We are Essex architects who specialise in crafting creative design and planning strategies to unlock the potential of challenging sites and buildings.
Since 2013, we’ve been working on residential projects right across Essex. Because of this, our team has a firm grasp on the nuances of local planning policies and building regulations in this region.
Recognised as one of the best residential architecture firms in London, we work across the entire residential architecture spectrum with construction budgets of 200k - 10m. With a proven track record of delivering home extensions, flat conversions, HMOs, new build houses, and flats, we deliver 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 underpromise and overdeliver.
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As architects in Essex, we serve homeowners and developers right throughout the county, including (but not limited to) the following postcodes: CB1, CB10, CM1, SS3, SS17, SG8, RM4, E4, CO9, CO7, CO6, CO5.
From the mediaeval market towns of Braintree, Brentwood and Saffron Walden, to the seaside villages of Southend-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea, Essex is a county with a lot to offer. Firstly, there’s a wealth of opportunity when it comes to outdoor activity. From the hiking trails in and around Epping Forest and Chelmsford, to cycling routes right across the region, there’s so much to explore in this wonderful county. As mentioned, there’s a beautiful stretch of 350 miles of coastline to enjoy, one of the longest of England’s counties. Then there’s the saltmarshes of Tollesbury, the perfect setting for a scenic afternoon paddle.
While there’s plenty of nature to soak in, there’s also an exciting cultural scene to be enjoyed in Essex. If you have the time, consider whiling away some hours in one of the many museums, theatres or galleries in the area. For the kids, there is an abundance of adventure available, including rock climbing centres, multiple theme parks and watersport activities. All in all, Essex is a great place to both live in and visit, with so much on offer for every kind of personality.
Given its size and the diversity of its landscape, the architecture in Essex is extremely varied; here, you’ll find everything from quaint villages to more vibrant townships, each with their unique offerings. Depending on which part of Essex you’re exploring, you could see townhouses, coastal cottages, modern flats or manor houses - in short, there are lots of architectural options, many of which are more affordable than what you’ll find in the heart of London. That said, there are still plenty of pricier pockets in Essex, including Ramsden Bellhouse, a neighbourhood where the average price of a home is over £1.1m.
There are also a number of impressive architectural feats in the area. Firstly, Audley End House - a stunning Jacobean-style estate - which is open for the public to wander through, and is a remarkable example of 17th-century architecture. There are also a number of castles dotted around the region, including Hedingham Castle and Hadleigh Castle, each publicly accessible and well worth a visit.
There’s something for everyone in Essex, its unique mixture of architectural styles helps to create a vibrant, diverse atmosphere you can’t help but feel buoyed by.
Essex has several local councils, and on average, the area approved around 78% of planning applications in its most recently reported quarter (ending September 2023).
Our expertise in planning applications means we have a 97% success rate of getting planning permission for our clients (across all councils). Essex is a county where we have a history with its many councils, increasing the chances that you - as our client - will get planning approval.
Homeowner projects in Essex tend to focus on refurbishments and renovations, with residents seeking to improve their treasured properties instead of selling and buying new. Additionally, extensions are a project type we often see, as growing families find creative ways to add more space to their homes. This might include a rear or side extension, or even a loft extension - all projects our team is highly experienced in delivering.
Developers in Essex see a lot of opportunity and value in multi-unit residences and low-rise flatted developments, which are often looked upon favourably by the council. This is of course because of the benefit they can bring to the community in improving housing supply, as well as for the visual character they can add to an area when done well.
“ Urbanist Architecture were fantastic all the way through, getting drawings done and making a plan for an application for a retrospective planning application. With Yuki helping me, my application was successful. She was very professional and helpful throughout. ”
Nicky B — London
“ Great team at Urbanist. Very experienced and I was blown away with my initial designs, which came out even better than expected. Cannot recommend them enough. ”
Faisal F. — London
“ Urbanist Architecture took the greatest pride and care in our project, they nurtured it as if it was their own, and demonstrated such professionalism and confidence that cannot be found elsewhere. We received our planning permission with great surprise. ”
Rackesh P. — London
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
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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