Get to know us

CEAD started from a recognition that the current model wasn't working. Bigger projects in the larger practice where handed from the top down, with information lost along the way. This was inefficient, with skills silo'd, continuity lost and Clients sometimes confused about who was doing the work. Here we are a small team and the person you speak to is the one tracking your project through from beginning to end. All with years of experience under their belts.

Our name is also not about one person or ego, it was about what we stand for: CEAD.

C for Community, because all projects are part of something bigger, a home, a place, a town, a city - where people come together.

E for Environment, because all buildings sit in a landscape and wider network, even if it's an urban one and there is a choice about how much impact we have - physically yes, but also how we use resources and how we multiply opportunities through interactions with weather, daylight and nature.

A for Architecture. Sometimes you need architecture with a capital 'A!' that is bold and innovative. But often it's a quiet architecture that cares about the details. Both need careful thought and consideration.

D for Delivery, because nothing happens if we can't get the technical aspects right or work to a budget. We need to display deep skills in actually getting things built and built well with good teamwork and communication.

Finally we liked the way it sounded like 'seed' because we wanted our practice to be a place where ideas could grow.

Our team

Paul and Roger have worked together for 20 years and have an excellent working relationship, both fully involved on every project. They are supported by a young architect and team of other specialists who are brought in as needed to service projects as needed. These relationships have been built up over many years and cover all areas, including structural, civil and drainage engineering, energy assessment, ecology and arboricultural services, heritage, archaeology, transport engineering and fire safety among others.

Roger Maier

Founder / ARCHITECT/URBAN DESIGNER

Paul McNally

TECHNICAL ASSOCIATE

CEAD Architects is headed by Roger Maier, a registered Architect with over 25 years’ professional experience. He studied architecture in South Africa, at the Architectural Association in London and at Newcastle University, where he obtained an MA in Urban Design.

He has completed projects across a range of sectors including housing, master-planning, commercial, heritage and community projects. Roger continues to enhance his practice, teaching in the fields of sustainability and urban design at Newcastle University for 10 years, completing the AECB's highly regarded Carbonlite Retrofit course and taking part in innovation programmes such as the North of Tyne Innovation Challenge where Roger secured a grant for development of an innovative off-site build system.

Paul has an excellent technical skills, with over 25 years' experience in practices throughout the region. He has covered everything from structural detailing, most house building systems, including timber frame, ICF, SIPs panels, steel frame, in-situ poured concrete and everything in between. He has also worked at every scale from small residential extensions to projects in excess of £10m.

Aside from this understanding and resolution of technical detailing, Paul also has very extensive site experience fulfilling the role of Clerk of Works and attending site regularly to support self-builders, Clients, builders and contractors with any technical issues and with a calm and practical approach.

Our Memberships

Architects are registered with the Architects Registration Board. That means we adhere to professional standards of conduct and competency and carry Professional Insurance. All this means you get excellent service and all protections are in place.

We use timber a lot in our buildings, for many good reasons. However, it needs to be detailed correctly to perform at its best. Being members we can access the latest research and practice guidance. That means less risk and better buildings.

NACSBA having been championing self build housing in the UK for many years. They produce resources to help support self-builders at planning and produce valuable reports into the self-build sector.

The AECB have delivered teaching research into environmentally conscious building practices since 1989. They provide members with unique access to case studies and other research that relates to retrofit and sustainable design.