STAFF at a family-run architecture firm are celebrating their first year in the business after a brand overhaul and an offer of further services.

Brother and sister duo Matthew and Rachael Austin took the reins of their father’s successful architectural practice David Austin and Associates last July.

One year on, the family-run business – now called Austin Design Works and running from a former warehouse in Old Market, Nailsworth – continues to succeed and has expanded to offer landscape architecture.

“We understand that there is much more to ensuring a successful project than simply seeing that it is built,” said Matthew.

“Our practice aims to maintain good relationships with our clients to provide a high level of continued guidance and support, throughout the design, planning and build process of their projects.”

“We love our work and it’s so rewarding when our designs gain recognition from our peers; however our aim is to get consistently great feedback from our clients.”

Last year saw the firm presented with a flurry of awards for their design work, but it is their work in the community the brother-sister directing team claim pushes them forward.

For example, as a former club captain, Matthew was thrilled to be involved with the design and construction of Minchinhampton Rugby Club’s new clubhouse, which was officially opened in March by HRH Princess Anne.

Another of the achievements which they 11-person team oversaw was the Horsley Play Project.

Rachael Emous-Austin designed a scheme to renovate and extend the existing playground, linking it to woodland and creating a space for all the community which features bug hotel, willow tunnel and wetland area.

The chairman of Horsley Parish Council Allan Cauldwell spoke highly of Austin Design Works commitment to the project.

“Austin Design Works has supported the Parish Council through this 6–year long process, running community consultation workshops, developing the design, advising on and obtaining funding for the scheme and running the project on site,” he said.

“Their commitment to this community project has been unfailing and can be seen in the result.”

The Austin family’s architectural heritage stems back to Matthew and Rachael’s grandfather Charles.

Charles was an architect by profession; his son David Austin followed in his footsteps and, after more than 20 years running a practice in Sussex, went on to found David Austin & Associates in Nailsworth in 2002, stepping aside in 2016.

The team celebrated the year’s achievements with a picnic and a pint – an informal staff and family get together at the Horsley Play Project last Wednesday.