Our Services
At Forest Architecture, we provide architectural services tailored to residential projects in sensitive and rural settings. Our work combines careful design thinking with a strong understanding of planning, landscape, and historic context
What we do
Initial Discovery Call | Pre-Design Review | Vision Workshop | Feasibility Study
Full architectural services -from concept to completion
Planning & listed building applications
Heritage Statement/Statement of Significance
Technical design for Building Control approval
Specification Writing & Schedule of Works
Contract Administration & site progress
Conservation Management Plans
Interior spatial planning
Site history, Analysis and Research
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What we design/produce
New design interventions within historic settings
Building Conversions & Extensions
New-build homes/buildings
Home/building refurbishments
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What we submit
Pre-app Assessment Submissions
Listed Building Applications/Planning Applications
Non-designated Heritage Assets/Locally Listed Buildings Heritage Statements
We provide clear guidance, creative design, and careful attention at every stage of your project
Architecture for Homes + Rural Settings
Much of our work focuses on private residential architecture, particularly homes in countryside locations and sensitive planning contexts.
Designing in rural environments often requires careful consideration of planning policy, landscape character, and existing buildings. We regularly work on projects involving:
Replacement dwellings in the countryside
Extensions and alterations to existing homes
Barn conversions and rural buildings
Projects within conservation areas
Adaptations to listed buildings
By combining creative architectural design with planning expertise, we help clients unlock the potential of their sites while navigating the complexities of the planning process.
Contextual Design
Our design process places strong emphasis on understanding the wider setting of a project. By responding carefully to topography, views, and landscape character, we aim to create buildings that sit naturally within their environment.
Heritage + Conservation
Projects involving historic buildings require a sensitive and informed approach. We have experience working with listed buildings and conservation areas, balancing the protection of heritage significance with contemporary living.
Navigating Planning Permission
Securing planning permission can often be one of the most challenging stages of a project. Our role is to guide clients through this process with clear advice and well-considered design proposals.
We regularly prepare and manage applications in accordance with policies such as the National Planning Policy Framework and local authority planning guidance. Our experience includes working on projects in conservation areas and heritage contexts informed by organisations such as Historic England.
By developing thoughtful proposals we aim to maximise the likelihood of successful planning outcomes.
Planning Strategy
Securing planning permission is often one of the most critical stages of a project. We develop proposals that respond thoughtfully to planning policy and local character, helping clients navigate complex planning contexts.
Thoughtful Design + Sustainability
We believe that architecture should respond positively to the environment. Our design process considers energy efficiency, material choices, and long-term sustainability from the earliest stages of a project.
This can include:
Passive design strategies
Natural light optimisation
High-performance building envelopes
Sustainable and locally appropriate materials
By integrating these principles into the design process, we aim to create buildings that are comfortable, efficient, and resilient over time.
Architectural Design
We create carefully considered architectural proposals that respond to the character of each site, the surrounding landscape, and the needs of our clients. Our work ranges from contemporary rural homes to sensitive alterations of historic buildings.
Tailored Architectural Services
Every project and client is different. Our services are therefore flexible and tailored depending on the scope of the project and the level of support required.
Some clients require assistance with early feasibility studies or planning applications, while others engage us to provide full architectural services through to construction.
We are happy to discuss the level of service that best suits your project and guide you through the architectural process step by step.
Sustainable Design
We integrate sustainable principles from the earliest stages of a project, focusing on passive design, energy efficiency, and long-term environmental performance.
Starting a Project
If you are considering a new build home, extension, renovation, or rural project, the first step is usually an initial consultation. This allows us to discuss your ideas, understand the site, and explore the opportunities and constraints involved.
Following this, we can advise on the feasibility of the project, potential planning considerations, and the next stages of the design process.
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Book a Discovery Call: Free | 15mins | An initial conversation to explore your ideas
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A professional, one-hour working session (at the site of your project) to review your project opportunities and constraints and to discuss design ideas and planning issues.
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Our Vision Workshop is a standalone, creative session that transforms initial ideas into a considered design strategy. Together, we define the next steps and a tailored process for your project.
