We are delighted that Design Haus Architecture has been shortlisted for a Build It Award.
We are a finalist in the ‘Best Architect or Designer for a Conversion or Renovation’ category at the 2025 Awards, part of Build It Magazine.
These awards are all about celebrating every aspect of self build and renovation, including completed projects, products, services and suppliers.
We were shortlisted for our Priory House project in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire. The brief was to create a stunning, spacious family home, comprising five generous bedrooms, a large open-plan living space with easy access onto the gardens, an office, cinema room and reading spaces.
The resulting home is contemporary, with a clear Scandinavian influence, yet its scale, form, and articulation reference the adjacent Arts and Crafts architecture. The project was a collaborative journey: shaped by the client’s vision, refined through dialogue with neighbours, and guided by proactive planning discussions.
James says "This really was a collaborative effort and we are extremely proud of the completed project - so it’s fantastic that this has been recognised - to be shortlisted for this award is a huge honour for us!"
We are very much looking forward to celebrating with all the other finalists at the awards ceremony in November.
Our founder, James Brindley, was interviewed for Build It Magazine’s recent September feature on futureproofing your home. If you’re a Build It Magazine subscriber you can read the full article, along with lots of other useful articles on their website, or continue reading below for James' advice.
Why should futureproofing be on self builders’ radars?
Creating a lifelong home is important because people’s needs and technology are always changing. We’ve worked with a lot of repeat clients, and it’s always interesting to see how the way they use their homes evolves. Sometimes it’s because their kids are growing up, or they’ve started working from home, or they just want to make the most of the space now they’ve got a bit more disposable income. Designing with the future in mind means their home can grow with them, rather than needing bigger changes down the line.
What are some key architectural elements to include?
When designing for the future, one of the key principles to think about is flexibility; creating spaces that can adapt as life changes. That translates into features like open-plan areas with multiple layout options, multifunctional rooms and plenty of storage. We recently designed a home for a young family and included a ground-floor room with its own entrance and ensuite. Right now, it’s a home office, but there are plans for it to become a space for their children as they grow up, or even accommodation for an elderly relative in the future. Designing for adaptability from the outset means the home can continue to meet your needs for years to come. Futureproofing isn’t about second-guessing what might happen. It’s about making thoughtful decisions now that keep your options open later. Good design should feel effortless, but behind the scenes, it’s doing a lot of heavy lifting to make life easier as things change.
What should self builders prioritise in terms of insulation, heating and ventilation systems to ensure longevity?
Firstly, it’s about getting the building fabric right: high-performance insulation, triple glazing and good levels of airtightness all make a difference to energy efficiency. Then it’s about adding in systems that are low-maintenance, and ready for the future, such as underfloor heating powered by an air source heat pump, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to keep air fresh without losing warmth.
Is it worth aiming for net-zero or Passivhaus standards?
Both are ambitious but genuinely worthwhile goals. They do take careful planning and a higher upfront investment, but the long-term benefits, lower energy bills, improved comfort and reduced environmental footprint can be significant. That said, it’s important to approach each project with balance. Not every site, budget or brief will allow for full Passivhaus certification, but applying the core principles – good airtightness, high insulation levels and passive solar design – can make a big difference to a home’s overall performance.
Is it more expensive to put in futureproofing features?
It can sometimes seem like a bigger investment initially, especially when it comes to insulation, glazing or renewable technologies. But for me, the real value often comes from the thinking behind it. While some materials do have higher upfront costs, a lot of futureproofing simply comes down to smart planning, taking the time to think carefully about how you’ll use the house, both now and as your family’s needs change. That bit of foresight can save a huge amount of time, cost and disruption later on.
Can adding smart tech be beneficial?
When it comes to technology, the key is getting the infrastructure in place early on. Even if clients don’t want to invest in the full smart home setup straight away, it’s worth wiring for things like electric vehicle chargers, solar panels or home automation systems from the start. That way, it’s much easier (and cheaper) to add them in later. We often suggest smart heating controls, lighting systems or security setups, not just for convenience, but because they improve how a home works day-to-day. A lot of our clients now control most of their home from their phone. One system we’ve worked on includes motion sensors under the beds that trigger a soft light to guide people to the bathroom at night. It’s those small, considered touches that make the difference and because we planned for it early on, there was no disruption when they wanted to add it in.
How can a design accommodate future expansion?
