Horsley Townsend Architects provides architectural services in Ilkley and across Yorkshire, with a wide-ranging portfolio of projects extending throughout England and Scotland.
We have worked on a diverse range of architectural projects in Ilkley and Ben Rhydding, from home extensions and property refurbishments to new-build houses. Our experience also extends to larger commercial projects and work involving historic and listed buildings.
The locations in which we’ve worked are as varied as the projects themselves and include Conservation Areas, National Parks, open countryside and towns. This experience has taught us the importance of developing an architectural response that considers not only what our client wants to achieve, but also the character and setting of the existing property or site.
Residential Architects in Ilkley
Whether you’re considering extending your home, altering its existing layout, carrying out a more substantial refurbishment or building a new house, good architectural design starts with understanding what you want the property to do for you.
Sometimes the answer is additional space. In other cases, rethinking the layout and relationship between existing rooms can make a significant difference without simply making the building larger.
We have worked on home extensions, house alterations, refurbishments and new-build homes in Ilkley and Ben Rhydding and bring the same design-led approach to projects of different scales.
Rather than starting with a predetermined solution, we’ll discuss what you want to achieve and consider the opportunities presented by the existing property or site before developing the design.
House Extensions and Alterations
An extension can provide much-needed additional space, but we believe a successful project should also consider how the new and existing parts of the property work together.
This can involve looking at the existing layout, how you move between spaces and how the proposed addition relates to the rest of the house.
The architectural response will also depend on the individual property. An extension to a period building, for example, may present very different design considerations from alterations to a more contemporary home.
Our aim is to develop an approach appropriate to the property and the requirements of the people who live there, rather than applying the same architectural solution to every project.
Property Refurbishments and Remodelling
Refurbishing a property provides an opportunity to look at the building as a whole rather than concentrating on a single new addition.
For some clients this may involve substantial alterations; for others, carefully considered changes to the existing arrangement of rooms can help the property work more successfully.
At the beginning of the project we’ll talk through what currently works, what doesn’t and what you’d like to change. We can then use this understanding to begin developing ideas for the property.
New-Build Homes
A new-build home offers the opportunity to develop the design around your requirements from the outset.
The site itself is an important part of this process. Its setting and individual characteristics can influence the architectural response, so these need to be considered alongside your aspirations for the new home.
Our involvement can extend from the initial discussions and design development through planning, Building Regulations and detailed construction information to architectural support during the construction phase.
Commercial Architectural Services
In addition to providing residential architectural services throughout Ilkley, we have completed major commercial projects, including the extensive alteration and extension of Grade I listed buildings.
Our experience also includes work involving Grade II listed buildings, restaurants and the extensive renovation and refurbishment of a Grade I listed hotel.
Commercial buildings bring their own practical and architectural requirements. Understanding how the property needs to function is therefore an important part of our approach, alongside considering the character of the building and its surroundings.
We work with our clients to understand these requirements before developing an appropriate design response.
Listed Buildings and Conservation Architecture
Working with listed and historic buildings requires a particularly considered approach.
Our experience includes projects involving Grade I and Grade II listed buildings, as well as properties in Conservation Areas and other sensitive locations.
Historic buildings can present very different challenges from new construction. Before proposing alterations, it is important to understand the existing building and the qualities that contribute to its architectural character.
Our experience of conservation projects allows us to approach these buildings sensitively while considering how they can continue to meet the requirements of the people and organisations that use them.
The appropriate solution will always depend on the particular building. Rather than adopting a standard approach to historic properties, we develop designs in response to the individual project.
How We Work
We pride ourselves on offering a combination of excellent design skills with technical and professional experience.
Horsley Townsend Architects was established in 2001 and we are members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Our clients in Ilkley benefit from our experience of working on a wide range of different projects, from alterations to residential properties through to larger commercial and industrial projects.
Just as importantly, we believe that clients should understand how their project will progress and have the flexibility to choose the level of architectural support they require.
Your Initial Meeting
We’ll begin by meeting you at the property.
This gives us an opportunity to see the building or site for ourselves and, importantly, to understand what you’d like to achieve. We can talk through any ideas you already have or, if you’re looking for inspiration, begin discussing possibilities for the project.
There is no charge for this initial meeting.
Afterwards, we’ll send you a written quotation setting out our proposed fees before taking the project any further. This means you’ll have the opportunity to consider the proposed architectural service and costs before deciding whether you’d like to proceed.
The Four Stages of Your Architectural Project
Our work is carried out using standard RIBA appointments. In practical terms, this provides flexibility because you can appoint us to carry out one or all of the four broad stages involved in a project.
Stage One – Design and Planning
The first stage takes the project through the development of the design and, where required, up to the submission of a valid planning application.
This is where the ideas discussed at the beginning of the project are developed into an architectural proposal.
The design needs to consider what you want to achieve alongside the characteristics of the existing property or site. Once the proposal has been developed to the appropriate point, the information required for the planning application can be prepared.
Stage Two – Building Regulations
The second stage takes the project through to the submission of a Building Regulations application.
Planning and Building Regulations are separate processes and serve different purposes. As the project moves beyond planning, the design therefore needs to be developed with the information required for the Building Regulations stage.
Stage Three – Construction Drawings
The third stage is the preparation of construction drawings, plans and other relevant information.
These drawings develop the project in greater detail and can be used to help you obtain quotations from builders.
Once you’ve selected a builder you’re happy to work with, the construction information can then be used as the project progresses to the building stage.
Stage Four – Support During Construction
The fourth stage allows us to continue working with you while your project is being constructed.
Questions and decisions can arise as a design moves from drawings to a physical building, so continuing architectural involvement can provide useful continuity during this part of the project.
Choose the Architectural Services You Need
You don’t necessarily have to appoint us for every stage.
Some clients may initially want our help to develop a design and take it through planning, while others prefer us to remain involved through Building Regulations, construction drawings and the building work itself.
Working to standard RIBA appointments gives you the flexibility to choose the stages appropriate to your project, requirements and budget.
Talk to Our Architects About Your Ilkley Project
If you’re considering an extension, refurbishment, remodelling project or new-build home in Ilkley or Ben Rhydding, or you’re planning work to a commercial, historic or listed building, the first step can simply be a conversation about what you have in mind.
We’ll meet you at the property, discuss your ideas and begin exploring what you’re hoping to achieve. There is no charge for this initial meeting and we’ll provide a written quotation before you decide whether you’d like to take the project further.
