Business Details
39 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Design & Planning Services in Brighton
Established in 1987, Domain Architects is a Brighton-based practice with over three decades of experience in residential and commercial architectural design. Our team combines technical expertise with practical construction knowledge gained from managing complex projects across Sussex and London. We specialise in navigating planning permissions with a near 100% success rate, working within conservation areas and on listed buildings to deliver contextually sensitive, buildable designs.Our collaborative approach involves all stakeholders to achieve cost-effective, sustainable solutions that maximise project viability. With RIBA-accredited professionals and Party Wall Surveyors on staff, we provide full-service architectural, planning, and project management services tailored to each client's unique requirements.
Services
Architectural Design
Planning Applications
Party Wall Services
Listed Building Projects
Project Management
Conservation Area Work
Commercial Development
Residential Extensions
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- 35+ years' experience in architectural design and construction management
- Near 100% success rate in planning permission applications
- RIBA-accredited professionals with specialist conservation expertise
- Collaborative approach involving all stakeholders from concept to completion
- Cost-effective solutions combining design creativity with financial viability
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
- Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors
What people say
Exceptional level of service
Contemporary building design
Best landlord experience
Highly creative solutions
Successful planning applications
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design service creates contextually sensitive solutions that balance aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. We specialise in transforming challenging sites into viable developments while maintaining compliance with conservation requirements. Our designs consistently demonstrate how thoughtful architecture enhances both property value and user experience through innovative spatial planning and material selection.
Planning Applications
With a near 100% success rate, our planning service navigates complex local authority requirements for residential and commercial developments. We prepare comprehensive submissions that address all regulatory considerations while demonstrating clear benefits to both clients and the local environment through detailed design justifications and community impact assessments.
Listed Building Projects
Specialist listed building services combine historical preservation expertise with modern design requirements. We secure listed building consents by demonstrating how proposed works maintain architectural integrity while introducing necessary improvements through detailed heritage impact assessments and sensitive material specifications.
Project Management
Our project management service coordinates all aspects of construction from initial concept to final completion. We ensure adherence to budgets and timelines while maintaining quality standards through regular site inspections, contractor coordination, and proactive issue resolution throughout the development process.
Conservation Area Work
Expert conservation area services focus on maintaining architectural character while enabling necessary modernisation. We prepare detailed design and access statements demonstrating how proposals respect local context while achieving clients' objectives through careful material selection and proportionally sensitive interventions.
People
Duncan Thomas
Founder & Architect
RIBA-registered architect with 35+ years' experience, specialising in complex planning applications and party wall matters. Former site architect for major London developments, combining design expertise with practical construction knowledge.
Alina Vernon
Practice Manager
Legal and architectural professional managing contracts and compliance, with extensive experience in construction law and property management. Responsible for ensuring all projects meet legal requirements while maintaining client focus.
Ben Murdoch
Architect & Passivhaus Consultant
Certified Passivhaus Consultant specialising in energy-efficient design. Experienced in sustainable building techniques for both new constructions and renovations, with expertise in achieving thermal performance standards while maintaining design integrity.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full architectural services including design, planning applications, party wall matters, listed building consent, and project management for residential and commercial developments.
How successful are you with planning permissions?
We maintain a near 100% success rate with planning applications, supported by our deep understanding of local authority requirements and proven negotiation skills.
Do you work outside Brighton and Sussex?
While based in Brighton, we work across London and occasionally internationally, with recent projects in Texas demonstrating our capability for remote project management.
Can you handle listed building projects?
Yes, we specialise in listed buildings and conservation areas, with extensive experience obtaining permissions while preserving historical integrity and introducing modern improvements.
How do you manage project costs effectively?
Through value engineering and early-stage design decisions, we balance client aspirations with budget constraints while maintaining quality standards throughout the project lifecycle.
