With over 20 years of experience in architecture, Lee has built a diverse portfolio across a wide range of sectors, from large-scale mixed-use developments to intricate conservation projects. Before founding Sigma Architects, he served as Associate Director at a prominent regional practice, where he led several major projects, overseeing both the design and delivery phases.
At Sigma, Lee takes the lead on complex, high-profile schemes, with an intricate eye for commercial awareness that sees projects through from conception to completion. Beyond his design expertise, he plays a crucial role in the practice's management and organisation, fostering a collaborative and efficient environment that ensures every project is executed to the highest standard.
Director
Lee Smith
With over 20 years of experience in architecture, Lee has built a diverse portfolio across a wide range of sectors, from large-scale mixed-use developments to intricate conservation projects. Before founding Sigma Architects, he served as Associate Director at a prominent regional practice, where he led several major projects, overseeing both the design and delivery phases.
At Sigma, Lee takes the lead on complex, high-profile schemes, with an intricate eye for commercial awareness that sees projects through from conception to completion. Beyond his design expertise, he plays a crucial role in the practice's management and organisation, fostering a collaborative and efficient environment that ensures every project is executed to the highest standard.
With over 25 years in the industry, Steve is an dedicated architect known for creating thoughtful, high-quality buildings that stand the test of time. As a co-owner of Sigma Architects, he plays a pivotal role in guiding projects from initial concept through to completion, combining strong design vision with technical expertise. Throughout his career, Steve has developed a reputation for clear thinking, practical creativity, and strong leadership across a range of sectors. He takes pride in building lasting relationships with clients and consultants, and believes that the best architecture emerges from a collaborative process.
Steve is passionate about how good design enhances everyday life. His attention to detail ensures that his projects are not only ambitious and buildable but also respect programme and budget constraints without compromising on quality. In addition to his project work, Steve contributes to the wider profession through his involvement in local design review panels. Within Sigma, he is instrumental in shaping the studio’s culture by promoting a supportive, ideas-driven environment.
Director
Steve Basran
With over 25 years in the industry, Steve is an dedicated architect known for creating thoughtful, high-quality buildings that stand the test of time. As a co-owner of Sigma Architects, he plays a pivotal role in guiding projects from initial concept through to completion, combining strong design vision with technical expertise. Throughout his career, Steve has developed a reputation for clear thinking, practical creativity, and strong leadership across a range of sectors. He takes pride in building lasting relationships with clients and consultants, and believes that the best architecture emerges from a collaborative process.
Steve is passionate about how good design enhances everyday life. His attention to detail ensures that his projects are not only ambitious and buildable but also respect programme and budget constraints without compromising on quality. In addition to his project work, Steve contributes to the wider profession through his involvement in local design review panels. Within Sigma, he is instrumental in shaping the studio’s culture by promoting a supportive, ideas-driven environment.
Russell has always been passionate about design and architecture. He began his studies at the University of Portsmouth in 2003 and became a Chartered Architect in 2013. Throughout his academic journey, he gained practical experience by working with architectural firms across the country before settling in the East Midlands in 2009. This hands-on experience has been instrumental in shaping his career, allowing him to work on a diverse range of projects at various scales.
Since joining the Sigma team, Russell has continued to refine and expand his expertise, leveraging his broad experience to support clients in achieving their goals. He has a keen interest in integrating emerging technologies into the architectural design process, with a focus on visual rendering, virtual reality, and Building Information Modeling (BIM).
Senior Architect
Russell Hardager
Russell has always been passionate about design and architecture. He began his studies at the University of Portsmouth in 2003 and became a Chartered Architect in 2013. Throughout his academic journey, he gained practical experience by working with architectural firms across the country before settling in the East Midlands in 2009. This hands-on experience has been instrumental in shaping his career, allowing him to work on a diverse range of projects at various scales.
Since joining the Sigma team, Russell has continued to refine and expand his expertise, leveraging his broad experience to support clients in achieving their goals. He has a keen interest in integrating emerging technologies into the architectural design process, with a focus on visual rendering, virtual reality, and Building Information Modeling (BIM).
Jamie brings over 25 years of diverse experience across a wide range of project types, including workplace, residential, education, and commercial developments. He has a keen interest in both maintaining and repurposing historic buildings for the future and utilises his experience and skills to inform proposals which marry conservation with modern design and concepts.
Throughout his career, Jamie has gained valuable expertise in managing projects under various procurement methods, including Traditional and Design and Build contracts. He has also completed the RIBA-accredited Principal Designer Course, further enhancing his skillset in managing safety and compliance on complex projects."
Senior Architect
Jamie Madeley
Jamie brings over 25 years of diverse experience across a wide range of project types, including workplace, residential, education, and commercial developments. He has a keen interest in both maintaining and repurposing historic buildings for the future and utilises his experience and skills to inform proposals which marry conservation with modern design and concepts.
Throughout his career, Jamie has gained valuable expertise in managing projects under various procurement methods, including Traditional and Design and Build contracts. He has also completed the RIBA-accredited Principal Designer Course, further enhancing his skillset in managing safety and compliance on complex projects."
