A Chartered Architect Based in ruthin, North Wales

We designing spaces and expressing identity through creative and resourceful thinking.

Winter Jones is a small architectural practice based in Ruthin, led by a chartered architect from North Wales, delivering thoughtful, characterful projects for clients across a broad range of sectors.

With experience across North Wales and the North West, we create considered, design-led solutions for homeowners, businesses, and organisations.

We believe good architecture should leave a lasting impression without compromising quality, integrity, or care — and that strong design can remain accessible.

Client relationships sit at the heart of what we do. Through a collaborative, transparent process, each project is shaped around individual needs and practical constraints.

Family values influence both our creative approach and the way we work, helping us deliver meaningful architecture grounded in real lives and contexts.

 
Chartered architect in North Wales – Robert Jones, Director of Winter Jones

Robert Jones | Director & Architect

Rob is a chartered architect in North Wales and the practice lead at Winter Jones, combining experience from leading architectural practices with a passion for thoughtful, client-focused design. Rob is a chartered architect in North Wales, registered with the Architect’s Registration Board (ARB) and a chartered member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). He has delivered a wide range of public and private sector projects, managing teams and navigating complex design, planning, and delivery challenges.

  • Architects Registration Board (ARB) Registered Member 2019-2026

    Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Chartered Member 2019-2026

    Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture (ADPPA) RIBA North West (Chester) 2019

    Post Graduate Diploma (PG Dip) Liverpool John Moores University 2010

    Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) The University of Liverpool 2007

    A-Levels & GCSE’s Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin 2002, 2004

  • Winter Jones Director & Architect, Ruthin 2019-Present

    Studio RBA Associate Architect, Liverpool 2022-2024

    The Building Plot Architect, Ruthin 2019-2022

    K2 Architects Associate Architect, Liverpool 2014-2019

    Falconer Chester Hall Part II Architectural Assistant, Liverpool 2014

    Arcadis | IBI Group Part II Architectural Assistant, Hove, Rochdale & Liverpool 2010-2014

    Building Design Partnership (BDP) Part I Architectural Assistant, Liverpool, 2007-2009

  • My path into architecture began with a love of drawing, making, and problem-solving — a hands-on curiosity that continues to shape how I approach design today.

    Growing up in North Wales, the rural landscape and strong sense of community influenced my values and approach to architecture, drawing me toward honest, purposeful design rooted in place.

    Living with ulcerative colitis for over a decade shaped how I work and ultimately led to the creation of Winter Jones — prioritising clarity, balance, and doing things properly rather than simply doing more.

    Winter Jones grew from a desire to design spaces that feel personal and resourceful, later expanding into branding and digital work through a long-standing interest in visual identity and communication.

    Running the studio alongside my wife has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey, built on shared values and the hope of creating something meaningful to pass on.

    Outside of work, I’m a dad, a Ruthin Town FC U7’s coach, and a lifelong Liverpool FC supporter, with interests ranging from podcasts to architecture, culture, and the broader questions shaping our world.

  • “Rob demonstrated an excellent understanding of both client and end user needs throughout the development of the Welcome Centre design. He was flexible and adaptable, proposing a range of thoughtful concepts that remained respectful of the site’s heritage while enhancing the visitor experience. Rob consistently offered clear advice and guidance, and his professionalism, honesty, and integrity were evident throughout. His contribution was vital to the success of the project.”

    – Sue Grindrod, Former Chief Executive, Royal Albert Dock

    “Rob led the design on a highly sensitive project for Liverpool ONE that played a key role in completing the estate’s wider masterplan. He was tasked with creating a building that not only stood out but also felt as though it had always belonged there. His commitment, attention to detail, and tenacity in ensuring every element was considered resulted in a project that was both planning-ready and tender-ready. Rob is always professional, respectful, and mindful of the wider team — qualities that consistently lead to excellent outcomes.”

    – Chris Bliss, Former Estate Director, Liverpool ONE

    “Rob has shown a deep understanding of client needs in developing design solutions for several primary school expansion projects. Despite tight budgets and demanding deadlines, he remained flexible and responsive, offering a range of options to suit each brief. Rob consistently provided clear advice, acted with integrity, and upheld a high standard of professionalism across all aspects of the work.”

    – Rob Gilland, Senior Project Manager, Liverpool City Council

Frances Winter decorating a wedding cake at The Botanical Cake Company Studio

Frances Winter | Director & Administrator

Fran provides creative and administrative support at Winter Jones, bringing artistic flair and business acumen to the practice. A Fashion graduate from the University of Liverpool and former finalist for North West Fashion Designer of the Year, she has previously worked in administrative roles within leading architectural practices. Fran also leads The Botanical Cake Company, blending creativity with a practical, organised mindset.

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) Liverpool John Moores University 2010

    Foundation Diploma in Art & Design – Yale College, Wrexham 2026

    A-Levels & GCSE’s Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin & St.Brigid’s, Denbigh 2005

  • Winter Jones Director, Ruthin 2021–Present

    The Botanical Cake Company Founder & Cake Designer 2021–Present

    CareTech Office Administrator, Corwen 2023–Present

    Roberts Homes Administrator, Ruthin 2020–2023

    System Group HR Assistant & Business Support, 2016–2019

    Falconer Chester Hall Personal Assistant & Receptionist, 2014–2016

  • Fran studied fashion design at Liverpool John Moores University and has always had a strong eye for visual composition, presentation, and storytelling. Her background in design and communications naturally led her into roles where organisation, creativity, and clarity come together — whether in studio support, client communication, or brand development.

    She is the founder of The Botanical Cake Company, a business that reflects her love of detail and craft, and co-director of Winter Jones where she supports the studio’s creative output and daily operations. Fran is passionate about building something lasting as a family, working closely with Rob and sharing the same values that shape the studio — warmth, quality, and considered design.