Business Details
26 Years
experience
Award-Winning Residential Architects in London & Cambridge
Snell David is an established architectural practice specialising in residential projects of all scales. Our approach combines a personal, design-led methodology with technical expertise, serving clients across London, the South, South West, South East England, and East Anglia. We handle projects ranging from modest home extensions to grand new-builds and listed building refurbishments, with values between 150,000 and 5 million. Our team of directors, project architects, and technologists works collaboratively to deliver tailored solutions aligned with the RIBA Plan of Work. With offices in London and Cambridge, we prioritise clear communication, sustainable design principles, and meticulous attention to detail throughout every project phase.Our experience spans over two decades, ensuring clients benefit from proven expertise in navigating planning regulations and statutory requirements. We maintain strong relationships with consultants and specialists to coordinate comprehensive project delivery. Client satisfaction is achieved through regular review meetings and a commitment to translating individual briefs into functional, aesthetically considered spaces. Our technical department provides critical support in meeting building regulations and sustainability standards. The practice actively nurtures emerging talent through its engagement with architectural students at various stages of their education.
Services
New Build Homes
Bespoke Developments
Listed Building Refurbishment
Home Extensions
Sustainable Design
Planning Applications
Technical Drawings
Site Supervision
Heritage Consultancy
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We follow a RIBA-aligned project delivery process ensuring technical precision
- Our directors have over 20 years' experience in residential architecture
- We operate dual offices covering London and five UK regions
- We maintain in-house technical expertise for building regulations compliance
- Our team includes registered architects and certified technologists
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
Services
New Build Homes
We design and deliver bespoke new build homes tailored to client specifications. Our process includes site analysis, planning applications, and detailed construction documentation. Projects range from 150,000 to 5 million, with a focus on sustainable materials and energy-efficient design solutions that meet modern living requirements.
Listed Building Refurbishment
Specialist refurbishment of listed buildings requiring careful preservation of historical features. Our team navigates complex planning regulations while integrating modern amenities. We conduct thorough condition assessments and produce detailed conservation plans to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and maintain architectural integrity.
Home Extensions
We create functional extensions that enhance living spaces while maintaining structural coherence. Services include feasibility studies, planning submissions, and detailed design work. Our approach balances aesthetic appeal with practical considerations, ensuring seamless integration with existing architecture and compliance with local building regulations.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design service incorporates energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials throughout projects. We provide thermal performance analysis and recommend renewable energy solutions. The team ensures compliance with environmental standards while maintaining design quality and functionality across residential developments of all scales.
Planning Applications
We manage full planning application processes for residential projects. This includes preparing technical drawings, coordinating with statutory authorities, and addressing consultation requirements. Our experience ensures efficient navigation of planning policies, maximising approval chances while maintaining design intent and client objectives.
People
James Snell
Director
Director with over 20 years' experience in residential architecture. Qualified RIBA architect, specialising in new builds and refurbishments. Previously worked at HTA Architects before co-founding Snell David in 2000. Leads major projects and oversees practice management.
Steven Carroll
Director
London-based director qualified with RIBA. Specialises in residential projects for new and listed buildings. Joined Snell David in 2010, bringing expertise from commercial architecture backgrounds. Oversees London office operations and project delivery.
James Cattle
Associate Director
Associate director in Cambridge with over a decade's experience. Qualified architect with expertise in residential schemes. Joined Snell David in 2013, progressing to leadership role. Manages complex projects and mentors junior staff across East Anglia.
Alan Smith
Senior Architectural Technologist
Senior technologist with extensive listed building experience. Provides technical leadership on regulatory compliance. Qualified with MCIAT, specialising in construction detailing. Joined Snell David in 2018, bringing regional expertise from East Anglia's heritage projects.
Richard David
Consultant
Co-founder with background in commercial architecture. Provides strategic guidance to practice. Qualified RIBA architect, maintaining involvement in key projects. Brings cross-sector experience from industrial and retail architecture to residential specialism.
Questions
What types of architectural projects do you specialise in?
We specialise in residential architecture including new builds, home extensions, and listed building refurbishments. Our projects range from £150,000 to £5 million across London and the South of England.
How does your project delivery process work?
Our RIBA-aligned process includes five stages: Survey, Options Appraisal, Planning, Detail Design, and Site Operations. We tailor this framework to each project's specific requirements while maintaining technical precision.
Which areas do you cover?
We operate from London and Cambridge offices, serving clients across London, the South, South West, South East England, and East Anglia with consistent service quality.
Can you handle listed building projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with listed buildings. Our team understands heritage requirements and statutory regulations, ensuring preservation of historical features while implementing modern improvements.
Do you offer sustainable design solutions?
Sustainability is integral to our designs. We incorporate energy-efficient systems, recommend eco-friendly materials, and ensure thermal performance standards are met across all residential projects.
How do you manage planning applications?
We handle full planning submissions including technical drawings, statutory consultations, and impact assessments. Our experience ensures efficient navigation of local authority requirements while maintaining design integrity.
