In May 2008, Ruth merged her Norfolk-based practice, Brennan Architecture, with Purcell Miller Tritton. Having qualified both as an architect and architectural technologist, she brings to the team a rare combination of expertise in solving design and technical issues.
She began her career by specialising in barn conversions, refurbishments and extensions and soon expanded into creating sensitive and innovative designs for new houses. Whether she is involved in building anew or renovating and extending listed buildings, the hallmark of Ruth’s work is a passion for ensuring that the smallest detail is correct. She retains a strong interest in the way historic buildings were constructed, having made a particular study of the original methods used by medieval builders and those Victorian architects who sought to replicate the medieval style.
Running her own practice for many years has given Ruth an in-depth understanding of the financial and logistic aspects of managing projects and an implicit awareness of cost considerations. She brings to Purcell Miller Tritton over 20 years experience of job-running on site throughout the area. In the process, she has developed lasting working relationships with local conservation officers and building control inspectors.
Having designed and overseen the construction of new-build houses, often in sensitive settings, she is excited by the challenge of contributing to the practice’s continued expansion into this area. She shares its deep respect for high quality, traditional materials, such as oak, which she uses in a creative and sustainable way as an integral part of her modern designs. As a natural teacher, Ruth has a strong commitment to passing on her expertise to the new generation of architects within the practice.
“I take great satisfaction in translating my designs into practical and attractive buildings that work well for clients. I particularly enjoy the challenge of taking on an old building and giving it a new lease of life.”