Hannah Clayton – Chartered Architect
Northern Studio is led by Hannah Clayton, a Chartered Architect with more than a decade of experience delivering residential, education, community, commercial and public sector projects across the North East.
Registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and a Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Hannah combines creative design thinking with strong technical expertise and practical project delivery experience.
Hannah studied Architecture at the University of Huddersfield, graduating with a B.A. (Hons.) and Master of Architecture (M.Arch), before completing her Professional Practice qualification (Pg. Dip.) at Newcastle University.
Throughout her career, Hannah has worked across both architectural practices and construction environments, providing valuable insight into the design, planning and delivery of successful building projects.
Alongside her professional work, Hannah has been a RIBA Architecture Ambassador since 2016, supporting initiatives that encourage young people to engage with architecture, design and the built environment.
Designing Buildings Around People
Hannah believes successful architecture begins with understanding how people will use and experience a building.
While every project has its own requirements, the most successful spaces share common qualities: they are functional, welcoming, adaptable and enjoyable to use. Good architecture should not only look impressive, but also support the people who interact with it every day.
This people-focused approach has shaped projects throughout Hannah’s career, particularly within the education sector, where creating environments that support wellbeing, learning and development is essential. On school projects, Hannah has championed the use of natural daylight, generous internal volumes and carefully considered layouts to create spaces that feel positive and inspiring for pupils and staff alike.
Whether working with homeowners, businesses, schools or community organisations, Hannah takes the time to understand each client’s aspirations, challenges and priorities before developing design solutions that respond to both people and place.
Experience Across Multiple Sectors
The experience described below reflects projects and sectors Hannah has worked across throughout her professional career, including roles held before establishing Northern Studio.
Over more than ten years in the profession, Hannah has contributed to the successful delivery of projects across a broad range of sectors.
Her experience includes bespoke homes, residential developments, commercial buildings, educational facilities, community projects and public sector developments throughout the North East and beyond.
Notable experience includes award-winning community and public sector projects, including Darlington Crematorium, alongside a wide range of education projects delivered for schools, local authorities and academy trusts.
Hannah’s education-sector experience includes the successful delivery of school extensions, refurbishments and learning environments designed to support both educational outcomes and everyday wellbeing. She has also worked closely with schools through her role as a RIBA Architecture Ambassador, helping young people engage with architecture and the built environment through workshops and community initiatives.
This breadth of experience enables Hannah to bring valuable insight, technical knowledge and creative problem-solving to projects of all scales.
Our Practice
Northern Studio was established to provide a personal architectural service built around collaboration, clear communication and thoughtful design.
Unlike larger practices where projects may be passed between different teams, Northern Studio offers direct access to the architect responsible for your project throughout every stage of the process.
From initial feasibility studies and concept design through planning applications, technical design and project delivery, Hannah works closely with clients to ensure projects remain aligned with their objectives from start to finish.
Based in Teesside, Northern Studio works with clients throughout Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Darlington, Durham and the wider North East.
Why Choose Northern Studio?
Experienced Chartered Architect
More than a decade of experience delivering residential, education, community, commercial and public sector projects.
Personal Service
Work directly with the architect responsible for your project, ensuring continuity, clear communication and a collaborative design process.
People-Focused Design
Buildings designed around the needs of occupants, creating spaces that are practical, enjoyable and built to last.
Local Knowledge
Strong understanding of the communities, planning environment and development opportunities across Teesside and the North East.
Areas We Cover
Based in Teesside, Northern Studio works throughout Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Darlington, Redcar and Cleveland, County Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, North Yorkshire and the wider North East.
If your project is located outside these areas, please get in touch to discuss your requirements.