Southwark Architects

If you are seeking Southwark architects for your house extension, refurbishment or new build home, we’d be delighted to help.

Architecture for London is an RIBA Chartered Practice with a significant number of projects in the borough. We are familiar with the Southwark planning team, and we are well-versed in the local planning policy. For more information, see our recent planning and listed building consents in Southwark.

Our architects have specialist experience of working with period properties in conservation areas, particularly with alterations to listed buildings. We deliver sustainable residential projects, also in partnership with our sister company AFL Build.

Discover Architecture for London’s residential portfolio. If you would like to discuss your project, please contact us.

Peckham Tonal House, Southwark

“It was a real pleasure to work with Architecture for London. Everything was achieved with a calm and can-do attitude and a tasteful eye on detail.” – Jill, Peckham.

Southwark architects: conservation areas

Due to its historic development, Southwark is now home to 48 conservation areas, each recognised for its architectural significance. These designated areas have additional planning protections to preserve their unique character and landscape, resulting in specific regulations and restrictions for any new development or modification. Buildings within these areas often possess significant character, making them an integral part of the borough’s heritage.

Planning permission may be required for alterations in these protected zones, including demolitions, roof additions, and window replacements. Article 4 directions in certain conservation areas may further restrict householders’ permitted development.

Our house extension with Georgian-inspired arched openings

Proposed works should align with the conservation area appraisal, which will give direction on the use of materials and scale of development. Southwark’s CA appraisals are written policy documents that guide new development so that it complements the local area’s historical context.

The Holly Grove conservation area in Peckham is known for its 19th-century suburban charm. The area features Georgian and early Victorian architecture, a mature park and Victorian railway infrastructure, all contributing to its heritage value. Architecture for London has successfully completed a project in this conservation area. Our design used London stock brick, the prevalent material in the street, with reference to the conservation area appraisal.

Peckham Tonal House, Southwark: an extension and refurbishment of a listed building in Peckham

Guidelines for conservation areas

To maintain the integrity of Southwark’s conservation areas, new developments and alterations should respect the historical and architectural significance of their surroundings. Whilst traditional features should be preserved wherever possible, there is often still an opportunity for innovation.

High-quality materials and modern elements are generally welcomed if they enhance or preserve the area’s overall character. Architecture for London has extensive experience navigating the permissions process, ensuring projects comply with these requirements while achieving a balance between heritage and innovation.

Southwark architects: listed building consent

Southwark’s architectural heritage is a cornerstone of its identity, with thousands of listed buildings and structures that showcase its historic and cultural significance. In late 2023, the borough introduced a local list identifying over 2,000 buildings and structures deemed important to the community. The process of obtaining listed building consent for extensions or alterations involves a rigorous submission and approval process.

Nationally, listed buildings are classified into three grades:

Grade II: Buildings of special interest.
Grade II*: Buildings of particular importance and outstanding interest, a more common designation in Southwark.
Grade I: Buildings of exceptional national importance.

Southwark architects: listed building consent drawings, internal elevations and plans

Southwark architects: recent projects

In our Peckham House project, we transformed a Georgian family villa while carefully preserving its historic charm. Although the new owners cherished its original features, the home required reconfiguration and modernisation.

The historic character of the villa has been maintained, while modern interior finishes and services were introduced. The sash windows, which offered poor thermal performance, were draft-sealed and improved with slimline secondary glazing. At the rear, new large sliding doors better connect the lower ground floor to the garden. The interplay between Georgian architecture and modern design creates a dynamic contrast.

A muted colour and material palette unifies the home across all floors, with natural finishes featured throughout. In the kitchen, timber joinery and stainless steel detailing connect the past with the present. The loft was reimagined by exposing the rafters to accommodate new insulation and create a bright new bedroom, complete with a curved ensuite bathroom.

A brick rear extension to a period house

Other recent projects by Architecture for London in Southwark include a cafe and housing scheme in Borough and a house extension in Dulwich. In Dulwich, the architectural heritage ranges from Georgian to late Victorian and Edwardian homes. In our Dulwich project, an open-plan kitchen is proposed to allow for improved internal flow and increased natural light. A rear extension features an open-plan kitchen, living and dining room.

Roof lights and generous sliding doors allow light to flood through the spaces. Sliding plywood partitions were used to add a dressing room, blending traditional Japanese-inspired aesthetics with practicality.

Southwark architects: cafe and housing scheme in Borough

History of Southwark

Southwark is a central borough in south London, including some of the oldest inhabited parts of the city. It is well known for its cultural attractions, including The Shard, Tower Bridge and Borough Market.

Southwark’s history dates back to the Roman period, with the settlement growing around the bridge into London. In the Tudor era, the area developed significantly with new palaces, theatres and inns. The borough contains many diverse historic villages, including areas such as Peckham and Dulwich. The development of Southwark accelerated further with the opening of Westminster Bridge in 1750.

Discover Architecture for London’s projects. If you are looking for Southwark architects and would like to discuss your project, please contact us.