JALA

Sustainable Architecture

About Us

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.

Jonathan Andrew Law

Architect

Jonathan has developed the practice to unite his passions for historic buildings and environmentally conscious new work.

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Past and Future

The retention, repair and reuse of existing buildings runs hand-in-hand with their adaptation and in minimising the use of energy and resources in new work.

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Philosophy

He sees no conflict between the traditional and the modern; rather a challenge to make coherent use of solutions old and new, in a manner which satisfies our current needs and addresses the enduring questions of context, continuity and quality.

JALA offers a full Architectural service, uniting its historic building expertise with its wider environmental passions

Architecture

JALA offers a full Architectural, Urban and Landscape Design service, uniting its historic building expertise with its wider environmental commitment. Working closely with other disciplines, where appropriate, the practice can provide a comprehensive architectural and project management service.

Historic Buildings

JALA brings over 40 years of experience working with historic buildings, often in sensitive locations, with a thorough understanding of the issues involved in their repair, adaptation and extension. Jonathan Law offers a historic building consultancy drawing on previous experience working as a commissioned architect to English Heritage.

Low-Energy

The practice is passionate about the benefits of upgrading existing buildings though 'aim-low' retro-fitting, developing new skills including the use of straw-bale construction in its new builds. Work includes fabric-first low-energy upgrades - often incorporating renewable energy solutions and ‘greening’ with bio-diversity habitat creation - to meet the needs of the present climate emergency.