Contemporary Design & Conservation Architects, Dorset
Thoughtful contemporary architecture rooted in landscape, materials and place. Forest Architecture is a small architectural practice working across Dorset and the south of England, designing carefully considered homes, extensions and rural buildings
Architecture + the setting
Dorset’s landscapes, coastlines and historic villages demand a sensitive architectural approach.
At Forest Architecture we design buildings that respond carefully to their context — whether within rural landscapes, conservation areas or historic settings. Our work combines contemporary architectural thinking with an understanding of traditional materials and craft, creating buildings that feel natural within their surroundings.
Each project begins with a careful study of site, light and landscape, allowing architecture to grow from the character of the place.
Residential Architecture in Dorset
We work with homeowners and clients across Dorset on a range of residential projects, including:
Contemporary house extensions
Renovations and re-imagining existing homes
New houses in rural settings
Barn and heritage conversions
Homes in conservation areas and sensitive landscapes
Our role is to guide projects from the earliest design thinking through planning permission and detailed design for construction.
Experience in Sensitive Landscapes
Much of Dorset’s landscape is protected or historically significant, requiring careful design and thoughtful navigation of planning policies.
Forest Architecture has experience working within:
conservation areas
rural landscapes
heritage settings
protected landscapes and National Parks
This experience allows us to develop proposals that are both architecturally ambitious and responsive to planning context.
Learn more about Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB’s)
Our Approach
Every project is different, but our process generally follows four stages.
Initial Conversation
An early discussion exploring your ideas, site and ambitions.
Concept Design
Developing architectural ideas that respond to the character of the place.
Planning and Technical Design
Preparing proposals for planning permission and developing detailed drawings.
Realisation
Supporting the project as it moves towards construction.
Experience with Planning Authorities
Delivering successful projects in Dorset often requires a careful understanding of local planning policies and landscape sensitivities. Forest Architecture has experience working with planning departments across the county, including Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP).
This familiarity allows us to develop proposals that respond thoughtfully to local planning guidance while maintaining strong architectural ideas, helping guide projects smoothly through the planning process.
Purbeck Stone + Protected Landscapes
Dorset is defined by its dramatic Jurassic Coast and its vast, protected areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Architecture in this county must navigate a landscape that is both beautiful and highly regulated. Our practice focuses on the sensitive evolution of Dorset’s building traditions, from the golden globigerina and Purbeck stone of the south to the historic brickwork of the market towns. Whether we are working on a creative barn conversion in the Cranborne Chase or a design-led replacement dwelling overlooking the coast, our approach remains the same: to create architecture that respects Dorset’s timeless character while delivering the clarity and light of contemporary design.
Location: Dorset
Designation: Conservation Areas, Coastal and Rural Settings
Read more on Protected Landscapes and Architecture here:
About Forest Architecture
Forest Architecture is a small architectural studio based in Hampshire working across southern England. The practice designs carefully crafted buildings that respond to landscape, light and material.
The studio is registered with the Royal Institute of British Architects and works with homeowners, clients and collaborators to create thoughtful contemporary architecture rooted in place.
Begin the Conversation
If you are considering a new home, extension or renovation project to a community project in Dorset, we would be delighted to discuss your ideas.
In Dorset, every house sits within a landscape with its own character. Our architecture seeks to respect that sense of place while creating homes that feel both contemporary and rooted in the environment
Featured projects
Let us help with your project
Working On Architectural Projects Throughout Dorset
We offer our architectural services to all areas within Dorset, including Christchurch, Dorchester, Bridport, Shaftesbury, Wareham, Swanage, Wimborne, Poole. Feel free to call us today for a chat about your requirements, whether you are looking for a residential, commercial or conservation architect. If you’d prefer us to call you, feel free to use the contact form and let us know when would be most convenient.