About Us
We design considered residential and commercial architecture across Cheshire and the UK.
Our work ranges from bespoke homes and sensitive extensions to development and commercial projects. We have particular experience working in more complex planning contexts, including Green Belt, open countryside, listed buildings and conversions, where a clear, strategic approach is essential.
Every project begins with understanding.
No two briefs are the same, and our role is to develop a response that is carefully tailored to the site, the constraints and how you want to live or work. Whether we’re designing a one-off home or delivering a larger scheme, the focus remains the same: clarity, quality and attention to detail.
We work collaboratively throughout the process. Alongside clients, consultants and contractors, we guide each project from initial ideas through to completion, ensuring decisions are made at the right time and the design is carried through with consistency and care. This approach allows us to deliver projects that are well-resolved, practical and built to last.
Much of our work is based across Cheshire, including Alderley Edge, Hale, Wilmslow, Knutsford and the surrounding areas, alongside projects in Manchester, Liverpool, London and across the UK.
If you’re considering a new home, a replacement dwelling, an extension or a commercial project, we’d be happy to talk through your ideas.
Meet The Team
Ivor
Smits
Managing Director
Ivor brings over 20 years of experience across a range of sectors including prime residential, commercial and mixed use development.
His experience includes successful delivery of both residential and commercial developments for corporate and private clients. Ivor believes that an honest and collaborative relationship is paramount to the delivery of a project and this ethos is reflected in the number of repeat clients that the practice preserves.
“It’s vital to gain a thorough understanding of our clients’ requirements and this is achieved through strong working relationships. This allows us to be able to deliver projects to the highest standards within timescales and to agreed budgets whilst always working in the client’s best interest.”
Outside of work Ivor is kept on his toes by his wife and three wonderful children. When he gets the chance, he enjoys watching Manchester United with a cold beer.
Ashley Senior
Architectural Technologist
Ashley has responsibility for technical aspects of our projects and the production of Revit BIM and drawn details. He has the responsibility of the production of clear concise construction information.
“I enjoy working on the technical parts of our projects, on structural schemes and details which keep me continually learning about new products and techniques that bring our fantastic projects to life.
I love working in the industry because of the projects we get to work on. Each one is truly unique and has its own requirements and style reflective of the client. I love working to exceed the client’s expectations and produce solutions to their problems.”
Outside of work Ashley enjoys the outdoors spending every weekend in the peak district, walking during the day and then enjoying a glass of bourbon in the evenings watching the sun go down.
Office Dogs
Customer Support :)
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James
Waterhouse
Associate Architect
A RIBA Chartered Architect, James has over 10 years' experience in designing and delivering high quality residential and commercial projects at a variety of scales and costs.
He embraces the challenge of balancing the expectations of cost, quality and timescales in any project scenario, and takes great satisfaction in providing solutions and direction to keep projects on track, though greater still is the thrill he (still) gets when seeing the result of those efforts realised in successfully completed buildings!
“We have a talented team here at Whitebox and I take pride in my place within it, and in the support that I can offer my colleagues as they develop and progress in their work and personal development.”
Away from work James has a busy family life. A Dad to two amazing kids and a never-ending to-do list of DIY jobs for the home and garden to be getting on with! Food, Travel and Manchester United are all passions of mine, with some more rewarding than others!
Alex
Wood
Architect
Alex is working very hard on his bio :)
Get in Touch
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