We are a small harmonious team of architects bound together by a passion for the English House.

The studio is led by Tom, who oversees every project. When he set up the practice in 2016, it felt natural for him to return from London to his Sussex roots and the buildings he loves.

'As a child I enjoyed looking at the vernacular buildings around Sussex. On the drive up to London I would shout 'Lutyens!' as we went past the beautiful Tigbourne Court. Some of my earliest memories are visiting Arundel Castle and admiring the beautifully restored timber framed houses at The Weald and Downland Museum. These buildings got under my skin and they have never left.'

Approach

We believe in the English House, finding endless inspiration in its evolution and variety, from vernacular farmhouses to Jacobean manors and formal Georgian dwellings. If you feel the same, our conversation will begin with us together admiring the architecture left to us by previous generations.

The conversation will then turn to the present. How can your project draw on the qualities of these houses and at the same time work for you today?

So begins a new chapter in the story.

Ethos

We understand our social and environmental responsibilities. As such, we look to sustainable ways of building and encourage you to work with us towards a low-carbon future.

Our approach – embracing both the new and the old – is inherently sustainable. Where possible, we work with existing structures, recognising that the most ecologically sound building is the one that’s already there (albeit with some energy upgrades).

Meanwhile, our new homes are informed by those that have already stood the test of time, giving them the best chance of being loved and cared for well into the future.

Process

A strong partnership with clients is the key to making the design process as enriching as possible.

We know that building projects can be demanding, requiring significant resources and determination. That’s why we have developed a rigorous but straightforward process, which will ensure your time and money are well spent.

  • You, the way you live now and your future needs are integral to our design process. We’re interested in your idea of home, the places you have lived and the buildings you love. 

    Drawing on our extensive knowledge of local architecture and building traditions, we will show you houses and spaces to inspire you. Together we will develop a bespoke concept to fit your requirements and taste. 

    As the design emerges, we will test the feasibility of the project against your budget, timeframe and any planning constraints. We will return to these parameters at every stage, so that you remain in control.

    "Tom took a lot of trouble to understand how we wanted to live in the house and what we liked" - AM, Farnham House

  • Together we will develop a design that meets your aspirations while standing the best possible chance of getting planning consent.

    With our knowledge of local planning constraints, we can help you decide the level of risk you want to take into the application. We have a strong track record of achieving planning permission, including with listed buildings and protected environments.

    "The process of achieving Planning and Listed Building Consent was smooth, efficient and sensitively handled. Tom was very helpful and all expectations were managed." - CL, Georgian House

  • We start engaging with our network of trusted local contractors at an early stage of the project to encourage a collaborative build process from start to finish.

    By the time we are ready to start works, we will have a great contractor in place, who will be as enthusiastic about the project as we are. They will already have advised on buildability and budget and will have produced a reliable cost plan and programme.

    We will stay by your side throughout construction, encouraging you to experience the excitement of progress on site. If problems arise, we’ll make certain you’re presented with solutions, with any cost implications transparently reported.

    "The process of selecting a builder was great. Proactive, efficient and consistent handling made it a well-planned and fair trial as well as an opportunity to learn. As a result we found the perfect partners to work with." - CL, Georgian House

  • After the work has finished, we will remain on hand to solve any problems that might arise and will review the project a year after completion.

    Returning to the places and spaces we design isn’t just part of our service, it’s something we find highly motivating. Seeing our clients living in and loving their homes tells us a project has been a success.

    We are absolutely delighted with the final result. It speaks volumes to the value of Tom's input." - JB, Ancient Woodland House

Our Team

  • Tom Turner

    Director

    Tom grew up in the West Sussex countryside and from an early age took an interest in the vernacular buildings of the surrounding landscape. 

    This passion led him to study at the Mackintosh School of Architecture, where he graduated top of his year. He went on to work for some of the leading practices in the country, during which time he won numerous prizes, including the AIA’s award for the UK best building of the year.

  • Laura Woods

    Architect

    Laura has worked with award-winning architects in Passivhaus design and specialises in low-energy, low-carbon technologies. She is eager to apply this expertise to historic buildings, ensuring their preservation and enhancement for future generations.

    She is a keen yogi and surfer, helping to run a national surf club that connects LGBT+ people to surfing, the ocean and a shared community.

