about us

hmh architects were established in 1991, and can trace its history through past partners, including E D Jefferiss Mathews OBE former Vice President of RIBA (1953-1955), who was a senior partner until his retirement in 1972.
 
From 1995, hmh architects comprised two partners, Andrew Watson and John Kinmond, both Architects with a highly trained, technical background having both worked for the practice since 1987 and 1977 respectively.

Following John’s retirement in April 2018, Andrew is now the Practice Principal, supported by a team of architects and administration staff.
 
hmh architects continue to provide the high quality, personal and thoughtful approach to each project that has built our reputation with all our clients.
 
Commissions span all building sectors, and include both new build and refurbishment. Many of our commissions are referrals and repeat appointments from our diverse portfolio of clients of many years standing.
 
We specialise in bespoke supported housing developments working closely with end users, operators, carers and families. Developments range from Extra Care housing schemes for the elderly and infirm, to safe and secure environments for vulnerable adults, shelters and refuges as well as homeless accommodation.

---

​history

---

IBM Office, Spango Valley Greenock, Scotland - RIBA Award 1972

LG Philips plant, Durham (1972)

Projects include civic and public buildings

Hylton Park, Sunderland

Danesfield Supported Housing, Endeavour Housing Association.

Our lineage as a continuing practice can be traced back to E D Jefferiss Mathews OBE a notable architect and Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (FRIBA). He was appointed OBE before 1953, and is a former Vice President of the RIBA in 1953-55, Honorary Treasurer 1956-59 and 1963. His practice J Douglass Mathews & Partners were based in London, who employed Architects, and future Partners, Edward James Hill and Ronald Leslie Marshall.
 
​Edward James Hill joined J Douglas Mathews & Partners in 1954 as a Senior Architect, with the practice becoming Mathews Ryan Simpson in the early 1960s.
 
In 1965 Edward Hill became a Partner with the practice and the name changed to Mathews Ryan Schwerdt and Hill in 1965, with the practice opening a branch office in Newcastle upon Tyne.
 
In 1977 John Kinmond, and in 1978 Trevor Ian Grant joined the practice at the Newcastle branch office.
​
​In 1984 Edward Hill, Geoffrey Hutchinson and Ronald Marshall separated the Newcastle branch from the London main office and formed a new North East practice, Hill Marshall Hutchinson and moved to Bewick Road, Gateshead.

​In 1985 the practice moved to Enterprise House in Team Valley where we have been located ever since.
 
In 1987 Andrew Watson joined the practice.
 
In 1991 with the retirement of Edward Hill and Geoff Hutchinson the practice changed its name to hmh architects, with John Kinmond and Trevor Grant as continuing partners.
 
In 1995 Andrew Watson became partner, and from 1998 John Kinmond and Andrew Watson together continued the practice.
 
In April 2018 John Kinmond retired and with Andrew Watson as Practice Principal, hmh architects continues to serve its clients and grow its reputation throughout the North East.