About | Bramhall Blenkharn Leonard Architects

Bramhall Blenkharn Leonard is an established architectural practice, bringing passion, creativity and professionalism to each and every project. We are proud to have received a number of awards for our work - a credit to the belief of clients, the skills of our team members and the input of all those involved in the construction process.

Founded in 1994, the practice has a wealth of experience in designing and delivering buildings - both within the local context of North Yorkshire as well as further afield. Through listening, understanding of brief, finance and context, we aim to create buildings of individuality that meet a client's needs, and which everyone can enjoy.

We are based in Malton, a market town situated 15 miles North East of York and in the centre of Ryedale. We have considerable experience of working on projects across North Yorkshire and an impressive track record in dealing with a range of Local Authority Planning Departments including Ryedale District Council, North York Moors National Park Authority, City of York Council, Lake District National Park, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Hambleton District Council, Leeds City Council, City of Bradford MBC, Scarborough Borough Council and Selby District Council.

Our work is not limited to Yorkshire and we undertake schemes across a wide area, from Leicestershire to the Scottish borders as well as the Lake District, North Wales and London. We are always interested in the prospect of working in new areas and would welcome the opportunity to discuss new schemes in any location.

Award winning architectural practice in Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, York, Oliver Leonard, Issa Bensalem

Team

Mark Bramhall

BA (Hons) MA RCA RIBA ARB

Consultant

Mark graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1989 winning the Richard Rodgers portfolio prize. He qualified at London SBU in 1990 before gaining RIBA chartered membership.

He started his career in the office of Norman Foster which he joined in 1986. He was made an Associate of the firm in 1990 and a Project Director in 1992. Mark left Fosters to set up with Ric Blenkharn in his home town of York in 1994.

Since the formation of the practice, he has been responsible for the completion of several award-winning schemes, many including the extension and remodelling of Listed Buildings or new buildings in sensitive and historic locations.

Mark has acted as consultant to a number of Councils throughout the region and has acted for the City of York on the Conservation Areas Advisory Panel. He represented the RIBA in the new Rural Design Forum and has been a guest lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan and Huddersfield Universities. He is a member of the 20th Century Society and the Chapels Society.

Issa Bensalem

BA (Hons) MArch PG Dip RIBA ARB

Director

Issa enjoys working on bespoke projects, with opportunities for experimentation and creating unusual, environmentally responsible, considered and delightful buildings and spaces, designed to last.

He values working collaboratively with clients, and believes that the most successful results come through establishing dialogues and building relationships with the end-user.

Having worked with sensitive historic buildings, and contemporary projects, Issa has a range of experience and skills and believes that good design can bring enjoyment and improve quality of life.

Issa studied architecture in Leeds and the University of Edinburgh, graduating with first-class honours and a Master of Architecture with distinction. After university, he worked with Bauman Lyons Architects in Leeds on a range of projects, before establishing his own practice, working for a number of years on bespoke, private domestic projects, balanced with hands-on custom joinery and furniture making.

Issa lives in a self-converted Chapel and enjoys photography, spending time with his family, mountain biking, gardening, camping, and drawing. He continues to design and make small building projects, and functional bespoke furniture.

Oliver Leonard

BA (Hons) MArch PG Dip RIBA ARB

Director

Oliver is passionate about working with clients to develop creative and crafted solutions to their brief. He believes in the ability of good design to enrich the environment and respond to the patterns of life. He enjoys working on complex and challenging sites to unlock potential.

Oliver studied architecture at the University of Edinburgh graduating with first class honours and was awarded the Saltire Society Award for his thesis design and the Alexander Flynn Award. After graduating Oliver initially worked for Bramhall Blenkharn Architects on the Potter Hill and Sandsend projects before leaving the practice to broaden his experience in different practice sectors. He returned to Bramhall Blenkharn in 2019 and became a partner in the practice in 2021.

Outside of architecture, he has a passion for the natural world, regularly exploring the countryside with his young family.

Billy McCluskey

BSc (Hons) ARCH BSc (Hons) BLDG

Associate

Billy joined the practice in 2001 after a 20 year career in the construction industry, having gained a wide variety of skills and knowledge in various sectors.

