Nex—

16/10/2025

Last night at the Design. UK Architect of the Year Awards, we had something to celebrate!

Nex was shortlisted in two categories - UK Higher Education Architect and Creative Conservation Architect of the Year. And we were thrilled to come away with the Creative Conservation award, which feels particularly meaningful given the calibre of work we were up against.

The jury highlighted our British Museum projects and the Jackson Library at Exeter College, Oxford. Their words captured the project kindly:

"The Jackson Library project showcases creative conservation at its finest. With elegant volumes, sustainable detailing, and a harmonious blend of old and new, it exemplifies a thoughtful, craft-led philosophy that champions the enduring value of conservation-led design."

This recognition belongs to everyone who made, and is making, these projects possible: our clients Exeter College, Oxford and The British Museum who trusted us with their precious buildings, and the brilliant consultants, contractors and craftspeople who brought the designs to life.

Exeter College, Oxford
Nex—Donald Insall Associates, Webb Yates Engineers, Laurence Owen, DHA, Ridge and Partners LLP, Beard, TLG Todd Longstaffe-Gowan,

The British Museum
Stace, Conisbee, BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd), AECOM, Webb Yates Engineers, Currie & Brown, Steensen Varming, Arcadis Civic

Thanks to the jury and Building Design. And congratulations also to Haworth Tompkins for their well-deserved Higher Education Architect win.

You can find more details on the award here
https://bit.ly/4hcbCfs

hashtag and & Society Building

The winners of the Architect of the Year Awards were announced at a ceremony last night. Here is more detail about all the winning entries

06/10/2025

Nex— has been named a finalist in two categories at the BD Architect of the Year Awards:
– Higher Education Architect of the Year
– Creative Conservation Architect of the Year

Our shortlisting reflects a body of work that brings together innovation, heritage sensitivity, and a user-centred approach:

From the award-winning Jackson Library and our roof conservation strategy for the British Museum, through to higher education projects such as the Brighton Photography Centre, and Homerton College entrance competition.

We’re proud to see these projects recognised for the way they balance heritage and contemporary needs, while supporting the life of academic and cultural institutions.

02/10/2025

Yesterday we welcomed the University Design Forum to Exeter College’s Jackson Library.⠀⠀
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The day gave us the chance to tour the building and open up a conversation on ‘Libraries of the Future: Innovation, Heritage, and Student-Centred Design’. With contributions from our brilliant speaker: ⠀⠀
Dr Christopher Fletcher - Keeper of Special Collections, Bodleian Libraries⠀⠀
Mat Davies - Director of Estates, Rhodes Trust⠀⠀
Babis Karakoulas - Bursar, Exeter College⠀⠀
Joe Dent - Associate, Nex—⠀⠀
Alan Dempsey - Director, Nex—⠀⠀
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Discussions ranged from accessibility in historic buildings to sustainability, digital learning, and how libraries can adapt to changing study patterns. A great opportunity to spark wider conversations about the future of university libraries.

06/12/2024

Fantastic evening at the FX Design Awards last week 🏆Celebrating the success of our project—The Jackson Library at Exeter College was recognised with the Public Sector Award!
Thank you for this incredible recognition and a memorable event.

Design Team⠀
Structural Engineer: ⠀
Heritage Architect: ⠀
MEP Engineer: Laurence Owen⠀
Lighting Design: ⠀
Landscape Design: ⠀
Project Management and Cost Consultants: ⠀
Main Contractor: .construct

12/11/2024

We recently completed one of our current suite of projects at the . The project involved the refurbishment of five roofs and the 12 rooms below them, in one of the oldest parts of the Museum, designed by Robert Smirke and completed by his younger brother, Sydney.

The project involved a lot of complexity, including the retention and supporting of an original patent slate roof, complete with slate joists and ceiling panels - no match for !

We also led conversations with planning and conservation officers from Camden Council and assisted the Museum with completion of the works in a complex, live environment, with Smirke's original bookcase staying in place throughout the works!

Congratulations to all involved.

Client:
Structural Engineer:
MEP Engineer:
Heritage Consultant:
Project Manager:
Cost Consultant:
Main Contractor :

18/10/2024

Delighted to announce that Exeter College Library, Oxford is a finalist in the British Construction Industry Awards.

Architect and Lead Consultant:
Conservation specialist:
Structural design:
Lighting design:
Landscape Design:
Structural timber installation:
Timber joinery:
Main Contractor: .construct
Photos:

Full project details can be found on our website—link in bio

04/10/2024

We are thrilled to announce that Exeter College Library, Oxford has been shortlisted for the AJ Architecture Awards 2024 in the Higher Education Project category!

A collaborative effort by Architect and Lead Consultant: , Conservation specialist: Structural design: Lighting design: Landscape Design: Structural timber installation: Timber joinery: Main Contractor: .construct Photos:

We are honoured to contribute to the preservation of such a storied site and to provide students with a refreshed space for learning.

Full project details can be found on our website—link in bio

04/10/2023

Flexible Space Design - Victorian Puzzle Box

Within a 1970s mansard roof extension, the third floor received internal layout modifications to provide a flexible space division for guests. This includes the installation of a new staircase, the addition of fold-down beds, and a relocation of the bathroom to accommodate a full front bedroom.

Photographer: Luke Hayes Photography
Structural Engineers: Webb Yates Engineers
Arboriculturalist: Arbtech Consulting Ltd

27/09/2023

Conceptualization - Victorian Puzzle Box

As with every project, it started with a sketch. These preliminary drawings served as the backbone of our design process, helping us visualize our ideas, identify potential challenges, and create effective solutions. They enabled us to strike the delicate balance between modern functionality and historical preservation.

22/09/2023

Join Our Architectural Team!

We're seeking a Part 3 Architect and a Part 2 Architectural Assistant to be part of our firm. If you're passionate about innovative design and ready to shape the future of architecture with Nex, we want to hear from you. Apply today and let's create something extraordinary together!

https://bit.ly/46iR4v9

20/09/2023

Enhanced for Comfort - Victorian Puzzle Box

The first and second floors underwent careful renovations to enhance functionality without damaging the building's historic fabric. En-suite bathrooms and floating wardrobes were added, designed to be reversible to maintain the character of the building.

Photographer: Luke Hayes Photography
Structural Engineers: Webb Yates Engineers
Arboriculturalist: Arbtech Consulting Ltd

13/09/2023

Refined Living - Victorian Puzzle Box

The ground floor, known for its high ceilings, now has a brand-new study space by the rear window. Perfect for those thoughtful moments with a view of the garden and canal.

Photographer: Luke Hayes Photography
Structural Engineers: Webb Yates Engineers
Arboriculturalist: Arbtech Consulting Ltd