In 1946, Stevenage was designated as a New Town, and the Development Corporation at the time was led by architects and planners Leonard Vincent and Ray Gorbing. Responsible for the first pedestrianised town centre, unique cycle network and local neighbourhood centres in residential areas, they were key to the success of the establishment of the town in the heart of Hertfordshire.
In 1962, there was a fear that the Government was going to disband the Development Corporation, and this led to Vincent and Gorbing establishing their own practice. The firm began to undertake private planning and architectural work throughout the South East, while continuing to work as consultants to the Development Corporation until it was wound up in 1980.
By the time the recession hit in the early 80’s Vincent and Gorbing had grown to around 70 employees and had offices in both Stevenage and London. A decision was made to limit the practice to its home in Stevenage. Since then the firm has continued to expand the work undertaken, retaining a core of staff to deliver its diverse architectural and town planning services.
Architects and town planners
We provide a range of services tailored to suit the particular requirements of our clients, from a feasibility study to a full design service; a simple planning report or expert representation at a public enquiry. We have close links with professionals in allied disciplines – engineers, surveyors, lawyers and landscape architects and we are able to assemble project teams with appropriate expertise to tackle projects of any size.
We are always delighted to welcome new clients and fresh challenges. We take our work personally and every member of our architectural and town planning teams has long associations with individual clients that respect their advice and professionalism. This bespoke personal approach is key to our continuing success and much of our work comprises repeat commissions and a growing list of private and public sector clients at an individual, local and national level, covering a wide range of building types.
Our clients and projects
Our clients include developers, wishing to maximise their commercial opportunities, and owner-occupiers considering extension, refurbishment or new build options.
The services we offer can be tailored to specific needs, such as a feasibility study, a masterplan or a concept design. Alternatively, we can undertake all the design work necessary to prepare a Full Planning Application (RIBA Work Stages 1-3), or, the technical work necessary to provide drawings, specifications and site support services to complete the construction of the project (RIBA Work Stages 4-7). Many of our clients appoint us for the full service, from conception to completion (RIBA Work Stages 1-7).
We consistently deliver projects throughout the East of England, the Home Counties and London. Recently completed projects include new facilities for the University of Hertfordshire; new police stations and custody suites for Hertfordshire Constabulary; an environmentally sustainable headquarters for Aldwyck Housing Association; new school buildings in Hertfordshire, Essex and London; and a wide variety of significant housing developments, both social and for market sale.
Some of our clients
Aldwyck Housing Group
Ashe Construction Ltd
B3Living
BAA
BAM
Borras Construction Ltd
Defence estates
Devon and Cornwall Police Authority
Fairview New Homes Ltd
GallifordTry
Glencar
Hertfordshire Constabulary
Hertfordshire County Council
Hertsmere Borough Council
Herts Living Ltd
Higgins Group
Hightown Housing Association
Hill
JDR
Jarvis Group
John Young
Kier
Lafarge Tarmac UK Ltd
Linden Homes
MBDA
Morgan Sindall Group
PCC
Parrot Construction
Pexhurst
Port of Tilbury
Red Kite Community Housing
SDC
Safestore
settle
Stevenage Borough Council
Trenport
University of Hertfordshire
Watford Community Housing
Wellcome
Willmott Dixon
Yodel
Yorwaste