Douglas Cartwright established his practice in Stockport in 1970. Nicholas Gross acquired the practice in 1998 when it became Cartwright and Gross and Mr Cartwright remains with the new firm in a consultancy role.

The practice specialises in residential buildings in both classical and contemporary styles. Projects include new-build apartment blocks and homes as well as extensions and conversions to existing buildings. Increasingly, the company has also taken up the challenge of designing industrial and office accommodation for Manchester's rapidly expanding commercial sector.

Cartwright and Gross believe in designing for a fundamental practicality for purpose whilst at the same time achieving an aesthetically pleasing solution. Their architecture is appropriate to the present, appreciative of the past but always looking to the future.