Barreto-Smith Architects

Barreto-Smith Architects was founded by Chris Smith and Rossana Barreto-Smith in 2023. We are a Canterbury based RIBA Chartered Practice with a passion for reinvigorating existing buildings and working with sensitive sites. We are committed to delivering high quality, thoughtful architecture with a strong sense of place. We aim to design memorable and elegant buildings that enhance their surroundings, improve our client’s lives and are environmentally considerate. We believe that the most successful buildings are the ones designed in close collaboration with our clients. We advocate regular design workshops to encourage an open and honest dialogue between client and architect. By using a range of design tools such as physical models, sketches, and three-dimensional representation we help our clients to truly engage with and contribute to the development of the design. Sustainability is at the core of our approach and environmental considerations are key to all stages of our design process. We believe in a holistic approach to sustainability and carefully consider a building’s form and orientation, fabric and materials in addition to the use of green technologies. The preservation and reuse of building fabric is fundamental to a sustainable approach to architecture, and this underpins our passion for working with and reinvigorating existing buildings. For more information, please visit our website at Follow us on Instagram at