Business Details
37 Years
experience
Expert Residential Architects London
B B Partnership is a residential architecture practice with over 30 years of experience delivering technically demanding projects across London and the surrounding area. We specialise in creating buildable, innovative solutions for developers and homeowners, combining design creativity with financial pragmatism. Our expertise spans housing schemes of all scales, heritage properties, co-living developments, and new-build homes. As an employee-owned practice since 2016, we maintain a dedicated team invested in every project's success. We navigate complex planning challenges, optimise site potential, and ensure compliance with building regulations while maintaining design integrity.Our RIBA Chartered status reflects our commitment to architectural excellence and technical proficiency. We act as Principal Designer under CDM regulations and Building Safety legislation, providing comprehensive compliance oversight. Our collaborative approach involves stakeholders early to resolve issues proactively, ensuring projects meet both client aspirations and regulatory requirements. With certified Passive House designers and specialists in listed building conversions, we balance modern living needs with historic preservation. Our process follows the RIBA Plan of Work, delivering projects from strategic definition through to post-occupancy evaluation.
Services
Residential architecture
Heritage conservation
Executive delivery
Principal designer
Co-living schemes
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 30+ years' experience in London's complex residential architecture sector
- Employee-owned practice ensures dedicated, invested project teams
- Specialists in navigating London planning and heritage requirements
- Act as Principal Designer under CDM and Building Safety legislation
- Certified Passive House designers for sustainable residential solutions
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
What people say
Unsurpassed London planning knowledge
Creative and pragmatic design
Excellent project management
Reliable and professional
Skilled in complex builds
Services
Residential architecture
We create innovative residential solutions for developers and homeowners. Our expertise covers new-build homes, property extensions, and complete refurbishments. We specialise in balancing design creativity with financial viability, ensuring practical, buildable outcomes that meet modern living standards while respecting existing structures and planning constraints.
Heritage conservation
Our team specialises in preserving historic buildings while adapting them for modern use. We handle all grades of listed buildings and properties in conservation areas. Through careful planning and technical expertise, we maintain architectural heritage value while implementing necessary upgrades for energy efficiency, accessibility, and contemporary living requirements.
Executive delivery
We provide detailed design and construction phase services for projects with existing planning approval. Our executive delivery role includes technical coordination, building regulations compliance, and on-site construction management. We work collaboratively with concept architects and contractors to ensure design integrity throughout the build process.
Principal designer
As Principal Designer under CDM regulations, we ensure health and safety compliance throughout projects. Our role includes risk assessment, design coordination, and preparation of health and safety documentation. We manage building regulations compliance and liaise with regulatory authorities to maintain full project legality.
Co-living schemes
We design purpose-built co-living and student accommodation developments. Our approach combines efficient space planning with communal facilities to create functional, attractive living environments. We handle planning applications, design coordination, and compliance requirements for large-scale shared living projects across London.
People
Julian Williams
Director
Qualified architect with 25+ years' experience in residential design. Specialises in complex planning applications and heritage projects. Certified Passive House designer who leads major developments while mentoring junior staff. Joined B B Partnership in 1999.
Manuela Barale
Director
Experienced residential architect with expertise in co-living schemes and listed building conversions. Skilled in stakeholder engagement and technical detailing. Previously worked in Milan and Dublin on commercial and residential projects. Joined B B Partnership in 2007.
Susan Price
Director
Residential specialist with 20+ years' experience in new-build and refurbishment projects. Focuses on optimising site potential while maintaining design integrity. Expert in navigating planning challenges for complex developments. Joined B B Partnership in 2011.
Leonard Appleby
Associate
Technical specialist with 20+ years' experience in heritage projects. Leads complex refurbishments and basement extensions. Expertise in adapting historic buildings for modern use while maintaining architectural integrity. Joined B B Partnership in 2010.
Astrid Rehwald
Associate
Experienced architect specialising in hotel conversions and residential refurbishments. Skilled in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing stakeholder relationships. Previously worked on Islington Square development. Joined B B Partnership in 2020.
Questions
What types of architectural projects do you specialise in?
We focus on residential architecture including new-build homes, housing schemes, co-living developments, and heritage property adaptations across London and surrounding areas.
Can you help with listed building planning applications?
Yes, we have extensive experience securing planning and listed building consent for Grade I, II*, and II properties, with specialist knowledge of London's heritage requirements.
Do you work with both developers and private clients?
Yes, we serve both sectors - providing market insight for developers and tailored design solutions for homeowners undertaking residential projects.
What is your approach to sustainable design?
We integrate passive house principles and energy-efficient solutions while considering embodied carbon in both new builds and property refurbishments.
Can you act as Principal Designer for my project?
Yes, we provide Principal Designer services under CDM regulations and Building Safety legislation, ensuring full compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
How do you handle complex planning challenges?
We employ a collaborative approach with planners and stakeholders, using phased applications and planning performance agreements to resolve issues proactively.