In 1996 Billy left construction to study Archaeology at the University of Bradford, attaining a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Archaeological Sciences in 2000 developing additional skills in surveying, recording historic landscapes and buildings, and the use of CAD.

During his initial years with the practice, Billy undertook further studies at York College attaining a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Building Management & Technology in 2005.

Billy’s primary role within the practice is to interpret the principles of the Architect’s design and manage the process of taking a design concept from drawing board to site. He is very much an ‘on-site’ Architectural Technician and enjoys using his broad range of skills to develop practical solutions, and to communicate the design to the construction team.

Billy became an Associate of the practice in 2005 and has worked on numerous award-winning projects.

Ric Blenkharn

BA (Hons) DipArch FRIBA FRSA

Consultant

Ric qualified as an architect in 1980 after studying at Leeds School of Architecture, gaining a BA (Hons) and Dipl Arch.

After qualifying he worked in private practice in York, before a brief spell working for 18 months in The Lake District. Ric returned to York and in 1987 to become a partner at Ashfield Architects. Mark Bramhall joined as partner in 1994, renaming the practice Bramhall Blenkharn.

He is a Design Review Panel member for Yorkshire Design Review Panel, Humber Design Review Panel and NEDRES North East Design Review Panel and has been involved in reviewing a number of NPPF Para 79 (formerly 55) schemes and masterplans across the region.

He is a columnist for The Yorkshire Post, writing a regular piece regarding all things architectural. Ric was appointed Fellow of the RSA three years ago and appointed Fellow of the RIBA in 2019 - one of only three Fellows in the Yorkshire Region.

Dr Matthew Brooke-Peat

BSc (Hons) MSc PhD FCIAT CEnv MCIOB LCGI

Associate

Matthew is a Chartered Architectural Technologist (FCIAT), Chartered Builder (MCIOB) and Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv). Since 1994, he has held positions in construction, architectural practice, academia, and technical consultancy. During this time, Matthew has designed and managed new-build, refurbishment, restoration, renovation, and conversion projects across a wide range of building types. He has attained an extensive range of academic qualifications in and related to Architectural Technology, which include an HND in Building Studies, a First-Class Honours degree in Architectural Technology, an MSc in Sustainable Architecture, and a PhD. Matthew has published widely on his specialist area of research, which focuses on the thermal performance of building fabric.

Matthew is currently a member of the CIAT Education Board and the Regional Treasurer for Yorkshire. He has previously undertaken many other roles for the Institute including Vice-President Education. Matthew was made a Fellow of CIAT in 2022 for contribution to and excellence in Architectural Technology.

Architect

Josh originally joined the practice in 2017 for his Part 1 RIBA placement and since then has completed his Part 2 studies at Northumbria University in Newcastle, graduating with distinction. He recently re-joined the practice and is hoping to complete his RIBA Part 3 qualification in the near future.

Josh has worked on a number of projects, varying in size and scale. The majority of his work has involved RIBA stages 1-4, utilising his 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) skills. He believes that responding to the contextual richness of each individual brief is the main factor in the success of the architectural development.

In his spare time, Josh enjoys keeping active, socialising with friends and traveling.

Josh Lockwood

BA (Hons) MArch

Part I Architectural Assistant

Freya has recently completed an undergraduate degree in architecture at Newcastle University. During this period Freya developed a strong foundation in architectural theory, as well as technical and design principles.

Freya Maxwell

BA (Hons)

Jonathan Dickinson

HNC Building Studies

Architectural Technician

Jonathan began working with us in 2006. He has a wide range of architectural and technical construction experience, from small-scale residential developments and domestic extensions, to bespoke new housing developments across North Yorkshire and beyond.

Jonathan has worked with a number of local construction professionals, which has helped in providing the best possible service to our clients.

In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys socialising with friends and family and indulging in his love of classic cars.

Jake Harrison

BA (Hons)

Part I Architectural Assistant

Jake graduated from Northumbria University in 2021 with distinction, winning first prize in the RIBA North-East Student Award for his degree project. He joins the practice for his Part 1 placement before returning to university to complete his education.

