When you’re planning a commercial glazing, curtain walling, aluminium fabrication, or AOV (Automatic Opening Vent) project, choosing the right supplier is about far more than simply obtaining a quotation. The decisions made during the early stages of a project can have a significant impact on budgets, timelines, compliance, fire safety requirements, and long-term performance.
At Paul Evans Architectural, clients benefit from more than high-quality products and installation services. They gain access to decades of industry knowledge through the leadership of co-founders and directors, Paul Evans and Chris Collinson.
Over 35 Years of Industry Expertise
Founder and Managing Director Paul Evans has dedicated his entire career to the aluminium fabrication industry.
Starting his journey in 1988 at the age of 16, Paul worked his way through every level of the sector, beginning on the shop floor and developing a deep understanding of aluminium systems, manufacturing processes, glazing solutions, and ventilation products.
Over the following decades, Paul held senior positions across a number of respected businesses within the industry, including procurement, estimating, technical sales, and company management roles. This unique career path provided him with a comprehensive understanding of commercial glazing, architectural aluminium systems, curtain walling, and AOV smoke ventilation solutions.
By the time Paul launched Paul Evans Architectural alongside business partner Chris Collinson in 2014, he had already spent more than 25 years building relationships, solving technical challenges, and delivering projects for clients across the UK.
Today, that experience continues to benefit every customer who works with PE-A.
The Value of Practical Knowledge
One of the biggest challenges faced by developers, contractors, housing providers, and architects is navigating the complexity of modern construction projects.
Building regulations continue to evolve. Fire safety requirements have become increasingly stringent. Specifications are more demanding. Sustainability targets are rising. Programme deadlines are tighter than ever.
Having access to experienced professionals during the planning phase can help identify potential issues long before they become expensive problems.
At PE-A, clients regularly seek advice on:
• Aluminium fabrication solutions
• Commercial glazing solutions
• AOV systems and smoke ventilation strategies
• Building regulations and compliance
• EN12101 requirements and fire safety considerations
• Thermal performance requirements
• Budget optimisation
• Value engineering opportunities
• Product specification
• Programme planning and delivery
By involving experienced specialists early in the process, projects can often be delivered more efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively.
Supporting Fire Safety Through AOV Expertise
As demand for compliant smoke ventilation systems continues to grow, AOVs have become an increasingly important part of many residential, commercial, educational, and public sector developments.
At Paul Evans Architectural, our expertise extends beyond fabrication alone. We work closely with contractors, consultants, housing associations, and developers to provide practical guidance on AOV specification, performance requirements, and system integration.
From natural smoke ventilation systems to bespoke aluminium-framed AOV solutions, our team understands the importance of delivering products that not only meet project requirements but also contribute to the safety of building occupants.
This combination of technical expertise and practical experience helps clients navigate complex fire safety requirements with confidence.
Putting Clients at the Heart of Every Project
Alongside Paul, co-founding Director Chris Collinson brings a wealth of experience and a customer-first approach that has become central to the company’s reputation.
Chris believes that clients should be placed at the heart of every decision the business makes. While many companies talk about customer service, PE-A has built its reputation on consistently delivering when it matters most.
Whether a client is working to a demanding programme, a strict budget, a highly detailed specification, or a complex AOV smoke ventilation requirement, the team understands that reliability and communication are just as important as technical expertise.
This practical approach has helped PE-A build long-standing relationships with contractors, developers, architects, housing associations, and construction professionals throughout the UK.
From Ambitious Start-Up to Industry Leader
Since trading began in 2015, Paul Evans Architectural has experienced significant growth.
What started in a 5,000-square-foot facility quickly expanded as demand increased. Within just 12 months, the business outgrew its original premises and relocated to a larger 10,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Leeds.
Continued investment in machinery, technology, and people has enabled the company to expand its capabilities year after year. This growth has also allowed PE-A to strengthen its offering in specialist areas such as AOV manufacturing, smoke ventilation solutions, curtain walling, windows, doors, shopfronts, and bespoke aluminium fabrication.
Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the business continued to grow, adding further space and resources to support increasing demand.
Today, PE-A is recognised as a trusted partner for commercial aluminium fabrication, glazing, and AOV projects across a wide range of sectors.
Why Speak to PE-A Before Your Project Starts?
Many project challenges can be avoided through early consultation.
By involving Paul Evans Architectural at the planning stage, clients can benefit from decades of technical knowledge, practical experience, and industry insight before specifications are finalised and budgets are committed.
Whether you’re an architect, developer, contractor, housing provider, or building owner, the team can help identify the most suitable glazing, aluminium fabrication, and AOV solutions, streamline project delivery, and ensure your project is positioned for success from day one.
When experience matters, speaking to the right people at the beginning can make all the difference.
To discuss your upcoming project, contact Paul Evans Architectural and discover how the expertise of Paul Evans, Chris Collinson, and the wider PE-A team can help turn your vision into reality.
