The 5 Best Architects in London for Creative Renovations and Builds
If you want to transform a cramped Victorian terrace or secure planning permission for a complex heritage site, you need the right design partner. But it’s easier said than done.
We know how stressful it feels to navigate tight budgets, strict council regulations, and endless design choices. You need someone who listens to your vision and delivers practical, stunning results.
Don’t fret, we’re here to help. We’ve gathered the best architects in London who can help you transform a space, from kitchen renovations to high-end sustainable structures!
How much do architects charge in London?
Architects in London typically charge 8% to 15% of the total construction cost for full services, but specific rates depend on the project type and complexity.
| Service or Project Type | Typical Rate or Fee |
| Standard Residential Projects | 10% to 12% of build cost |
| Listed Buildings & Conservation | 12% to 18% of build cost |
| New Builds | 7% to 12% of build cost |
| Hourly Rates | £80 to £200 per hour |
| Planning Drawings (Small Projects) | £3,000 to £8,000+ |
| Rear Extensions (Full Service) | £20,000+ |
1. GOAStudio
Website: https://goastudio.co.uk/
Address: 86 – 90 Paul Street, Hackney
Contact: 020 3984 3005
Hours: Contact to schedule an appointment
A period home renovation is its own kind of challenge, and that’s really why GOAStudio makes this list. They focus exclusively on residential extensions and complex renovations, so it’s essentially all they do.
One thing we appreciate is that they test realistic designs early on, which cuts down the odds of an expensive redesign further down the line.
They also stay involved from the initial feasibility review right through to project turnover, so you’re not left managing gaps between phases on your own.
Their approach balances everyday comfort with long-term durability too. That’s why what you end up with isn’t just something that looks good on day one, it’s built to hold up over time.
Between the early design testing, the full-project involvement, and that longer-term thinking, they cover more ground than most.
The one real limit is that they stick almost entirely to housing, so a commercial workspace isn’t really their territory.
Customer Reviews
George at GOAStudio was an exceptional architect on our project
George at GOAStudio was an exceptional architect on our project. Although we are experienced in restoration we had never actually built an extension before and without his creativity and knowledge we would have made several mistakes, I think. In all the excitement we changed our minds a couple of times and he provided new drawings that nailed it each time. I found him well connected with other professionals providing contacts for our consideration, like engineers, arboriculturalists (tree wonks), etc.
- Rupert Willard | Google Review
I look forward to continue working with him in the future
George is an excellent architect and had helped me in various renovation projects over the years. He is extremely professional – thorough in understanding project’s objective, precise in his communication and resourceful in finding solutions to maximize outcome. I look forward to continue working with him in the future.
- Vincent Zhao | Google Review
2. qR Architects Ltd
Website: https://www.qrarchitects.co.uk/
Address: 23 Berkeley Square
Contact: 020 3287 9937 | [email protected]
Hours: By appointment only
qR Architects is a team that can seamlessly handle both the structural design and interior aesthetics. They combine high-end architecture and strict project management under one roof, breathing new life into a space with sheer attention to detail.
They work equally well with design-led property developers and individual homeowners looking for luxury finishes.
Plus, they maintain excellent relationships with local planners, which helps keep budgets under tight control.
To top it off, their status as a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Chartered Practice gives you peace of mind regarding professional standards and safety policies.
But you’ll find that their intense focus on top-tier quality means project timelines might stretch longer than those seeking a quick fix might prefer.
Customer Reviews
He navigated our requirements and budget perfectly
When I got Bruno on the team as my Architect and Project Manger, everything changed. He navigated our requirements and budget perfectly. Gave us great advice on where to invest and where to save. Found us a General Contractor and negotiated a good rate. And they never sacrificed on quality.
His attention to detail is top notch and he has the project’s best interests at heart. There were many times when we walked into the site on a Sunday and just found Bruno there taking measurements and checking quality of works.
- Anand Sambasivan | Google Review
Everyone at qR is very professional and friendly
If you are looking for an architect, qR Architects is the place to go. Bruno really knows his stuff and makes each one of his projects a personal goal to get the best results. It’s clear to see he has a true deep passion for architecture. Everyone at qR is very professional and friendly. And I have to say personally, Bruno is a great guy with a true heart. If I could give more stars I would.
