History

David Houchell studied Building Construction at Ipswich Civic College while working at Piper Whalley Architects in Woodbridge, and subsequently went on to work as an architectural technician in the architects’ department at Ipswich Borough Council.

He later developed his skills in detailing at Peter Barefoot Architects in Ipswich where, amongst many other tasks, he designed the large spiral staircase for the Copdock Hotel near Ipswich.

Further experience at a large architectural practice in Colchester - Stanley Braggs - led to David leading a team working on large contracts including the construction of a new golf clubhouse with associated facilities in Essex.

On returning to Woodbridge to start a family David found an architectural position with Deben RDC prior to its reorganisation & the birth of Suffolk Coastal District Council whose new offices were at the site on Melton Hill in Woodbridge. There, David was given several developments to run in Leiston, Otley, Wickham Market and Kirton.

Leaving Suffolk Coastal District Council to begin his own design practice, David worked on residential, local authority and commercial projects. Of particular note was the planning consent he obtained for the redevelopment of Thorpeness Country Club and his work on a fish farm project in the area.

David Houchell Ltd has experience working on barn conversions, luxury camping sites, factories and houses, and takes particular pride in the restoration and conservation work undertaken on historic buildings which, with the practice’s traditional method of preparing plans on the drawing board, embraces its emphasis of quality in an area rich in history in its delightful coastal setting.