Our Approach

Beautiful, Sustainable Homes—Designed with Clarity, Care and Craft

We believe the process of creating a home should be as considered as the space itself. Whether you’re renovating, retrofitting or extending, we bring transparency, insight and creativity to every stage—helping you make confident decisions that lead to a well-designed, well-built and well-loved home.

Learn more about our background and values in Our Story.

Elegant living room with large sash windows, natural light, and breathable materials in a sensitively retrofitted London home

Here is how we make it happen:

Budget Clarity from Day One

Confidence in the process, control over your investment

We understand that budget clarity is essential. From the outset, we help you understand what’s feasible within your means, avoiding common pitfalls that can derail timelines and expectations.

  • We begin every project with a Pre-Design Appraisal, tailored to test your brief, explore likely costs, and offer professional insights before we dive into design.
    See how this fits into our architectural services.

  • Our fee structure is clear and transparent—you’ll always know what you’re paying for, and when.

  • Throughout the design process, we monitor how each decision might affect build costs. With our knowledge of pricing implications, you can weigh your options with confidence.

  • We also help you phase work or test alternatives when budget pressures arise—so your project stays aligned with your goals.

This is particularly valuable for homeowners embarking on a significant project for the first time.

Architectural pre-design appraisal showing budget forecast graphs, strategic layout options, and project requirements for a residential project

Designed Around You, for the Years Ahead

Homes that reflect who you are—and how you want to live

Every project is personal. We take time to understand how you live, what you love, and how your needs might evolve over time.

  • From room layouts to material choices, we design with your comfort, well-being and adaptability in mind.

  • We bring our own perspective to the table—highlighting options you may not have considered and offering honest, experienced feedback to guide decision-making.

  • Natural, breathable materials such as timber, cork and lime plaster support healthy indoor air quality and offer a tactile, enduring beauty.
    Explore our material choices in Sunset House.

  • We think long term: Many of our designs anticipate future changes, like working from home, growing families, or aging in place, so your home stays functional and joyful for years to come.

Designing around your life makes for a better home—and a better investment.

Built for Quality, Backed by Experience

Reliable, rigorous, quietly confident

We specialise in upgrading and extending existing homes, and we have a deep understanding of how to work within the constraints (and opportunities) that older buildings present.

  • Our experience spans Victorian terraces, mid-century townhouses and everything in between. We know how to adapt a building sensitively while improving comfort, performance and flow.

  • We bring technical rigour to every stage, from insulation and ventilation strategies to airtightness detailing and contract administration.

  • We think ahead to avoid problems on site, ensuring the design is clearly communicated and well-considered, keeping construction running smoothly.

  • Our calm, collaborative way of working fosters good relationships with clients, contractors and consultants—often the difference between a good project and a great one.

  • We believe in getting the fundamentals right—so you get a home that performs well, lasts longer, and feels good to live in.
    Explore our retrofit strategy services.

Clients often tell us the process felt easier than they expected. That’s no accident.

Let’s Start with a Conversation

If you’re considering a project, we’d love to hear more.

Or see our full range of services before you get in touch.

Common Questions About Our Approach

  • Absolutely. We offer a paid home visit and appraisal service that test what’s possible for your site, goals, and budget—so you can proceed with clarity.

  • We specialise in fabric-first, sensitive retrofits that upgrade thermal performance and comfort without compromising character. As Passivhaus designers, we use detailed energy modelling to make smart, informed design decisions

  • Not at all. While energy performance is always part of our thinking, we work on a wide range of homes—including extensions, refurbishments, and interiors—always balancing sustainability with beauty and practicality.

  • We talk about costs from the very beginning. We test options, advise on value-for-money upgrades, and help you phase or adjust scope when needed—so you stay in control.

  • We favour natural, breathable materials like timber, cork and lime plaster that support healthy indoor air, reduce carbon, and bring warmth and beauty to the space.