Overton Architects is an architectural practice providing a reliable, friendly and professional service to all our clients. Following the restructuring of Wales, Wales and Rawson in 2010 Overton Architects was formed by former partner – Mike Overton. Overton Architects retains the Wales, Wales and Rawson team, with archives from our predecessors going back to the 19th century.
The team at Overton Architects has extensive experience on a variety of projects including:
– Re-ordering and refurbishment of churches
– Care and restoration of historic buildings
– Community and school projects
– Housing developments
– Bespoke homes for private clients
– Special care housing and Almshouses
– Mill conversions
From informal advice for building owners, small extensions and conversions, to the design and management of large complex construction projects, we provide a comprehensive service tailor made to meet our client’s individual requirements. From inception to completion we offer the same level of care and dedication to all our projects.
Partner: Mike Overton (RIBA) joined Wales, Wales & Rawson in 1989, becoming a partner in 1999. He is lighting adviser to the Blackburn Diocesan Advisory Committee and has considerable experience in conservation and ecclesiastical work across the Dioceses of Leeds and Blackburn.
Partner: Sheila Overton joined Wales, Wales and Rawson from Bauman Lyons Architects in 2002 having previously gained valuable experience at Allen Todd Architects. Sheila has many years experience in design projects for both new build and conservation projects in many sectors. She became a partner of the practice in 2012 and has since been awarded a Post-Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies (Historic Buildings) from the University of York.
Associate Architect: Liz Haestier (RIBA) joined Wales, Wales and Rawson in 2004 from Woodhall Planning and Conservation, becoming an associate in 2010. Liz has experience in both conservation and new build community, schools and residential projects. Liz is a member of both the Art and Architecture Committee and Historic Churches Committee for the Diocese of Leeds. She is also on the register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC).
Associate Architect: Tony Keeble joined Overton Architects in 2011 from Ivan Wilson Architects where he assisted the practice director in his role as conservation officer for Blackburn with Darwen. He is on the register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC) and has considerable experience in conservation and ecclesiastical work. Tony became an associate in 2025.
Consultant Architect: Bill Glaister joined Wales, Wales and Rawson in 1993 from Purcell Miller Tritton & Partners, becoming an Associate in 1997. Bill has considerable experience in the conservation and care of churches across the Diocese of Leeds, Blackburn and Manchester. He is a consultant for the Churches Conservation Trust and is on the register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC).
Architect: Ross Murden joined Overton Architects in 2013 having attained an honours degree in Architecture at Nottingham Trent University and having gained some valuable experience for an architectural practice in Bucharest, Romania. Ross then completed his masters degree and postgraduate diploma at Leeds School of Architecture, becoming a fully qualified architect in 2019. Ross has worked on a range of conservation, ecclesiastical and domestic projects and has recently applied to become a member of the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors association.
Architect: Samuel Emmett joined Overton Architects in 2018 having attained an honours degree in Architecture at Nottingham University. He re-joined us in 2021 following his Master’s Degree and has now gained full RIBA and ARB accreditation. Sam has worked on a range of conservation and ecclesiastical projects and has a particular interest in carbon-zero strategies.
Architectural Apprentice – RIBA Part II & III: Lea Coe joined Overton Architects in 2022 and has become a valuable member of the team. She’s currently undertaking an apprenticeship, studying at university alongside her work in practice.