Planning a major renovation or new build feels exciting until you stare down complex local council regulations. We know how tough it is to find someone who truly understands your vision, respects your budget, and handles all planning permissions.
You need a partner who listens and delivers stunning, practical results. To help you skip the exhausting search, we tracked down the best architects in London to bring your dreams into reality.
Let’s dive into the top design studios!
How much do architects cost in London?
Architects in London typically charge 8% to 15% of your total construction cost, whilst some specific tasks are billed at a fixed fee of around £3,000 to £8,000+.
| Project Type / Service | Typical Fees |
| Standard Residential Projects | 10% – 12% of build cost |
| Listed Buildings & Conservation | 12% – 18% of build cost |
| New Builds | 7% – 12% of build cost |
| Hourly Rates | £80 – £200 per hour |
| Fixed Fees (Planning Drawings) | £3,000 – £8,000+ |
| Rear Extensions (Full Service) | £20,000+ total |
How We Reviewed
Industry Experience: We checked the history and local track record of each practice. A solid portfolio proves they can handle the unique challenges of the city’s housing stock.
Service Range: We looked for firms that offer comprehensive support from the initial concept to the final handover. Teams that provide project management alongside structural drawings scored much higher.
Sustainability Practices: Eco-friendly design is no longer just a nice bonus for a modern home. We prioritised studios that actively incorporate low-carbon materials and energy-efficient building methods into their standard packages.
Client Communication: Good design requires a collaborative and open relationship between creator and homeowner. We evaluated how transparent and responsive these professionals are during the critical early planning stages.
1. GOAStudio
Website: https://goastudio.co.uk/
Address: 86 – 90 Paul Street, Hackney
Contact: 020 3984 3005
Hours: Contact to schedule an appointment
Residential extensions and complex renovations are essentially the only things GOAStudio does across the city, and that narrow focus is exactly why they lead this list.
They test realistic design options early, which heads off the kind of expensive redesign that can derail a project halfway through.
We appreciate that they treat daily comfort and long-term performance as one package rather than trading one off for the other. They also stay involved from the initial feasibility review right through to handing over the finished project.
Their expertise in period homes in London is also really impressive. They know how to update a space without stripping away what made it distinctive in the first place, which is a harder balance to strike than it sounds.
The trade-off is that their strict focus on housing rules out commercial fit-outs, though for a small residential development, that specialism can save real time.
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. Payte Architects London
Website: https://paytearchitects-london.co.uk/
Address: Shepherds Bush: Control House 10 Shepherds Bush Rd | Mayfair: 14 Hanover Square
Contact: Shepherds Bush: 020 3984 8501 | Mayfair: 020 7123 8407
Hours: Contact to schedule an appointment
A team that handles both structural design and the actual building work is rare to find, and that’s the main reason Payte Architects London earns a spot here.
Their turnkey model puts design and construction under one roof, and the level of detail they bring to a space reflects that combined oversight.
Their Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) certification is a useful marker of professionalism and quality control. They specialise in bespoke extensions and listed building transformations aimed at getting more out of your existing living space.
A free 30-minute consultation lets you bring in rough ideas and get a sense of what’s realistic within your budget before committing to anything.
Because they operate as both designer and builder, though, they’re not the right fit if you’re after a standalone architectural plan without the construction side attached.
Customer Reviews
We are deeply grateful for everything they have done for us
Ultimately, it was thanks to their persistence, expertise, and hard work that both planning permission and the LTA were finally granted, allowing us to proceed with the purchase. We truly would not have achieved this outcome without them.
If you are looking for an architectural practice capable of navigating complex commercial projects, high-risk buildings, LTAs, planning issues, and difficult developers, we cannot recommend Payte Architects London highly enough. Their knowledge, commitment, and client care are exceptional. We are deeply grateful for everything they have done for us.