In his spare time, Jake enjoys mountain biking and exploring the countryside.

Practice Manager

Leila joined Bramhall Blenkharn Leonard Architects in 2024 as Practice Manager alongside Karon.

Leila is in charge of marketing and brand development at the practice.

Working closely with the partners, she is responsible for actively assessing and pursuing potential projects and supporting the partners in generating new business and developing the studio’s network.

Leila Hummerstone

MBChB

Karon Bramhall

Finance Manager

Awards

York Design Awards 2023 Double Award-Winner

John Shannon Conservation Award (winner)

2023 York Design Awards

Residential Single Dwelling (winner)

2023 York Design Awards

Yorkshire Residential Property Awards 2021 Double Award Winner

Best Design Projects (winner)

2021 Yorkshire Residential Property Awards

Best Designer (winner)

2021 Yorkshire Residential Property Awards

Contemporary extension to townhouse in Scarborough

115 Longwestgate, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Best Refurbishment of a Listed Building (winner)

2019 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

New build traditional country house in the Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire

Private House, North Yorkshire

Best Individual New Home (winner)

2018 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Best Individual New Home (finalist)

2018 National LABC Building Excellence Awards

Highly Commended

2018 National Natural Stone Awards

Contemporary glass extension to traditional house in North Yorkshire

The Old Vicarage, Felixkirk, North Yorkshire

Best Extension (winner)

2018 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Glebe House, Appleton-le-Street, North Yorkshire

Best Individual New Home (winner)

2018 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Class Q conversion to barn in North Yorkshire

Atcost House, Thornton-le-Clay, North Yorkshire

Supreme Award (winner)

2018 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Best Conversion (winner)

2018 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Groves Chapel, York, North Yorkshire

Best Refurbishment of a Listed Building (winner)

2018 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Contemporary new build house in North Yorkshire

Sandsend Surgery, Sandsend, North Yorkshire

Best Individual New Home (winner)

2017 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Best Individual New Home (finalist)

2017 National LABC Building Excellence Awards

Best Public Service Building (highly commended)

2017 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Fawcetts Mews, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Best Small Housing Development (highly commended)

2017 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Wintringham Community Hall, North Yorkshire

Best Public Service Building (highly commended)

2016 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Affordable housing development North Yorkshire

Eskdaleside, Sleights, North Yorkshire

Best Affordable Housing Development (winner)

2016 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Haxby contemporary new build house, York

York Road, Haxby, North Yorkshire

Best Individual New Home (winner)

2016 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

2014

Private House, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Best Individual New Home (winner)

2014 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Best Individual New Home (finalist)

2014 National LABC Building Excellence Awards

Best One-off House (commended)

2014 Sunday Times British Homes Awards

New build house in Acaster Malbis, Selby

Glenside, Acaster Malbis, North Yorkshire

Best Individual New Home (highly commended)

2014 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Alteration and extension to traditional property in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Harrogate architect. Harrogate duchy. Harrogate Conservation Area. Harrogate architecture

Thornton Lodge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Best Alteration or Extension to an Existing Home (highly commended)

2014 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Moorland Close, Whitby, North Yorkshire

Best Large Housing Development (winner)

2013 National LABC Building Excellence Awards

Best Large Housing Development (winner)

2013 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Best Residential Development (highly commended)

2014 RICS Pro-Yorkshire Awards

Moorland Close, Whitby, North Yorkshire

Best Affordable Housing Development (winner)

2013 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Carpenters Arms architect and commercial building. Housing development North Yorkshire. Commercial development

Carpenters Arms, Felixkirk, North Yorkshire

Best Large Commercial Development (winner)

2013 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Listed building extension and alteration in North Yorkshire. Conservation architect York. Conservation Architect North Yorkshire. Conservation architect Harrogate. Conservation Architect Malton

Lazenby Hall, Danby Whiske, North Yorkshire

Best Refurbishment of a Listed Building (highly commended)

2013 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Quarry House, Cropton, North Yorkshire

Best Small Housing Development (winner)

2012 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Walnut Grove, Sherburn, North Yorkshire

Best Affordable Housing Development (winner)

