The latest project by a former Kirklees College student who set up his own architecture and design business will be in the TV spotlight.

The work on a former chapel in Hopton, Mirfield, is to featured in the series Restoration Man.

Jake Hinchliffe, 22, from Mirfield, set up his company Orange Design Studio Ltd, after completing a BTEC National Diploma in Construction Management at Kirklees College.

Jake won several accolades at Kirklees College including a College Outstanding Learner Success Award and an Armytage Award.

Last year he set up his company while studying for a BA Degree in Architecture at Leeds School of Art and Design – which he has just completed.

And he has already got a lot of success under his belt with projects ranging from £50,000 up to £1m.

One of his latest projects has also caught the attention of the Channel 4 programme makers due to the unusual nature of its design.

He has been involved in the design of the project, which involves the restoration and conversion of a Grade II* listed former chapel in Mirfield.

Owner Faye Parker is converting the former Hopton United Reform Church into a home for herself – keeping and re-using many of the site’s unusual features including the organ, pews and pulpit, which have been incorporated into the design.

The project also involves converting buildings at the rear of the former chapel into other homes – a total of six dwellings – and building an additional six new houses on site.

Filming has been done as the project has moved through various stages and the programme is expected to be shown next year once the building is completed.

But this is not the only major project Jake’s company has been involved in.

Jake Hinchliffe outside the former Hopton chapel

“We’ve also seen many house remodelling projects and extensions, one of which was a Georgian manor house which we converted to provide a living space that was open and up to contemporary standards whilst maintaining the original features,” said Jake.

“We have also designed a unique retail shop which was the home for a luxury chocolate shop The Melting House. Our design matched their product – luxurious and sleek.

“We used the existing building’s rough edges and overlaid a bespoke storage, shelving and display solution.”

Jake thinks his time at Kirklees College was invaluable in his career as it provided him with construction knowledge and building regulations.

“It is useful on site so I know about each aspect of the building as well as the design and I can communicate effectively with my team,” said Jake.

“Some architects have great ideas but they can’t be translated because they don’t understand how the building side works.”

And Jake urged fellow students to start up their own company.

“I’d definitely recommend students look into running their own business or company once they’ve gained enough experience, there’s a lot of help and advice available to you,” he added.

His former college tutor Stuart Clark said: “It has come as no surprise at all to hear that Jake is doing so well, his dedication and commitment to fulfilling a task to the highest possible standard has always been part of Jake’s makeup. Good luck to him in all his endeavours.”

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