We are West Midlands 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 the West Midlands. 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 the West Midlands, we serve homeowners and developers right throughout the region, including (but not limited to) the following postcodes: B1, B10, B11, B12, B16, B2, B20, DY1, DY4, B91, CV1, WS1, WS2, WS5, WV98, WV1.
Whether you crave well-connected city living or seek a quiet countryside escape, the West Midlands has something for everyone. Set right in the heart of England and encircled by the Green Belt, the West Midlands spans 13,000 sq km and is comprised of fourteen councils and seven counties. Noted as the second most diverse area in the UK after London, the West Midlands is a culturally rich region offering an abundance of opportunity for residents and visitors alike. Birmingham is the largest and most well-known locality, with 2.6 million people making it the third largest city by population in the UK.
While there are plenty of urban centres to call home in the West Midlands, it’s also a region known for its impressive natural beauty. There are five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty throughout the area, including the breathtaking Malvern Hills and Shropshire Hills, as well as cycling paradise, Cannock Chase Forest.
Excitingly for chocolate lovers (so, all of us), Cadbury was also born in the West Midlands, with John Cadbury founding the company in Birmingham in 1824. Not only is this a great claim to fame for locals, but it means there’s a Cadbury factory in the region, open for the public to explore while sampling some of the world’s favourite chocolate.
As you’d expect given its expanse, the architecture of the West Midlands is as diverse as its landscape. While urban centres like Birmingham and Walsall feature modern, higher-density living options (as well as more traditional housing styles), there are also many rural counties with totally different architectural offerings, like the charming timber-framed buildings found in the counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Shropshire which possess a cosy, nostalgic quality.
If you’re looking to explore some of the area's outstanding architecture, you can’t miss Aston Hall in Birmingham, a striking Jacobean-style house that now operates as a museum and is said to be one of the most haunted buildings in the UK - spooky! Wightwick Manor and Gardens in Wolverhampton is a similarly impressive structure, its distinct arts and crafts style a stunning sight to behold. Lastly, for something slightly more modern, the Selfridges building in Birmingham is a must-visit. The 20-year-old building looks like something plucked from outer space, its curved, blob-like appearance setting it apart from any shopping centre we’ve ever seen. Though it was a risky move, looking at it 20 years on, we’d say the ambitious, highly artistic structure has more than paid off.
The West Midlands has several local councils and on average, the area approved an impressive 87.2% 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). The West Midlands is a region where we have a history with its many councils, increasing the chances that you - as our client - will get planning approval.
In the West Midlands, homeowners tend to focus on refurbishments and renovations. Extensions are also an extremely popular project type in this area, as residents seek innovative ways to add square footage to their homes. There are so many ways you can extend your property and the Urbanist Architecture team is highly experienced in every style of extension.
The opportunities for developers are endless in the West Midlands. Popular projects include office-to-residential conversions and the regeneration of industrial sites, particularly in urban hubs like Birmingham. Given the extensive student population here, student accommodation is also a common project type. Low-rise, new build housing is also a popular choice for developers, with landscape-led communities in rural townships being another common project type.
“ 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
“ Passion, creativity and personality; I think these three words can describe Urbanist Architecture's young architects team. They have done all the work for us and been with us from beginning to end till they handed us the keys to our new house.. Our families and friends loved the design and we can't thank you enough for making us the owner of this beautiful, flawless, prestigious house. ”
Lisa D. — Kent
“ Always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the project's success... They built a level of trust where we feel like we are delivering the project as partners. ”
Sandra N. — 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
“The West Midlands offers a wealth of opportunity for homeowners and developers. Whether we’re working with a developer on a large office-to-residential project, or helping a homeowner refurbish their dream home, it’s always a pleasure working in this region."
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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