About A Squared Architects

A Squared Architects is an architecture practice working with homeowners, private clients and developers across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Being a dynamic practice is an important part of how we work.

Our clients deal directly with the people designing and managing their project, which means clearer communication, practical advice and a more personal working relationship from the start.

We help clients at every stage of the architectural process, from early ideas and feasibility studies through to planning applications, building regulations, technical drawings, tender information, builder discussions and support during the build.

Not everyone needs the same level of support, so our service can be shaped around the project, the stage you are at, and how much help you need along the way.

Start with a free initial Chat

Meet Rob & Mark

Rob McVicar

BA(Hons) BArch RIBA

Rob brings a broad mix of creative and technical experience to A Squared Architects.

After growing up in Dubai, he studied architecture in Newcastle, London and Lausanne before settling in Norwich and beginning his career at Savills. It was there that he met Mark, and the two have now worked together for more than 20 years.

Rob’s work focuses on developer-led residential and commercial projects. He works with local developers on projects ranging from bespoke individual homes and traditional Norfolk barn conversions to housing developments of up to around 20-30 properties. He also has experience of wider non-residential projects, including work with community groups and charities.

Rob enjoys taking an early idea, developing it into a well-considered design and working through the technical detail needed to make it practical and buildable.

His approach is calm, clear and straightforward. Clients value his ability to communicate effectively, make decisions, respond efficiently and guide a project through planning, technical design and the later stages of delivery.

Away from architecture, Rob spends time with his family and a recently adopted rescue dog. He also plays guitar, writes music, helps run the Norwich Folk Club and is a keen runner.

BA(Hons) Dip Arch ARB RIBA

Mark Ashurst

Mark has been interested in architecture from an early age, drawn to the way it brings together creativity, practical thinking and technical knowledge.

Mark began his career at Savills, where he met Rob. He went on to establish A Squared Architects with his colleagues in 2006, and he and Rob have now worked together for more than 20 years. Mark has extensive experience across residential, commercial and listed building projects.

Mark particularly enjoys working with homeowners who know they want to improve their property but are not yet sure what the best answer looks like.

That might mean opening up a kitchen and dining space, reworking an awkward layout, extending a family home or exploring a possibility the client had not previously considered.

For Mark, one of the most rewarding parts of architecture is the early design stage. This is where he can listen to how clients want to live, explore different ideas and help them see the potential in their home.

His approach is personal, practical and collaborative. Mark explains the process clearly and can support clients from the first conversation and feasibility ideas through planning, Building Regulations, builder discussions and the construction stage where required.

Away from work, Mark is happiest cooking, gardening or tackling a DIY project. He also plays guitar and enjoys getting out for a walk, particularly in the Lake District.

One team, big ideas

Led by Mark Ashurst and Rob McVicar, we combine personal service with the experience gained from working on a wide range of architectural projects, from home extensions and renovations to new homes, listed buildings, commercial work and larger residential schemes.

Start with a free initial Chat

For many homeowners, the hardest part is knowing where to start.

You may know that your home no longer works as well as it should, but not yet know whether the answer is an extension, a layout change, a loft conversion, an annexe, or something else entirely.

That’s where we can help.

We take time to understand your home, your needs, your budget and the way you want to live. From there, we can help you explore what is possible, understand your options and move from an early idea to a practical design.

Our aim is not to overwhelm you with technical language. It is to give you clear advice, explain the process and help you make informed decisions about your property.

Helping You Understand What’s Possible

Experience across
Norfolk & Suffolk

We’ve been working with clients for around 20 years, with projects across Norfolk, Suffolk and the surrounding region.

Over that time, we have worked on a broad mix of residential and commercial projects, from smaller home improvements through to larger and more complex schemes.

Our work includes home extensions, renovations, layout changes, new homes, listed buildings, commercial projects and larger residential developments.

Every project is different, but the aim is always the same: to give clients clear, honest guidance and well-considered design, helping them make better use of their property and move through the process with confidence.

Start with a free initial Chat

We can help you with: