We work on residential projects in Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Blackheath Deptford, New Cross, Bermondsey, London Bridge, Borough, Elephant & Castle, Bankside, South Bank, Peckham, Clapham, Balham, Kennington, Camberwell, Stockwell, Brixton, Streatham, Brockley, Nunhead, Forest Hill, Honor Oak, Dulwich, Gipsy Hill, Crystal Palace, Sydenham, Battersea, Vauxhall, Wandsworth and Earlsfield.
Since 2013, we’ve been working with the planning and building control departments of Lewisham, Southwark, Lambeth and Wandsworth councils on projects from extensions to new build flats, so we know their local planning policies, building regulations and requirements inside out.
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 100k - 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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This includes:
SE1, SE3, SE4, SE5, SE6, SE8, SE9, SE10, SE11, SE12, SE13, SE14, SE15, SE16, SE17, SE19, SE21, SE22, SE23, SE24, SE26, SE27, SW2, SW4, SW8, SW9, SW11, SW12, SW15, SW16, SW17, SW18, SW19
There are lots of ways to define South London, and some of them will get you in a fight. Dismissing – as most Londoners we know do – the idea that the SW postcodes on the other side of the river should be included, we’re still left with a vast expanse. Here, though, we’re talking about the central areas of South London: from Deptford west to Battersea, and from Bankside south to Crystal Palace.
In years past, we would have said that the magic of South London was a well-kept secret, but now the joys of (for instance) Brixton, Bermondsey and Peckham are all known – the great places to eat, to buy a dizzying variety of vegetables, to hang out. Along the river, there is the great cultural stroll from Royal Festival Hall to the Globe Theatre. Then there are world-class sporting venues (the Oval), the Imperial War Museum and the finally redeveloped Battersea Power Station. Oh, and the world’s least secret spy base, Terry Farrell’s massive Babylonian post-modern MI6 HQ at Vauxhall, familiar to millions from the Bond movies.
Let’s start with the houses, and the beloved late Georgian worker’s cottages of Roupell Street, at least if you can dodge the ever-present film crews. Much grander, but around the same period, is Trinity Church Square over in Borough. Then there are more terrific early 19th houses along Camberwell Grove and Grove Lane. If your tastes run to midcentury modernism instead, there are some excellent houses around Blackheath. But if you want to feel truly immersed in 1960s suburbia, the 6 sq km of the Dulwich Estate will have you in raptures. Lings Coppice and Ferrings are maybe our favourites there.
In terms of the landmarks, the Royal Festival Hall is pretty undeniable. We love the Hayward Gallery too, and if the Blavatnik Building at Tate Modern is maybe a bit bricky on the outside, it’s like a thrilling concrete castle on the inside. Away from the river, Sir John Soane’s Dulwich Picture Gallery is formidable on the outside, gorgeous on the inside.
In the year ending December 2022, Lewisham Council received 2,066 planning applications and approved 78% of those applications submitted. Southwark received 1,630 planning applications and approved 86%. Lambeth received 2,086 planning applications and approved 75%. And Wandsworth received 3,325 planning applications and approved 90% of those.
Our expertise in planning applications means we have a 97% success rate of getting planning permission for our clients (across all councils). South London is a place where we have a deep knowledge of the workings of the local authorities. As our client, you will increase your chances of getting planning consent for your project by working with us.
Our projects for homeowners in South London have mostly been extensions and loft conversions – many for traditional Victorian houses (including this eye-catching extension and this lovely L-shaped dormer). But we have also added space to homes with very different layouts, for instance in 1980s Docklands developments.
For developers in South London, we have worked on new-build flat schemes as well as part-conversion, part-new build projects. We have also turned a clumsy-looking side extension into a new home. As much as it might feel to residents that London is running out of space to build, our clients keep finding neglected scraps of land and we find ways to design homes that make those odd spaces work.
“ 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
“ We used Urbanist Architecture for an extension renovation project and couldn't be happier. This was our second architect after not achieving the results we wanted with the first. What stood out for us with Urbanist Architecture is how much they listened to what we wanted and then synthesised that into something beyond our imaginations. They were able to achieve a modern yet warm interior. Even when the council asked us to make a change, they were able to produce an equally good result. ”
Chris G — London
“ Excellent customer service by Urbanist Architecture. Their standards are very impressive. Nicole was most helpful all the way. She is a great architect with truly in-depth knowledge of her field. The whole team is very customer orientated. It would be a pleasure to work with them on any future projects. ”
Hon. Lord A. — London
“ Very professional service. Drew up our plans in record time, made changes speedily and without quibble. Clear and thorough plans. Acquired planning permission from Lewisham Council within record time. ”
Eleanor B. — 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 think that South London has long been underestimated - it’s full of extraordinary buildings and our task is to come up with extensions and new builds that deserve to sit alongside what’s already here.
BA(Hons) Dip.Arch MA ARB RIBA
Creative Director & Senior Architect
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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