BA(Hons) MA
Managing Director
Advice on architecture, planning and construction is too often fragmented, with teams pulling in different directions and clients left dealing with the frustrations, unnecessary expenses, and confusion that have become all too common in the industry.
Ufuk Bahar founded Urbanist Architecture on the belief that it doesn't have to be that way, and that the right combination of expertise, experience, and imagination can truly make a difference in overcoming the challenges of building projects.
Turning that belief into outcomes is where Ufuk stands out. He has a rare talent for unlocking the hidden potential of developments and securing planning permissions that turn imaginative projects into reality. Just as importantly, Ufuk is committed to ensuring Urbanist Architecture’s clients stay in control throughout the process, from first advice to final delivery.
The result is credibility that travels, from complex consents on the ground to the wider debate on housing and planning policy. Sky News has described Ufuk Bahar as “bringing a decade of experience specialising in Green Belt applications”, and has invited him on multiple occasions, including live appearances, to comment on Green Belt, Grey Belt and housebuilding.
RIBA regularly invites Ufuk to contribute expert commentary to its publications, reflecting his authority in planning strategy and his track record of securing difficult planning permissions. His perspective is also referenced in academic and professional journals focused on urban design, planning policy and housing delivery.
Ufuk’s expertise is reflected in his published work too. He is the co-author of Green Light to Green Belt Developments, widely acclaimed as one of the most comprehensive guides to building in the Green Belt. It explores why Green Belt policy has endured while other policies have evolved as well as how exceptions and special circumstances may apply in practice.
In addition to his role at the practice, Ufuk is a University of Westminster mentor, coaching architecture and design undergraduates at the start of their careers. For Ufuk, mentoring is part of a wider commitment to improving how the industry designs, decides and delivers.
“ Incredible dedication from the team, very responsive and enthusiastic. Always willing to accommodate our requirements. Very talented individuals working on the project who took a genuine interest in the project which showed in the quality of the outcomes. ”
Vimla N. — London
“ 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
“ We've been overwhelmed by the amount of time and dedication Mr Ufuk Bahar has spent on our project. He has been extremely professional when dealing with the council and applying for planning permission. ”
Kate A. — London
“ Ufuk Bahar explained everything from the beginning of the listed building consent application process. I felt very comfortable with his expertise. I would use their services again. ”
John J. — London
“ Ufuk was very helpful from the start. Very quick and professional service. Site survey booked within 2 days of instruction. Planning application submitted very quickly. Very good communication on telephone and email. ”
Fareda B. — Kent
“ Mr Ufuk Bahar is an exceptionally skilled designer. He did thorough research, meticulously presented the drawings, gave us substantial support and perfectly crystallised our thoughts into an aesthetically pleasing design. ”
Mr & Mrs Ivanov — London
“ Ufuk was constantly communicative from day one. He engaged with us during the whole process, understood our requirements very well, gave us very helpful architecture / planning /design advice and delivered more than we asked for. Cannot give them high enough praise. ”
Marvin G. — Hertfordshire
“ 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
“ Ufuk and the team were very accommodating, talking us through the design elements and what was evident that we still had lots of questions and they were able to answer our questions and provide us with a final project we are very happy with. Planning was approved and the team were excellent in keeping the project moving and on time possible. ”
Marisa B. — London
“ When we were first looking for an architect, Mr Ufuk stood out amongst all the others we had contacted because of his pleasant and friendly manner. We have been overwhelmed by the amount of time and dedication he has spent on our project. He has an incredible amount of knowledge. We would highly recommend Urbanist Architecture and they would be the first people we would contact should we need an architect in the future. Thank you Mr Ufuk. ”
Kate A. — London
“ I had the pleasure of working with Urbanist Architecture, led by Mr. Ufuk Bahar, on a recent project... Mr. Bahar and his team took the time to thoroughly review the planning documents and provided clear, honest, and constructive feedback… I highly recommend Urbanist Architecture to anyone seeking thoughtful and professional architectural services. ”
Mohammad M. — London
We inject our personality and de-commoditise our services. We engage on a personal level with all our clients which allows us to deliver remarkable results, exceed their expectations and strive for perfection.
BA(Hons) MA
Managing Director
The latest news, updates and expert views for ambitious, high-achieving and purpose-driven homeowners and property entrepreneurs.
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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