about

ABOUT

We are Material Studio Architects. A Manchester based practice directed by Chris Brown-Colbert.

We have a wide range of experience within the architecture and construction industries, on new and existing buildings within the residential, heritage, cultural and commercial sectors.

The practice began in a small room, with one desk and four people around it, using old laptops, with Track Brewery at the end of the corridor and Chapeltown Picturehouse upstairs. Set within a warehouse behind Piccadilly Station and next door to Crusader Works; the former home of Rogue Studios.

We are passionate about our work, and firmly believe that well planned and designed spaces can enrich people’s lives, no matter the budget.

Our focused approach is founded on key principles: to create designs that are simple, engaging and beautiful, and to surpass our client’s expectations. We aim to inspire the occupants of our buildings, and to enhance the built environment with a low impact on the natural world.

We are Manchester Architects who love what we do, love Manchester and invest great energy in delivering projects in this city and beyond that are beautifully conceived and finely crafted. We respond to our clients’ needs by designing projects in a tailored and hands-on way, collaborating with people that we know and trust.

Please feel free to contact us here at MSA to chat about your ideas and to arrange your consultation.

PRIVACY POLICY

WHO ARE WE

Chris Brown-Colbert - A Manchester School of Architecture alumnus and specialist in the re-modelling and re-use of existing buildings and spaces. After completing his education at Kingston University, Chris became an Associate at Harrison Ince Architects after four years of service restoring and conserving Grade ll listed buildings within the leisure sector. He has significant experience in the management and resolution of issues associated with complex restoration and conservation projects.

Chris then moved onto Ollier Smuthwaite Architects in 2014. As a result he led a number of highly bespoke premium quality residential projects in Manchester, dealing with both new build and refurbishment schemes.

In 2018 Chris was the first of 8 architects who made the move to experience the contractor side of working. He set up an in-house design team, forming a unique approach to delivering housing association, private new build and restoration projects. Chris has an instinctive ability to see potential in existing structures, and through his typically lateral approach, often produces innovative and unexpected designs that challenge preconceptions.

Chris is conscious of the environmental impact of construction and believes this should be a key consideration in any design process. Alongside changes to human behaviour, architects should follow a research-based, fabric first approach to sustainability. Careful consideration of the embodied energy of materials and the energy performance of buildings once in use, can provide significant assistance towards protecting our planet for future generations.

COLLABORATORS

Architect

Adriana Pascale

Architectural Technician

Steve Allcock

Part l Architectural Assistant

Aleksandra Bodora

Interior Designer

Sarah Schofield

Visualisation

Ján Mrázko

We have collaborators working in Manchester and abroad. Our infrastructure has enabled everyone to connect and network remotely via VPNs and video conferencing. Using a seamless system setup pre-pandemic, that we will continue to use in future.

Contact

studio@materialstudio.co.uk / 0161 531 6203

Our main hub is in Manchester, at Jactin House 24 Hood St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6WX. From there we carry out our day to day services, and orchestrate the team and consultants.