Even if someone isn’t ready to build an extension or loft conversion straight away, we can still design with that in mind. That might mean orienting the layout to leave room for a future extension, making sure the roof pitch and structure can support conversion works, or planning services like drainage so they don’t need to be moved later. We’ve worked on a lot of projects where we design the full vision for the house from the start, then break it down into phases the client can tackle over a number of years. That way, even if the budget or timeline doesn’t allow for everything right away, we’re always working toward the end goal. It saves time, cost and stress later and means every decision made early on still supports where the project is going.
A swimming pool can be a wonderful addition to any home, adding relaxation and luxury while increasing the value of your property. But do you need planning permission to build a residential swimming pool?
Whether or not you need planning permission for your swimming pool will factor into the cost, design and lead time of the project, so it’s important to find this out before you get started on the process. This will help you to make sure that the pool of your dreams is viable, and highlight any issues that you may need to avoid.
In this article, we’ll take a look at a few different types of private swimming pools and the planning application requirements of each, giving you a better idea of what to expect for your own project.
Do indoor swimming pools need planning permission?
Planning permission for indoor pools is usually not necessary in the UK. However, as with all construction projects, there’s no black-and-white answer, and each case must be reviewed individually.
Here are some different types of indoor swimming pools and their planning permission requirements.
Pools in external buildings
Swimming pools housed in an external building, often known as a pool hall, are classed as an outbuilding. This is a Class E permitted development for householders and usually doesn’t require planning permission as long as the building adheres to certain restrictions.
Some of these building restrictions include:
The building must be a single storey
The building must not include verandas, balconies or raised platforms
The building must not cover more than half the area of land around your house
You can read the full guidance on the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government website.
Subterranean pools
Building an underground pool is a great way to expand and improve your home if you don’t have much available space. While some basement extension projects are classed as permitted developments, others are not. Your local authority will have the final say on planning permission for subterranean pools, so it’s best to check with them directly.
Pools within listed buildings
As with any major development within a listed building, any type of indoor pool in a listed building will require planning permission before the project can commence. This includes basement pools, which, although they may not be visible from outside, could still drastically change the design, structure and purpose of the building.
Do outdoor swimming pools need planning permission?
For the most part, properties in the UK don’t require planning permission for an outdoor swimming pool, as this is classed as a garden project and therefore a permitted development. An outdoor pool must be uncovered and not surrounded by heated air, which would otherwise classify them as an indoor pool.
Let’s look at a couple of different types of outside swimming pools and their planning permission requirements.
Pools on the site of a listed building
You will almost certainly need planning permission to build an outdoor pool on the site of a listed building. However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be allowed to build one at all; you may simply have to change the design, size or location of the pool to meet your local authority’s requirements.
Pools within conservation areas
If your property lies within one of the following, there’s a good chance that you will require planning permission to build an outdoor swimming pool:
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Conservation area
Designated land
Green belt land
National park
Natural swimming pools
Natural swimming pools are a great option for those looking to embrace the biodiversity of their garden and avoid the maintenance and chemicals associated with standard swimming pools. As with outdoor pools, planning permission is usually not required, unless your property lies within a conservation area. However, it may be easier to get permission for a natural swimming pool than a traditional pool in an AONB, as it will blend in better with the surroundings.
Need help getting planning permission for your swimming pool?
If you’re not sure whether your residential swimming pool project requires planning permission, take a look at the Planning Portal for the national online planning application process.
However, your best option is to partner with an experienced architect who understands the ins and outs of planning permission requirements, and is able to handle the application on your behalf. At Design Haus Architecture, we’ll support you throughout every step of the design and planning process, including working with your local authority to get your plans approved.
We are highly experienced in large residential projects and were recently nominated for Young Architect of the Year at the Building Design Architect of the Year Awards 2022. Take a look at our Newton House project as an example of one of our contemporary designs. We designed this new dwelling in rural Derbyshire to work around the natural path of the sun, with a bespoke swimming pool at the heart of the design.
Alongside luxury swimming pools, we can also assist with designing private spas and gyms, as well as any other bespoke architectural projects. If you’d like to discuss how Design Haus can support the design, planning permission and build of your new swimming pool, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch online, email studio@designhausarchitecture.co.uk, or call 0115 678 8917.
We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for 'Young Architect of the Year' at the Building Design Architect of the Year Awards 2022.
"The Young Architect of the Year Awards is organised by Building Design to recognise and reward the UK's most promising new architects or practices".
Building Design
These prestigious awards, reward architects for a consistent body of work rather than just one-off projects. So we are extra especially delighted that we have been nominated! If you would like to see the work that got us nominated for this award, please head over to our projects section.
