Formed in 1963 we have a wealth of experience across a vast array of building types from across the decades.

Principles

Ainsworth Spark Associates is guided by the knowledge that the quality of surroundings can enrich the quality of lives. Buildings that are memorable, viewed with affection and with a strong identity and place have the ability to inspire and lift aspirations and expectations. We work in the spirit of enquiry, challenging preconceptions, testing convention with a duty to design well at any scale.

Our work relies on creative collaboration within our studios and externally with our clients, the community, consultants and sub-contractors. In construction, we recognise, understand and respect our precious natural resources as well as the practical restraints of cost and time.

With our strong track record, we are well placed to face the challenges of the future and the changing face of architecture and technology with imagination and sensitivity. Social and environmental awareness and responsibility are at the heart of the practice culture as it evolves to meet those challenges. Design and sustainability cannot be separated and are integral in our approach to producing buildings with a light touch on the planet.

Meet the team

Since its inception in the 60s, Ainsworth Spark Associates has consistently valued both old-hand wisdom and new minds! The open plan nature of the studio space means that all members of the team have a broad understanding of all jobs in progress, whether they are working on them or not. This leads to collaboration and sharing of experiences across the range of work, building on previous knowledge and gathering new ideas so whoever works on a particular job, the client gets a whole studios-worth of support behind them.

We are blessed to work from a beautiful listed building on the only remaining Georgian Square in Newcastle upon Tyne , overlooking a leafy green park, very close to the centre of the city- feel free to visit to discuss your potential project!

Awards

LABC Best Non-Residential Extension or Alteration
2022- ERS Building, Killingworth (Block A)

Civic Trust AABC Award for Conservation, Highly Commended
2022 – ERS Building, Killingworth (Block A)

RIBA Awards (Shortlist)
2018 – Roker Lighthouse

RIBA MacEwen Awards (Longlist)
2018 – The Old Fire Station, Sunderland

Constructing Excellence North East Awards (Shortlist)
2018 – The Old Fire Station Sunderland

RICS Awards (Shortlist)
2018 –The Old Fire Station, Sunderland

RICS Awards (Shortlist)
2018 – Hexham house

Constructing Excellence North East Special Award
2018 - Roker Lighthouse & Pier

RICS Awards Highly Commended for “Design and innovation”
2017- Eastlands

RICS Awards (Shortlist)
2017- Holy Island Village Hall

North East Student Hall of Residence of the Year
2016 – Union Square

North East Student Hall of Residence of the Year
2015 – Union Square

Lord Mayor’s Design Awards (commended finalist)
2013 - The Beacon

LABC Best Community Building
2012 - The Beacon

South Tyneside Good Design Awards
2003 - South Shields Ferry Landing

Durham Environment Award
1998 - Durham Cricket Club

Civic Trust Award
1995 - Bishop Auckland Town Hall

RTPI Award
1995 - Bishop Auckland Town Hall

Lord Mayor’s Award for Best Building in Newcastle
1994 - Newcastle Airport Metro Station

Lord Mayor’s Award for Best Building in Newcastle
1994 - Pizza Express, Dean Street

Durham Environment Award
1993 - Bishop Auckland Town Hall

Europa Nostra Award
1989 - Callaly Castle

RIBA Awards
1983 - Linden Hall Hotel

Civic Trust Award
1982 - Linden Hall Hotel

RADAR Awards for Accessibility
1981 - Newcastle Metro stations

RIBA Awards
1981 – Four Lane Ends Metro Station

NE Civic Trust Award
1975 - Penberth House

Civic Trust & UK Council for European Architectural Heritage Awards
1975 - Penberth House

Financial Times Industrial Architecture Award
1968 - Ringtons Factory