adpractice Ltd Hertfordshire architects
About us
Founded in 1992, A D Practice Ltd is a well-established, multidisciplinary Chartered RIBA architectural practice based at The Mill in Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire.
We provide a complete architectural service, from feasibility and planning through to detailed design, building regulations and contract administration. Our experience spans bespoke residential, commercial, education, heritage, healthcare and community projects.
We are Certified Passivhaus Designers, with experience delivering highly energy-efficient, comfortable and healthy buildings. Sustainability is central to our approach, combining passive design, natural materials, renewable energy and careful consideration of daylight, energy use and biodiversity.
Above all, we believe good architecture starts with listening. We work closely with our clients to understand how they live and work, creating thoughtful, beautiful and practical spaces that enhance quality of life and stand the test of time.
We use BIM and 3D visualisation on all our projects, helping clients and planners clearly understand the design from the outset.
We are members of the Passivhaus Trust, AECB and The Green Register.
Emma Warren
Director | Architect | Certified PassivHaus Designer
BArch(Hons) MArch PG Dip ARB RIBA CEPH
Emma brings extensive experience in high-end residential design, having worked on a wide range of bespoke projects in St Albans, as well as within established architectural practices across Devon and Cornwall. She completed both her undergraduate and Master’s degrees at the University of Plymouth before achieving her Part 3 qualification at UWE in 2023.
Emma is a Certified Passivhaus Designer, with experience applying Passivhaus principles to create highly energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable homes.
Throughout her architectural career, Emma has developed a strong sensitivity to interior design and architectural aesthetics. Her work is driven not only by a commitment to sustainability, but also by a desire to harness natural light and incorporate natural materials to create spaces that feel calm, refined, and of enduring quality.
ARB: 100474C
RIBA: 20052738
Katherine Hutchins
Katherine obtained a first class honours in her Undergraduate studies at Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne. Here she pursued her active interest in regenerative design, refining her environmental awareness and sustainable technical understanding. Her developing design ethos as an aspiring architect is rooted in her passion of advocating for both people and the planet. Beyond her studies, she trained in Belgium to become a Carbon Literate; broadening her investigative rigour through delving into material origins, manufacturing and recycling processes. One of her greatest strengths is her ability to listen and recognise existing lifestyles that naturally compliment practical designs.
Architectural Designer - Part 1
BArch (Hons)
Harry Robinson
Harry attained his degree in Architecture from Nottingham Trent University. He focused his studies on researching and implementing sustainable design principles within each design, to minimise embodied carbon. His love for history advanced into an enthusiasm for working with the complexities of heritage sites, developing a strong sense of tenacity to face every design challenge. He has gained valuable skills in the budgeting of a project through exploring the logistics of business management, giving him a practical edge. Away from his studies, he can be found with a philosophical book, he has a genuine curiosity into how people experience and connect with the world around them. This allows him to enrich designs sensitively, creating spaces that feel well considered, personal and purposeful.
Architectural Designer - Part 1
BArch (Hons)
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Karen Ryan
Karen keeps the studio running smoothly behind the scenes, looking after the day-to-day administration and finances, including payroll and all those important details that keep everything on track. She joins us in the office every Friday, bringing her calm, organised approach and friendly nature. Outside of work, she is a busy mum to her little boy and a devoted cat lover.
Office Admin & Finance Officer
The Team
We’re a small, friendly team who work collaboratively across all our projects. Rather than working in isolation, we share ideas, knowledge and expertise — meaning you’ll get to know all of us throughout your project and benefit from the collective experience of the whole team.
David Parry
Director
David founded the practice over 30 years ago and brings extensive experience in planning, the built environment, and sustainable development. His time as a St Albans District Councillor and Chair of the Planning Committee gives him valuable practical insight into the planning process, which he applies to navigating complex projects and securing approvals.
David also has extensive experience assessing existing properties for energy inefficiencies and applying this knowledge to improve building performance and sustainability. Most recently, he helped secure permission for 34 Passivhaus homes on a Green Belt site, following the refusal of a previous proposal at appeal. The project reflects his commitment to thoughtful, environmentally responsible design and practical solutions that work within the planning system.