About | Peter Hitchen Architects

ABOUT US

Our Team

Peter Hitchen Architects are a RIBA Chartered Practice based in Whalley, working throughout the Ribble Valley and across the North West. We combine creativity and technical expertise with a friendly, collaborative approach, ensuring every project is both beautifully designed and practical in execution. From bespoke private homes to complex commercial developments, we create spaces that are functional, sustainable, and a pleasure to live or work in.

Our portfolio includes new builds, extensions, home improvements, commercial premises, change of use, conservation projects, and masterplanning. Whether large or small, each project is approached with the same attention to detail, clear communication, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.

We guide our clients through every stage of the design and construction process - from early feasibility and concept design through to planning, technical detailing, and project completion. Our services are flexible, offering either a comprehensive, full-service package or tailored support to suit individual requirements, budgets, and project scopes.

Our expertise spans the full range of architectural services, including surveys, feasibility studies, concept and scheme design, masterplanning, permitted development advice, pre-application enquiries, planning applications, detailed and structural design, sustainable and renewable solutions, tender and contract administration, building regulations compliance, and project management. With a reputation for thoughtful design and reliable delivery, we take pride in building lasting relationships and creating architecture that enhances both lives and landscapes.

The Team

Peter Hitchen

BA (Hons), Dip Arch, RIBA

Architect

Peter is a Chartered Architect with over 25 years of experience working in multidisciplinary practices in Birmingham and Preston. Throughout his career, he has contributed to a wide range of commercial and residential projects across both the private and public sectors, developing a broad skill set and a deep understanding of the design and construction process.

As Director of Peter Hitchen Architects Ltd, Peter has spent recent years focusing on locally based projects in and around the Ribble Valley. His approach combines technical expertise with an appreciation for local character, ensuring each design responds sensitively to its setting while meeting the needs of clients and communities.

The practice’s ethos reflects Peter’s vibrant personality and professional outlook, achieving successful outcomes for projects of all sizes through creativity, collaboration, and attention to detail. He is committed to fostering strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike, and places great importance on being approachable, inclusive, and readily available throughout every stage of a project.

Outside of work, Peter enjoys staying active through tennis and exploring the local countryside on long rambles. These pastimes reflect his appreciation for balance, fresh air, and the landscapes that inspire much of his architectural work.

Dominic Hall

BSc

Architectural Assistant

Since graduating with a degree in Architectural Engineering in 2021, Dominic has become a valued member of the Peter Hitchen Architects team, contributing to a wide variety of projects - from supported living bungalow estates and home extensions to innovative permitted development schemes.

With a strong technical foundation and a keen eye for design detail, Dominic enjoys exploring how architecture can improve everyday experiences. He believes that thoughtful design has the power to make a genuine difference, whether through enhancing comfort, accessibility, or a sense of belonging. His work is guided by a desire to create spaces that are both functional and personal, tailored to the individual needs of clients and end users alike.

Dominic also takes a hands-on approach throughout the design and construction process, assisting in developing drawings, 3D visualisations, and detailed plans that help bring ideas to life. His curiosity and willingness to learn make him an asset to every project team he’s part of.

Outside of work, Dominic enjoys keeping active at the climbing gym and experimenting with pottery in his spare time. Both hobbies reflect his appreciation for craft, precision, and the satisfaction of creating something tangible - qualities that also influence his architectural approach.

Logan Murray

BSc

Part I Architectural Assistant

Logan joined Peter Hitchen Architects as a Part I Architectural Assistant after graduating from the University of Central Lancashire with a BSc in Architecture earlier this year. Since joining the practice, she has contributed to a range of projects, gaining valuable experience in design development, planning, and technical detailing.

With a strong interest in the early stages of the design process, Logan’s favourite part of a project is concept design. This is where ideas take shape and creativity meets purpose. She enjoys exploring how light, space, and materiality can be combined to create meaningful and engaging environments. Her artistic background influences her architectural approach, helping her to visualise and communicate concepts with clarity and imagination.

Logan is passionate about creating designs that are responsive and meaningful, ensuring each project reflects the needs of its users while complementing its surroundings. She approaches every brief with enthusiasm and a considered attention to detail, striving to deliver spaces that feel both personal and purposeful.

Outside of work, Logan enjoys all things art-related, from hand sketching and painting to digital design. As a life-long animal lover, she is most likely found spending time with her Pomeranian, Marcus. Her passion for art and animals brings a sense of joy and creativity to her everyday life and work.

Oliver Stephenson-Jones

Apprentice Architectural Technician

Oliver began his journey with Peter Hitchen Architects as a work experience student in October 2023 while studying a Design, Planning and Surveying T-Level in Construction at Burnley College. Since then, he has gained hands-on experience across a variety of projects, learning how designs are developed, planned, and brought to life in real-world construction. In September 2025, he progressed to a Design and Construction Management degree apprenticeship at the University of Lancashire, combining academic study with practical experience at the practice.

Oliver’s favourite part of the design process is visiting sites and seeing his designs take shape. He enjoys observing how ideas on paper transform into tangible spaces and learning how practical challenges on site influence the final outcome. This hands-on experience has helped him develop a deeper understanding of the full design and construction process.

He brings enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn to every project he works on. Oliver enjoys being involved at every stage, from assisting with drawings and plans to seeing projects through to completion, gaining insight into how good design meets real-world requirements.

Outside of work and study, Oliver enjoys going to the gym and watching football, balancing his professional development with sport and fitness. His passion for construction and design, combined with his practical approach, makes him a valuable and motivated member of the team.

Bella

Floor Manager

Bella is an essential member of the Peter Hitchen Architects team, taking her role as Floor Manager very seriously, ensuring everyone is greeted with a wagging tail and that no lunch break goes unnoticed.

Known for her calm yet watchful presence, Bella is always on hand to boost morale, supervise meetings, and provide much-needed encouragement during busy project deadlines. Her ability to bring smiles to the office and maintain team spirit is second to none.

When she’s not overseeing the studio, Bella enjoys long walks, naps in sunny spots, and the occasional treat from her colleagues. Her friendly nature and unwavering commitment to workplace happiness make her an irreplaceable part of the team.

History

We have close relationships with numerous local contractors and industry professionals to construct the highest quality projects. We are consistently working to achieve planning permission with local authorities such as Ribble Valley, South Ribble, Pendle, Chorley, Preston City Council, Hyndburn, Blackburn with Darwen and Craven District Council.

We believe that working together with both our client, contractors and local authorities from feasibility through to completion, a successful, mutually exciting project can be achieved both large or small.

The success of the practice is evident in the portfolio of work completed since it's inception in 2012. Peter Hitchen formed the business within Whalley on the basis of attracting a local customer base and providing an architectural service with a strong community ethos. To achieve this It was important to ensure the practice has a base in the heart of the Ribble Valley in an accessible location and to be available to carry out work which gains a quality reputation. The practice has evolved in a small team which can assist with wide variety of services and maintain client confidence in achieving each individual projects aims and objectives.

The office has a vibrant atmosphere and is open for all clients to discuss their particular needs. We welcome the opportunity to visit site and have a no obligation chat about any potential job.