2012 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

College View, Pickering, North Yorkshire

Best Affordable Housing Development (highly commended)

2012 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

High Close, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Best Small Housing Development (winner)

2011 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Best Small Housing Development (finalist)

2011 National LABC Building Excellence Awards

Best Residential Development (shortlisted)

2012 RICS Pro-Yorkshire Awards

Contemporary extension in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire

The Croft, Kirkby Wharfe, North Yorkshire

Best Domestic Conversion or Extension (highly commended)

2011 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Collinsons Lane, Rillington, North Yorkshire

Best Affordable Housing Development (highly commended)

2011 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Montessori School extension. Education architect York, North Yorkshire

2009

Montessori School, Caistor, Lincolnshire

Highly Commended

2009 West Lindsey District Council Building Excellence Awards

Assisted living architect architecture, retirement community

Pad 55, Pickering, North Yorkshire

Silver Award

2009 RIBA White Rose Awards

Sustainable Futures Award

2009 RIBA White Rose Awards

Housing Design Award

2009 RICS Pro-Yorkshire Awards

Sustainability Award

2009 RICS Pro-Yorkshire Awards

Best Social Housing Development (winner)

2009 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Best International Retirement Development

Best UK Retirement Development

2009 UK Property Awards

Exhibition of Excellence Award

2009 Housing Design Awards

The Star Inn, Harome, Architect, commercial architect, north yorkshire

The Star Inn, Harome, North Yorkshire

Best Commercial Building up to £1 million (commended)

2009 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Passive house York, Yorkshire, sustainable architecture, zero carbon home. Eco-home York, North Yorkshire

Zero House, York, North Yorkshire

Best Small Housing Development (commended)

2009 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Contemporary extension to barn conversion in North Yorkshire

Gypsy Wood, Elvington, North Yorkshire

Best Residential Project (winner)

2008 York Design Awards

Moss Street, York, North Yorkshire

Best Residential Project (winner)

2007 York Design Awards

RIBA White Rose Award

2006 RIBA White Rose Awards

Extension to historic building North Yorkshire

Lebberston Hall, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Best One-off House (winner)

2006 Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards (North and East Yorkshire Region)

Scampston extension and alteration. Scampton architect. Restaurant and cafe architect

Scampston Walled Garden, North Yorkshire

2005 Ryedale District Council Award

2005 National Brick Award

Contemporary house villa in Malton. Stone and timber cladding. Bespoke housing design architect.

Sycamore House, Malton, North Yorkshire

2006 Ryedale District Council Award

2005 The Roses Design Award

2004 RIBA White Rose Award

Education architect York, North Yorkshire

The Children's House, Stallingborough, Lincolnshire

2005 RICS Pro-Yorkshire Award

Kingston Court, Hull, East Yorkshire

2005 Civic Trust Award

The Star Inn, Harome, North Yorkshire

2005 Ryedale District Council Award

Listed building architect. Conservation architect. Contemporary alteration in listed building

The Reading Room, Welburn, North Yorkshire

2003 RIBA White Rose Award

Contemporary extension to terraced house in York

1999

Belle Vue Street, York, North Yorkshire

1999 RIBA White Rose Award

Commercial architect new build business centre

Scarborough Business Centre, North Yorkshire

1999 National Civic Trust Award

Commercial architect York, North Yorkshire

Our Celebration, York, North Yorkshire

1999 Proud to be York Award

Civic architect in York, North Yorkshire

Hambleton Court, Norton, North Yorkshire

1998 Ryedale District Council Award

Commercial architect Yorkshire, Commercial architect York

The Courtyard, Goole, East Yorkshire

1998 Duke of York Community Initiative Award

1995

St. Catherine's Church Centre, Wakefield

1995 Wakefield Design Award

Housing development in Malton, Yorkshire

The Maltings, Malton, North Yorkshire

1995 National Housing and Town Planning Award

St. Peter's Church, Gildersome, West Yorkshire

1993 Civic Trust Award

1992 The Leeds Award for Architecture

Walnut Green, Norton, North Yorkshire

1992 Ryedale District Council Award

1990 RIBA White Rose Award