- Alpa Patel | Google Review
I’ve been extremely happy with the entire experience
From start to finish, the service provided by Simon and his team has been outstanding. Simon goes above and beyond at every stage of the building process — from drawing up the initial plans to offering expert advice and guidance throughout. His professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering high-quality results are second to none. I’ve been extremely happy with the entire experience and would not hesitate to recommend Payte Architects LondonArchitecture to friends, family, and anyone seeking exceptional architectural services
- Ganga Pillai | Google Review
3. Shape Architecture London
Website: https://www.shapearchitecture.co.uk/
Address: Chester House, 81 – 83 Fulham High Street, Fulham
Contact: 020 3770 6360 | [email protected]
Hours: Contact to schedule an appointment
Shape Architecture London is suitable if you’re navigating a complex project. They bring two decades of experience transforming properties into light-filled, contemporary spaces.
What stands out is how they act as a dedicated agent at every stage, guiding you through residential remodels across the South East.
This chartered practice also offers bespoke interior and garden design services alongside their structural work.
They’ll even visit your property for a free consultation to explain the entire process from start to finish. To top it off, they’re efficient and effective at keeping the project on track.
Just note that their intense focus on the residential sector means they aren’t a good fit for large commercial developments.
Customer Reviews
I’ve been impressed and delighted with his work and would recommend him to anyone
Jason and team helped me with my refurb project. I’ve been impressed and delighted with his work and would recommend him to anyone. Jason came up with detailed plans and more importantly had quite a number of iterations after our extensive discussions. He conducted a tender – recommending reliable contractors and guiding me through the process.
Once the works commenced he was always available and diligent in his site visits communicating and inspecting building works.
- Yan Gloukhovski | Google Review
Worked well within a tight budget and interacted effectively
Shape did a wonderful job designing the private roof garden of Florin Court in Charterhouse Square.
We now have an amenity which is much enjoyed by the residents of the 120 flats who can enjoy beautiful surroundings and sensational views across London.
Shape worked well within a tight budget and interacted effectively with both ourselves as the client as well as our surveyors.
- John Cutts | Google Review
4. YARD Architects
Website: https://yardarchitects.co.uk/
Address: Unit 104, 65 Glasshill Street
Contact: 020 7407 8303 | [email protected]
Hours: Contact to schedule an appointment
YARD Architects reads as design-led first and practical second, in the best sense. Their award-winning work still keeps sustainability in view rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Their in-house Passivhaus expertise suggests the low-energy homes they build are meant to showcase real craftsmanship and natural light, not just hit an energy number on paper.
We also appreciate that they lean on a trusted network of consultants and contractors, which seems to keep a build running more smoothly.
Having a dedicated company director on every project also feels like it should mean steadier collaboration rather than things getting handed off partway through.
That said, their design-led approach might not suit you if you just want a standard build. They also work almost exclusively with private families and small developers, so larger corporate commissions aren’t really their focus.
Customer Reviews
We are extremely pleased with the result
We chose Simon amongst many other architects because we loved the projects he’s been previously working on and his personality. Since the beginning and throughout the process Simon has been able to balance very well his views and our own tastes and priorities, coming up every time with several propositions. He’s delivered an outstanding project, taking care of details as well as overall consistency and aesthetic across the board. We are extremely pleased with the result and the journey to get there and would definitely use him on our next project.
- Ziad Hojeij | Google Review
The service was exceptional
Simon, Jon and their team are incredibly talented, diligent, professional, calm and caring. It is rare to work with somene who surpass expectations through every part of the construction process… Yard designed something more exceptional than we could have imagined, worked to our budget and provided guidance and direction throughout the build with weekly attendance throughout. The service was exceptional. Thank you.
- Thomas Woolf | Google Review
5. Hopkins Architects
Website: https://www.hopkins.co.uk/
Address: 27 Broadley Terrace
Contact: 020 7724 1751
Hours: Contact to schedule an appointment
Hopkins Architects is an internationally recognised pioneer practice known for bringing clear, logical design thinking to major high-profile projects. They work across major civic and commercial workplace sectors to deliver exceptional results.
Their team employs highly sophisticated Building Information Modelling (BIM) systems to ensure speed and flawless coordination. If you love modern architecture, you’ve likely seen their innovative designs scattered across the city, like 100 Liverpool Street.
To boot, their internal sustainability group constantly reviews projects to minimise environmental impact and improve overall well-being.
The thing is, their massive scale means they’re generally unsuitable for modest homeowner renovations or small domestic jobs.
