Introducing Then Now When – the Bath-based practice blending heritage, sustainability and family living
Families across Bath and Wiltshire are increasingly looking for ways to make their homes work harder for them, whether that’s creating better space for growing children, improving energy efficiency or protecting the character of an older property. One practice helping them do just that is Then Now When, the micro-multidisciplinary studio run by partners Anna-Lisbeth Shackcloth and James Cusick.
The practice began life in 2021 as a passion project alongside their full-time jobs. “It started partly because we both truly enjoy what we do and partly because we saw an opportunity of combining our specialisms in sustainability and heritage to help owners of historic buildings make their buildings more sustainable,” said Anna-Lisbeth.
Since then the pair have steadily expanded their work, and in November they made the move to take the practice full-time. “It’s very exciting for us,” added Anna-Lisbeth.
Today, Then Now When offers a distinctive combination of services. The practice provides the full suite of architectural work including existing surveys, extension and alteration design, planning applications, technical drawings and construction support. Alongside this, James works as a heritage consultant, preparing documents and advice for listed building consent, while Anna-Lisbeth is a certified Passivhaus designer able to model energy use and design retrofits for homes of any age.
“We are a micro-multidisciplinary practice,” she said. “We both work on every project that comes in, which means clients get holistic designs that celebrate any heritage or sustainability aspirations from the very outset.”
With no need to bring in additional consultants, the process is more streamlined for families juggling budgets, time and home life.
“We do not design rinse-and-repeat schemes – that doesn’t interest us,” said Anna-Lisbeth. We find out at our initial meeting what a client requires of us, and we support them to create a building that works for them both practically and aesthetically.”
Across the Bath region, Then Now When predominantly works with homeowners looking to retrofit, extend or reimagine their homes. As parents themselves, Anna-Lisbeth and James understand how space and layout can shape daily family life. “We know what being pulled in all directions at once feels like,” she said. “We help clients make the most of the space they already have, or work on extensive retrofits and renovations as required.”
Recognising that families often need flexibility, the practice offers meetings throughout the week, including early evenings and weekends, to work around jobs, childcare and school routines. They also collaborate with other architects as heritage consultants, helping ensure designs work sympathetically with historic buildings. “Other practices enjoy working with us as we understand how to enhance the historic buildings they are working on,” explained Anna-Lisbeth.
When asked what they enjoy most about their work, creativity comes first. “One of the most enjoyable parts of our job is sitting down and sketching out ideas,” said Anna-Lisbeth. She also loves selecting materials and improving the energy efficiency of buildings, while James is happiest unearthing historical details or refining intricate design elements.
“James’ skill and passion for detail design allow our finished schemes to feel that much more considered.”
Most of their projects are based in Bath, Bristol, Bradford-on-Avon and Wiltshire, though they also work further afield in London, the New Forest and central Wales.
For families wanting to create a home that is both functional and future-proof, Then Now When offers a thoughtful blend of sustainability expertise, heritage understanding and real-world family insight.
