Downs Variava is a thriving, medium sized architectural practice based in Didsbury (south Manchester ) and central Liverpool. 

Established in 1962, the practice has five directors and currently employs 32 professional and administrative staff including architects, technicians, building surveyors, clerk of works, planning supervisors, Interior designers and DDA auditors.

The practice has experience in all the major sectors of the profession with current projects valued up to £150m. We have been heavily involved with universities and colleges since 1965 with projects including The Manchester museum refurbishment, the extension to the Whitworth art gallery, several major sports facilities, libraries, laboratories, lecture theatres, restaurants, shops and residential accommodation for over 15,000 students.

We also have particular expertise in urban residential,master planning,commercial office developments, call centers, industrial units, sports facilities, church restorations, listed building refurbishments, hotels and hospitals.

Downs Variava are included on the approved list of consultants to the Department of the Environment, the National Trust and the National Lottery Sports Council .The practice is attached to the Cheshire County Conservation advisory team, providing assistance in adaptation of building projects and has been a member of the North West Building Preservation Trust since its inception.

The practice undertakes projects throughout the country. Located on the outskirts of south Manchester and central Liverpool the offices are ideally positioned to the M6, 53, 56, 57, 58, 62 and 60 motorways and fifteen minutes from two major airports. Recent commissions include projects in York, Lancaster, Preston, Keele, Peterborough, Sheffield, Birmingham and Cardiff.