James Williamson Architects Ltd is a RIBA Chartered architectural practice based in Surrey, specialising in residential architecture for homeowners who want clear guidance, regulatory competence, and well-considered design outcomes.
We focus on residential extensions, renovations, retrofits, and new-build homes, working closely with private clients across Surrey and the wider South East. Projects range from kitchen and living space transformations and loft conversions to whole-house renovations, low-energy retrofits, heritage properties, and bespoke new-builds.
James Williamson Architects is known for a structured, stress-reducing approach. Clients are guided step by step from early feasibility and planning advice through concept design, planning submissions, technical design, and construction-stage support with particular emphasis on clarity, buildability, and risk management, helping clients make confident decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
The practice brings strong expertise in UK planning systems, building regulations, and technical coordination, including the Principal Designer role under the CDM Regulations, ensuring projects are well designed, compliant, safe, and deliverable on site. We work collaboratively with consultants, contractors, and local authorities to maintain quality and continuity throughout.
Sustainability and long-term performance are integral to our work, including a fabric-first approach, energy-efficient layouts, low-carbon technologies, and sensitive retrofit strategies for existing buildings. We also have experience with conservation areas and listed buildings, balancing character and heritage with modern comfort and performance.
With deep local knowledge of Surrey planning authorities and a calm, client-focused ethos, James Williamson Architects helps homeowners create homes that are practical, comfortable, and built to last while keeping the design and construction process as clear and manageable as possible.
We focus on residential extensions, renovations, retrofits, and new-build homes, working closely with private clients across Surrey and the wider South East. Projects range from kitchen and living space transformations and loft conversions to whole-house renovations, low-energy retrofits, heritage properties, and bespoke new-builds.
James Williamson Architects is known for a structured, stress-reducing approach. Clients are guided step by step from early feasibility and planning advice through concept design, planning submissions, technical design, and construction-stage support with particular emphasis on clarity, buildability, and risk management, helping clients make confident decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
The practice brings strong expertise in UK planning systems, building regulations, and technical coordination, including the Principal Designer role under the CDM Regulations, ensuring projects are well designed, compliant, safe, and deliverable on site. We work collaboratively with consultants, contractors, and local authorities to maintain quality and continuity throughout.
Sustainability and long-term performance are integral to our work, including a fabric-first approach, energy-efficient layouts, low-carbon technologies, and sensitive retrofit strategies for existing buildings. We also have experience with conservation areas and listed buildings, balancing character and heritage with modern comfort and performance.
With deep local knowledge of Surrey planning authorities and a calm, client-focused ethos, James Williamson Architects helps homeowners create homes that are practical, comfortable, and built to last while keeping the design and construction process as clear and manageable as possible.
Served areas
- Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Hampshire, London
Details
- Year established: 2020
- Employees: 4
- Licensed
- Insured
Highlights and features
- RIBA Chartered architect delivering clarity, confidence, and calm
- Bespoke extensions, renovations, and new-build homes
- Planning advice and feasibility studies to unlock a site's potential
- Passive House and EnerPHit retrofits for energy-efficient living
- Collaborative 3D and VR design visualisation
- End-to-end support, from planning permissions through to completion
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Practice
Payment methods
- Debit cards, Credit cards, Mobile payments, Bank transfers
Services
If your home no longer meets your needs, we design renovations and extensions that add space and a layout that fits your life. We keep the process straightforward handling planning, producing the drawings your builder needs, and setting out costs early. During construction, we coordinate the team so your home follows the design as intended. 
We design new homes around how you live, creating calm, practical spaces built to last. As RIBA Chartered architects, we keep the journey simple, from first ideas to a completed home. Our staged service covers feasibility, budgets, planning and builder-ready technical drawings. We coordinate consultants and stay engaged on site, giving clear updates and recorded decisions. 
