ABOUT US

Our Mission:

To provide a quality design service and to create, with our clients, architectural solutions to fulfil their chosen brief. 

Commitment to the creation of marvellous buildings in which to work and live, and the formation of enjoyable spaces inside and out.

Who We Are

The practice of Plater|Claiborne Architecture + Design was formed by the merger in 2001 of the award winning architectural firms of Borges & Claiborne Architects and Simon Plater Associates.

Our office is located at The Sail Lofts in Tollesbury, Essex, overlooking the salt marshes.

"The approach of Karen and her team is receptive, understanding and following the wishes of the client whilst being pragmatic and honest as to what is achievable both structurally and financially. Communication is excellent and personal."
Client, Alterations and extension to an existing dwelling, Essex
"We would just like to place on record our thanks for all your hard work and expertise in bringing the building project to such a successful conclusion.
I am sure none of us realised what a monumental task lay ahead of us when we had our first meeting together...however persistent and determined effort resulted in the building of two attractive properties on the plot"
Client, 2 new dwellings, Essex

Awards

14

Location

unique

Years

23

Meet Our Team

Simon Plater 

AA Dipl Arch RIBA

Director



Simon trained at the AA school of Architecture in Central London, qualifying as a Registered Architect in 1978. Since qualifying, he has run his own architectural practices. 


Simon’s professional experience has ranged from high profile, complicated planning processes on historic landmark buildings such as ‘Jumbo’ water tower in Colchester to highly successful community-funded projects. He has always had a keen interest in design and is a talented negotiator. Simon has excellent knowledge of the planning and construction processes and vast experience of strategic planning and appeals. 


Simon taught for more than ten years at Anglia Ruskin University on both undergraduate and postgraduate Architecture courses, and led a number of European study tours. He has held chairmanships of several professional organisations and local community groups and has served on RIBA awards panels.


Anna Broomfield

BA (Hons) Dip. Arch

Associate



Anna graduated with a first-class honours degree in Architecture from the University of Plymouth and completed her Diploma in Architecture at the Welsh School of Architecture in Cardiff. Throughout her academic journey, she has explored her interests in masterplanning and crafting architecture based on its users and site characteristics. 


Anna worked with Harrison Sutton Partnership and OHH Design on a range of private bespoke residential dwellings and extensions, as well as larger commercial and residential schemes based in the South-West. 


Since joining Plater Claiborne in 2021, Anna has been involved in a variety of projects, working with new and existing structures, historical buildings, and their extension and repair.

Louisa Quilter

BA (Hons) MAAT

Practice Manager


After graduating from the University of Surrey in 2000, Louisa has worked in both the private and education sector in roles that involved general office administration, project co-ordination and event management.


Louisa joined the practice in 2012 and  currently oversees the management of the office, along with providing support to the architecture team. In 2026 she achieved the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.