- Kamran Qureshi | Google Review
3. Architecture for London
Website: https://architectureforlondon.com/
Address: 3-5 Bleeding Heart Yard
Contact: 020 3637 4236 | [email protected]
Hours: Contact to schedule an appointment
Architecture for London takes a research-based, fabric-first approach to sustainability. They offer a unique design-and-build model that guarantees your low-energy home actually meets Passivhaus construction standards.
Their ARB-registered professionals cover a wide range too, from bespoke private homes to larger commercial developments.
They also tend to re-imagine existing spaces using natural materials, which makes for a noticeably healthier indoor environment.
Plus, you get a full turnkey solution here, including bespoke joinery and complete construction oversight, so very little is left for you to coordinate separately.
That all-in-one setup is great if you want it handled end to end, but it might not suit you if you’d rather bring in your own renovation contractors. Their design-and-build model doesn’t leave much room for that kind of flexibility.
Customer Reviews
Architecture for London are a group of very clever, sophisticated architects
Working with Architecture for London has been a good experience. They are a very flexible company, they listened to our, often rather vague ideas, went out of their way to accommodate numerous changes in the specifications and have always been at the end of the telephone. We worked throughout the Covid-19 lockdowns, always sticking to the government guidelines.
Architecture for London are a group of very clever, sophisticated architects, who turned our house into a light, calm, elegant space that brings us joy.
- Liliana Biglou | Google Review
I can genuinely say they are a fantastic team of architects
I’ve had the pleasure of working with AFL for several years now, and I can genuinely say they are a fantastic team of architects. They’re not just talented professionals, but genuinely great people to work with. Their attention to detail is truly admirable, and they always bring a level of care and precision that makes projects run smoothly. Overall, I highly recommend them!
- Owen Page | Google Review
4. Make Architects
Website: https://www.makearchitects.com/studios/london/
Address: 32 Cleveland Street
Contact: 020 7636 5151 | [email protected]
Hours: By appointment only
Ownership structure isn’t usually something you’d factor into hiring an architect, but it’s worth knowing that Make Architects is 100% employee-owned. This means everyone working on your project actually has a stake in how it turns out.
That ownership seems to feed into their focus on resilient, socially valuable spaces rather than just polished ones. Clients end up as co-creators alongside the designers here, which makes for a genuinely collaborative process rather than a one-way brief.
They’re also a Certified B Corporation working toward net-zero carbon goals, balancing environmental impact with social impact along the way.
Their headquarters juggles massive global schemes alongside domestic sites like 80 Charlotte Street, so the range is real.
That global footprint is also the catch: the large-practice structure can feel a bit impersonal if you’re after a simple residential extension. They mostly team up with major construction companies rather than taking on small domestic jobs.
5. Urbanist Architecture
Website: https://urbanistarchitecture.co.uk/
Address: Greenwich Office (HQ): 2 Little Thames Walk | Office: 2 Eaton Gate
Contact: 020 3793 7878 | [email protected]
Hours: Contact to schedule an appointment
Urbanist Architecture deserves a spot for their expertise in navigating complex council regulations. They know how to secure planning permissions on notoriously difficult sites.
They operate as a multidisciplinary team, giving you access to planning experts and project managers under one roof.
Plus, they oversee every single stage, from the initial architectural drawings to inspecting the active construction site.
We like that they specialise in residential extensions and new-build developments spanning construction values from £200k up to £20m. It’s a wide enough range to cover both modest and fairly massive projects.
The design strategy is also built around your actual lifestyle and needs rather than a generic template, which is a nice touch.
Unfortunately, their growing popularity means you might sit on a waiting list before securing an initial consultation.
Customer Reviews
I had a great experience with Urbanist Architecture
I had a great experience with Urbanist Architecture. They were very professional and gave me honest and valuable advice. Special thanks to Ufuk and Megane for their time, clarity, and genuine effort, they went above and beyond.
- Fahad Al-Meshal | Google Review
What really stood out for us with Urbanist Architecture is how much they listened to what we wanted
This was our second architect after not achieving the results we wanted with the first. What really stood out for us with Urbanist Architecture is how much they listened to what we wanted and then synthesised that into something that went far beyond our imaginations. They were able to achieve a modern yet warm interior, taking into account light and how we’re going to use the space, to produce a functional design that is almost without compromise.
- Chris Glover | Google Review