AN ARCHITECTURAL firm is entering a new era as leadership of the Nailsworth-based company moves down family hands.

Siblings Rachael and Matthew Austin, who are taking over David Austin & Associates from their father David, are also rebranding the business as Austin Design Works.

While Matthew is an architect, Rachael is a landscape architect and the two argue that their combined approach puts them in a unique position to provide clients with a holistic approach to their projects.

The duo will celebrate their new venture with a reception in the Walled Garden at The Museum in the Park in Stroud.

“This recently completed project will be the backdrop for our party,” said Rachael.

“It is the first that we have achieved together combining our skills as architect and landscape architect.

“It includes a jewel-like pavilion building that provides an educational workshop space and also an entranceway scheme leading visitors on a journey into the garden and exhibition space.

“Landscape can have a hugely beneficial impact on our sense of well-being and I enjoy creating places that allow people to appreciate the details of their surroundings and connect with changing seasons.”

The change of hands sees the continuation of the family tradition working within the architectural trade.

Charles Austin, Rachael and Matthew’s grandfather, was also an architect by profession.

And with their father’s design studio just a few steps away from the family home the siblings grew up knowing about the trade.

Another influence on Rachael and Matthew was their mother Elly, a gardener and teacher by profession, who instilled a deep appreciation of plants, nature and the environment in them from a young age.

Austin Design Works is a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Chartered Practice and Landscape Institute (LI) Registered Practice.

For more information go to austindesignworks.co.uk