Multi-Unit

Multi-unit residential developments are a dynamic solution to the growing housing demand in London – offering both architectural opportunity and commercial value. Whether you are building a small collection of apartments or a larger multi-unit housing scheme, every successful project begins with strategic design, precise planning, and a clear vision.

At Armstrong Simmonds Architects, we bring together creative thinking, technical knowledge, and South East & London-specific experience to deliver high-quality multi-unit developments. From initial feasibility studies to detailed planning applications and construction delivery, our architect studio provides end-to-end architectural services tailored to the multi-residential sector.

Looking for Experienced Architects in London?

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.

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Unlock the Potential of Your Multi-Unit Development in London

Developing a multi-unit building, whether a purpose-built block of flats or the conversion of a large existing property, presents both opportunities and constraints. The key is to find the balance between maximising unit numbers, achieving high design standards, and aligning with planning and building regulations.

As residential architects, we understand how to extract value from complex sites, designing efficient, liveable units that meet both developer goals and resident expectations.

Our team has worked across a range of London boroughs, dealing with:

New-build multi-unit apartment buildings
House-to-flats conversions and backland schemes
Infill developments on tight urban plots
Multi-unit house plans for rental schemes

Our approach focuses not just on density, but on quality, daylight, layout efficiency and amenity space. Whether you are building 3, 8, or 20+ units, we ensure your development performs commercially, technically and visually.

Why Choose Our Multi-Unit Residential Design Services

As a RIBA Chartered architect studio, we are trusted by private developers, landowners, and investment clients across London for our insight, precision, and ability to deliver.

Here’s why our clients partner with us for multi-unit projects:

Feasibility-Driven Concept Design – We test different unit configurations and layouts from the outset to find the optimum design for your site and objectives.
Planning Expertise – We understand the nuances of local authority policy, including housing mix, amenity requirements, and space standards.
Bespoke Design Solutions – Every site and scheme is different. We bring a contextual approach that balances creativity with compliance.
Efficient Unit Layouts – Our multi-unit floor plans maximise usable space, privacy, and daylight, while maintaining build efficiency.
Coordination with Consultants – We manage collaboration with structural engineers, planning consultants, M&E teams, and others – ensuring a fully coordinated proposal.
End-to-End Delivery – From concept to construction support, our architectural services cover every stage of your project lifecycle.

Our team also produces presentation material for investor packs, pre-application advice, and community consultation – helping to build support around your proposal.

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Our Process for Multi-Unit Housing Projects

Our multi-unit process is structured, transparent, and fully tailored to the scale and ambition of your scheme:

Concept

Briefing & Survey

Armstrong Simmonds Architects will work with you to develop a concept design, sketching layout options to explore the potential of the property. We will also carry out a full measured survey of the property and its surroundings, allowing us to produce an accurate set of drawings.

Planning

Application & Scheme Design

Following on from the briefing we will prepare a set of scale drawings reflecting the range of ideas discussed. We will prepare and submit the planning application, liaising with the council as needed throughout the process. Our extensive experience will help facilitate a smooth planning process.

Visualisation

3D Modelling Services

To help you visualise the space in three dimensions we can produce internal and / or external views of your project. This can also be a useful tool to demonstrate the merits of the scheme to planners.

Technical

Building Control and Detailing

We will produce detailed technical drawings including drainage and electrical layouts, consulting with you to ensure the design meets your needs. We will then submit to building control and manage the approval process. As part of our architectural services during this process we can assist you in appointing other consultants, for example the structural engineer or party wall surveyor.

Specification

Interior Architecture and Schedules

We offer interior architecture and design for a high spec finish. We can produce further detailed information integrating specialist glazing components, floor finishes, joinery and bespoke staircase design as required.

Interior Design

Furniture, Fittings & Equipment

We provide Interior design architecture services ourselves or through collaboration with other London based Interior Designers, who may also be appointed by the client.
We are happy to specify FF&E (furniture, fittings and equipment) for the project, providing a complete “one-stop” shop for your development.

Tendering

Prices and Builders

We will help you make an informed choice on an appropriate contractor. We maintain a selective tender list of contractors especially in the local London area, who we have experience working with on site. We will prepare tender documentation and appraise their quotes.

On Site

Contract Administration

Armstrong Simmonds Architects facilitates the implementation of the design by administrating a contract between you and the contractor. Amongst a wide array of architectural services, this will include undertaking site visits to monitor the quality of construction and handle any on-site queries from the contractor.

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FAQ

What is considered a multi-unit development?

A multi-unit development refers to any residential building or site that contains more than one self-contained living unit. This can include flats, maisonettes, or co-living units within a shared structure.

Do you handle planning applications for multi-unit schemes?

Yes. We manage the full planning process - from pre-app and design development to final submission and communication with planning officers.

What size of multi-unit project do you take on?

We work across a range of scales, typically from 2 to 50 units. Whether it's a modest backland scheme or a new-build apartment block, we tailor our services to match your ambitions and budget.

Can you help make a single house into flats?

Absolutely. We have experience converting large houses into multiple apartments, carefully managing layout, fire compliance, and amenity space while maintaining the architectural character.

Customer
reviews

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Michael van Ree

John and his team have been brilliant to work with for our full house renovation and extension in SW London. Our house is quite unique and that combined with it being in a conservation area we knew it wouldn't be a straight forward planning process - but Armstrong Simmonds did a fantastic job and helped us navigate us through every step. We couldn't be happier with the detailed design and outcome.

Linda Roberts

Architects Armstrong Simmonds were appointed by us to turn our concept of open plan living into reality, which they did with extraordinary vision and design flair. The AS team listened carefully to our ideas and transformed an ordinary detached house into a breathtakingly beautiful home that offered light, space and a lifestyle that exactly reflected our needs and requirements. AS worked closely with us and our builder, and their focus to detail in the design and build was impressive. This young architectural practice in our opinion, offers something more. They listen, understand and are unique in their ability to conceptualise, plan and build with imagination, whilst considering aesthetics and functionality. Linda and Allan Roberts ...>>

Rowena Carter

I cannot recommend Armstrong and Simmonds architects highly enough. Within minutes of John meeting us at our home he had understood our brief and was sharing a vision that ticked all of our boxes.We had met with other architects who did not inspire us and told us the shape we wanted for our extension would not be possible. John had excellent knowledge of the local planning rules, researched planning submissions in the immediate area and was confident that he would get our application through - and he did! During the detailed design process John and his team listened closely to how we wanted to use the space. He came up with many design features and solutions to save costs and keep our dream design within our budget. Throughout the process they delivered an innovative plan that felt personal to us in a professional and timely manner. We found John and his team to be responsive, helpful and caring. They went above and beyond to get our project over the line and I have no hesitation in recommending the firm to anyone looking at home extension/improvement. We would not look anywhere else for any future builds! ...>>

Rebecca Wheelhouse

We had a fantastic experience with John and the team at Armstrong Simmonds. We have a beautiful home and would happily use them for our next project.... hopefully even bigger next time! Flawless from beginning to end, I thoroughly recommend them.

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