Cotswolds Architects for Collaborative 3D Design

RIBA Chartered Architects - Helping You to Design Your Dream Home

Creative & Sustainable
New-Build

We help self-builders looking to design their dream eco-home, and land owners looking to maximise the potential of their plot. We have a proven track record of securing planning permission within challenging design constraints such as conservation areas, national parks, the Cotswolds AONB and near listed buildings.

Contemporary Extensions

We design beautiful contemporary extensions. Transform your living space by adding natural light, improving the connection with the outdoors and creating harmony between spaces.

stroud architect modern extension gloucestershire

Listed and Heritage Property Alterations

Do you have a listed building or period Cotswolds property which lacks natural light, feels disconnected from the outside and has poor flow between living spaces? We are experts at turning period properties into functional homes, customised for modern living.

Malmesbury architect period property modern extension

Sensitively Designed Barn Conversions

We are architects skilled at working with listed buildings such as barn conversions, in conservation areas and AONBs and with complex design constraints. Let us help you to make the best use of your existing building.

Gloucestershire barn conversion

Testimonials

  • “Josh has delivered a first class service and goes above and beyond to ensure you receive a a great client experience. We have benefitted from his professional advice, creative ideas and support every step of the way.”

    Jayne

  • “Joshua has done a great job for us, he is full of creative ideas and he has a good understanding of all the technical aspects and requirements too. Easy to do business with, always prompt and we got planning through without any hitches.”

    Hugh

  • "He just has a vision for how to create beautiful homes. He listens, he works with you, he guides you and above all he is super patient and knows his stuff. We are so beyond happy he has designed our dream home"

    Tiffany and Purdie

Our Process

We center our architectural design work around a collaborative design process, involving you in every design decision and listening carefully to your feedback. We don’t push a ‘house style’ on our clients, instead we create custom designs which aim to meet your brief and exceed your expectations.

We utilise 3D design software as a core part of our process, helping you to visualise the completed building long before work starts on site, without relying solely on 2D drawings. This empowers you to make informed design decisions.

Most projects start with a pre-design consultation which gives us the opportunity to meet you on site and dedicate time to exploring the feasibility of your project, providing you with expert design and budgeting advice.

Following this initial consultation we will send you a fee proposal which breaks down all the steps needed to take your project from the seed of an idea to a completed building. Get in touch to start your design journey today.

  • After initial contact we’ll usually arrange a quick phone or video call to find out more about your project, listen to your outline ideas, and make sure that we’re a good fit to help you moving forward.

  • As part of our pre-design consultation service we will visit the site with you in person to discuss your ideas in greater detail. We’ll also look at the opportunities and constraints of your site so that we can advise you on what is possible, and suggest ideas you may not have thought about.

    Following this initial consultation we’ll give you practical budgeting advice as well as provide you with a detailed fee proposal to assist you moving forward.

  • Once you decide to go ahead the next step is to arrange a measured survey of your property.

    This provides us with highly accurate measurements of the existing site and buildings in a format we can use in our CAD software. In most cases this service will be provided by a specialist third party surveyor using precision laser scanning equipment, to ensure accuracy, though on very small projects we may carry out the survey ourselves.

  • This is where the fun starts. We will compile the survey information into a 3D model of the existing property and then begin to generate concept design ideas based on your brief.

    We will hold meetings with you and will collaboratively iterate the design based on our discussions.

    We find that most clients are delighted with the design after one or two meetings, however we will keep making changes until you are 100% satisfied.

  • Once we’ve agreed a concept design with you it is often a good idea to obtain a budget cost estimate for the project. This step is optional, but makes sure that the concept design is affordable for you before we proceed with a planning application.

  • Once the concept design has been agreed we will develop relevant areas of the design further in preparation for a planning application.

    We will then prepare a high quality package of drawings and information ready to submit with your planning application.

    We’ll send you a draft set of drawings to review, then we’ll handle the process with your local authority from there.

  • Once planning permission is granted we will prepare a detailed package of technical drawings and information which can be submitted to building control, and can also be used by contractors to accurately price the work and use on site during construction.

    At this stage we will usually coordinate with a structural engineer who would design any structural elements and provide calculations.

