Our Practice | Frank Shaw
Frank Shaw design and deliver spaces that create real change.
The right spaces can change behaviours, making it easier to teach, learn and transform life chances. We can make complex manufacturing processes smooth and help people and businesses flourish. We can bring hope and opportunities to an area, enabling training, creating jobs, and strengthening communities. This is the type of work we thrive on at Frank Shaw.
Our teams include experts in architecture, masterplanning, interior design, sustainability, digital and more, but every single one of us is also a pragmatic problem-solver; adaptable, curious and innovative.
Since Frank Shaw was founded in Chesterfield more than 50 years ago, we’ve been thinking and designing commercially, moving with the industry as it shifts and changes, and delivering beyond our client’s expectations again and again. Today, we’re an Employee Ownership Trust with offices in Chesterfield and Leeds, continually seeking to add value, explore emerging technologies and lead the industry as it moves forward.
We bring a truly innovative mindset.
Since 1972, we’ve been at the forefront of delivering complex projects for some of the most innovative clients in the UK and beyond. As design partners, we combine a deep understanding of the requirements of technically complex projects with agile delivery models and security-cleared experience.
We’ve worked on high-performance facilities such as aviation infrastructure, defence and national security sites, space and satellite innovation, research and development, and advanced manufacturing at every stage, from prototyping labs to full-scale production. Our extensive experience means we understand the sensitivities of working in these spaces, and we are proud to hold the necessary security clearances.
Finding innovative ways to address complex technical challenges is the perfect fit for our team of pragmatic problem-solvers. We also bring that same attention to detail and creative thinking to every project we work on, from offices and schools to residential and public spaces.
We’re experts in inclusive design.
The built environment hasn’t always been fair. Inclusive design seeks to rebalance this and create better spaces for everyone. It considers the unique needs of the people who will use a space, opening up the opportunities it offers them in a way that supports their independence and wellbeing.
Inclusive design is about more than physical accessibility. It looks at the sensory, emotional, cognitive and even economic needs of users. For example, the challenges of anxiety and dysregulation can make traditional education or workplace environments overwhelming for people with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
We developed our expertise in this area through our extensive work with SEND schools, and in designing for neurodivergent people in particular – but we apply the principles to every project we work on. From hospitals and homes to workplaces and schools, we listen thoroughly to exactly what you need, and we use inclusive design to create spaces that are more functional, flexible, intuitive and successful for every person who uses them.
We design a sustainable future.
For decades, we’ve been embedding sustainability into the spaces we design and deliver. Today, that means going beyond energy efficiency to address the full environmental impact of the built environment.
We integrate sustainability into every stage of the design process, using advanced methodologies to measure life-cycle carbon and embodied carbon. These insights guide decisions on materials, specifications and construction strategies, so your project achieves exceptional performance with minimal environmental footprint.
Our approach prioritises:
Carbon reduction – designing for lower emissions and supporting a circular economy.
Resource efficiency – reducing waste, conserving water and making the most of existing buildings rather than defaulting to demolition.
Land and community impact – considering land use and creating spaces that enhance wellbeing and social value.
By combining architectural creativity with rigorous carbon analysis, we help you meet ambitious sustainability goals while complying with evolving industry standards. From early concept to detailed specification, every choice we make safeguards the future.
We add social value.
Alongside your project, we can develop, coordinate and deliver a package of social value activities that benefit the people in your wider local area. These are typically a mix of educational and employment opportunities, volunteering and pro bono support.
An important aspect of our social value work focuses on education. We seek to bridge the gap between education and industry by working with local schools, colleges and universities to offer mentorships, work experience, careers fairs, student talks, STEM days and CV support. We take on local apprenticeship, T-Level and graduate students where we can, nurturing their skills and providing opportunities for growth within the industry.
We also support local communities in other ways, employing local people for the duration of our projects where we can, and carrying out activities that support older, disabled and vulnerable people within communities. We run pro bono projects with local charities and schools, typically designing a new space and helping them to access funding and materials, raise money and source resources.
We spend time volunteering with charities in the area, often with a focus on enhancing the environment, encouraging biodiversity and promoting sustainability. Activities we’ve loved so far include tree planting, path clearing to create accessible routes, and constructing benches.
Whatever it looks like for your unique project, adding social value activities can deliver real benefits to the local community.
Meet our team.
With over 20 years at Frank Shaw, Martin co-ordinates the day-to-day running of both individual projects, as well as teams within the studio network. Martin is very technically gifted and has strong experience in project delivery, as well as leading projects of all typologies within a variety of sectors.
Martin spends most of his spare time with his wife, two kids and cockerpoo or keeping active.
Unofficial role – Mr Cool, Calm and Positive
Duncan is a Director at Frank Shaw, bringing a wealth of experience across a wide range of sectors. He has a particular passion for education projects, from schools estate rethinking to creating a fantastic environment for a special school being deeply committed to creating inclusive environments.
Outside of work, Duncan’s world revolves around his young children, but he still finds time for football, poker nights, and the occasional adventure abroad.
Unofficial role – The Curveball Catcher
With over 25 years in the industry Rachel is an Associate Architect well used to working across all sectors and scales of project, with a specific interest in residential and place-making schemes. Rachel is a mentor to our apprentices and students, focussing on coaching them through the early stages of their careers.
Away from the office her life is full to the brim with family, friends and her trusty spaniel, Obi.
Unofficial role – Team Mentor
With over a decade at Frank Shaw and more than 25 years in the industry, Matt is focused on delivering projects smoothly, pragmatically, and with as little drama as possible. Over the years he has worked across most sectors and work stages-though he’ll freely admit that he has a particular fondness for anything involving a shed. He is known for building strong, trust-based relationships with contractors, usually helped along by a bit of humour and a decent set of drawings.
Outside of work, he is often found watching his boys play football, spending time with his spaniel, tucking into a family made curry or “enjoying” the emotional rollercoaster that is supporting Stoke City.
Unofficial role – The Tidy-Office Tyrant
Elspeth has been here since 1982, just after the first CAD system was acquired by the founding partner Frank Shaw – a bold and expensive move at the time. As the former office and accounts manager she has seen many, many changes, particularly in the last year.
Outside of work she loves the countryside, cryptic crosswords, village life and her friends, and is a keen walker – latterly with her trusty canine companion Mia.
Unofficial role – The best/only septuagenarian in the business.