One of our projects which was referenced by Building Design was North Road.
"North Road is the conversion and extension of an existing bungalow into a modern four-bedroom home. This project brings together a range of different design ideas which required working within the parameters of the existing structure and site boundary.
The new building was developed almost entirely using virtual reality technology. The client was able to wander through the space in realtime, making suggestions and observations long before the project was submitted to planning. Moving walls, changing materials and creating new moments in the design was achievable within minutes."
Working with a listed building can be a real challenge, and not all architects are up to the job.
If you’re planning to make any kind of an alteration to a listed building, it’s really important that you work with an experienced architect who knows the ins and outs of the restrictions, how to apply for planning permission, and how to ensure that any new additions are in keeping with the style and history of the building.
Let’s look at what’s involved in working with listed buildings.
What is a listed building?
First of all, let’s take a quick look at what a listed building is.
Listed status is designed to protect and preserve buildings of “special architectural and historic merit” by placing restrictions on demolition, alterations and extensions. The status of listed buildings is overseen by English Heritage in England, Cadw in Wales, Historic Scotland in Scotland, and Northern Ireland Environment Agency in Northern Ireland.
England and Wales has three main categories of listed building:
Grade I: Exceptional interest
Grade II*: Particularly important
Grade II: Of special interest
Scotland categorises these buildings as A, B and C, while Northern Ireland uses A, B* and B1/B2.
Over 90% of listed buildings are in the lowest Grade II classification, while just 2.5 are Grade I.
Can I extend or remodel a listed building?
The short answer is yes, but within a strict set of stipulations that will vary from building to building.
English Heritage states that listing “doesn’t freeze a building in time” and therefore doesn’t prevent changes altogether. After all, renovation and restoration work is essential to preserve these important buildings for future generations.
However, as the purpose of listing is to protect the unique character and history of a building, any changes that you wish to make must be carefully considered by the local authority’s conservation department. To make your desired changes, you may be required to use a certain material, architectural style, or any other conditions designed to preserve the integrity of the building.
Is it hard to get planning permission for a listed building?
It’s much harder to get planning permission for a listed building than one that is not listed, but it’s far from impossible. In fact, English Heritage reports that up to 90% of listed building consents are approved.
This statistic should be taken with a pinch of salt, however, as it’s likely that these applications are made by experienced architects and builders who understand what is and isn’t likely to be accepted. If you’re considering any kind of alteration on a listed building, it’s important to find someone with this level of experience to help you.
As well as knowing how to apply and having working relationships with the local authority, an architect who is experienced in working with listed buildings will be able to suggest a design that both meets your requirements and offers the best chance of approval. This will help you to avoid the time and stress of repeat applications.
Architects with listed building experience
If you’re looking for professional advice and support for any renovations or extensions to a listed building, James Brindley of Design Haus is the man for the job.
James has worked with a number of listed buildings in the past and successfully secured planning permission to make sympathetic alterations in line with requirements by English Heritage and local authorities to preserve the character and importance of historic buildings.
To discuss your listed building project, or to find out more about how Design Haus can help you to apply for planning permission, please get in touch.
If you’ve ever considered building your own house, you might wonder whether you can save some money by skipping the architect and doing as much of it as possible on your own.
We may be biased, but we truly believe that collaborating with an architect is the best way to turn your dream home into reality. Here’s why.
Realising your vision
Nobody knows your dream home better than you. Discussing your ideas and drawing up a shopping list of features is one of the first steps in collaborating with an architect to build a house. This gives us the perfect starting point for the project.
However, you can’t just build anything anywhere; having an architect on hand throughout the project is absolutely essential to make sure the home you create is safe, usable and permitted within local legislation. It’s our job to take your concepts and turn them into workable architectural designs that not only look great but are structurally sound.
Architectural expertise
Even if you know exactly what you’d like the final build to look like, you might not know how to get there.
By working with an architect, you can be sure that any designs adhere to industry standards and can be interpreted by the rest of the project team. We’ll even take care of all the complicated bits like applying for planning permission that can get pretty tedious when you’re not sure what you’re doing.
Having an architect on board also gives you access to a wide network of talented and dedicated people who can turn your dream home into a reality. From interior designers and suppliers of building materials to fully qualified electrical installers, We can bring the right people on board to get the job done right.
Take ownership
We always find that it’s crucial to the success of a project and the ongoing relationship to make sure the client is involved from the very beginning. As the person who will be living in the house once it’s complete, it’s only natural that you’d want to have a certain amount of control over the decisions.
