CHELMSFORD-based architect Tony James is the new chairman of the town's Chapter of Architects, a regional branch of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) East.

CHELMSFORD-based architect Tony James is the new chairman of the town's Chapter of Architects, a regional branch of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) East.

Mr James, who takes over from Trisha Gupta who has now retired from Countryside Properties, has many years' experience in private practice, working on a variety of projects in both the public and private sector.

He established his own practice, Anthony G James Chartered Architect, in 1991 as a sole practitioner, specialising mainly in residential schemes from one-off houses and extensions through to estate design, and has successfully completed a number of housing schemes in the counties of Essex and Norfolk.

As well as residential work, Mr James's practice has also been involved in church work, the refurbishment of doctors' surgeries and an extensive hotel refurbishment, and his practice offers a full architectural service including planning advice, working drawings (using CAD), measured surveys, feasibility studies and planning appeals.