Celebrating 40 years in business

In 2023 we are celebrating an incredible 40 years in business and want to say a huge thank you to all of our clients, associates and friends for their support over the years.

As we reflect on the past four decades and look ahead to the future, we hope to create many more amazing family homes.

1983 – 2023

A few words from our founder Mike Fowler:

I knew I wanted to be an architect at 15, and in 1983 I founded Michael Fowler Architects, which, after James joined to help run the practice in 2008, became Fowler Architecture & Planning.

One of the first projects I worked on was a cottage extension in Michelmersh, however, the Grain Silo conversion we designed just outside Hungerford in 2017 is one of my favourites, and it’s one of our most unique as well!

In 2015 we got permission for 16 new homes on the edge of the village of Over Wallop in Hampshire, and this was one of the most challenging projects we’ve worked on at Fowlers. Not only was it an ambitious scheme, but there were lots of stakeholders involved. I was asked if planning and architecture has changed since I started the practice. My answer is: Yes! Planning in particular is much more complicated and challenging, and one-man bands won’t survive now.

My ultimate piece of advice is: don’t support Spurs, it’s a life of heartache! But as far as industry insights go, the best guidance I ever received was that good architecture is pointless unless it’s built – this sums up our ethos at Fowlers; not only will we design beautiful homes for our clients, but we also have the expertise to get planning permission for our designs, so our clients dream homes can become a reality. With that in mind, my secret to success is to never give up!

The opportunity to be creative both in design and strategy, as well as seeing a project from start to finish, are two things I enjoy most about running a multidisciplinary practice. However, it is the Fowlers family (relatives and colleagues!) that make it a truly special place to work. As for the next 40 years, I hope the grandsons, or even great-grandsons! will keep Fowlers going.

We will be sharing our annual book, with some special extras for our 40th anniversary, very soon. Join our mailing list to be one of the first to receive it!