Sigma Architects has been our trusted architectural partner for several years. Their sound, practical advice has been instrumental in helping us maximise value to ensure our projects deliver real impact for Portland College. Their ability to explore creative design solutions, maximise space, and provide cost-conscious recommendations has allowed us to achieve more than we initially thought possible. Their expertise has been invaluable in balancing practicality with ambition, ensuring we get the best possible outcome without compromising on quality. The team’s professionalism, responsiveness, and clear communication have made the process seamless, and we are grateful for their ongoing support.
On more complex projects the Sigma team have also shown their ability to bring different construction disciplines and contractors together to work as a team.
Edward Johnstone, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Portland College
The team at Sigma Architects have been exceptionally helpful in providing us with the essential guidance we have needed to make an informed decision regarding many aspects of our renovation project to provide new offices for our Safe and Sound team alongside a community space for young people. We very much rely on the quality of advice we get from our professional advisors and Sigma have taken time to attend meetings, explain options and help us explore different designs and consider the relevant aspects of planning and cost. It would be true to say that we would have really struggled to make this work without their involvement. A very big thank you to everyone at Sigma Architects who have been involved.”
Mark Greasley, Projects Director, Wellglade Group / Trent Barton
Sigma architects have offered their time, experience and commitment to make our new charity home a safe, inspiring place for young people and families. We valued their ability to work without cutting corners or compromising design whilst overcoming a number of challenges with being in a conservation area.. They were proactive in their approach whilst unfailingly helpful and responsive to our needs. We are very beyond happy with the results.
Jamie is a visionary, who combines creativity with an extensive knowledge of planning; something that is increasingly important for an organisation new to this arena.
Tracy Harrison , CEO, Safe & Sound Group
We’ve worked with Lee, Steve and the Sigma team since the company’s inception (and elsewhere previously), and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them and their services. After several positive experiences working collaboratively on multiple projects, their advice has been timely, well considered, and they have a helpful approach to being able to deliver our needs and requirements without delays.
Mark Greasley – Projects Director
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/FAQs
Not always – but the real question is, do you want to make the most of your investment?
An Architect does much more than produce drawings. We bring expertise in design, functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and regulatory compliance, ensuring your space works beautifully for your needs while meeting planning and building regulations.
Our role is to think beyond the obvious; considering natural light, energy efficiency, material choices, and long-term value. With our experience, we can help you unlock creative solutions, optimise space, and avoid costly mistakes.
While hiring an Architect is an additional cost, it’s a small fraction of your overall project budget – and one that often pays for itself through smarter use of space, improved efficiency, and added value. As registered professionals with ARB and RIBA, we guide you from concept to completion, making the process smoother, more inspiring, and ultimately more rewarding.
Architectural fees can vary depending on the location, complexity of the project, and the level of service you need. Some architects charge a percentage of the total project cost, while others offer fixed prices or hourly rates.
Our approach is flexible. After discussing your goals and possibly visiting the site, we’ll provide a tailored fee proposal – designed specifically for your project. This allows you to decide how much involvement and value you want us to bring to your project.
Our fees are usually broken down according to the RIBA work stages, from early design concepts to overseeing construction on-site. This gives you the option to engage us for all or just part of the process. As a general guide, our fees often range between 3% and 12% of the total construction cost, depending on the scope of work.
While hiring an architect might seem like a significant expense, it’s an investment in quality, creativity, and expertise. We’re here to ensure your project is thoughtfully designed, functional, and adds lasting value to your property. Get in touch, and we’d be happy to discuss your project and provide a tailored quote.
Before considering a lower quote, it’s important to evaluate what’s included in the other designer’s offer. We’re happy to review any competing proposals to see if we can adjust our services or scope to better fit your budget.
Each Architect brings their own approach, offering a unique experience and set of solutions. We encourage you to choose your designer based on who you feel understands your vision, works well with you, and can guide you through the entire project.
Our focus is on delivering professional service with a personal touch. We aim to fully understand your goals and deliver results that not only meet but surpass your expectations.
Yes! In addition to architectural design, we offer interior design and space planning services, ensuring that every element of your space both inside and out works harmoniously to meet your needs and aesthetic preferences.
Absolutely! Sustainability is at the heart of our designs. We incorporate energy efficient materials, passive design principles, and renewable technologies to create buildings that are environmentally responsible and cost effective to run.
We specialise in designing schemes that meet the requirements of planning departments, no matter where a project is located.
We have found that the appointment of a planning consultant on more challenging sites can improve your chance of success. Planning consultants understand planning policies in great detail and therefore good at communicating with planners on the same level – so can really help argue your case if need be. We have trusted relationships with several planning consultants and are happy to recommend one if we believe it would benefit your project.
We work on a wide range of projects, from one-off bespoke homes and house extensions to major commercial developments. No project is too big or too small, our focus is always on delivering the best possible design solution for your needs.
Yes! We have extensive experience working with developers, commercial clients, and businesses on everything from office spaces and mixed-use developments to large-scale housing schemes. Our commercial expertise ensures that projects are financially viable, market-driven, and efficiently delivered.
Simply get in touch! We offer an initial consultation where we can discuss your ideas, answer your questions, and outline the next steps. Whether you’re at the early concept stage or ready to move forward, we’d love to hear about your project.
01332 480 147
Babington Lodge, 128 Green Lane, Derby, UK, DE1 1RY
info@sigma-architects.co.uk
