About us
Added Value Architecture Ltd. is an award-winning RIBA Chartered Practice specialising in residential architecture. Our fresh design approach and friendly team can help you to create a beautiful, functional home.
RIBA Chartered Practices are the gold standard of the architecture profession – the best of the best – and the codes the practices abide by exist to ensure and protect the highest level of professionalism.
Meet the Team
Karen Harper
Chartered Architect & Director
BA(Hons), Dip Arch, RIBA
Karen launched Added Value Architecture Ltd in 2018 to provide better homes and approachable, professional architectural services for homeowners and residential developers. Her mission is to add value to every project that she is involved in. Whether your project is personal or speculative, Karen will steer you towards the best possible solution to your design dilemmas.
Having worked in the construction industry for over 20 years, Karen has gained a wealth of experience in temporary works, structural engineering and architecture. She is a RIBA Chartered architect and has worked for several award-winning RIBA Chartered practices in Cheshire.
Karen has a passion for residential architecture and a talent for reconfiguring internal layouts to make spaces work more effectively. She takes pride in offering architectural solutions which challenge preconceptions and add value, not just square footage.
Kevin Knox
Business Manager
Director
Kevin joined Karen on her mission to create better homes one year after the practice was launched. Kevin’s background in management and outstanding customer service makes him the perfect ally for ensuring the practice operates smoothly and professionally at all times.
Kevin is the first point of contact for our potential and existing clients, offering a warm and friendly introduction to our processes, booking appointments for our free consultation service and providing ongoing support every step of the way.
We know that engaging an architect and embarking upon a construction project can seem like a daunting prospect. Our approachable team aspire to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible by providing an exceptional design service with clear communication at every stage of your project.
Edward Sykes
Master of Architecture
BSc(Hons), MA.rch
Edward joined the team shortly after completing his Master of Architecture degree at Manchester School of Architecture in 2020. He also holds a degree in Architecture and Environmental Design. Edward has experience in designing outstanding one-off homes (including Paragraph 79 dwellings*), re-use extensions and master planning for larger residential developments. He is passionate about creating architecture that improves the environment we live in; creating beautiful places which engage with people and creating seamless transitions between inside and outside spaces. He cares deeply about environmental and social sustainability, ensuring the end user's needs are met in both the design and construction process.
*Paragraph 79 of the National Planning Policy Framework allows new dwellings to be built in the countryside if they are truly outstanding or innovative, reflecting the highest standards in architecture.
Edward is currently enrolled on the RIBA Part 3 course and hopes to complete this soon to register as an architect on the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Michael has recently left AVA to pursue his passion for photography. Michael helps small business brand themselves and make a name online to help grow business. His photography always tells the narrative of the heroes journey, who struggles with being the person they were meant to be, fighting against the odds until the guide helps them on their way and puts things into a new perspective.
Check out his website and work at www.foster-photography.com.
Awards and Recognition
2022 Most Trusted Residential Architecture Practice, Cheshire - 2022 Home Builder Awards
2021 Leading Residential Architecture Specialists, Cheshire - 2021 Design & Build Awards
2020 Residential Architect of the Year- Central England, Cheshire - Central England Prestige Awards
2019 Best Residential Architecture Practice 2019 - Cheshire: BUILD Architecture Awards
2019 Best Residential Architectural Specialists 2019 - Cheshire: 2019 Home & Garden Awards
2012 Ibstock Research and Analysis Prize. Project: Rethinking Prison Architecture
2012 Exhibited at RIBA superMODELS Exhibition, Liverpool. Project: Togetherment Dwellings
2008 Highly Commended for Architectural Design - Northern Design Awards. Project: Urban Treehugger House
2007 Exhibited at MSA ‘Best of the Best’ Exhibition, CUBE, Manchester. Project: Amsterdam House
