Notebook
We love sharing our thinking, our knowledge and our good news. Here you’ll find a mix of all three.
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How Can I, as a Client, Be Kind to the Planet on a Budget?
19 November 2024 by Russell McCourty
When it comes to building or renovating a space, eco-friendly choices can sometimes feel overwhelming and expensive.
Understanding Ecology & It’s Timeframes for your residential project
28 October 2024 by Andrew Pizzey
What is ecology in the built environment? Ecology is playing an increasingly significant role in the built environment.
How do you prepare for an Architectural Project?
16 October 2024 by Chris Kempster
Embarking on an architectural remodelling project is an exciting journey, full of possibilities to transform your home or working space…
The Seamless Connection: Integrating House and Garden from the Start
20 September 2024 by Simon Drayson
In architecture, a home is more than just a structure—it’s an environment that reflects the lifestyle and aspirations of its…
What an affordable new build home could look like
22 August 2024 by Lucia Bruton
When embarking on any project, understanding the nuances and unique challenges involved is crucial.
Other than Drawings, What Else Does an Architect Do?
12 August 2024 by Russell McCourty
When you think of an architect, the first thing that likely comes to mind is drawing – those stunning artistic…
Cowdray Polo
26 July 2024 by Claire Lupton
George and James Architects were delighted to be involved with the recent Town Cup, Semi-Final and Final of The Gold…
A new Labour Government....... what does that mean for planning reform?
22 July 2024 by Simon Drayson
The new chancellor has recently announced a number of reforms to the planning system which should make it easier for…
Watts Gallery Visit
Watts Gallery Visit26 June 2024 by Andrew Pizzey
On a sunny June day the whole George & James team had we had the pleasure of visiting Watts Chapel,…
Sussex Architects
05 June 2024 by Claire Lupton
Our final list of suggested design practices that are from Sussex, where we are lucky enough to now work (and…
Barkitecture Travel Trunk Design
01 June 2024 by Darren Leach
We are so excited to have once again been invited to submit a design into the exclusive ‘Barkitecture’ competition, you…
Surrey Architectural Practices
26 April 2024 by Darren Leach
Following on from our recent post looking at Architectural Practices in Hampshire, we thought we would create another list but…
Ideal Home Show
22 April 2024 by Russell McCourty
Recently, the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) asked me to return to the Ideal Home Show for a few…
Cowdray Park
16 April 2024 by Lucia Bruton
Just at the edge of Midhurst sits the magnificent Cowdray Estate, a 16,500 acre estate steeped in history and now…
Build It's Extension Bible
11 April 2024 by Simon Drayson
We are delighted to once again have our projects featured in the annual Build It Magazine's Extension Bible supplement, the…
Best Brand Recognition
08 April 2024 by Simon Drayson
We are delighted to have been longlisted in this years Archiboo Award, in the ‘Best Brand’ category.
Invest in your Garden
19 March 2024 by Darren Leach
Spring is definitely in the air! If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to get outside and…
Exploring Winchester
27 February 2024 by Simon Drayson
Winchester is a lovely walkable city, a perfect spot to either put down roots or just enjoy for a day…
LGBT+ History Month
14 February 2024 by Simon Drayson
Each February we celebrate LGBT+ History month, an annual month long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, highlighting…
Hampshire Architectural Practices
29 January 2024 by Darren Leach
We are lucky to be based in an area with a rich thread of art and architecture, which is reflected…
Goodwood House
Goodwood House18 January 2024 by Simon Drayson
We have been very fortunate to have spent some time at the Goodwood estate over the last year, the splendid…
Virtual Reality in Architecture
12 January 2024 by Darren Leach
Virtual Reality in Architecture; how we use this emerging technology at George and James so that you can walk around…
Godalming wandering
12 December 2023 by Chris Kempster
Godalming is a pretty little market town in Surrey located on the banks of the River Wey, which was once…
Permitted Development Advice
28 November 2023 by Simon Drayson
We were recently asked by Grand Designs Magazine to offer our expert advice on permitted developments that you might need…
The Art of Tailored Luxury, Customising Interiors in New Build Country Houses
21 November 2023 by Darren Leach
In the world of truly bespoke architecture, the journey from imagining a new country house to creating a home that…
Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine Article
14 November 2023 by Simon Drayson
We are delighted to see our Slaithwaites Road project features as a ‘Real Project’ case study article in the latest…
Guildford Highlights
01 November 2023 by Andrew Pizzey
I recently moved to the area to join the team at George & James Architects, when looking for a new…
Taking the First Step on your Project - The Fear of the Unknown
30 October 2023 by Darren Leach
Why starting a project can be intimidating.
