Southampton Architects | Contemporary architecture for sensitive settings
Forest Architecture is a design-led, international award-winning Architecture practice based in the New Forest - we create carefully considered buildings in rural landscapes, historic environments + distinctive places
International award-winning residential + heritage architecture | projects in three National Parks
D E V O N | D O R S E T | H A M P S H I R E |
S O M E R S E T | E A S T + W E S T S U S S E X | W I L T S H I R E
est. 2012
Architecture rooted in
context | heritage | craft
Our work is
R U R A L | U R B A N | C O A S T A L |
H I S T O R I C
new homes + community buildings | listed + heritage sites | extensions + refurbishments | conversions + remodelling
We are recognised for
heritage conservation | overcoming complex planning issues | sensitive, award winning architecture | projects in three National Parks
We are architects working in Southampton, delivering projects across the city and surrounding areas. Our approach is rooted in context, heritage and craft - creating architecture that responds to both the historic fabric and evolving urban character of the area.
From work within conservation areas to contemporary residential projects, we bring a thoughtful and carefully considered approach to each commission.
Location: Southampton, Hampshire
Designation: Conservation Areas, Coastal and Town Settings
The Photographer’s Studio, Lymington
Building Conservation project, Southampton
Architecture in Southampton
Southampton’s historic areas, including its medieval origins and later urban development, require a sensitive and informed approach. As conservation architects in Southampton, we work with listed buildings, heritage assets, and sites within conservation areas.
We guide projects through the complexities of planning and listed building consent, ensuring that proposals respect the character and significance of existing structures while allowing for meaningful and practical change.
Southampton’s identity is shaped by both its urban structure and its relationship to the waterfront. Our work responds to these conditions, considering how buildings sit within dense streetscapes, as well as how they engage with light, views and exposure in coastal environments.
We design with an understanding of:
Urban grain and existing architectural character
The challenges of coastal conditions and material durability
Opportunities for contemporary interventions within established settings
“Natalie and her team at Forest Architecture are creative, pragmatic and brilliantly capable. Without their hands-on guidance, advice and counsel we would never have managed to sympathetically modernise and improve our grade-II listed home”
Private - The Lime House Lymington, Hampshire
R E S I D E N T I A L period property refurbishment + and extension
1930’s house refurbishment + and extension
R E S I D E N T I A L 
C O M M U N I T Y Grade II* listed church and church hall refurbishment
House extension, Shirley, Southampton
Our Work in Southampton
In Southampton, our approach to craft often takes a contemporary form - expressed through precision, material quality, and carefully resolved detailing.
This may include:
Bespoke metalwork, including railings, balconies and façade elements
Refined junctions between materials such as brick, timber and glass
Carefully considered proportions and façade compositions
Alongside this, we continue to draw on traditional techniques where appropriate, ensuring that new and existing elements are integrated with care and consistency.
We provide residential architecture services across Southampton, including extensions, refurbishments, and new-build homes.
Our work focuses on:
Enhancing existing properties through thoughtful adaptation
Introducing contemporary design within established contexts
Improving spatial quality, light and connection to the outdoors
Each project is developed in response to both the building and its wider setting. Our projects include:
New homes + replacement dwellings
Extensions + refurbishments
Listed and heritage buildings
Projects in conservation areas
New and modified community buildings in rural + coastal settings
Each project begins with understanding the site, the brief and the aspirations of our clients.
R E S I D E N T I A L A R C H I T E C T U R E H U B
new-build houses, extensions, refurbishments, conversions, rural, sensitive alterations
H E R I T A G E A R C H I T E C T U R E H U B
C O M M U N I T Y A R C H I T E C T U R E H U B
listed buildings, heritage assets, conservation areas, conversions, repairs + alterations
new-build, conversions, learning spaces, performance spaces, gathering and religious spaces
Ready to start your project in Southampton?
Book a free 20-minute Discovery call
Serving Southampton
We work across Southampton and the surrounding areas, including: Ocean Village, Bassett, Shirley, Portswood and Netley. If you are looking for architects in Southampton with experience in conservation, urban projects, and carefully crafted design give us a call, whether you are looking for a residential, community or heritage Conservation Architect.