  • We can help you to find contractors, tender your project and choose the right contract for the work.

    Once work starts on site we will always be on hand to offer support. This might include helping you or your contractor with queries or changes, visiting site to review progress, or providing additional design drawings.

Start Your Design Journey Today

  • Pre-Design Consultation

    If you are brimming with ideas but uncertain about the next steps then we can help. Let us guide you through all the considerations.

  • 'Test a Sketch'

    Investigate what’s possible for your site. Create a conceptual site plan and test a sketch layout with the local planning authority

  • Full 3D Design

    Ready to design your dream home? Our full 3D design and planning service provides everything you need, including 3D CGIs.

Follow Us

For our latest updates follow us on instagram

Key Design Considerations for Architects When Planning a Project in the Cotswolds

Understanding the Unique Landscape

The Cotswolds, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and charming villages, presents architects with a distinct set of challenges and opportunities. As architects in the Cotswolds, we recognize the importance of harmonizing our designs with the natural surroundings. From the rolling hills to the honey-colored limestone, our approach revolves around preserving and enhancing the region's quintessential character.

Balancing Tradition with Innovation

In a region steeped in history and tradition, architects must strike a delicate balance between preserving heritage and embracing innovation. We embrace this challenge by weaving modern elements into traditional architecture, creating spaces that seamlessly blend past and present. From listed buildings to contemporary extensions, we approach each project with sensitivity and creativity to achieve a harmonious integration of old and new.

Navigating Planning Constraints

The Cotswolds, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), comes with stringent planning regulations aimed at preserving its unique character. As experienced architects in the Cotswolds, we understand the intricacies of navigating these planning constraints. From conservation areas to listed buildings, our expertise ensures that every design meets regulatory requirements while fulfilling the client's vision.

Maximizing Views and Light

One of the key considerations for architects in the Cotswolds is maximizing views of the breathtaking landscape and harnessing natural light to enhance living spaces. Whether it's designing expansive windows to frame panoramic vistas or strategically positioning rooms to capture sunlight throughout the day, our approach prioritizes creating homes that connect seamlessly with the surrounding environment while optimizing comfort and energy efficiency.

Collaborating with Clients for Tailored Solutions

We believe that successful architectural design in the Cotswolds stems from close collaboration between architect and client. We listen attentively to our clients' aspirations, taking into account their lifestyle, preferences, and budget. By fostering a collaborative approach, we ensure that each project reflects the unique identity of its inhabitants while respecting the timeless beauty of the Cotswolds landscape.

FAQs

  • We’re based in Fairford, near Cirencester, Gloucestershire, just outside of the Cotswolds AONB. We are approximately 20 minutes north of the Swindon junction of the M4.

  • We provide architectural services to projects across the Cotswolds and the M4 corridor including Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Somerset.

  • We can do but it’s not our preferred option. A large portion of our architectural work can be completed remotely, but we always like to visit site in person at least once. This is really important to help us gain an understanding of the site and surroundings as these play a key part in the success of the project.

    So long as a site visit has been carried out, most design consultations or client meetings are held remotely by phone or video call from then on.

    Just note that if your project is a long way away from our base in Gloucestershire then we may only be able to offer limited site support once construction work starts.

  • We are specialist residential architects, working primarily on residential projects such as new-build or self-build houses, barn conversions and modern extensions. We’re also skilled in working with listed buildings and heritage properties.

  • Every project is unique, that’s why we provide a bespoke fee proposal which is customized to the requirements of each individual site. Our initial consultation service is set as a fixed fee and is refundable if you go ahead with the project, for peace of mind. Have a look at our services pages for more information about an initial consultation or get in touch today.

  • We have a 100% planning approval record. No architect can guarantee planning permission but we are experienced at working closely with local authority planning departments to negotiate a good outcome for our clients.

    Through the use of sensitive design and illustration we have a proven track record of achieving planning permission where others have failed, particularly where there are complex constraints such as listed buildings, conservation areas and AONBs. Our ‘test a sketch’ service can be useful for this scenario.

    Planning departments that we work with regularly include Cotswolds District Council, Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Council, West Oxfordshire District Council, Tewkesbury Borough Council, Stroud District Council, Bath and Northeast Somerset Council and others.