New Studio Space
18 October 2023 by Simon Drayson
We are thrilled to have recently moved to a new studio space near Midhurst.
Hidden Costs of an Extension
02 October 2023 by Simon Drayson
We were delighted to be invited to comment as an expert for an article in the latest Homebuilding & Renovating…
Our Contact Book
29 September 2023 by Darren Leach
Our Network of Experts: The Power of Teamwork in Architecture In the field of architecture and interiors, creating exceptional homes, spaces…
Crafting Enduring Family Legacies: The Art of Designing Timeless Homes
31 August 2023 by Darren Leach
We quite often reflect on the homes that we have designed, and we try to put our finger on the…
Goddards visit
23 August 2023 by Lucia Bruton
We recently had a studio trip to Goddards, the stunning Arts & Crafts house by Sir Edwin Lutyens set in the…
Absolutely Sussex
09 August 2023 by Simon Drayson
We were thrilled to be interviewed for the August edition of Absolutely Sussex Magazine, the glossy lifestyle publication for our…
Our core values
07 August 2023 by Simon Drayson
When Darren and I set up George & James we were keen to leave behind more bureaucratic, sometimes cumbersome elements…
Award success for The Farmhouse
07 July 2023 by Darren Leach
We are so thrilled to have won a Sussex Heritage Trust Award for The Farmhouse project, which won a trophy…
Farnham visit
26 June 2023 by Simon Drayson
Farnham is a quintessential English market town, steeped in creative history and teeming with independent shops scattered around its pretty…
Flat Roof Extension Article
20 June 2023 by Darren Leach
In the latest Build It Magazine, the specialist self-build and home renovation magazine, our projects have been featured twice! It…
White Eagle Lodge Visit
01 June 2023 by Dominic Hart
On Friday the 20th May we visited the White Eagle Lodge designed by James Gorst Architects, located in Liss, Hampshire…
Homebuilding Event
17 May 2023 by Simon Drayson
Come and see us at the next Homebuilding & Renovating Show, we shall be exhibiting at the Surrey event which…
Looking for an Architectural Assistant
27 April 2023 by Darren Leach
We're on the lookout for an Architectural Assistant (part 1 or 2) to join us in our lovely studio in…
Barkitecture
11 April 2023 by Simon Drayson
We were honoured to have been invited to submit a design for this years ‘Barkitecture’ competition, a key part of…
Bricks!
06 April 2023 by Simon Drayson
Bricks are one of the most commonly used building materials in the UK.
Planning a swimming pool?
24 March 2023 by Darren Leach
Having your own swimming pool at your home is possibly the ultimate luxury for any house; not only is it…
Garden Rooms
07 March 2023 by Simon Drayson
Garden rooms can be a perfect solution to many of us looking to create additional space in our home.
Petworth day trip
27 February 2023 by Darren Leach
Petworth is official one of the best places to live in the UK, according to the annual Sunday Times list,…
Why we don’t have a ‘house style’
15 February 2023 by Simon Drayson
We are proud to say we don’t have a specific design style at George & James Architects, but what does…
Day trip to Chichester
26 January 2023 by Darren Leach
We cannot recommend visiting Chichester enough, it is such a pretty city (and the only city in the whole of…
Can I still afford my dream home project?
