Business Details
Award-Winning Architects in Sheffield
We are Paul Testa Architecture, a Sheffield-based practice dedicated to creating beautiful, practical homes that prioritise both environmental sustainability and human well-being. Our team combines technical expertise with a passion for innovative design, specialising in residential architecture, Passivhaus standards, and retrofit projects. With extensive experience across Yorkshire and the Midlands, we work closely with clients to transform visions into energy-efficient, award-winning homes. Our approach integrates budget management, thermal modelling, and detailed construction planning to ensure client satisfaction.We hold accreditations from RIBA, ARB, and the Passivhaus Trust, reflecting our commitment to excellence. Our multidisciplinary team brings decades of collective experience in residential design, sustainability, and construction, serving clients in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, and beyond. We prioritise transparency, client collaboration, and technical precision to deliver homes that exceed expectations while minimising environmental impact.
Services
Architectural Design
Passivhaus Certification
Retrofit Strategy
Site Appraisal
Interior Design
Construction Planning
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined experience in residential architecture and sustainability.
- Our team includes certified Passive House designers and thermal modelling experts.
- We provide tailored design solutions with a focus on client satisfaction and budget control.
- We hold accreditations from RIBA, ARB, and the Passivhaus Trust.
- Our multidisciplinary approach covers site appraisal, construction, and interior design.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- ARB
- Passivhaus Trust
What people say
Excellent at what they do
Beautiful home
Highest environmental standards
Proven track record
Holistic approach
Services
Bespoke Architectural Design
Our Bespoke service delivers tailored architectural solutions for all project scales. We prioritise client satisfaction through iterative design until 100% approval, supported by 3D visuals and comprehensive construction drawings. This approach minimises cost overruns and ensures your vision becomes a reality with technical precision and aesthetic excellence.
Passivhaus Certification
Achieve optimal energy efficiency with our Passivhaus-certified designs. We use thermal modelling to ensure superior comfort, air quality, and minimal running costs. Our expertise in Passivhaus standards guarantees homes that meet rigorous environmental benchmarks while maintaining modern aesthetics and functionality.
Retrofit Strategy
Transform draughty homes into energy-efficient spaces with our holistic retrofit strategies. We identify problem areas and implement solutions using Passive House software, providing detailed action plans with cost, benefit, and timeline breakdowns. Our approach ensures long-term comfort and value retention.
Site Appraisal
Assess your site's potential with our expert appraisals. We evaluate feasibility, risks, and opportunities to inform confident purchasing decisions. Our analysis clarifies planning options and identifies value-adding design examples to guide your project's success.
Paragraph 84 Planning
Navigate complex countryside planning with our proven methodology. We specialise in securing permissions for innovative rural and Green Belt developments through staged design reviews and transparent risk assessments, ensuring compliance with Paragraph 84 requirements.
People
Alan MacDonald
Director
Alan combines problem-solving expertise with a passion for challenging architectural briefs. His focus is on delivering value through innovative design solutions. Outside work, he enjoys mountain biking and skiing.
Paul Testa
Director
Paul founded HEM with a vision to merge sustainability and architecture. He specialises in creating practical, beautiful homes and has a keen interest in Sheffield's coffee culture.
Josh Rollin
Studio Lead
Josh brings extensive residential project experience from Sheffield, Manchester, and London. He focuses on enhancing connections between people and their environments through design.
Anna Roper
Senior Architect
Anna specialises in Passivhaus design and client support. She is an avid long-distance walker, having completed the West Highland Way, with aspirations to tackle all UK national trails.
Jenny Scott
Senior Architect
Jenny has 12 years of residential design experience, focusing on large-scale housing and building safety regulations. She balances work with running, gardening, and family adventures.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in residential design, Passivhaus certification, retrofit strategies, and Green Belt planning projects.
Do you work outside Yorkshire?
Yes, we work across the Midlands, Lincolnshire, Rutland, and nationally for suitable projects.
How do you ensure project budgets are managed?
We employ detailed construction drawings and iterative design reviews to control costs and reduce risks.
Can you help with planning permission for rural sites?
Yes, we have a proven track record in securing Paragraph 84 approvals for challenging rural and Green Belt sites.
What is your approach to retrofit projects?
We use Passive House thermal modelling to create holistic retrofit plans addressing comfort, efficiency, and cost.
Do you offer interior design services?
Yes, we provide interior and fitted furniture design as an add-on to our core architectural packages.
Reviews (1)
Terry Huggett
Feb 07, 2016
Report
Working with Paul and his team is fantastic. The level of information and design to aid construction is second to none. I can recommend Paul to any one who wants a architect who not only designs a beautiful spaces but technically they perform to maximum efficacy.
