to push boundaries and when to stick to what works. That’s how we lead on sustainability, unlock value in older buildings, and consistently deliver spaces that go further than the brief.

SAY HELLO

A small team with big ideas.

Our architects, technologists, interior designers and visualisers work together on every project, so you’re never handed off or lost in the shuffle. Just one tight-knit team, focused on getting it right from start to finish.

Talk to Us

Chris

Director / Chartered Architectural Technologist

Justin

Architect / Founder

Olivia

Part I Architectural Assistant

Mertcan

Part II Architectural Assistant

Joao

Architectural Technologist / Visualiser

Tara

Studio Manager

What people have to say about us..

We could tell you how great we are, but it sounds so much better coming from our clients. Here's what they really think.

Most helpful and efficient...

JSA architects have been most helpful and efficient in developing plans for a proposed new bungalow for our occupation in old age. Probably not the easiest of clients, they has managed our requirements and aspirations cleverly and tactfully to produce practical solutions of both site payout and building design. They have retained and managed sub-consultants to produce the reports necessary to support our planning application in which their good working relationship with Council officers has been helpful to our cause. Their communications has always been timeous and efficient, both face to face, by e-mail and by telephone. Thank you! John and Anne Cartmell.
JC

John Cartmell

A very professional and reliable firm.

JSA Architects are a very professional and reliable firm. They have expert knowledge in dealing with Listed Buildings and properties located within a conservation area. Their expertise also extends to general planning issues and construction management. They always return your calls in a timely manner. Highly recommended.
KP

Knight Property Investments

Very clear, organised and easy to work with...

It was an absolute pleasure working with JSA Architects. Chris Wood was very clear, organised and easy to work with, for a project that we gratefully helped on for the 3D visuals. The design produced by JSA Architects clearly demonstrated the passion and thought process that they went through to meet their clients needs, expectations and dreams. The level of detail, excellent design and clear communication made it even more enjoyable to work with. Furthermore, JSA Architects' portfolio really demonstrates all of the above mentioned and I highly believe much more, for every project and client they work with. Definitely our top recommendation for architects and again, a massive pleasure on collaborating with you.
KR

Kreativiz

Communication has been first class throughout which is so vital.

JSA and specifically Georgie Rathbone have been excellent all the way along a very slow, frustrating planning application with Amber Valley Borough Council. Although the process is still not complete, we have no problem in recommending JSA for anyone considering dealing with a Grade II listed property negotiation. Communication has been first class throughout which is so vital.
EB

Elli Barrow

They provided clear drawings that my builders were really happy with.

I approached JSA after my previous architect acquired planning permission for extensions and alterations to my home. I needed detailed drawings for building regulations approval, and they were more than happy to take on the project when the previous architect stopped communicating. They provided clear drawings that my builders were really happy with, and they proposed changes to the design that would improve the general layout and look, but this required further planning permission. They submitted the applications and gained planning approval all without additional charges just because they saw an opportunity for improvements. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
KF

Kelly Fisher

Most helpful and efficient...

JSA architects have been most helpful and efficient in developing plans for a proposed new bungalow for our occupation in old age. Probably not the easiest of clients, they has managed our requirements and aspirations cleverly and tactfully to produce practical solutions of both site payout and building design. They have retained and managed sub-consultants to produce the reports necessary to support our planning application in which their good working relationship with Council officers has been helpful to our cause. Their communications has always been timeous and efficient, both face to face, by e-mail and by telephone. Thank you! John and Anne Cartmell.
JC

John Cartmell

A very professional and reliable firm.

JSA Architects are a very professional and reliable firm. They have expert knowledge in dealing with Listed Buildings and properties located within a conservation area. Their expertise also extends to general planning issues and construction management. They always return your calls in a timely manner. Highly recommended.
KP

Knight Property Investments

Very clear, organised and easy to work with...

It was an absolute pleasure working with JSA Architects. Chris Wood was very clear, organised and easy to work with, for a project that we gratefully helped on for the 3D visuals. The design produced by JSA Architects clearly demonstrated the passion and thought process that they went through to meet their clients needs, expectations and dreams. The level of detail, excellent design and clear communication made it even more enjoyable to work with. Furthermore, JSA Architects' portfolio really demonstrates all of the above mentioned and I highly believe much more, for every project and client they work with. Definitely our top recommendation for architects and again, a massive pleasure on collaborating with you.
KR

Kreativiz

Communication has been first class throughout which is so vital.

JSA and specifically Georgie Rathbone have been excellent all the way along a very slow, frustrating planning application with Amber Valley Borough Council. Although the process is still not complete, we have no problem in recommending JSA for anyone considering dealing with a Grade II listed property negotiation. Communication has been first class throughout which is so vital.
EB

Elli Barrow

They provided clear drawings that my builders were really happy with.

