Islington Architects for Period Homes, Extensions and Retrofit

Residential Architecture in Islington

Studio CMA is a residential architecture practice working across Islington, with a focus on period homes, energy upgrades and thoughtful extensions. Based just over the borough boundary in Dalston, we’ve lived locally for almost 20 years and have worked on Islington homes for over 15 — from Canonbury to Whitehall Park. That long-standing experience means we know how these buildings are put together, how light moves through them, where they tend to lose heat, and what matters when applying for planning permission. Whether it’s a loft, basement, retrofit or full reorganisation, we help you make intelligent, well-judged improvements that feel right for your home and street — and last for years to come.

Recent Projects in Islington

We’ve worked across several of Islington’s conservation areas, combining sensitive design with long-term performance upgrades. On Prebend Street, a phased retrofit reorganised a classic Canonbury terrace around daylight and flow — from loft to stair to kitchen. In St Paul Street, within the Arlington Square Conservation Area, we extended and opened up a narrow Victorian home, creating calm spaces above a new basement. And on Gladsmuir Road, in Whitehall Park, we reworked the rear of the house with a vaulted extension that draws in morning sun and garden views. These projects reflect our wider experience as Islington architects — focused on solid-wall homes, low-energy strategies, and careful modernisation that respects the fabric and character of each street.

How We Work With You

Most of our clients come to us with a mix of ambition and uncertainty. They want more space, better comfort, or lower energy bills, but aren’t sure what’s possible or how to begin. That’s where we start. Our approach is clear, collaborative and tailored to homes like yours.

We begin by listening, understanding how you live now and what you want to change. From there, we explore design options, guide you through planning, and help you make confident decisions about budget, timing and materials. We bring technical rigour to retrofitting older buildings and a calm, detailed approach to delivering work on site.

Every project begins with a Pre-Design Appraisal. This is a structured, low-risk way to explore your home’s potential, understand constraints, and get a clear picture of costs before committing to full design fees.

Whether you’re early in your thinking or ready to brief a builder, we help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We combine vision with delivery, always aiming to create homes that are brighter, warmer, quieter and more sustainable, with as little stress as possible along the way.

Explore our approach

Specialists in Low-Energy Retrofits

We specialise in upgrading London’s existing homes to be warmer, healthier and dramatically more efficient — without unnecessary disruption. As certified Passivhaus designers, we focus on breathable natural materials, smart ventilation and precision detailing that works with the building, not against it.

Many of our retrofit projects reduce energy use by three to ten times. We often work to the EnerPHit and AECB retrofit standards, which offer high levels of comfort and carbon reduction while remaining realistic for period homes in boroughs like Islington.

Read about our sustainable ethos or learn more about the AECB or Passivhaus EnerPHit standard.

Planning in Islington’s Conservation Areas

Much of Islington falls within designated conservation areas, where even modest changes to windows, roofs or rear extensions can require careful justification. We have direct experience working in Canonbury, Arlington Square and Whitehall Park, and understand how to design for both heritage value and long-term performance.

Our early-stage planning research helps avoid costly missteps and dead-ends. We assess what’s achievable before design work begins, giving you confidence that your brief is realistic and your project has a strong chance of approval.

Let’s Talk About Your Islington Project

We offer a free 30-minute call to talk through your home, your ideas, and how we can help. Whether you’re planning a renovation, extension or retrofit, we’ll share honest advice and local insight to help you take the next step with confidence.

Book a Call

FAQs

  • Yes. We have delivered projects in both areas and understand their planning sensitivities. We know how to design thoughtful upgrades that align with both your vision and council policy.

  • In many cases, yes. You may need planning permission, especially for changes to windows, roofs or front facades. We guide you through what is allowed and how to improve comfort within the rules.

  • That depends on the scope, size, and level of performance you want to achieve. We offer early-stage cost forecasting to help you plan and prioritise. Our Pre-Design Appraisal is the best way to start.

  • You gain local insight, planning familiarity, and someone who understands the borough’s unique building stock. We know what types of designs get approved and what is likely to get stuck.