We’ve been working on residential projects primarily in Angel, Essex Road, Farringdon, Clerkenwell, Highbury, Holloway, Tufnell Park and Archway since 2013.
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 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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We cover all postcodes (EC1, EC2, EC3, EC4, EC5, N1 Kings Cross & Islington, N15 West Green&Seven Sisters, N16 Stoke Newington, N19 Upper Holloway, N4 Finsbury Park, N5 Highbury, N6 Highgate, N7 Holloway, N8 Hornsey & Crouch End , NW5 Kentish Town, W1 Marylebone, WC1 central London, WC2 Chancery Lane)
The London Borough of Islington is situated to the north of the Thames and is the third smallest local authority in London by area. The borough forms part of the historic county of Middlesex and has a significant and rich history. Islington is lively and offers an eclectic range of cultural activities. Several world-class theatres can be found in Islington, including the Almeida and Sadler’s Wells. This has often made the borough extremely popular with successful creative people.
The Emirates Stadium, the home of Arsenal Football Club, can be found in Islington. Completed in 2006, it is one of the largest football stadiums in the UK and set new standards for facilities and uninterrupted sightlines when it opened. The impressive Art Deco East and West Stands of the old stadium, Highbury, which are Grade II listed, were converted into flats.
The borough also has a generous higher education offering, being home to two of London’s many universities. City University London and London Metropolitan University both have campuses located within the borough. While Islington may have a significant student population, the borough is also popular with young professionals due to a rise in tech businesses and start-ups making this their base.
Islington is known for its marriage of historic and contemporary architectural forms and styles. An eclectic mix of styles and forms makes Islington a very architecturally diverse borough. Some of the architecture dates back several centuries, including St John’s Gate, the south entrance to the inner precinct of Clerkenwell Priory, which is a 16th-century landmark.
Clerk’s Well, located to the west of Clerkenwell Green, dates back to the 12th century. This well was once considered a sacred well as it was where the parish clerks were reported to perform miracles. Today, the well boasts many of its original features and maintains much of its structural integrity.
Grade II listed buildings in Islington include the South Library, the Almeida Theatre and the Church of St. Mary, all of which have been listed for their architectural significance. The 41 conservation areas located throughout the borough also help to protect buildings of high architectural merit.
The domestic architecture of the borough is largely Victorian, characterised by two-storey redbrick houses in the north of the borough and taller homes in London stock brick further south.
In the year ending March 2023, Islington council received 1,913 planning applications and approved 89% of those applications submitted.
Our expertise in planning applications means we have a 97% success rate of getting planning permission for our clients (across all councils). Islington is a place where we have a history with the council, increasing the chances that you - as our client - will get planning approval
Our projects for homeowners in Islington range from renovation works to home extensions and loft conversions. We are particularly proud of our work in conservation areas and on listed buildings, finding the balance between respecting heritage and creating spaces that are comfortable and enjoyable to live in.
On behalf of developers, we’ve looked after changes of use and flat conversions in Islington. Our teams combining architects and planners make sure we can comply with all the local regulations while obtaining the best possible return on investment for our clients.
“ A very hard working and professional team who approach a project like it's their own. Got my planning permission obtained promptly for a commercial project. Highly recommended ”
Vincenzo A. — London
“ I used Urbanist Architecture after having been previously given poor advice from another service- so naturally I was quite wary of using another service - my planning needs were of a specialised nature and Urbanist was able to confidently help me to navigate the planning complexities to successfully gain me the planning permission needed for my project. I would most definitely recommend Urbanist for your planning needs. ”
E. Ross — London
“ They were very clear and professional about the whole process. We got planning permission easily, received clear architectural drawings, and Irkus was outstanding at managing our build and helping us immensely when we had serious problems with one of the building firms that went bankrupt. Would recommend them easily. ”
Colin R. — London
“ Thank you so much for everything. I will highly recommend everyone to contact you and your company. ”
Junho L. — 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
From subtle extensions to Victorian houses to exciting new builds, Islington offers huge opportunities for homeowners and developers, and we relish helping them achieve what they want.
BA MArch AADip
Senior Architectural Designer
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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