Fitz and BDN - A shared collaborative vision

From modern sustainable properties to bold historic restorations, our expertise is unsurpassed. Our legacy speaks for itself, and we're now creating a new chapter in the Fitz story...

Building Design Northern Ltd (BDN) acquired Fitz Architects in 2023 as part of strategic growth plans to fully compliment and strengthen its architectural design services and delivery capability.

Since that time, both companies have continued to carve a distinct niche within the UK’s built environment; BDN for delivering innovative, high-quality and community-driven developments as well as urban, heritage-rich regeneration projects with social and environmental impact, and Fitz for its creative design flair and portfolio of striking visionary homes for private residential clients.

This is still very true today, and by working collaboratively in partnership, both BDN and Fitz are delivering exceptional residential, commercial and industrial schemes for clients across the UK, with many more new projects in the pipeline.

This continued success has also created a new strategic opportunity for both companies to work more closely together as one.

Still offering the same unrivalled expertise and design superiority, Fitz will, over the next few months, be brought under the BDN umbrella to create a highly specialist offering that sits (and works) alongside BDN's luxury residential arm. This will enable clients across both companies to access (and fully benefit from) an all-inclusive and more fluid, ‘concept to completion’, multi-disciplined organisation.

From initial concept and planning services through to technical architectural and structural engineering (working alongside an experienced project management team), Fitz and BDN will offer a ‘one-stop-shop’ experience giving both commercial and residential clients alike the added benefit, reassurance and efficiency that comes from liaising with just one company.

For all requirements, regardless of project type, each stage will be fully managed by BDN and Fitz from start to finish by the very best professionals in their field.

Again, this sees BDN (and Fitz) continue to disrupt the traditional norms of the industry as full-service capabilities are usually more typical of larger, well-known, built environment organisations.

Our portfolio

Boasting unrivalled sea views across the North Sea and north east coastline, this bespoke executive home offers luxurious, open-plan living spaces, maximum natural light and is configured to fully exploit the stunning views from all perspectives.

As part of an exclusive, self-build housing development on the outskirts of Durham, attention to detail was at the forefront of architectural designs and included a substantial levelling exercise due to the topography of the site, thermal improvements over and above standard building control requirements as well as a CO2 reduction of 25%.

Situated on the north sea coast, this stunning, design-led executive dwelling has been specifically created to encapsulate its unrivalled views and take full advantage of its highly desirable cliff-top position.

Our creative designs created a bespoke family residence that embraced the sloping site as well as stunning river and farmland views from the atrium and living spaces.. Two wings of the property are offset by a half level and connected by a central atrium with open tread staircase.

This contemporary, family home concept is sited on existing stables and is much lower than the original building, nestling into the landscape and using materials which are sympathetic to the context. This proposal is a solution to 40+ years of equestrian use, restoring the historic gardens and enhance the natural habitat.

Having sat vacant for several years, Fitz was appointed to review an existing planning application for this school building that originally proposed a conversion into six apartments. Through sensitive consideration, creative thinking and preservation of the building's existing architectural features, the site was converted into two large luxury dwellings that embraced its full character.

Colman's Seafood Temple

This once-dilapidated structure was fully restored and extended to create a new seafood restaurant and a landmark building. A new glass wall sits inside the original columns to form a unique, panoramic bar and the new glazed extension forms a restaurant with fantastic views over the beach and beyond. The structure curves to a point to allow views of the sea from all around the building.

Marine Walk

As lead consultants from RIBA stages 0 to 7, Fitz was appointed to deliver this new mixed-use scheme comprising of commercial units (restaurants/cafes) along with residential apartments and office space. The site directly overlooks Roker beach, a prime tourist and visitor destination.

Antler Restaurant

Fitz has completely redesigned the internal dining spaces and created new external seating areas at this popular bar and restaurant. This replaced the ground floor area of this large restaurant in the 55 Degrees North building whilst maintaining access to the first floor restaurant through the existing entrance and staircase.

Brothers in Arms Memorial

The solid granite memorial is in remembrance to the fallen servicemen and women from Sunderland that have fallen since WWII. The design is based on soldiers standing in formation, subtly rising and falling to represent them standing together as ‘Brothers in arms’. It is also an educational resource to convey information on each conflict.

Fat Buddha

Accessible from the main promenade area, this scheme utilised an existing shelter to create a visionary bar, restaurant and retail unit scheme that would act as a catalyst and benchmark for wider, coastal regeneration and a redevelopment masterplan.

Sunderland AFC

Fitz was appointed by Sunderland Football Club to provide interior design services for the refurbishment of the Durham Suite within the Stadium of Light. The new suite is used for match days as well as corporate events.

Inspirational design and architectural vision

A new chapter and a new look

Introducing Fitz...