London is full of historic charm – and owning a listed building can be both a privilege and a challenge. These properties come with special rules, but also incredible potential. Whether you’re planning a renovation, restoration, or a complete transformation, working with architects who have experience dealing with listed buildings can make all the difference.
At Armstrong Simmonds Architects, we help you protect the past while creating something ready for the future.

Aside from providing you with a beautiful design, your architect needs to navigate complex
planning and building laws that regulate the construction industry. Therefore, appointing a
practice with the right amount of experience is the key to a smooth project delivery. Although
not essential, appointing a RIBA chartered practice is also an important factor to consider.
Being RIBA Chartered means that the practice must adhere to a code of conduct of
professionalism and ethics which ensure quality control within the Architectural industry. The
experience of the practice within London is another important factor to consider, particularly,
as each borough has different modes of operation which can influence the design process.
Whilst the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) provides the backbone for planning
policy, each individual borough will have its own set of policy and guidance. A particular
challenge within the borough of London is the planning process for basement design. For
such a complex undertaking, stringent planning requirements must be met in the form of
traffic reports, geology surveys and more. Another challenge is the added complexity of
working with historic buildings. If your building is within a conservation area, a designated
building of interest, or a listed building, any work to that building or surrounding area will be
subject to strict requirements that are typically more rigorous than standard planning
requirements. London Architects and designers must ensure their clients are advised
appropriately on the process and that suitable consultants are appointed to conduct the
necessary work.

Listed buildings are protected for a reason – they hold architectural, historical, or cultural significance. But that doesn’t mean they can’t evolve. With the right approach, you can restore, adapt, and even extend a listed property without compromising its character.
Our architect studio has expertise in thoughtful renovation and sensitive adaptation. Whether you’re restoring listed buildings to their original beauty, or making subtle updates for modern living, we balance creativity with compliance.
We offer a full range of architectural services that can be tailored to listed properties – from design development and planning applications to construction oversight – ensuring each step respects the heritage of your home.
Renovating a listed building is never a one-size-fits-all project. It demands a deep understanding of heritage constraints, planning regulations, and construction techniques that respect the original fabric of the property. That’s where we come in.
As experienced residential architects, we bring specialist knowledge and a tailored approach to every project – from delicate listed building refurbishment to larger-scale conversions.
When you choose us you’re getting a complete support system. We can collaborate with the right professionals to guide your project through concept to construction. Some other professionals who may be relevant for this type of project include planning and heritage consultants.
Working with a listed building calls for precision, patience, and expert coordination. Here’s how we guide you through the process, step by step:
Our typical survey process involves taking detailed measurements of the property which we use to develop design options. When carrying out the initial survey and briefing, we may also highlight the need to involve other specialists during the concept design process. This may be relevant for structural understanding or other matters related to the heritage asset.
We develop tailored proposals that respect the building’s heritage while meeting your brief.
We work closely with listed building specialists, surveyors, and engineers who understand the complexity of heritage work. This creates the foundation for a smooth project from day one.
From sourcing appropriate builders for listed assets to managing project timelines and budgets, we aim to communicate effectively with each party throughout the process – so your project moves forward with minimal stress.

We follow a clear, step-by-step process to ensure every flat conversion is thoughtfully designed:

If you are considering working on your listed property in London, we’d love to hear from you. Our team will help you unlock the potential of your home while supporting you from initial concept to completion.

Architect's studio