Restoring a historic home can feel daunting, with planning rules and conservation constraints to navigate. We guide you from feasibility through design and approvals, keeping each stage clear and manageable. Our proposals respect original character while improving comfort for modern living. As RIBA Chartered architects, we handle submissions and liaise with conservation officers on your behalf. People
James Williamson
RIBA Chartered Architect, Director
I'm James Williamson, a RIBA Chartered Architect and director of James Williamson Architects. Raised in the South West, I believe good architecture responds discreetly to its setting and quietly improves everyday living. After more than a decade with award-winning practices in the UK and overseas, I founded the practice in 2020 to help homeowners create homes that feel intuitive, lasting, and personal with a calm, clear process from first conversation to completion.
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Reviews (9)
John Armenakas
May 13, 2025
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James was wonderful to work with, and provided us with 2 wonderful designs that captured everything we wanted in our extension. Once we decided the design we wanted to move forward with, James worked through the planning approval process for us. The results are amazing, and we are so happy with the way our extension looks.
Tom Wood
Dec 30, 2024
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Daniella Taggart
Aug 22, 2024
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Heather Steen
Jul 19, 2024
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Our experience with James was fantastic throughout!
After an initial survey of the space, and design proposal, we had in-depth discussions with James together with our builder. He listened to our thoughts and preferences, took time to answer questions really clearly and show us options, before we agreed on a final plan. We were really pleased to have James back to visit to see the end result.
I would thoroughly recommend!
After an initial survey of the space, and design proposal, we had in-depth discussions with James together with our builder. He listened to our thoughts and preferences, took time to answer questions really clearly and show us options, before we agreed on a final plan. We were really pleased to have James back to visit to see the end result.
I would thoroughly recommend!
Jeremy Crump
Apr 16, 2024
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James was an excellent architect for our downstairs renovation project, very reliable, professional, friendly and accomodating to our requirements. James took our initial thinking and came back with some fantastic designs, challenged our thinking and rescoped areas where needed. After that James was very responsive and went above and beyond with his help: setting up discussions with contractors, contacting Building Control, recommeding suppliers. We are so pleased with the finished result. Would not hesitate to recommend James.
Alex
Sep 23, 2023
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James is an absolute pleasure to work with, he took a lot of time to listen and take onboard what we wanted. He carried out all the necessary paperwork with council which made things super easy for us. His drawings are extremely well detailed right down to the 3d mockup drawings of our extension which was nice touch, it gave a feeling of real progress with our project before it had even begun. I've recommended James to several friends and wouldn't hesitate in recommending him again.
Sam Price
Sep 07, 2023
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Mansour Allana
Sep 06, 2023
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I had the pleasure of working with James on a recent project, and I am absolutely thrilled with the results! From the initial consultation to the final completion, James demonstrated exceptional vision and expertise that truly set him apart.
What impressed me the most was James's ability to listen attentively to my ideas and preferences while also offering invaluable insights and creative suggestions. He took the time to understand my vision for the property and translated it into a design that exceeded all my expectations.
James is also highly skilled in navigating complex regulations and permits, which made the entire process smooth and stress-free. His professionalism, responsiveness, and clear communication made collaborating effectively throughout the project easy.
I am beyond thrilled with the end result, and I couldn't be happier with the decision to work with James.
If you're looking for a talented, reliable, and creative Property Architect, I wholeheartedly recommend James. His dedication to his craft and passion for creating outstanding spaces truly make him a standout professional in his field. I wouldn't hesitate to work with him in the future.
Thank you, James, for turning my property into a dream come true!
What impressed me the most was James's ability to listen attentively to my ideas and preferences while also offering invaluable insights and creative suggestions. He took the time to understand my vision for the property and translated it into a design that exceeded all my expectations.
James is also highly skilled in navigating complex regulations and permits, which made the entire process smooth and stress-free. His professionalism, responsiveness, and clear communication made collaborating effectively throughout the project easy.
I am beyond thrilled with the end result, and I couldn't be happier with the decision to work with James.
If you're looking for a talented, reliable, and creative Property Architect, I wholeheartedly recommend James. His dedication to his craft and passion for creating outstanding spaces truly make him a standout professional in his field. I wouldn't hesitate to work with him in the future.
Thank you, James, for turning my property into a dream come true!
Graham Walpole
May 12, 2023
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