New Build Architects in London

Designing a new home requires more than an architectural idea. It involves careful coordination between planning policy, site constraints, construction logic and long-term value.

Armstrong Simmonds Architects is a London-based architectural studio working across residential projects including new build homes, extensions and renovations. Our team supports homeowners, developers and property investors in designing houses that are both architecturally refined and practical to build. From early feasibility studies to technical design and construction support, we guide projects through a clear and structured architectural process.

Whether the project is a private house, an infill site or a compact urban plot, our approach focuses on spatial clarity, proportion, natural light and carefully considered materials that respond to the character of the location.

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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Our Approach to New Build Projects

Successful new build house architects balance design ambition with planning policy and construction realities from the earliest stages. Our process follows a clear architectural structure that allows the project to evolve logically without unnecessary design changes later.

Our architectural process typically focuses on:

clear project briefing and site analysis
planning strategy aligned with local policy
coordinated technical design
construction support through to project completion

Each stage plays an important role in shaping a well-resolved new build home.

Featured Residential Architecture Projects

Explore a selection of residential architecture projects designed by our London architects. Our portfolio includes new builds, house extensions, renovations, loft conversions and bespoke residential developments across the capital. Each project reflects our design-led approach, combining spatial clarity, natural light and carefully considered materials.

See more projects

Designing a new build home in London requires careful consideration of both architectural quality and planning policy. The following section explains how planning permission typically shapes the design of new houses across the capital.

Planning Permission for New Build Homes

For new build homes in London, planning permission often depends on factors such as building height, massing, the relationship to neighbouring properties and the character of the surrounding streetscape. The planning stage frequently determines what can ultimately be built on a site and how successfully the design integrates within its context.

Planning submissions must clearly demonstrate how a proposal responds to local policy, surrounding buildings and residential amenity considerations such as daylight, privacy and access. A well prepared planning strategy ensures that the proposal reads as a coherent architectural response rather than a collection of disconnected drawings.

At Armstrong Simmonds Architects we guide clients through this process by testing design options early and aligning architectural intent with planning policy before submitting the application.

This approach typically results in:

a clearer and more robust planning submission
fewer redesign stages during the approval process
stronger alignment between approved drawings and the built outcome

How We Deliver Your Project

We combine creative thinking with technical expertise to guide you through every stage of your project — from concept to completion. The process typically includes the following key phases.

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 - Frequently Asked Questions

When is the right time to involve an architect in a new build project?

Early architectural input helps assess feasibility, planning constraints and potential risks before significant investment is made.

Will an architect manage the planning application process?

Yes. We prepare planning drawings, coordinate consultants and manage the submission, while responding to feedback from planning officers throughout the process.

What is included in the technical design stage?

Technical design typically includes coordinated construction drawings, structural integration, building regulation compliance and detailed information suitable for tendering and construction.

How can an architect help keep a new build project within budget?

By structuring key design decisions early, coordinating technical information and reducing the need for changes during construction, which are often the main source of cost increases.

How should architect fees for a new build project be evaluated?

It is important to compare what is included at each stage of the service rather than focusing only on headline fees. Clear deliverables and well-coordinated information often provide better long-term value.

How do architects stay up to date with current standards and regulations?

Architects regularly follow industry guidance, technical standards and regulatory updates to ensure that each project complies with current requirements and reflects best practice.

Cost Control at Design Stage

Architect costs for new builds projects are only one part of the overall project budget. In practice, uncontrolled scope changes and poorly coordinated design information often have a much larger impact on construction cost.

Cost control begins during design development. By establishing structural strategy, spatial organisation and key design decisions early, the project can progress without major revisions later in the process.

When reviewing architect costs for new builds, it is important to compare what each stage includes rather than focusing solely on headline fees. Clear deliverables, coordinated information and a structured design process are often what ultimately keep construction costs under control.

Cost control at design stage typically involves:

establishing structural strategy early
coordinating architectural and engineering information
reducing design changes during construction
issuing clear tender drawings for contractor pricing

Why Clients Choose Us

Clients appoint new build house architects in London when they want a design-led home that is also carefully resolved for construction.

Armstrong Simmonds Architects provide:

a RIBA Chartered architectural practice with over 16 years of residential experience
strong understanding of London planning policies and borough requirements
carefully developed architectural design supported by technical clarity
coordinated information suitable for tendering and construction
architectural services from concept design through to project completion
experience designing houses within complex London planning contexts

Our goal is always the same: to deliver architecture that feels considered, functional and enduring.

Let’s Discuss Your Project

If you are planning a new build home and are looking for experienced architects in London, our team would be pleased to discuss your project.
From early feasibility and planning strategy to detailed design and construction support, Armstrong Simmonds Architects provide a complete architectural service tailored to new build homes.

0207 228 1324 Get in touch via phone

[email protected] Get in touch via email

Armstrong Simmonds Architects Ltd

Unit 23, Battersea Business Centre,
99-109 Lavender Hill, London, SW11 5QL