Since its establishment in 1996 JALA has developed a reputation for the conservative repair and sympathetic adaptation of existing buildings and for high-quality new work; united by restrained, crafts-based design in often planning-sensitive historic contexts.

Over-arching principles of retention, reuse and repair have become increasingly focused around adaptation - to meet a low-carbon future.

The Practice has developed these two main strings - old and new - the past and the future.