23 December 2022 by Simon Drayson
There have been increases across the board on the cost of building, alongside shortages of labour and materials, it might…
How to blend contemporary design with heritage architecture?
13 December 2022 by Darren Leach
We have been fortunate to work on several projects that have transformed period buildings, our work looks to enhances the…
Petersfield Tour
29 November 2022 by Simon Drayson
Petersfield, often referred to as the Gateway to the South Downs National Park, is a very pretty market town in…
Homebuilding & Renovating Show
24 November 2022 by Darren Leach
We are looking forward to being back exhibiting at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show, between 14th - 15th January 2023…
We are hiring
18 November 2022 by Simon Drayson
George and James Architects is seeking a Part 1 or Part 2 architectural assistant to join its team in West…
Getting to know Billingshurst
14 November 2022 by Simon Drayson
The village of Billingshurst might be relatively small in size, but it has a lot going on that is well…
Woolbeding Gardens
24 October 2022 by Chris Kempster
After a busy summer and a new member joining the team, what better time to swap pens for boots and…
Join our team
12 October 2022 by Darren Leach
We are once again looking to expand the George & James team.
Bespoke furniture?
06 October 2022 by Simon Drayson
Commissioning your own bespoke furniture is often thought of as a luxury item, our clients often dismissing the idea as…
Slaithwaite Road, Home of the Year Award Shortlisted
21 September 2022 by Simon Drayson
The shortlist is out for this years’ Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating ‘Home of the Year Awards’ and we are…
Interior Design
16 September 2022 by Darren Leach
We are thrilled to now offer interior design as a standalone service.
Deciding How to Extend Your Home
09 September 2022 by Garrett Looney
Expanding your living space through a home extension is an exciting prospect, but it's essential to make informed decisions when…
How can I make my home more energy efficient?
15 August 2022 by Darren Leach
We often get asked by our clients how we can help they make their home more energy efficient, whilst we…
House Extension Q&A
22 July 2022 by Darren Leach
In this blog we are going to focus on some of the questions we frequently get asked in relation to…
Glazing, what options do I have?
30 June 2022 by Simon Drayson
What glazing options do I have? We have previously discussed the importance of introducing light and air into a home,…
Pride Month
07 June 2022 by Simon Drayson
This month is the 50th anniversary of ‘Pride Month’, a time for us to celebrate the LGBTQ + community and…
Great Home Design Ideas
25 May 2022 by Darren Leach
Inspired by the inclusion of our Alloway Road project in the June edition of the Homebuilding & Renovating supplement ’50…
Our new studio
13 May 2022 by Simon Drayson
It is wonderful to finally have some professional photos of our new design studio to share, we moved in about…
Finding our voice
10 May 2022 by Simon Drayson
We were recently invited to join the discussion on ‘Finding your voice in communications’ for the ‘Marketing in Times of…
Transform your home, without extending
29 April 2022 by Darren Leach
It always amazes us how often we hear homeowners state that they need to extend their home in order to…
We are hiring
22 April 2022 by Simon Drayson
We’re on the lookout for a fellow architect – or architectural technologist – or Part 2 to join us in…
Celebrating Midhurst
20 April 2022 by Simon Drayson
In celebration of Midhurst, where we have chosen to set up the George and James design studio and our new…
How Architecture Can Shape Interior Design
28 March 2022 by Garrett Looney
Modern life for many of us is extremely busy; juggling work, children, exercise and lifestyle and it is easy to…
How long will a project take?
24 March 2022 by Simon Drayson
This journal entry should probably have been entitled “how long will a blog post take me to write?” as it…
Daily Telegraph
22 March 2022 by Darren Leach
We were recently asked to contribute to the article ‘How to add space and value to your property’ for the…
Embracing the Charm of Old Buildings
28 February 2022 by Garrett Looney
Renovating an old house comes with a rollercoaster of emotions, blending excitement, frustration, love and satisfaction.
Valentine's
14 February 2022 by Simon Drayson
We’re partners in life as well as in work, and to us that makes perfect sense.
