We’ve been working on residential projects in Chelmsford and surrounding areas since 2013.
Recognised as one of the best residential architecture firms in the South-East of England, we work across the entire residential architecture spectrum with construction budgets of 200k - 10m. With a proven track record delivering home extensions, flat conversions, HMOs, new build houses and flats, we deliver incredibly successful projects for national house builders and seasoned property developers right through to first-time investors and homeowners.
Throughout the planning, design, and construction journey's highs and lows, you'll find our team open, communicative, and down-to-earth. Unlike numerous architecture practices, we consistently endeavour to underpromise and overdeliver.
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Areas we cover include CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM6, CM11, SS11
According to The Times, no less, Chelmsford is a “powerhouse of schools and shopping,” just two of the factors they (rightly) reckon make it a great place to live. It’s also been a city for more than a decade now, although a lot of outsiders don’t seem to have got the message.
What gives Chelmsford its distinctive character is the way the rivers Can and Chelmer meander their way through the city and then meet, much of this part of their journey spent in lovely parks. We will concede, though, that having a car park sitting in the space where the rivers join isn’t the best piece of urban design we’ve ever seen.
And beyond the city itself lies open countryside, with farmland dotted with woods and fine villages. But before you get right into the country, there’s beautiful Georgian Hylands House and its surrounding park - all publicly owned!
Chelmsford Cathedral is a terrific building, worthy of its Grade I listing, but it’s probably worth knowing that it was only promoted to cathedral status in 1914, Rather than something grander on the outside, it’s a grounded building with sturdy-looking walls of stone and flint. That appearance contrasts with the light and lovely feeling of the interiors, particularly the ceilings (largely 19th and 20th century).
Competing for attention in the same part of the city is the imposing Shire Hall, a powerful Georgian building with an almost square footprint and a Portland stone facade.
Outside of Chelmsford proper, we are big fans of High Street Stock, which has a gorgeous collection of Essex vernacular buildings, some with traditional weatherboard, others in red brick or render.
In the year ending March 2023, Chelmsford City Council received 1,667 planning applications and approved 80% of those submitted.
Our expertise in planning applications means we have a 97% success rate of getting planning permission for our clients (across all councils). Chelmsford is a place where we have a history with the council, increasing the chances that you - as our client - will get planning approval.
In the city itself, the generous average garden sizes open up the possibility of some very large extensions. In the countryside and villages south and west of the city, the presence of the Green Belt means a special set of architectural and planning skills are required. There are also a lot of listed building refurbishments.
Chelmsford is still undergoing a lot of post-industrial redevelopment, with opportunities including major built-to-rent and build-to-sell schemes.
We are a multidisciplinary team of architects, planning consultants, interior designers and project managers offering multiple services under one roof. When you work with our firm, you have the support of our entire studio behind you - no matter what.
Unprecedented planning results with our unique 6-step system
Artistically curated buildings with truly unique and lasting appeal
Lifestyle-led living with exquisite, inspirational and refined concepts
Neighbourhoods with sensitive, pragmatic and imaginative urbanism
Extensions with extra space, light, comfort and good vibes
Conversion of houses into multiple flats with greatest return
Custom houses with refined and beautifully proportioned spaces
Block of flats with maximum value and commercial viability
New use class system with huge opportunities and flexibility
HMO conversions with decent standards and maximum yields
Chelmsford is a forward-thinking city packed with exciting opportunities - just the kind of place we want to be involved with. At the same time, we love testing our skills in the very different setting of the Green Belt and the historic villages of the area.
BA(Hons) MA
Managing Director
We specialise in crafting creative design and planning strategies to unlock the hidden potential of developments, secure planning permission and deliver imaginative projects on tricky sites
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