Our
Approach
We approach every project with a balance of creative sensitivity and commercial rigour. Whether transforming an existing property or building new, we believe that creating a bespoke home requires more than just drawings; it requires a strategy. From the first sketch to the final handover, our four-stage process is designed to protect your vision, manage the complexity, and deliver a home that feels firmly rooted in its context.
Designed for Life. Rooted in Place.
We believe that the opportunity to mould a home exactly around the lives of our clients and their families is a great privilege. Since 2017, we have been trusted to create the backdrops for growing families, the sanctuaries for hard-earned retirements, and the settings for future memories.
To us, architecture is not just about the building; it is about the feeling of the space. It is about how the light hits the breakfast table, how a door handle feels in your hand, and how the house flows effortlessly around the way you want to live.
Old Souls and Modern Moments.
Clients often ask us to define our style. The truth is, we don’t impose a single “look” on our projects; instead, we respond to the unique character of the building and the landscape.
Our work tends to fall into two camps, both treated with the same care. We create modern buildings with old souls—new structures that use traditional materials to settle quietly into their setting. And we work on historic homes rich in layers of character, weaving in contemporary interiors and moments of modernity to make them ready for the future.
A Tactile Approach.
Whether it is a listed barn or a contemporary new build, our approach is always tactile. We love the warmth of natural materials—handmade brick, weathered timber, patinated zinc—and we combine them with crisp, considered detailing. We design the “hard” interiors, the joinery, and the lighting as one cohesive thought, ensuring that the magic of the architecture is felt in every room, from the grandest view to the smallest detail.
Sustainable by Nature.
We believe that the most sustainable building is one that is loved and lasts. For us, sustainability isn’t a bolt-on technology; it is woven into the very fabric of our design process.
Fabric First & Light Filled.
We take a “Fabric First” approach. Before we think about generating energy, we focus on reducing the need for it. We orientate buildings to capture free solar warmth and natural light, and we design high-performance envelopes that retain heat.
From the “small gestures” of upgrading insulation in a heritage repair to the “big moves” of a Passivhaus-standard new build, every project is an opportunity to improve efficiency. The result is a home that treads lightly on the planet and feels comfortable year-round.
Discover. Design.
Detail. Deliver.
Our four-stage framework offers a clear, intuitive path through your project, from the first conversation to the first glass of English sparkling.
Building a bespoke home is a complex journey, but it should also be an exciting one. To navigate it safely, we use a four-stage process that allows the excitement to build while we handle the heavy lifting. We prioritise decision-making before spending, ensuring that by the time we reach the site, the vision is clear, the permissions are in place, and the risks are managed.
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Uncovering the Potential.
Every great home begins with a conversation. We start by listening deeply, not just to what you want to build, but to how you want to live. By questioning the brief and stress-testing the site’s constraints early on, we uncover the hidden opportunities that others might miss. This ensures you move forward with a viable strategy, a realistic budget, and the confidence that your dream is grounded in reality.Measured surveys:
We’ll need accurate existing drawings to proceed. These are typically commissioned via third-party surveyors. We’ll help arrange this and manage the process on your behalf. -
Crafting the Character & Securing Consent.
This is the creative heart of the process. It is where we take the initial strategies from the Discover stage and translate them into a tangible architectural design, defining the flow, the form, and the feeling of the home. Even if your project does not require a formal planning application, this stage is essential to define the architecture before technical work begins. We balance the art of light and volume with the science of regulations.Where Planning Permission or Listed Building Consent is required, we produce the necessary information for the submissions and negotiate with the council during the application process. Where consents are not required, we focus purely on refining the design to ensure it perfectly matches your way of life.
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Curating the Detail & Finding the Builder.
This stage is the bridge between a drawing and a building. It is a tactile exploration where we curate the elements you will touch every day, the joinery, the lighting, and the finishes. Simultaneously, we run a rigorous technical process: securing Building Control approval, producing a detailed construction package, and managing a competitive tender. This results in a fixed price from a vetted contractor and a solid building contract, protecting your budget before ground is broken. -
Realising the Dream.
Seeing your home emerge from the ground is a privilege, but it requires vigilant management. We stay by your side throughout the build, administering the contract, inspecting the quality, and valuing the works to ensure you only pay for what is built. We act as your advocate and project manager, ensuring the character we designed is executed perfectly, before handing you the keys to a home that is ready for the future.
Principal designer
Alongside delivering beautiful homes, we also protect our clients by taking on a formal legal role known as the Principal Designer. This is a duty defined under both the Building Safety Act and the CDM Regulations, and it applies to all major residential projects in the UK.
As the client commissioning the work, you have legal responsibilities, many of which you can meet by appointing the right professionals. Without this, the obligations fall to you and your builder, including at final sign-off.
We make sure you’re protected, compliant, and in control without having to worry about the paperwork.
We act as Principal Designer under:
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The CDM Regulations (2015): focused on health and safety during design, ensuring risks are considered and managed from the start
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The Building Safety Act (2022): focused on compliance with building regulations, covering fire safety, structure, ventilation, access and more
Both roles are legal duty holder appointments. They ensure that what’s being designed can be built, lived in, and maintained safely and legally.
How we support you
We include this responsibility as standard, embedded across all four D stages, from Discovery through to Delivery. It means:
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You meet your legal obligations without added complexity
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Health, safety and compliance are considered from the beginning
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Nothing is missed at handover, and your project stays on track for final certification
It’s a quiet but vital part of how we support you, and why our projects not only look right, but are built right.
Ready to begin the journey?
We have embedded this framework into every project because it works. If you are ready to discuss your project, let’s start with a conversation.
Discover more.
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Meet the team
Studio
Meet Simon, Darren, and the team. A practice built on honest conversation, rural living, and a culture of professional rigour.
Meet the team -
View the collection
Case Studies
See how we blend modern living with traditional character. Explore a collection of bespoke homes, from contemporary new builds to heritage restorations.
View the collection -
Understanding Costs
Costs
How much does it cost? We believe in honest answers. Read our guide to budgeting, fees, and understanding the commercial reality of your project.
Understanding Costs