Joseph Gautrey (BSc, MArch, Arb, CPHD/C)
Founder & Director
Our Story...
Fen Studio Architects was founded by ARB Chartered Architect and Certified Passive House Designer, Joseph Gautrey – after a decade of industry experience working at numerous award-winning architecture practices in London, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. His portfolio of work varies from large-scale multi-million-pound schemes, to smaller, tailor-made, bespoke residential projects for private clients. The latter is where Joseph's passion lies, and the main reason he founded Fen Studio Architects in 2017.
Joseph’s architecture career began after an unorthodox route into the profession. After initially training as a furniture maker and metalworker, he decided to harbour his creativity and embark on a foundation course in architecture at the London Metropolitan University. This introduction into the industry led to a First Class Honours degree from The Bartlett School of Architecture in London, a Master’s Commendation from the University of Sheffield, and an ARB Chartered Architect qualification from the University of Cambridge. The practical experience gained prior to entering the profession still shapes the work of Fen Studio today – resulting in a hands-on, practical approach to every project.
As a Certified Passive House Designer, Joseph brings deep technical expertise that can be applied to any project – from small extensions to larger new-build homes – resulting in energy-efficient buildings that are well considered, comfortable, and built to last.
Our Ethos...
We believe great architecture should be thoughtful, well crafted and built with care — for both people and the planet.
Our aim is to create beautiful, durable buildings that feel grounded in their setting, perform to a high standard and enhance everyday life. We specialise in bespoke, sustainable architecture that carefully considers light, materiality, landscape and long-term performance, while responding sensitively to the surrounding environment.
Wherever possible, we look for opportunities to strengthen the relationship between architecture and nature through thoughtful landscape integration, natural materials and biodiversity-led design approache
Testimonials
“We have worked with Joseph from Fen Studio Architects for over 2 years whilst he designed an eco / passive house for us and then he managed the house build process undertaken by our builders. We have just moved into the house. We cannot praise Joseph highly enough and the whole build process from design to completion has been smooth and stress-free. Joseph is extremely competent and capable and easy to get on with. Everything just happens as and when it should. We would not hesitate to recommend Joseph to design and manage any building project.”
— Emma & Simon Page - Hereward House
“Joseph helped us design our new home and was on exactly the same wavelength as us from the outset. He managed to incorporate every detail we wanted and kept in touch throughout the entire planning process. The council responded very positively to the design, which was a real bonus. Although the build has not yet started, we fully intend to continue working with Fen Studio through to completion. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and Joseph consistently went above and beyond throughout the process”
— Pip & Anita Partridge - Partridge Covey
“I have recently worked with Joe at Fen Studio Architects and he was brilliant. He came up with some really amazing ideas on how to work the space best and get the most from what we could and within our budgets. He helped to find suppliers and contractors and assisted in looking over quote and how we could work them into our design and budget so everything fit together. Joe explains everything clearly and the drawings we have are very extensive and gave me a very clear picture of what the project would like. We will definitely work with Joe again on future projects and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to a friend, in fact I already have done several times.”
— Augusta Sneddon - Bartlow Road