Lighting - part 2
02 February 2022 by Darren Leach
Top tips for lighting your Bedroom and Bathroom In our last post, we shared our top tips for lighting lounges and…
Lighting - part 1
24 January 2022 by Simon Drayson
Top tips for lighting your Lounge and Kitchen Last summer, we shared our interior design tips from an architect’s perspective, starting…
How we can help with your project
27 December 2021 by Darren Leach
We are frequently asked by prospective clients if they have to sign up for our full services from the outset,…
Importance of Light & Air
16 December 2021 by Simon Drayson
When taking a brief from a new client, the words “light and airy” often come up, translated into ‘archispeak’ as…
What could go wrong with my project?
07 December 2021 by Darren Leach
We often think of ourselves as being risk-averse, in both our personal and our professional lives.
What do I need to tell my architect?
26 October 2021 by Simon Drayson
When meeting with our prospective clients for the first time, they often ask us “what do you need to know?”.
Working from home… in the garden?
13 October 2021 by Darren Leach
Having only recently moved house ourselves, in search of more space and like many we are still working from home…
Archiboo Award shortlist
07 October 2021 by Simon Drayson
We are delighted to have been shortlisted in this year’s Archiboo Web Awards, in the Best Written Content category of…
Good Homes
14 September 2021 by Darren Leach
We were thrilled to have Good Homes magazine feature our Alloway Road project in their October 2021 edition.
Do I need an architect?
10 September 2021 by Simon Drayson
We are often asked by family and friends if an architect is really necessary for a construction project, which has…
'Build It' Extension Bible
02 September 2021 by Simon Drayson
We were delighted to contribute our advice for the latest ‘Extensions Bible 2021’ supplement, published by ‘Build It’ magazine.
How much does an Architect cost?
23 August 2021 by Simon Drayson
Architects are often thought of as providing a luxury service, and that can sometimes be true to a certain extent.
Renovating In A Conservation Area
12 August 2021 by Simon Drayson
George & James Architects were approached by Love Renovate, the online home improvement platform, to share advice on renovating within…
De-mystify the architectural design process
20 July 2021 by Darren Leach
We have rewritten the RIBA’s ‘Plan of Work’ document, in a rather more human friendly way, which we hope will…
How much does an architect cost?
14 July 2021 by Darren Leach
This is a difficult question for us to answer, as we can’t tell you exactly how much we charge without…
Advice on Using Reclaimed Bricks
05 July 2021 by Darren Leach
Sharing our thoughts on using reclaimed bricks for your next project.
The Vessel - Bathroom interior design tips, from an architect's perspective
30 June 2021 by Simon Drayson
Close-coupled or concealed cisterns? Underfloor heating? Demister pads? Are tiles always best on walls and floors?
The Womb - Bedroom interior design tips, from an architect's perspective
23 June 2021 by Simon Drayson
Bespoke wardrobes? Boutique hotel lighting design? Are carpets coming back in fashion?
The Altar - Kitchen interior design tips, from an architect's perspective
16 June 2021 by Simon Drayson
In-frame doors? Freestanding appliances? Corian worktop? What about the lighting? Decisions, decisions…
The Hearth - Lounge interior design tips, from an architect's perspective
09 June 2021 by Simon Drayson
Open or closed storage? Ceiling lights or 5-amp circuits? Solid, engineered or laminate timber floor?
Grand Design Magazine Arlington Alloway
01 June 2021 by Darren Leach
It’s really great to see our projects feature in the press, as trusted advisors we are delighted to share our…
How to save money on an extension
27 May 2021 by Simon Drayson
Build It Magazine asked George & James to share our thoughts on how best to save money on an extension project.
Grand Designs Magazine
01 March 2021 by Simon Drayson
Read the full article from 'Grand Designs Magazine'
How an architect can improve your home and your well-being
17 June 2020 by Simon Drayson
George and James Architects discuss how engaging their services can add value to your property in more ways than one.