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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chris walters

We are glad we found Armstrong Simmonds Architects to help us on our first project. We had bought a run-down terraced house near Clapham Common with the goal of extending and refurbing to increase value. John initially impressed us by first listening carefully to what we wanted to do, then showing us creative ways to achieve the results and finish we were looking for.

Safe to say we certainly have managed that and both John and Alan have been instrumental in doing so. The guidance and consideration at every step have exceeded our expectations and Alan’s attention to detail during the build has been critical for the high standards we have set for this project.

They have provided us with a service which reflects every stage of the design and build. Starting with the initial drawings, schedule of works, tendering and interior design. We also employed ASA for Contract Administration to be the key middle-man between us and the builder, which they were happy to help.

We are now underway with our second project with ASA and they have been able to deliver the final drawings for planning within a fairly tight time frame, without hindering on quality. I know the whole team worked hard to help bring our vision to life and it’s been brilliant working with them over the last 18 months. They have shown a great ability to solve any issues that arose quickly and are able to communicate effectively with different contractors at all levels. I have no doubt the next redevelopment project will go well.

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Matt Wood

We chose Alan and John for our extensive project and incredibly pleased with that choice and the result. We have a Victorian terraced house and wanted to do a classic loft conversion and ground floor extension. The Armstrong Simmonds team provided a vision which achieved our goals, but with a design we could have never have thought of ourselves which we love. We used them from start to finish and are incredibly glad we did. Alan supported us through the tender and renovation processes, and we are incredibly pleased with the end-product and the quality of work of builder Cezar of Vecchini. We would highly recommend Armstrong Simmonds for their vision, design thoughtfulness and exceptional assistance through the project. Thanks team!

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Dom & Kamilla

We worked with Alan and the team from Armstrong Simmonds for 3 years from start to finish to achieve the full renovation of a London townhouse. It was a challenging brief given the nature of the property but collectively what has been achieved is an outstanding end result. Alan and John thoughtfully incorporated our vision with the realities of converting an old Victorian house and the scrupulous attention to detail, symmetry and balance achieved in the design were instrumental in us choosing Armstrong Simmonds in the first place.

In addition Alan supported us through the tender and during the renovation working with our excellent builder Cezar of Vecchini to deliver the brief. I would highly recommend if you are looking for a team to turning your vision to the end product with a very high attention to detail while still being good humoured and a generally great guy to work with. Thanks again team. Dom and Kamilla

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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.

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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.