Ultimately, it’s our job as Lead Architect to sign off on ideas and explain what is and isn’t feasible in terms of budget, planning permission and the structural integrity of a design. When we work together, everything is a joint decision, and we will consult with you at every step of the process to make sure we find the right balance.
A great relationship
We can’t say that building a house is all fun and games, but the process is much more enjoyable and straightforward when you actually enjoy working together.
We pride ourselves on creating relationships with our clients based on trust and a mutual love of the project at hand. When you’re excited about the design, we are excited, too. There’s something truly special about helping people to create their dream home.
It’s also good to have someone in your corner when things get tough, and they will. At some point, your home build will hit a snag, and having someone who knows the ropes and can guide you through the issues is something you’ll definitely be grateful for when the time comes! I’m here to find solutions and put out fires so you don’t have to worry.
Collaborate with Design Haus
Let’s work together to create your dream home. Whether you know exactly what you want or you’re just mulling over a few ideas, I’d love to chat about your dream home.
If you’ve considered self building a house in the countryside, you might be put off by the strict planning permission requirements that can prevent your dream from becoming a reality.
However, a clause known as Paragraph 79 might be the answer to getting permission granted even on a heritage site. Read on to find out more.
Also known as the country house exemption clause, Paragraph 79 allows certain exceptional designs to be approved where their location would normally cause planning permission to be denied. It is often a factor when applying to build isolated houses on green belts or within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where the construction of buildings is often incongruous with the surroundings.
The reason for this exemption is to allow for continual innovation and development within architecture. In particular, it helps to promote finding newer and better ways to make homes that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
What criteria must a design meet?
In order to be approved, a proposal must meet some stringent criteria. These include specifications that the design must:
be of exceptional quality
be truly outstanding or innovative, reflecting the highest standards in architecture
help to raise standards of design more generally in rural areas
significantly enhance its immediate setting
be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area
You can’t expect to meet these criteria without thinking outside the box. As such, pursuing a Paragraph 79 house isn’t for the easily intimidated. It’s also important to note that you might not be able to build the home of your dreams exactly as you imagined it; you’ll need to be open minded and ready to roll with the punches.
How do I apply for Paragraph 79 exemption?
Getting approval isn’t an easy process, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll be granted an exemption. In fact, it’s actually extremely rare, with only about 6 granted per year.
Even using a previously approved project as inspiration isn’t a fool-proof tactic, as one of the stipulations is outstanding innovation. Copying an existing design will therefore make it much less likely to be accepted.
Paragraph 79 architects
If you'd like to discuss your potential Paragraph 79 project with us at Design Haus Architecture, please get in touch
If you’re looking to extend or renovate an existing building, or you’re planning a complete new-build project, you’ll know how important it is to keep on top of your budget.
Whatever your project, you’ll be looking to add value to the property. Working with a qualified architect is a great way to ensure that the end result is structurally sound, functional and aesthetically pleasing. But how much does an architect cost?
What affects the cost of an architect?
It’s impossible to give a blanket answer to the question of cost, as there are many variables that must be taken into account. Of course, a simple domestic extension will cost less than a complex new-build, and a London-based architect is likely to charge more than one in the Midlands.
Considerations that will affect the architect’s quote include:
Architect’s experience and qualifications
Build size
Project complexity
Project value
Location
Costs of materials, equipment and labour
Architects have different levels of qualifications and experience. For example, not all practitioners will consider the interior design of the space, so working with an architect who is also well versed in interior design will cost more.
When appointing an architect, you’re not just paying for a design service. Not all architects offer the same services, but the fees may include:
Measuring and surveying the property or land
Drawing up 2D and 3D designs
Design revisions
Preparing and submitting planning applications
Managing the build project
Liaising with third-party contractors
When discussing quotes with different architectural practices, keep in mind which services are essential and which would simply be a waste of budget. You can keep fees down by making sure you’re only paying for the services you need.
How do architects charge?
Fee structures will vary between practices, but architects will usually charge on a percentage basis.
In the UK, you can expect your architect’s fees to be around 5–10% of the overall project cost. If your total project cost is £75,000, you can expect to pay anywhere from £3,750 to £7,500 for your architect’s services.
Practices that offer a variety of services may use different pricing models for each of these services. For example, architects may charge by the hour for project management on top of their standard design service.
