A Lichfield architects’ practice has been highly commended for its design expertise and its conversion of a 12th century ancient monument in Stafford.

Brownhill Hayward Brown in Bird Street received the honour in the Southern Staffordshire Partnership Design Awards 2009 for the St Thomas Priory Scheme in Baswich.

The scheme involved the re-development of dilapidated Grade II listed barns, which together with new residential properties, provided 26 homes on the site of the former Augustinian Priory.

The practice, which has 35 years’ experience in specialist restoration as well as new build projects, was also recognised for its contemporary design of New Minster House.

This mixed-use development includes 12 luxury apartments on the upper levels and a restaurant and adjoining retail units on the ground floor, in the centre of Lichfield, overlooking Min-ster Pool and the cathedral.

Senior partner Andrew Hayward said: “We are delighted to have been recognised for these schemes, which exemplify the versatility of our work.

“We are committed to continually raising standards of design in the built environment and playing our part in helping to raise the profile and the local distinctiveness of our region.”

As architects accredited in building conservation, Brownhill Hayward Brown were also instrumental in gaining scheduled ancient monument consent for the St Thomas Priory scheme, as well as the design of the overall master plan of the site that was developed by Lichfield-based developer Fresh Space.

The bi-annual awards seek to promote achievement of excellence in design and construction of buildings and spaces in Southern Staffordshire, with imaginative use of public art and increasing incorporation of sustainability principles.