Innovative Architecture for Sustainable Living

Navigating planning and building can feel overwhelming.

CEAD makes it simple, so your vision becomes reality without the headache.

Relax knowing you have clear steps and support at every turn, with no surprises for you or your budget.

About CEAD Architects

We are an experienced architecture practice in Newcastle, specializing in innovative housing solutions and sustainable construction methods across the UK.

With decades of experience, the senior designers and technicians have deep understanding of the housing sector, focusing on self-build, custom-build housing, Affordable housing, housing for later life and special needs. We have also successfully delivered many community projects and understand the unique challenges and sensitivities these projects bring.

We have excellent experience and qualifications in urban design, masterplanning, sustainable design and housing retrofit with a depth of experience working for Clients at all scales.

Client Journey

Building or renovating a home often feels like a maze. You might be worrying about planning rules, budgets or missed deadlines. Hidden costs and changing requirements can keep you up at night. Some architects seem to push you through without really listening, leaving you feeling ignored or even labeled a “difficult” client.

You need solutions that remove stress, not more surprises.

Our Approach: CEAD Architects is your dedicated partner from day one. Roger Maier and Paul McNally bring decades of experience to guide you through planning, design and construction. We listen first – because design is not about us making a personal monument, it’s to create great buildings and homes that feel good and make every day flow better.

By understanding your site and dreams, we shape a design that fits around you.

With CEAD you get clear answers and support so you feel confident and in control, never left in the dark or confused.

We handle all the red-tape, budgets , decision points for you. You stay relaxed and informed while Planning Permissions, Building Regulations and searching for a builder are managed smoothly.

We maximise light, space and efficiency in every design. Our approach, with early budgeting and experience on many projects, means you avoid costly changes later and get the most from your budget.

We Are Specialists In

Expertise in housing, urban design, and sustainable construction methods for innovative projects across the UK.

Designing Homes

We have over 20 years of experience in designing homes for just about every Client and situation. We have helped self-builders, custom builders, small and large developers, Housing Associations and charities achieve their visions with designs tailored to their site and budgets. For every one finding ways to build in special moments to capture views, cosy nooks or dramatic spaces that lift your spirits.

Sustainable Construction & Healthy Buildings

We have been researching and using a wide range of sustainable and innovative construction methods for many years. This includes timber frame, SIPs panels, ICF (insulating concrete formwork), clay blocks and LGSF (light gauge steel framing). All of these come with their pro's and cons and we can find the best solution for your project.

We also try to use materials that are less toxic, both to the environment as a whole when they are manufactured and disposed of, but also, really crucially, to you when you are living and breathing in these new spaces. Thinking carefully about materials early on can make a real difference.

We have been helping charities and community organisations to achieve their visions for many years. These can be particularly complex projects to deliver, with tight timescales, varied and extensive stakeholders and complex briefs that often need to stretch the spaces to cover many different uses. All underpinned by a need to make, sometimes shifting, funding pots go as far as possible.

Community Projects & Urban Design

We also relish a challenge, whether it is a really tricky site with difficult planning hurdles or specialist housing for later life or special needs, we have the deep design and technical experience needed to get it right for you and create an amazing home.

We also work at larger scales with expertise in Urban Design and Masterplanning. This is built on a history of larger sites requiring Design Codes, Urban Design guides or balancing the complexities of phased delivery of mixed-use schemes.

Interested in finding out more about natural building materials, how to increase your chances at planning and other useful topics? Why not pop to our Blog page.

Selection of Projects

Explore our diverse portfolio of innovative architectural designs.

FAR Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne. A new floor and expansion of an old council building. This secured the long term future of the community centre and is a thriving local asset. The main upstairs hall is a light-filled space ideal for events.

Rye Hill Farm. A new farm in the open countryside secured after a long and complex planning process. The Clients love it and we are currently helping another family member to build their own dream house.

Accessible Rural Bungalow, Northumberland. A highly sustainable rural edge house designed specifically for later living with magnificent views over the countryside and very low energy design.

Estuary View, Northumberland. A very special development of seven houses overlooking the estuary, with plans designed to maximise the view and allow for a light-filled and unique lifestyle.

Here's what our clients say

”CEAD Architects have consistently produced a high level of work. They are responsive and have a positive manner. The fact that design work is undertaken in 3d has allowed us and buyers to get an accurate and detailed understanding of the design. This added value has also been most helpful to secure forward interest and sales. Communication is excellent and they clearly have a well-founded understanding of housing and mixed-use design and construction.”

- A Anderson (Developer)

”...Roger lives his passion for sustainable community-led architecture. He has shared our enthusiasm for exploring more sustainable options and not settling for the “easy” solution but seeking out the “best”. As some of our group are novices in the processes of construction and all its acronyms, Roger has patiently led us through each of the stages. He educates and ensures that he supports us, but he never dictates to us. He appreciates our financial limitations and the demands of our funders and always works within these..”

- J Reed (Community Project Lead)

”...Roger worked tirelessly with the professional team to find ways to reduce costs by 30%. We achieved this without a significant loss in the quality of the project. Our building is now complete and we are delighted with the quality of space and uplifting environment if offers. This was a significant and crucial step to secure our future. Roger and his team provided excellent support and helped to make our aspirations a reality..”

- M Gowland (Centre Manager)

”Outstanding! I've had the pleasure of working with CEAD Architects as we make ongoing refurbishments to our home. Both Roger and Paul are fantastic communicators, relaxed, professional, thorough and talented architects. I always come away from our conversations feeling that they've listened carefully to me and that nothing is too much trouble for them. They're happy to answer my (endless) questions, and provide creative solutions and suggestions where needed. Their down-to-earth approach makes working with them easy. I simply cannot recommend them highly enough.”

- B Hughes (Homeowner)

Get in Touch

Contact us for a no obligation chat. We're always happy to talk through your ideas and make sure we're the right fit for you.

Find Us

For the easiest parking, either use the short stay parking on Ford Street or the paid parking at Spillers Wharf (Cycle Hub). Toffee Factory Reception is on the ground floor.