Speak to a few different architects and make sure you understand the individual costs of each service before committing. You might think that one practice is much cheaper than the others, only to learn that many of the services you require require an additional cost.
When you’re looking to hire professionals to support a building or extension, you might be unsure of what exactly each different person’s role is.
One of the most common causes of confusion is the differences between an architect, chartered architect, and architectural designer. While these roles sound similar, there are some important differences that you should be aware of before appointing anyone.
What is an architect?
An architect is a person who is able to plan, design and oversee the construction of buildings. As well as dealing with the building itself, they will also assess and consider the building’s impact on the surrounding area, the environment and other key factors.
However, the term “architect” is protected, and a person can only call themselves an architect if they are registered on the Architects Registration Board (ARB). While other professionals may provide the same services, they cannot legally call themselves an architect unless they are ARB registered.
ARB is the UK’s regulatory board for architects and ensures that all registered members have the necessary qualifications and uphold relevant legislation. They work to ensure good standards within the profession.
A chartered architect is someone who is registered on both the ARB and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). They are therefore legally allowed to use the title “architect”, as well as being able to use the term “chartered” and the RIBA suffix.
RIBA chartered membership is voluntary and is not a legal requirement. However, it shows an additional dedication to the profession, working to ensure high-quality, environmentally friendly designs and excellent customer service.
View Design Haus’ James Brindley on RIBA’s member directory.
What is an architectural designer?
“Architectural designer” is a vague and broad title that covers the full range of architectural disciplines. They are able to provide some or all of the same services as an architect, but they are not a Registered Architect.
Unlike “architect”, the term is not protected or regulated, so there is no particular qualification that a person is required to have before using the title “architectural designer”. However, they are likely to have some architectural qualifications and often work alongside Registered Architects on design projects.
How to decide who to appoint
There is no legal requirement to use the services of an architect when expanding, renovating or constructing a building. Who you choose to work with will depend on the scope of the project and its particular challenges.
An architect’s job to manage the project for you and liaise with third parties. This includes managing contractors and obtaining planning permission from local authorities.
Don’t pay for more than you require. For smaller, simpler projects, an architectural designer may be adequate. However, the more complex the build, the more beneficial a chartered architect will be. A practitioner who has previously worked on similar projects will be worth their weight in gold.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that governing bodies like ARB will investigate complaints against a member should you have a problem, so this gives you greater protection against cowboys.
James Brindley, chartered architect
Design Haus’ James Brindley is a fully qualified chartered architect registered with ARB and BIID, and fully accredited by RIBA.
No matter how big or small your project, it’s important to ensure that you hire an architect that is fully qualified and capable for the task at hand.
When you’re dealing with the budgets and complexities associated with building and construction, hiring an accredited architect will give you peace of mind.
Architectural accreditations can be tricky, as they are not necessarily a legal requirement. Here’s a quick guide to the most common architectural accreditations, so you can be sure that your architect is up to the job.
RIBA: Royal Institute of British Architects
Dating all the way back to 1837, the Royal Institute of British Architects is the UK's chartered body for architecture. It was founded to promote the advancement of architecture and maintain high-quality design and customer service.
Led by an elected president, the RIBA comprises a 60-member council, predominantly of chartered architects, who are responsible for monitoring members and the institution as a whole. There are more than 28,000 chartered members of the RIBA.
RIBA chartered membership is voluntary and is not a legal requirement to practise as an architect. However, registering allows an architect to use the term “chartered” and the RIBA suffix.
The Architects Registration Board is the UK’s regulatory authority for architects. It was established by Parliament in 1997 to regulate architects to ensure good standards within the profession.
Although it is not essential to use an architect to design a building, the term “architect” is protected, and anyone who wishes to use it must be registered with the ARB to legally do so.
ARB ensures that all registered architects meet the required standards and have the necessary qualifications to practise, as well as upholding relevant legislation and investigating any complaints made against a member.
The British Institute of Interior Design is the only professional institute for interior designers in the UK.
While it’s not an essential requirement for architects, it’s a great addition to their CV. The rigorous entry requirements assess a member’s training, experience and professionalism, and BIID encourages members to continue their professional development throughout their career.
Working with a BIID-registered architect means that you’re getting a truly holistic approach to the overall design of your building. It also helps to reduce costs and simplify your project team, enabling your architect to take care of all aspects of interior design as well.
If you’re looking for a qualified architect that you can rely on, you’ll find it in Design Haus. I’m registered with ARB and BIID, and fully accredited by RIBA, so you know you’re in good hands when you put me in charge of your project.
