Architects in Southampton

We are an architectural practice specialising in obtaining planning permission and listed building consent for projects in conservation areas in Southampton & Hampshire

Southampton is steeped in maritime history and is known as the “Gateway to the World”. It has long been a centre of naval and commercial activity, thanks to its strategic coastal location on the Solent.

The city rose to prominence as an important medieval port, facilitating trade between England and Europe. Southampton’s status as a major port was solidified with its involvement in the departure of the Mayflower in 1620. The Royal Navy’s presence has deeply influenced the city’s character and economy. The docks continue to be a vital part of Southampton’s economy, and the city remains a departure point for transatlantic and European shipping.

Southampton’s architecture tells the story of its resilience and growth. The city features medieval structures, such as the Bargate, a Grade I listed medieval gatehouse in the city centre constructed in Norman times as the main gateway to the city.

Southampton also has important cultural institutions including the SeaCity Museum which tells the story of Southampton’s maritime heritage and is housed in the city’s Grade II listed Magistrates’ Court, one of the most important 1930s building complexes in the south of England and the first ‘civic centre’ in the UK.

Local knowledge and Expertise: Work we have completed in Southampton

Connecting Gosport (next door to Southampton)

Graham is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth just a short distance from the city of Southampton and is based in both Portsmouth and London. Graham is the founding director of GFA Architects based in London and Portsmouth.

He led one of the final year undergraduate design studios at the University of Portsmouth in 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.

The studio has been located in Gosport just next door to Southampton. 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 Southampton

At Graham Ford Architects we serve homeowners and developers all over Southampton, including:

Avenue Campus

Lordshill

Northam

Bassett Green

Lordswood

Peartree Green

Bevois Valley

Mansbridge

Regents Park

Bitterne

Maybush

St Denys

Highfield

Midanbury

St Mary's

Holyrood Estate

Millbrook

Shirley

Itchen Ferry village

Nicholstown

Weston

Take our Residential Questionnaire

Are you ready to undertake a home renovation project in Southampton?

Take the quiz!

Basements in Southampton

We have specialist knowledge of basement design around Southampton.

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 Southampton

Allow for a minimum of £7000 plus vat per m2.

Note depending on complexity your costs could be substantially greater.

Book a consultation today!

Reviews from our clients

James Wright

Graham Ford Architects worked on our house renovation in Belgravia.
We needed heritage consultants, structural engineers, planning consultants and party wall surveyors as part of a team to design and build the consented scheme. Graham managed this process with ease.
They helped gain all the permissions we required including listed building consent and they managed the discharge of all the planning conditions. They also provided details for construction to help our builders complete the project with regular site visits throughout the build.
Graham and his colleagues have a friendly and uncomplicated approach and I would happily recommend them for any work involving heritage applications, house design and managing a construction project.

Jonathan G

Graham Ford Architects designed and gained planning permission for our house renovation in Ealing.
They worked seamlessly with our contractor to ensure we gained all the permissions we required for our project. They managed the construction to make sure it was built on time and on budget.
The design has worked wonderfully, adding lots more space in a refurbished house. Graham Ford Architects made regular visits to assess and supervise the builders, who had been recommended by them, and who did outstandingly good building work as well as all the associated remedial and decorative jobs.

Henry Fitzherbert

Graham did a brilliant job on our house extension, transforming our small kitchen into a huge airy space full of light and very imaginatively utilising our side return so we also gained a utility room and bathroom. He was very calm and professional throughout, found us excellent builders (not easy) and worked well with the council. Without Graham I’m not sure novices like us would ever have got the job done. Result: we have a transformed living space and have added considerable value to our family home. Highly recommend.

Reza Najafi

I am a property developer and have used Graham’s services on a number of occasions. These have included planning applications, listed building applications and various architectural drawings.In a more recent project which was to fully renovate and reconfigure a residential property including making a very large basement, in addition to the above we put his team on a retainer for regular site visits and assistance, communication with local authorities, coordination with suppliers and subcontractors and recommendation on suitable materials where required.I find Graham to be very knowledgeable and just as importantly reliable. In my trade it is crucial that people I work with deliver on time and accept responsibility for their work.Graham’s fees are also reasonable which is a bonus!

Ross Nutchey

We employed Graham Ford Architects to provide construction stage technical design assistance on a large residential development in West London.Graham and his team brought significant value to the project and their detailed knowledge of construction detailing and the building regulations helped us to overcome some significant challenges. I look forward to working with Graham and the GFA team in the near future

Sports Buildings Architect in Southampton

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 Southampton then we have the expertise to help you.

Take our Sports Questionnaire

Are you ready to commence an upgrade of your sports club in Southampton?

Take the quiz!

Commercial Retrofits in Southampton

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

Are you looking for an architect who has experience in the area of Southampton?

Are you a building owner who needs help with the renovation of your building to gain listed building consent?

Do you feel overwhelmed with the complexity of gaining planning permission, building regulations + procurement, and project costs?

Do you want someone to help you write your brief and build a team that will be capable of gaining the statutory permissions including planning and building control sign off, so your project runs smoothly?

Do you want a creative but no-nonsense step-by-step guide to getting all the permissions you need with a team that provides all the support you require?

If so, we can help.

We can advise on the feasibility of both new build or renovation projects ranging between 100K and 7 million pounds in construction value.

Our principles will guide your project from start to finish and will ensure your project runs smoothly with an elegant result.

Our aim is to manage the risks, create a team that will give you the best chance of planning success and our work will increase the value of your home.

“A project with a construction value of over 100k must run smoothly”

We design houses, apartments and sports buildings.

We are best known for the design of buildings in conservation areas and in Royal and regional parks.

We know that taking on a large construction project is a daunting process, that is why working with us, with our experience in Southampton, will ensure your project progresses smoothly.

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 Southampton

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 Southampton

You will need advice on how to manage a design and construction project.

You will need advice on what team will be required, and how much your project will cost.

Planning permission costs time and money, and requires an experienced team to prevent delays and costly mistakes.

For planning to be successful, consultation with the local authority of Southampton City Council is essential.

We work closely with our Heritage consultants and with the Conservation Officer at the council to make sure everyone is happy with the changes we are proposing.

You may not be clear on how to get your project built, and which contract and builder you should use.

We will help you understand and mitigate the risks of construction. We know you want a smooth stress-free process, not anxiety and constantly rising costs.

To overcome these problems, we have developed the following principles.

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.

Download

‎Costs of Building in Southampton 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

If you wish to discuss your project with us we will go through your brief during our initial phone call.

We will then put a fee quote together and discuss it with you over the phone.

We will then send you a letter confirming all our costs.

Discuss your next project with us

Are you looking for an experienced, trustworthy and certified architect based in Southampton? Whatever your project, don’t hesitate to reach out to Graham Ford and his team to arrange an informal, confidential chat.