Meet the team: Malcolm Birks, Head of Design

How long have you worked at Rural Solutions?

I’ve been with Rural Solutions for 10 years now. Over that time, our team and the scope of our work has grown and evolved significantly, but the core focus has remained, which is helping shape the rural environment with quality and sensitive design.

What was your background before coming to Rural Solutions?

Before joining the team, I spent more than a decade working with architectural practices in London. I completed my training at Cambridge University in 2000 and the final part at the Architectural Association in 2002, and much of my early career was spent working on education projects. I worked on the design of several new secondary schools, the last of which brought me to Blackburn in the North West. That move north eventually became permanent, and I spent a few years running my own practice, focusing on domestic projects. It was during that time that I joined the team here at Rural Solutions, and I’ve never looked back.

What can you tell us about your team?

Historically, our architecture and landscape teams were more integrated, but we've recently structured them as separate, specialist groups to enhance our focus and offer to the marketplace. I head up the architectural design team, and there is a great mix of architects and designers as we work closely with the landscape team. We cover a broad spectrum of work across the rural sector, from residential developments to commercial projects, always with an emphasis on context, quality and sustainability. The team is incredibly talented, and collaboration is central to how we work.

What does a 'typical' day look like for you?

It really depends on where our projects are in their life cycle. Some days are spent on site, chairing meetings, inspecting building work and engaging with clients. Other days, I’m involved in the early stages of design, such as developing concepts, creating initial sketches, and setting direction for the team.

A big part of my role now is also team management - making sure everyone is supported, challenged, and developing in their careers. While I’m often hands-on with design work, it’s really a team effort. I might sketch out a concept, and the team will carry it forward, refining details and creating the final drawings. What people may not realise is that design is an ongoing process, right through to the construction stage, and there are countless decisions which have an impact on how a building will look and function.

What do you enjoy the most about working at Rural Solutions?

I really enjoy the variety of my role. I like to see a design come to life on site, mentoring junior architects and collaborating with planners, landscape designers, and specialists across the business. I like to see how we can support and grow our team while producing work we’re proud of, and that is genuinely rewarding.

Image (c) Tom Luddington Photography

What is the most exciting or unusual project that you have worked on?

One that stands out is a house in a protected landscape in North Yorkshire. It was an extremely technical and ambitious project; a real challenge to deliver, but ultimately very rewarding. It's the sort of project where every design decision has to be carefully considered, not just for planning and environmental reasons, but to respect the landscape it sits within.

Is there anything that you have learnt since joining Rural Solutions that really stands out to you?

Absolutely – team and people management have been a huge learning curve. It’s not something you’re necessarily trained for as an architect, but it’s such a vital part of leading a successful team. I’ve also gained a much deeper understanding of rural planning policy, and being part of the management team, I've had valuable exposure to the strategic side of the business. It’s broadened my perspective well beyond just design.

Where is your favourite place in the British countryside and why?

It has to be the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. I grew up in and around the Dales, so there’s a personal connection there, but they’re also incredibly inspiring landscapes; they are wild, beautiful, and full of character. They’re places I never tire of exploring, and they continue to shape how I think about architecture in a rural context.

Describe Rural Solutions in three words.

Diverse. Expert. Friendly.

Get in touch

If you'd like to know more about our design services or would like to arrange a call with Malcolm please get in touch on 01756 797501 or email malcolm.birks@ruralsolutions.co.uk

Image of individual country home (c) Tom Luddington Photography