We are a long-established architectural practice offering a friendly, bespoke service with an emphasis on the practical delivery of imaginative designs
With clients including private homeowners, heritage and cultural institutions, and churches, our specialism is managing conservation and change in historic buildings with sound judgement, skill and sensitivity. We also design new buildings and extensions in historic settings.
From small projects to major refurbishments, we will guide you through the complexities of the building process to deliver your vision with practical, elegant and carefully crafted design.
SELECTED Works
RESIDENTIAL
High-end refurbishment of spectacular rural propertyCountry House, Guildford
New oak staircase with bespoke detailingArts & Crafts House, Surrey
HERITAGE
Refurbishment and extension of listed Bedford Park landmarkVictorian Society Offices
Extensive roofing and chimney repairs to historic building complexChigwell School
Major project to conserve ruins at iconic siteHighgate Cemetery
CHURCHES
Comprehensive reordering with new flooring, lighting and bespoke furnitureSidmouth Parish Church
Major stonework repairs and new WCsSt Matthew’s, Surbiton
Craft repair of historic window tracerySpecialist Works
We work from studio premises in the historic Bedford Park Conservation Area and undertake projects across London, the south of England and beyond.
ABOUT
The partnership of Oliver West and John Scott Architects was established in 1986, becoming a limited company in 2006. In 2019 we rebranded as West Scott Architects. Today, the practice is owned and managed by director, Nick Bethune, supported by founding partner and former director John Scott as consultant conservation architect.
West Scott Architects is an RIBA Chartered Practice. Nick Bethune and John Scott are Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC).
PEOPLE
FARAH ANWAR
Architectural Assistant BA (Hons), MArch
FARAH ANWAR
Architectural Assistant BA (Hons), MArch
Farah is interested in how architecture can be both practical and sustainable, as well as beautiful. She is focused on building reuse, conservation, and adaptation, and her approach considers the impact architecture has on its community and context, and how the local community can be involved and represented in the architectural process.
Farah joined WSA in 2023 after gaining her MArch with distinction at Kingston University. Since joining the practice, she has worked on a range of church and private residential projects, including within the Bedford Park conservation area.
Farah was awarded the Architects’ Journal Student Prize for her thesis project which was also featured in Dezeen magazine.
In her spare time Farah enjoys hiking and yoga.
NICK BETHUNE
Director MA (Cantab) DipArch, RIBA, AABC
NICK BETHUNE
Director MA (Cantab) DipArch, RIBA, AABC
Nick’s interest in architecture and built heritage developed whilst growing up in the historic city of Edinburgh. He is motivated by buildings and places of character, seeking to protect and enhance their special qualities through careful conservation and sensitive adaption.
After graduating from Cambridge University Nick spent 10 years at Studio Partington, becoming an associate and working on a wide range of projects embracing housing, sustainability, and urban design. He joined WSA in 2010 to pursue his long-standing interest in building conservation and since 2023 has been sole director of the practice.
Nick has extensive experience leading both residential and heritage projects including a recently completed five-year programme to refurbish a spectacular listed country house in Surrey, and conservation repairs at St Matthew’s Church Surbiton, Chigwell School, and Highgate Cemetery.
An accredited conservation architect, he is approved quinquennial inspector for the dioceses of London and Southwark and is responsible for listed churches in Surbiton, Tooting, and Ruislip.
Outside the office Nick has delved into music in recent years, taking up the violin. He also enjoys running with a local group in Bedford Park.
NICK CHERRY
Architect BA (Hons), DipArch, M.Arch, RIBA
NICK CHERRY
Architect BA (Hons), DipArch, M.Arch, RIBA
Nick’s interest in architecture is rooted in conservation, landscape, and community.
He has a key interest in rural and historic buildings, alongside re-use and sustainability. Nick brings a broad range of skills and knowledge to the team, having originally studied geography for a year before completing his architectural studies at the University of Liverpool and the Glasgow School of Art.
After working as an architectural assistant for Historic Environment Scotland, he joined WSA in 2022. Nick has worked on a variety of residential and conservation projects, including conservation repairs at Highgate Cemetery, church inspections, and works to listed Bedford Park properties. Since gaining his Part 3 qualification in 2022, he has been project architect for the rejuvenation of a characterful Arts & Crafts country house in Surrey.
Nick continues to support current Part 3 students having been invited to deliver a ‘meet the past candidate’ lecture for the RIBA’s professional studies course.
In his spare time Nick enjoys music, cycling and hiking.
ANDREA COOK
Practice Administrator
ANDREA COOK
Practice Administrator
Andrea ensures the efficient running of the practice bringing much valued management and administrative support to the team. She gained over twenty years of commercial experience as the office manager of a global marketing consultancy, becoming company secretary and then joining the international property team.
Andrea joined WSA as practice administrator in 2022 and has enjoyed seeing first-hand the passion and care that the team bring to their projects.
Outside the office Andrea volunteers regularly with Riding for the Disabled Association, an organisation she has been involved with for nearly fifteen years. She is also a skilled baker, with the office regularly benefitting from her talents!
SARAH RIMMER
Business Development Assistant
SARAH RIMMER
Business Development Assistant
Sarah provides occasional marketing support for the office. She spends most of her week working as a speech therapist but prior to this she completed an MA in European Cultural Policy and Administration. She reignited her interest in arts marketing to support her husband Nick after he became sole director of the practice.
Outside work Sarah enjoys performing as a singer-songwriter, playing the banjo and learning to tap dance.
JOHN SCOTT
Consultant Conservation Architect BA (Hons), Dipl Arch, RIBA, AABC
JOHN SCOTT
Consultant Conservation Architect BA (Hons), Dipl Arch, RIBA, AABC
John has a particular interest in making practical details beautiful and architecturally interesting. He is passionate about conserving and managing sustainable change to historic buildings whilst preserving their individual magic.
Brought up in rural Devon, John came to London in 1979 going into partnership with Oliver West in 1986 to found what is now West Scott Architects.
In his forty years of experience, John has led highlight WSA projects including the follies and visitor facilities at Hawkstone Park in Shropshire (Civic Trust Award and Europa Nostra Diploma), plans for the restoration of Dromore Castle in Ireland, and the conservation repair of numerous historically significant churches including Saint Sophia Greek Cathedral in London. He is currently excited by conservation projects at Highgate Cemetery.
John is engaged in the wider activities of built heritage, chairing both the Southern Buildings Committee of the Victorian Society and the Exeter Diocesan Advisory Committee.
When not enjoying or adding to our built heritage he can often be found tinkering with or sailing a boat.
Interested in joining our team? We currently have a vacancy for a senior Architect. Please contact us for further details.
BEDFORD PARK
We have over 30 years’ experience in Bedford Park successfully handling hundreds of listed building consent applications.
We are exceptionally experienced in handling the planning and listed building consent process and can balance the needs of our clients with the planning criteria, with sensitive and well-informed design that can satisfy the demands of the planners.
We are happy to offer a consultancy service to potential purchasers, local estate agents and others who wish to understand the parameters for improving and renovating listed properties in the area.
RECENT CLIENTS
Highgate Cemetery Trust Chiswick House & Gardens Trust The Victorian Society Chigwell School Hopkins Architects The Greek Cathedral of St Sophia, Bayswater, London
Churches in the dioceses of London, Southwark, Exeter, and Bath & Wells, including: St Gabriel’s Church, Pimlico St Matthew’s Church, Surbiton St Andrew’s Church, Kingsbury St Mary the Virgin, Holne St Swithun’s Church, Sandford