Recognised as one of the finest residential architecture firms in London, we work across the entire residential architecture spectrum with construction budgets of going up to 10m. With a proven track record delivering home extensions, flat conversions and new build houses, we deliver incredibly successful projects for 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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Sitting high above London, Hampstead prides itself on its village feel. That’s accentuated, of course, by the wild spaces of Hampstead Heath that take up much of the area. We’ll discuss both the famous and domestic architecture, but what really makes it distinctive is the way that the streets and the buildings are shaped by and shape the landscape. It’s the way the shopping streets seem to dive down the hill towards the capital while the streets with most of the houses – several of which call themselves walks rather than roads – float above it.
It’s that sense of being not quite in London yet just a quick Tube ride into town that has made Hampstead such a desirable place to live for so long. And it’s one that has created a fiercely protective local community that has successfully fought to preserve the unique feeling of the place.
As well as to stroll on the Heath, visitors come for Kenwood House, Keat’s House, the Freud Museum and The Spaniards Inn – a Grade II listed pub that dates back to the 16th century. One of London’s great modernist buildings, Isokon Flats, is in Hampstead by some reckonings although the proud residents of Belsize Park would probably argue otherwise.
What do you picture when you think of a house in Hampstead? A white Georgian cottage? A tall Victorian home in red brick? An example of either high Modernism or its later, softer 1960s English variety? You can find all of these along with sturdy early Victorian homes in London stock brick and much more. It’s one of the things that makes Hampstead so different from (equally) beautiful but more uniform parts of London like Belgravia. Next to an austerely classical and symmetrical house, you’ll have a mansion block with a single dramatic turret, multiple bay windows and a hugely complicated roof.
It’s the kind of place that can seem a bit dizzying for an architect or planner when the council asks you to keep to the local character with your design: “Of course… but which local character?” But when you walk around it, it somehow all works together as Hampstead. And over the years, we’ve come to understand that character.
In Hampstead, we specialise in extensions, renovations and interior design. We pride ourselves in our work in conservation areas – experience has taught us what the council will and won’t accept when it comes to adapting buildings for modern living. And we have worked on many listed buildings projects and are able to advise on how to go about the tricky business of getting consent to make changes to protected houses.
“ My biggest barrier to achieve my goal on my home renovation project was the planning permission. After countless years of frustrated attempts with other London architects and the disappointment of losing the applications every time, my motivation was drained. But I gave my project a final try with Urbanist Architecture and eventually this architecture company succeeded in getting the planning permission for me. Can't thank them enough. ”
Leonard M. — London
“ We started with 2 different architects, whose plans were rejected by our council. We felt like we were on a treadmill leading nowhere. Then I found Urbanist Architecture blog posts about planning procedures. We appointed them to prepare our 3rd application. They listened to our needs, brainstormed and developed a strategic design. Their creative approach allowed us to get the permission we needed!! We highly endorse their hard work. ”
George L. — London
“ Very well handled, just submitted the planning application. Staff are easy to reach and talk to. Very professionally done. Thank you Urbanist Architecture. ”
P. Davies — London
“ The service we have received far exceeds what we were expecting. From the moment we made contact with Urbanist Architecture the service has been totally professional - they have been prompt with their response, did what they said they were going to do without any fuss and kept to time constraints. Would have no hesitation in recommending this organisation. ”
Glynn — 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 know that as the owner of a property in Hampstead, you will have exacting standards about the quality of work you’re expecting. And we’re utterly confident that the work we do can meet those standards. If you want to discuss how we can make sure that your home or investment meets the strict local planning rules and yet will be fun and comfortable to live in, get in touch with us today.
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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