Residential & Commercial Architectural Services Throughout York
At Horsley Townsend Architects we have many years of experience working on a wide range of architectural projects in York and the surrounding areas. As a RIBA Chartered architectural practice, we combine imaginative design with professional and technical expertise, helping our clients develop their initial ideas into carefully considered architectural solutions.
Our experience covers everything from house extensions, remodelling and complete refurbishments to new-build homes and industrial, commercial and retail buildings. Whatever the scale of the project, we believe in bringing a fresh perspective to the design while responding to the individual requirements of our client, the existing building and its surroundings.
We are also experienced conservation architects and have worked on the renovation, restoration and alteration of Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II listed buildings throughout Yorkshire, alongside projects in conservation areas and other sensitive locations.
Residential Architects in York
Your existing home may have the potential to work much harder for you. Sometimes this means creating additional space through an extension; in other cases, remodelling the existing layout can provide a better solution.
We work on residential projects ranging from relatively straightforward extensions and alterations through to substantial refurbishments and new-build homes.
Our starting point is to understand what you want to achieve. This might be more living space, a different relationship between rooms, improved connections between the house and garden, or a more extensive transformation of an existing property.
Rather than approaching every property in the same way, we look at the existing building and its setting before developing a design appropriate to the project.
New-Build Homes
Designing a new home provides an opportunity to consider how the entire property should work from the outset.
During the early stages we can discuss your requirements, consider the site and explore different ideas before developing the architectural proposal in greater detail.
Our involvement can then continue through the appropriate planning and technical stages and, where required, into construction.
The result is a joined-up architectural process in which the original design ideas can continue to inform the project as increasingly detailed decisions are made.
Commercial, Industrial and Retail Architecture
Our work isn’t limited to residential architecture. Horsley Townsend Architects also has experience of industrial, commercial, office and retail projects.
These buildings can present very different design requirements from residential properties, so understanding how the building needs to function is an important part of developing the architectural response.
We work closely with our clients to understand their requirements before developing a design suited to the particular building, site and intended use.
Conservation and Listed Building Architects
Working with a historic or listed building requires a different approach from designing on an unrestricted site.
We have considerable experience of conservation architecture and have worked on Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II listed buildings, as well as buildings and development sites within conservation areas and other designated locations.
The starting point with an historic property is understanding the existing building. Its architectural character and significance need to be considered alongside what the client wants to achieve.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that new design has to imitate the past. Our approach is to develop sensitive architectural solutions appropriate to the particular building, balancing the qualities of the existing property with its future use.
Our conservation experience extends beyond York and includes projects throughout Yorkshire involving the renovation, restoration, repair and alteration of historic buildings.
Our Approach to Architecture
We strongly believe that a bespoke service is the best way to meet the aspirations of our individual clients.
No two projects are identical. A house extension has different requirements from a new-build home, while work to a listed property can introduce considerations that won’t necessarily arise on another project.
We therefore begin by understanding what you would like to achieve rather than imposing a predetermined solution.
We’ll work closely with you as the design develops and, because we know that the needs of each client are different, you have the flexibility to appoint us for some or all of the architectural stages required for your project.
From Planning to Construction
For clients who haven’t undertaken a building project before, the different architectural stages can initially seem complicated. We divide our work into approximately four stages, providing a clearer route from the initial design through to construction.
Stage One – Design and Planning
The first stage takes the project through the development of the design and submission of a valid planning application where one is required.
This is an important part of the architectural process because it is where your requirements, the opportunities offered by the property or site and the relevant constraints begin to come together as a developed proposal.
Stage Two – Building Regulations
The next stage can include the preparation and submission of the information required for a Building Regulations application.
Planning and Building Regulations are separate parts of the process. The information required therefore develops as the project moves from the planning proposal towards the technical requirements associated with constructing the building.
Stage Three – Construction and Tender Information
Once the project has progressed through the earlier stages, we can prepare detailed construction drawings and relevant documentation.
These provide more detailed information about the proposed building work and can be used to obtain quotations from builders.
When a contractor has been appointed, the construction information provides the basis from which the building work can proceed.
Stage Four – Architectural Support During Construction
Our involvement doesn’t necessarily have to end when construction begins.
The final stage of our service can include guidance and advice while your project is being built, providing continuity between the architectural design and the construction phase.
A Flexible Architectural Service
Not every client requires an architect for exactly the same stages of a project.
You might initially want our help to establish what is possible and develop a proposal through planning, or you may want us to continue through Building Regulations, detailed construction information and the construction phase itself.
We therefore offer clients the flexibility to appoint us for as many – or as few – of these stages as their project, requirements and budget demand.
Our wider architectural services include inception and feasibility studies, measured surveys, preparation and submission of planning and Building Regulations applications, detailed and tender information, obtaining tenders from building contractors and architectural services during construction.
Architectural Experience in York and Beyond
Our architectural practice is based in Yorkshire and over the years we have worked on many projects in York.
Our wider experience includes projects involving listed buildings, conservation areas, World Heritage Sites, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Green Belt, open countryside and National Parks.
Experience of working in these different environments has reinforced the importance of responding to the individual character and constraints of each site rather than adopting the same architectural solution for every project.
Whether we’re working with an existing home, an historic property, a commercial building or a new development, our aim is to understand the context first and develop the design from there.
Talk to Us About Your Project in York
If you’re considering extending or remodelling your home, undertaking a refurbishment, designing a new-build property or planning work to a commercial or historic building in York, talk to Horsley Townsend Architects about what you have in mind.
We can discuss your ideas, the property or site and the architectural services your project is likely to require, helping you understand the next steps involved in taking your plans forward.
