Established in 1944
About Us
Founded in 1944, McLean & Forte Architects is a well-established architectural practice with decades of experience across a diverse range of projects in the commercial, public, and residential sectors.
At the core of our work is a commitment to design excellence and thoughtful problem-solving. We foster creativity through a disciplined and collaborative design process, ensuring that every solution is both innovative and purposeful.
We approach each project with fresh eyes, believing that every building should emerge from original ideas and a pursuit of enduring quality. No two projects are alike—and neither are our solutions.
Our team is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of professional service. We place great importance on developing strong, personal relationships with our clients, built on trust, transparency, and open dialogue.
What We Do
Architecture
We provide expert architectural services grounded in design excellence and professional integrity. As Chartered Architects, we bring value to every project through creativity, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of the built environment
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Creative, Thoughtful Design
We’re more than just building designers we're problem solvers with a passion for delivering smart, elegant solutions. From the initial concept to detailed plans, we blend imagination with practicality to design buildings that are not only stylish but also tailored to your needs and context. We help you choose the right materials and construction methods to suit your project, ensuring form meets function.
Professional Guidance and Industry Knowledge
Navigating planning permissions, building regulations, and contracts can be overwhelming. As seasoned professionals, we offer clear, informed guidance throughout the entire process. Our knowledge of construction standards and methods means you’ll have an experienced partner at every step.
Delivering Long-Term Value
Good design is an investment. We help you stay within budget, keep the project on track, and make decisions that enhance long-term performance. Our goal is to deliver buildings that function beautifully, with lower running costs, greater durability, and strong resale value. The result? A project that not only looks great but also works hard for you.
Sustainable Design
We are dedicated to sustainable architecture and remain at the forefront of developments in this ever-evolving field. To ensure sustainability is seamlessly integrated into our architectural services, we’ve developed a comprehensive suite of offerings tailored to support environmentally responsible design.
Our Sustainability Services Include
Operational Net-Zero Design – Designing buildings that achieve net-zero operational energy.
Low Carbon Design Solutions – Reducing carbon emissions through smart, sustainable design strategies.
Embodied Carbon Assessments – Evaluating and minimizing the embodied carbon footprint of materials and construction methods.
Certified Passive House Design – Creating ultra-efficient buildings certified to Passive House standards.
PHPP (Passive House Planning Package) – Detailed energy modeling using the PHPP tool.
Thermal Bridge Modelling – Identifying and mitigating areas of heat loss for enhanced energy efficiency.
U-Value Calculations – Accurately determining thermal performance of building elements.
Project Management
Our practice offers extensive experience in contract administration and construction project management, having successfully led a wide range of large and complex developments through to completion.
We are highly proficient with the traditional JCT form of contract, a standard widely used across the industry, and are also deeply experienced in the NEC4 form of contract, now commonly adopted by public sector clients for its collaborative and flexible framework.
Our team recognises that the successful delivery of any construction project relies on effective management, clear communication, and a thorough understanding of contractual obligations. We bring this insight to every role whether as Contract Administrator, Project Architect, or Construction Project Manager ensuring that each stage of the build is well coordinated, on schedule, and within budget.
With a structured and proactive approach, we manage timelines, cost control, quality assurance, and stakeholder engagement, helping clients navigate the complexities of construction with confidence and clarity
Principal Designer Services
Health and safety within the construction industry is governed by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM). These regulations place clear responsibilities on clients to ensure that appropriate health and safety measures are integrated into every stage of a project.
A key client responsibility is the appointment of a competent and adequately resourced Principal Designer role we are fully qualified and experienced to undertake.
As Principal Designers, we are responsible for planning, managing, and monitoring the pre-construction phase of a project, with a specific focus on coordinating health and safety. The pre-construction phase includes all design and preparatory work carried out before and during the early stages of construction.
Our duties continue throughout the project, ensuring that health and safety considerations are embedded into the design process and that all designers and contractors are properly informed and coordinated.