  • Marcell Orova

    Architectural Assistant

    Marcell completed his undergraduate studies in architecture in Sopron, Hungary. He worked on private domestic commissions in the city’s semi-urban and rural heritage landscapes, blending the building traditions of both. 

    After further training in Manchester, Marcell joined us to pursue his interest in vernacular architecture. He enjoys travelling, photographing and documenting buildings and places of interest as he goes.

  • Nik Klahre

    Architect

    Nik studied architecture in Brighton before working in Switzerland and Denmark. He completed his training in London, where he worked in the public realm and on housing projects. He has since designed for more rural settings, pursuing an interest in vernacular and regional architecture. 

    Nik enjoys being outdoors, running, cycling or hiking with his young family.

  • Clare Newman

    Studio Manager

    Having first studied architecture, Clare's creative interests led her to pursue a career in press photography. She then diversified to be more present for her family, launching a product photography business in Brighton. Missing the thrum of a busy office, she joined our team as studio manager.

    Clare enjoys travelling, sea swimming and exploring the South Downs.

  • Henry Dickson

    Architectural Assistant

    Henry was born in London, but grew up and studied in New Zealand. He loves the way vernacular architecture reflects a place’s history and context, and is particularly drawn to designs that enhance everyday life and prioritise sustainability. 

    Outside of work, Henry enjoys cooking, cycling, and reading.

Kind words from our clients

  • 'We would be delighted, should the occasion arise, to embark on another project with Tom.'

    'We greatly appreciated the care and time he took over the many detailed meetings that were required to develop our new building space. His ability to patiently listen and contribute through this process was extremely helpful.

    Now built, Tom’s design is a pleasure to live in. We are absolutely delighted with the final design. It speaks volumes to the value of Tom’s input.'

    JB, Ancient Woodland House

    JB, Ancient Woodland House

  • 'We trusted Tom completely. The end result is fantastic and we are really enjoying living in our new home.'

    'Tom took a lot of trouble to understand how we wanted to live in the house and what we liked – and knew we didn’t. We had a strong sense that he was listening carefully. We absolutely loved Tom’s designs right from the outset. They fully met the brief and he encouraged us to think more openly. 

    The aesthetics are fantastic and the new blends very well – but without exactly copying – the old. Tom’s advice on the materials and detailing have come together with the existing house to make a very attractive property, sympathetic to its location. 

    The planning process was extremely smooth and we got approval first time. Tom anticipated possible objections and headed the problems off.

    We felt that our project was an absolute priority for him and that we had his full attention. He ran the project professionally and smoothly and we are absolutely delighted with the final result.

    Not only did Tom produce a fantastic design for the shell of the building but he was very involved in the interiors too and he introduced design elements that we would not have thought of.'

    AM, Farnham Houe

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  • ‘I was thrilled with the results and look forward to having an opportunity to work with Tom again.’

    'Strong design skills and construction knowledge meant Tom was able to foresee issues and present new opportunities based on the historical nature of the build and the desired results. I felt very positive about his handling of the design, which worked well as a foundation for the contractors.

    Hearing a different, knowledgeable perspective was a valuable process and I feel we found the best ideas through a strong collaboration. The process of achieving Planning and Listed Building Consent was smooth, efficient and sensitively handled. Tom was very helpful and managed our expectations well.

    Tom’s management of the construction phase was good. Getting a top-level finish was critical for me and the understanding of this ran through everything we did.'

    CL, Georgian House

    IG, Victorian Terrace

  • ‘Tom was a pleasure to work with from the start of the project right through to the end.

    His design and understanding of space and light are second to none. Tom worked very well with all parties involved during pre-build planning and stayed in close contact with the building team throughout. The quality of work and customer care was excellent. We absolutely love the end product and will certainly use this firm for future projects.’

    IG, Victorian Terrace

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  • ‘We always felt entirely at ease with Tom and that we were in very good hands.'

    Tom was alive to the character of the building and very helpful on many design issues with good taste and helpful suggestions. His drawings and specifications were highly detailed which meant there was very little need for alterations and less possibility for disputes. The process of finding a builder was very fluent and seemed painless. Tom managed the construction phase well and had a good relationship with both the builders and ourselves. We had good information on choices and costings and Tom was helpfully firm with the builders when the occasion required it. We were very pleased with the final result.’

    AS, Pilgrims Guest House

Home is a reflection of who you are. We’d love to help you make yours.

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