Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Reading
Established in 1992, Owens Galliver Architects brings over three decades of architectural expertise to a diverse range of projects. Our practice is built on the principles of creative design, technical proficiency, and a deep understanding of regulatory and environmental contexts. With a focus on residential, commercial, and heritage projects, we specialise in navigating complex planning landscapes, including Conservation Areas and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our team, led by Senior Partner Chris Owens, combines academic excellence from institutions like Cambridge University with hands-on experience in construction management and historic preservation.We prioritise client collaboration, ensuring bespoke solutions that balance functionality with aesthetic appeal. Our work spans new builds, barn conversions, listed building renovations, and urban regeneration schemes. With a proven track record in securing planning approvals and delivering projects across southern England, we maintain a commitment to sustainability and innovation. Our approach integrates modern construction methods like SIPs and renewable energy systems while respecting traditional craftsmanship. As a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales, we uphold professional standards and ethical practices in all our endeavours.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Development
Listed Building Renovation
Planning Consultancy
Heritage Conservation
Urban Regeneration
Sustainable Design
Barn Conversions
Feasibility Studies
Construction Management
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- 38 years of architectural expertise from Senior Partner Chris Owens
- Specialists in planning approvals for sensitive contexts
- Proven track record in listed building conservation
- Comprehensive services from feasibility studies to construction
- Recipient of local design award shortlisting
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
What people say
Exceptional heritage knowledge
Creative problem-solving
Detailed planning expertise
Services
Residential Architecture
We create bespoke residential solutions ranging from modest extensions to major new builds. Our expertise includes navigating planning constraints in sensitive areas while maintaining design integrity. Projects incorporate modern construction methods like SIPs and renewable energy systems, balancing contemporary living needs with environmental considerations.
Listed Building Renovation
Specialists in preserving historic structures while implementing modern functionality. Our approach combines detailed historical research with practical conservation techniques. We secure necessary consents and manage complex regulatory requirements for Grade II and Grade I listed properties across southern England.
Commercial Development
Delivering commercial projects from office complexes to retail spaces. We handle full project cycles including feasibility studies, planning applications, and construction management. Recent work includes adaptive reuse of historic buildings and sustainable urban developments in conservation areas.
Planning Consultancy
Navigating complex planning processes with local authorities and heritage bodies. Our track record includes successful appeals against officer recommendations and securing approvals for windfall sites. We prepare detailed statements and heritage assessments to support applications.
Urban Regeneration
Transforming town centre sites with challenging constraints. Our experience includes flood risk mitigation, listed building integration, and infrastructure improvements. We collaborate with environmental agencies to deliver schemes that enhance urban environments while respecting historical contexts.
People
Chris Owens
Senior Partner
Chartered Architect with 38 years' experience, holding degrees from Cambridge University and Oxford Polytechnic. Specialises in historic building conservation and complex planning applications. Leads client relationships and project design while maintaining technical oversight across all projects.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in residential architecture, commercial developments, listed building conservation, and urban regeneration projects across southern England.
How do you handle planning applications in sensitive areas?
Our team has extensive experience securing approvals in Conservation Areas and AONBs through detailed heritage assessments and negotiated solutions.
Can you work on listed buildings?
Yes, we're specialists in listed building renovations with expertise in obtaining Listed Building Consents and Faculty approvals.
What regions do you cover?
Primarily West Berkshire and Thames Valley, with completed projects in Reading, Oxford, Southampton, Bristol, and London areas.
Do you offer full project management?
We provide comprehensive services from feasibility studies through planning and construction phases to project completion.
How do you approach sustainable design?
We integrate modern methods like SIPs construction and renewable energy systems while maintaining architectural integrity in all our projects.