I approached JSA after my previous architect acquired planning permission for extensions and alterations to my home. I needed detailed drawings for building regulations approval, and they were more than happy to take on the project when the previous architect stopped communicating. They provided clear drawings that my builders were really happy with, and they proposed changes to the design that would improve the general layout and look, but this required further planning permission. They submitted the applications and gained planning approval all without additional charges just because they saw an opportunity for improvements. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
KF

Kelly Fisher

Most helpful and efficient...

JSA architects have been most helpful and efficient in developing plans for a proposed new bungalow for our occupation in old age. Probably not the easiest of clients, they has managed our requirements and aspirations cleverly and tactfully to produce practical solutions of both site payout and building design. They have retained and managed sub-consultants to produce the reports necessary to support our planning application in which their good working relationship with Council officers has been helpful to our cause. Their communications has always been timeous and efficient, both face to face, by e-mail and by telephone. Thank you! John and Anne Cartmell.
JC

John Cartmell

A very professional and reliable firm.

JSA Architects are a very professional and reliable firm. They have expert knowledge in dealing with Listed Buildings and properties located within a conservation area. Their expertise also extends to general planning issues and construction management. They always return your calls in a timely manner. Highly recommended.
KP

Knight Property Investments

Very clear, organised and easy to work with...

It was an absolute pleasure working with JSA Architects. Chris Wood was very clear, organised and easy to work with, for a project that we gratefully helped on for the 3D visuals. The design produced by JSA Architects clearly demonstrated the passion and thought process that they went through to meet their clients needs, expectations and dreams. The level of detail, excellent design and clear communication made it even more enjoyable to work with. Furthermore, JSA Architects' portfolio really demonstrates all of the above mentioned and I highly believe much more, for every project and client they work with. Definitely our top recommendation for architects and again, a massive pleasure on collaborating with you.
KR

Kreativiz

Communication has been first class throughout which is so vital.

JSA and specifically Georgie Rathbone have been excellent all the way along a very slow, frustrating planning application with Amber Valley Borough Council. Although the process is still not complete, we have no problem in recommending JSA for anyone considering dealing with a Grade II listed property negotiation. Communication has been first class throughout which is so vital.
EB

Elli Barrow

They provided clear drawings that my builders were really happy with.

I approached JSA after my previous architect acquired planning permission for extensions and alterations to my home. I needed detailed drawings for building regulations approval, and they were more than happy to take on the project when the previous architect stopped communicating. They provided clear drawings that my builders were really happy with, and they proposed changes to the design that would improve the general layout and look, but this required further planning permission. They submitted the applications and gained planning approval all without additional charges just because they saw an opportunity for improvements. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
KF

Kelly Fisher

We're local architects serving the Midlands' best communities.

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OUR STORY
  • 2002 - The beginnning

    2002 - The beginnning

    Justin Smith Architects started with a simple idea: architecture should be exciting, functional, and make sense. Our goal was to solve complex problems, not create them, and deliver stunning designs without the industry nonsense.

  • 2002-2007 - Laying foundations

    2002-2007 - Laying foundations

    As our portfolio of bespoke homes and boutique commercial projects grew, so did our reputation for thoughtful, quality design. By 2007, we'd moved into a proper commercial office—ready for what came next.

  • 2008-2015 - Pushing boundaries

    2008-2015 - Pushing boundaries

    Our early era of rethinking what architecture could be. We delivered the East Midlands' first ever Passivhaus, making sustainability standard practice long before it became a buzzword. Multi-million-pound homes quickly followed, and so did our commitment to the community: sponsoring Derby County FC and backing our local roots.

  • 2016 - A home of our own

    2016 - A home of our own

    We practiced what we preached by remodeling our own purpose-built offices on Queen Street, Derby. Finally, we had a studio that reflected our approach: innovative, forward-thinking, and quality-focused.

  • 2019 - A smarter future

    2019 - A smarter future

    We rebranded as JSA Architects and evolved our working model completely. Instead of being tied to one location, we shifted to flexible studios across the Midlands, allowing us to work closer to our clients while staying agile.

  • 2020 - A new chapter

    2020 - A new chapter

    We transitioned from a founder-led practice to an employee-owned business, securing our future while preserving the client-first values that define us. Justin remained as an architect and consultant, while Chris took the wheel to lead us into a new era.

  • 2021-2025 - Stronger than ever

    2021-2025 - Stronger than ever

    Despite shifting markets and a global pandemic, 2021 saw record success, proving that adaptability and great design always win. By 2024, we'd opened our Lichfield studio, growing our reach while staying true to the collaborative, nimble approach that got us here.

Ready To Talk?

Get in touch today. Start something special tomorrow.

Get in Touch