Architects in Portsmouth
We are an architectural practice specialising in obtaining planning permission and listed building consent for projects in conservation areas in Portsmouth & Hampshire
Portsmouth is an island city with a rich maritime legacy and its history stretches back over 800 years. In the 12th century, it became a fortified town. The Hilsea Lines and the surrounding ramparts were designed to protect the city from inland attack. By the reign of Henry VIII, the city had become the principal naval port of England and it played a key role in conflicts such as the Napoleonic Wars, World War I, and World War II.
The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is now an important destination, home to some of the most famous ships in British naval history including The Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s flagship and the HMS Victory, the 18th-century warship commanded by Admiral Lord Nelson during the Battle of Trafalgar.
The challenge is to bring Portsmouth’s stories to life, reinterpret its history through its heritage and through design help bring our clients stories into being.
Local knowledge and Expertise: Work we have completed in the City of Portsmouth
Lecturing at the University of Portsmouth
Graham is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth.
Graham led one of the final year undergraduate design studios at the University of Portsmouth in 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.
Graham is the founding director of GFA Architects based in London and Portsmouth.
The studio has been located in Gosport. The focus has been to bring Gosport’s heritage to life through re-imagining the historic buildings and making new connections from The Waterfront and the High Street to the Royal Clarence Yard, Priddy’s Hard and Haslar.
Architects serving residential & commercial clients in Portsmouth
At Graham Ford Architects we serve homeowners and developers all over the City of Portsmouth, including:
Basements in Portsmouth
We have specialist knowledge of basement design around Portsmouth.
We can advise you on what documents you need to prepare for the council, which engineers can produce the reports that are required, which builders you should use and the timeframes to gain planning permission.
Costs of Basement Construction in Portsmouth
Allow for a minimum of £7200 plus vat per m2.
Note depending on complexity your costs could be substantially greater.
Reviews from our clients
Sports Buildings Architect in Portsmouth
We have considerable experience designing buildings for sport having worked on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We have recently designed a pool and gymnasium for a sports club in Kingston.
We design fishing and boating pavilions, sports grandstands and seating, temporary sports facilities, gyms, changing rooms, sports club pavilions (rugby, football, tennis, swimming, hockey, netball, polo, boating, yachting), catering facilities and pavilions.
If you need a new pavilion or clubhouse for your school or club in Portsmouth then we have the expertise to help you.
Commercial Retrofits in Portsmouth
If you are looking to renovate your commercial office building to meet your sustainability goals and the expectations of your tenants and achieve a high energy performance certificate (EPC) we can help.
We have experience renovating office buildings including the grade 2 offices behind Heals department store in Bloomsbury.
What You Want: A Project That Runs Smoothly
If so, we can help.
Architects Experienced in Risk Management
We have been employed as project managers working with Transport for London and we have built a new railway station.
The skills we gained on these projects including our knowledge of risk management will help to make sure your project (even if it is a residential extension of basement) is delivered on time and on budget.
Renovation of Listed and Historic Buildings in Portsmouth
We have been involved in a number of complex renovation projects in historic settings including the grade 2* listed Roundhouse Theatre in Camden Town and listed buildings in Mayfair and Bloomsbury in London. We understand heritage projects are about a deep understanding of conservation principles, historic and cultural interpretation, recalling lost memories and bringing the stories of the past to life.
We take a forensic approach to conservation looking at every detail of the building was made and how its setting has changed over time. This helps us understand heritage values, historic development and guides our approach to how we alter and adapt the building to meet modern day requirements.
To achieve this it is necessary to collaborate with planners, urban designers, clients and the community to ensure a successful outcome for projects within a heritage setting. Not only does the listed building need to be carefully repaired but the setting of the building including the design of the public realm, lighting, pathways and landscape and vitally important to the overall success of a project.
Leisure Facilities Including Sports & Hospitality
We developed our expertise in Sport working on the London 2012 Olympic Games as an advisor to the Olympic Delivery Authority.
We have built a new boating pavilion in Hyde Park and recently completed the renovation of Leiths School of Food and Wine in West London.
Read more about our story and our vision here.
We Can Help You Obtain Planning Permission In The City Of Portsmouth
Our Principles:
Simplicity: We refine the design many times so that the solution is both elegant and functional.
Precision: Our design drawings are precise and accurate which means no delays
Efficiency: Your project is well organised with exemplary project management.
Collaboration: You will be part of our team. A successful project only happens with a great team who work together.
Sustainability: We aim to reduce your energy bills through cleaver design and better insulation of your home or building.
If you would like to know more about these principles please download my book: The Total Environment Masterplan. This book was shortlisted for business book of the year in 2024.
Costs of Building in Portsmouth in 2024
You should allow a minimum of £3200 per m2 plus vat for all renovation work.
As a word of caution your project could cost substantially more depending on the extent of the work and the type of finishes (tiles, flooring etc) that you choose.
Graham Ford
To find out more about our team please click here.
Our Fees & Next Steps
Discuss your next project with us
Are you looking for an experienced, trustworthy and certified architect based in Portsmouth? Whatever your project, don’t hesitate to reach out to Graham Ford and his team to arrange an informal, confidential chat.