Business Details
39 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Services in Brighton
Established in 1987, we are a Brighton-based architectural practice with over three decades of experience in residential and commercial projects. Our expertise spans new builds, extensions, listed buildings, and conservation areas, supported by a near 100% success rate in planning applications. Our team combines design innovation with technical proficiency, having worked on projects ranging from small home renovations to large-scale developments across Sussex, London, and internationally. We prioritise contextual, sustainable design that balances aesthetic quality with financial viability, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising on craftsmanship. Our collaborative approach involves all stakeholders to achieve buildable, marketable, and enduring architectural solutions.With a portfolio featured in publications like the London Evening Standard, we bring both local knowledge and global perspective to every project. Our directors, including RIBA-registered architect Duncan Thomas and Certified Passivhaus Consultant Ben Murdoch, lead a practice that merges creative vision with practical execution. We specialise in navigating complex planning constraints, party wall disputes, and rights of light issues, transforming challenges into opportunities for added value. Our commitment to transparency and client collaboration has earned us recognition through awards such as the LABC South East Building Excellence Award. From initial concept to final delivery, we provide end-to-end architectural services tailored to individual client needs.
Services
Architectural Design
Planning Applications
Party Wall Services
Listed Building Consent
Cost Management
Development Consultancy
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We have a near 100% success rate in planning applications
- Our team includes RIBA-registered architects and Passivhaus consultants
- We specialise in complex projects within Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings
- We combine design innovation with cost-control expertise
- Our collaborative approach involves all stakeholders for optimal outcomes
Associations and certifications
- LABC South East Building Excellence Awards
- Green Apple International Environment Award
- Sussex Heritage Trust
What people say
Well considered design
High quality contextual designs
Excellent planning success rate
Collaborative approach
Award-winning expertise
Services
Architectural Design
We create tailored architectural solutions for residential and commercial projects, focusing on contextual sensitivity and functional innovation. Our designs maximise property potential while adhering to planning constraints. With expertise in both modern and heritage contexts, we deliver spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, sustainable, and financially viable.
Planning Applications
Our planning specialists achieve a near 100% success rate through deep understanding of local policies and strategic design approaches. We manage applications and appeals for projects in Brighton, London, and Sussex. By addressing potential objections proactively, we secure approvals for complex developments including conservation areas and listed buildings.
Party Wall Services
As members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors, we provide impartial advice on party wall matters. Our services include serving notices, preparing schedules of condition, and resolving disputes. We ensure compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 while protecting our clients' interests throughout the process.
Listed Building Consent
We specialise in obtaining listed building consents for sensitive modifications and restorations. Our approach preserves historical integrity while meeting modern requirements. With extensive experience in Brighton and Hove's conservation areas, we navigate complex heritage regulations to deliver approved, functional solutions.
Cost Management
Our cost management services ensure projects stay within budget without compromising quality. Through value engineering and early-stage cost analysis, we identify savings while maintaining design integrity. We collaborate with contractors to provide accurate cost projections and monitor expenditures throughout the construction process.
People
Duncan Thomas
Founder & RIBA Architect
RIBA-registered architect with 35+ years' experience, specialising in complex planning and party wall matters. Member of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors since 2011. Led award-winning projects across London and Brighton.
Ben Murdoch
Architect & Passivhaus Consultant
Certified Passivhaus Consultant with expertise in energy-efficient design. Specialises in retrofit projects and sustainable new builds. Qualified architect with 15+ years' experience in design-focused practices.
Alina Vernon
Practice Manager
Legal and architectural professional managing contracts and compliance. Holds Law with Business degree and brings 12+ years' experience in construction law and practice management to the team.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full architectural services including design, planning applications, party wall advice, listed building consent, cost management, and development consultancy for residential and commercial projects.
Do you work outside Brighton?
While based in Brighton, we work across Sussex, London, and occasionally internationally. Our experience includes projects in Texas and throughout the South East of England.
How do you handle planning challenges?
With a near 100% planning success rate, we use strategic design approaches and deep policy knowledge to address constraints, preparing robust applications that meet local authority requirements.
Can you assist with listed buildings?
Yes, we specialise in listed building consent applications and sensitive heritage projects. Our team understands how to preserve historical integrity while meeting modern functional needs.
What sustainability expertise do you have?
We incorporate sustainable design principles and energy efficiency measures. Our team includes a Certified Passivhaus Consultant with specialist knowledge of low-energy building standards.
How are costs managed?
We use value engineering and early-stage cost analysis to control budgets. Our development experience ensures cost-effective solutions without compromising quality through the design process.
