Website Redesign & Platform Migration for an Award-Winning Architectural Practice

The Challenge

Hook Mason is a multi-award-winning practice of architects, surveyors, planning and historic building consultants based in Hereford.

With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality work across both heritage and contemporary architecture, their digital presence needed to reflect the same level of professionalism.

However, their existing website presented a significant challenge.

The platform was no longer accessible, leaving the team unable to:

• update content
• manage projects
• maintain control of their website

Alongside this, the website did not effectively showcase the breadth and quality of their work.

The objective was to:

• regain full control of the website
• redesign the site to better reflect the brand
• create a platform to showcase projects clearly
• build a manageable system for ongoing use

Our Approach

We approached the project as both a platform recovery and redesign exercise, ensuring the new website delivered both control and improved presentation.

Services Delivered

This project required a combination of platform recovery, structured website development and user experience improvements to restore control and better showcase Hook Mason’s architectural work.

WordPress Development
Rebuilding the website into a scalable and accessible platform, giving the team full control over content, projects and future updates

User Experience Design
Restructuring the website to improve navigation, usability and clarity, ensuring visitors can easily explore services and project work

Website Migration & Recovery
Recovering the website from an inaccessible platform and restoring full ownership, removing reliance on restrictive or unsupported systems

Project Portfolio Structuring
Designing a clear and flexible project showcase, allowing Hook Mason to present their work effectively and maintain a living portfolio

Website Migration & Platform Rebuild

With no access to the existing system, we rebuilt the website from the ground up using WordPress and Elementor.

This allowed us to:

• restore full ownership and control
• remove reliance on inaccessible or restrictive systems
• create a flexible, scalable platform

The new setup ensures Hook Mason can manage and update their website independently moving forward.

Design & User Experience

The design was focused on reflecting the quality and detail of Hook Mason’s work.

We created a clean, structured layout that:

• highlights architectural projects effectively
• balances heritage and contemporary work
• improves navigation and usability
• reinforces the professionalism of the practice

The result is a website that supports both visual impact and clarity.

Project Showcase & Content Structure

A key requirement was the ability to showcase projects.

We developed a structured approach to:

• organise projects clearly
• present imagery and detail effectively
• allow for easy addition of new work

This ensures the website acts as a living portfolio, supporting both marketing and client engagement.

Content Management & Flexibility

Using WordPress and Elementor, the Hook Mason team now has full control over their website.

They can:

• update content easily
• add new projects
• maintain the website without technical barriers

This removes previous limitations and supports long-term usability.

Impact

• Restored full access and control over the website
• Migration from an inaccessible platform to WordPress
• Improved presentation of architectural projects
• Enhanced user experience and navigation
• Flexible platform supporting ongoing updates

The website now reflects the quality, reputation and expertise of the practice.

What This Demonstrates

This project highlights The DM Lab’s ability to:

• recover and rebuild websites where access has been lost
• migrate businesses to manageable, scalable platforms
• design websites that showcase high-quality visual work
• balance design with usability and structure
• deliver practical solutions that support long-term growth

The Hook Mason project demonstrates how the right platform and design approach can restore control, improve presentation and support ongoing growth.

By combining WordPress development with a clear content structure, we transformed a restricted and inaccessible website into a flexible, high-quality digital portfolio.