We are excited to share that 2026 marks our practice’s 95th anniversary! 🎉

It all began in 1931, when David Evelyn Nye, MBE founded the practice, having been awarded the first ever scholarship from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings the year before.

David continued to work with historic buildings, although he became best known for designing cinemas, including the Rex in Berkhamsted. After the Second World War, he returned to his practice, David Evelyn Nye & Partners, continuing to focus on church building and restoration.

In 1971, David Evelyn Nye & Partners merged with A. E. F. Saunders & Associates to form Nye Saunders & Partners. From their offices in Guildford, and later Wonersh and Cranleigh, the new firm continued to specialise in church and historic building conservation.

In 2000, Nye Saunders Architects was formed through the merger of Nye Saunders & Partners with The John Deal Practice, who also had extensive experience working with historic buildings. It was fitting that the Practice relocated at this time to a beautiful 16th-century listed timber-frame office building in Godalming — where we still work today. The practice became incorporated in 2010 and is still going strong.

While expertise in historic buildings and conservation remains one of our strengths, with Adam Hieke being an Architect Accredited in Building Conservation, our practice now also has a wealth of experience in schools, bespoke houses — both modern and traditional — housing developments, and commercial and retail projects.

95 years young, and ready for the next chapter.

If you have a project in mind, we’d love to hear from you. Give us a call on 01483 418 600 and let’s see how we can help. 🏛️