Claire Harper is an architect and researcher with a particular interest in the design and procurement of new housing. She has previously worked for architectural practices in The Netherlands, London and the North East.  Prior to setting up harperperry, Claire worked at Studio Partington where she worked on a number of estate renewal and urban infill projects through the design and consultation processes. She has worked with local authority clients, housebuilders, smaller developers, and has also designed and delivered smaller projects for private clients and administered traditional building contracts.

In 2014 Claire Harper completed a Ph.D on density in new urban housing which was shortlisted for the RIBA President’s Award for Outstanding PhD Thesis in 2015.  This continues to form the basis of her research into the role of design and designers in housing development and delivery.

Claire Harper is an experienced design tutor in architecture, working for the past six years at the University of Westminster and currently holding a Teaching Fellowship at Newcastle University.

James Perry is a registered architect and planner with expertise in housing and large-scale urban planning.  Prior to moving back to Newcastle in 2015, James was a Project Architect at Levitt Bernstein and before that at PCKO where he led development of a strategic estate and neighbourhood plan for  Kings Crescent in Hackney, and the design and delivery of a large housing development in East London, for Peabody.

James Perry has a range of experience working for both the public and private sector, having worked for the London Borough of Hackney  urban design and planning team, and working in architectural practice as a consultant.  He is an experienced designer and planner and has succesffully led consultant teams and built up good working relationships in the process.

James Perry is interested in local community action and alternative housing procurement and construction methods. He is an obsessive illustrator and will draw for money. If you like his drawings, get in touch for freelance commissions.