Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in London
Alan Higgs Architects is a full-service architectural practice with a global portfolio spanning Britain, Australia, and Europe. Our expertise encompasses new builds, listed building restoration, and sustainable design, with over 220 completed commissions reflecting our commitment to blending historical sensitivity with modern innovation. We prioritise client needs through tailored solutions, integrating natural light and spatial harmony to create functional, aesthetically refined environments. Our team combines academic rigour with practical experience, having worked on projects ranging from private residences to cultural institutions.Recognised for design excellence, we have secured planning approvals for complex heritage sites and pioneered sustainable technologies. With a focus on enduring relationships, we guide clients through every project phase, ensuring alignment with budgetary and programme goals. Our work has been acknowledged in prestigious awards and publications, underscoring our reputation as a trusted leader in architectural design.
Services
Architectural Design
Listed Building Restoration
Sustainable Architecture
Urban Planning
Interior Design
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in architectural design and restoration.
- Our team holds advanced qualifications including PhD-level research in residential architecture.
- We specialise in complex listed building projects with 100% planning approval success.
- Our designs integrate sustainable technologies while respecting historical contexts.
- We maintain long-term client relationships through transparent budget management.
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of British Architects
Services
Architectural Design
We create bespoke architectural solutions that balance aesthetic vision with functional requirements. Our designs prioritise natural light integration, spatial harmony, and contextual sensitivity. Each project undergoes rigorous analysis of site conditions, client needs, and regulatory constraints to deliver innovative, buildable proposals.
Listed Building Restoration
Specialising in Grade II and I-listed properties, we restore historic buildings while introducing modern interventions. Our approach maintains architectural integrity through meticulous material selection and traditional craftsmanship. We secure planning approvals by demonstrating deep understanding of heritage policies and conservation principles.
Sustainable Architecture
We incorporate passive design strategies and renewable technologies into all projects. Our sustainable approach includes energy-efficient building envelopes, water conservation systems, and locally sourced materials. We balance environmental responsibility with client budgets to create future-proof buildings.
Urban Planning
Our urban planning services address complex site constraints and regulatory frameworks. We develop holistic masterplans that optimise land use while respecting community needs. We specialise in securing planning permissions for sensitive sites through strategic design and stakeholder engagement.
Interior Design
We create interior environments that reflect client lifestyles and architectural context. Our designs focus on spatial flow, materiality, and furniture integration. We ensure seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces while maintaining functional efficiency.
People
Alan Higgs
Founder & Principal Architect
Qualified architect with RIBA membership and PhD in residential architecture. Established the practice in 1997 after working at design-focused firms. Specialises in listed building projects and sustainable design, with 270+ completed commissions across three continents.
David Weston-Thomas
Senior Architect
Cambridge graduate with experience in commercial and residential architecture. Joined the firm in 2003, focusing on private commissions. Combines formal design rigor with material innovation, complementing Alan Higgs' architectural approach through diverse project delivery.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialise in?
We specialise in contemporary designs that respect historical contexts, with particular expertise in listed building restoration and modern residential architecture.
Can you work on protected heritage sites?
Yes, we have extensive experience with listed buildings, having completed over 30 such projects with 100% planning approval success.
Do you offer international architectural services?
We operate globally, with completed projects in the UK, Australia, France, and Croatia, maintaining local regulatory compliance in each jurisdiction.
How do you incorporate sustainability into designs?
We integrate passive solar design, renewable energy systems, and sustainable materials while maintaining aesthetic and functional priorities.
What project sizes do you handle?
We work across scales from small garden studios to large housing developments, tailoring our approach to each project's specific requirements.
How do you manage complex planning applications?
We employ strategic design approaches and maintain strong relationships with planning authorities to navigate complex regulatory environments successfully.
