Business Details
31 Years
experience
Award-Winning Residential Architects in West Sussex
James Wells Architects is an award-winning residential architecture practice established in 1995 by James Wells, who brings over 30 years of experience in designing luxury homes and transforming historic properties. Our expertise spans new build homes, extensions, barn conversions, and the sensitive remodelling of listed buildings, with a particular focus on navigating complex planning requirements in conservation areas and national parks. We combine contemporary design principles with traditional craftsmanship, prioritising sustainability and tailored client service.Our team has completed over 600 projects across West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and London, delivering homes that harmonise with their surroundings while meeting modern living needs. We specialise in integrating advanced architectural technologies into historic structures and maintain a rigorous commitment to quality through detailed technical design and construction oversight.
Services
New Build Homes
Barn Conversions
Listed Building Remodelling
Planning Applications
Sustainable Design
Interior Architecture
Conservation Projects
Technical Drawings
Project Management
Heritage Consultancy
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in residential architecture and listed building projects
- Our team specialises in integrating modern design with historic preservation
- We prioritise sustainability in material selection and construction methods
- We offer tailored services for projects valued at 400k and above
- Our practice combines CAD technology with timeless architectural principles
What people say
Attention to detail exemplary
Helped us build our home
Award-winning residential design
Deep understanding of historic buildings
Successfully navigated complex planning
Services
New Build Homes
We design contemporary new build homes that combine modern living requirements with contextual sensitivity. Our approach balances innovative architectural solutions with practical construction considerations, ensuring each home meets both aesthetic aspirations and functional needs while respecting local planning guidelines and environmental contexts.
Listed Building Remodelling
Specialist remodelling of historic properties requires careful navigation of planning regulations and conservation requirements. We preserve architectural heritage while introducing modern amenities through sensitive design interventions that maintain structural integrity and historical character across Grade II listed buildings and protected structures.
Barn Conversions
Transforming agricultural buildings into contemporary living spaces demands technical expertise and creative vision. We deliver barn conversions that retain original features while incorporating modern layouts and sustainable technologies, ensuring compliance with listed building restrictions and conservation area requirements where applicable.
Planning Applications
Our planning expertise extends to complex applications involving listed buildings, conservation areas, and national park developments. We manage the entire process from initial feasibility assessments through to approved permissions, maximising property value through strategic design solutions that satisfy regulatory requirements.
Sustainable Design
Sustainability underpins our design philosophy, incorporating energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials. We implement passive design strategies and renewable technologies to create low-impact homes that maintain thermal comfort while reducing environmental footprint across all project types.
People
James Wells
Founder & Lead Architect
Established the practice in 1995 with over 30 years' experience in residential architecture. Specialises in historic building conversions and sustainable design solutions. Previously worked at Stanton Williams on major heritage projects before relocating to West Sussex in 2016.
Questions
What types of architectural projects do you specialise in?
We specialise in new build homes, barn conversions, listed building remodelling, and sustainable residential designs across West Sussex and surrounding regions.
Do you work on historic or listed buildings?
Yes, we have extensive experience with listed buildings and conservation projects, including Grade II listed properties and structures in protected areas.
What areas do you cover?
Our primary service areas include West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and London, with a focus on both rural and urban residential projects.
What is your design process?
We follow RIBA's Plan of Work, starting with strategic definition through to handover, with tailored stages for planning, technical design, and construction oversight.
What budget levels do you handle?
We work on projects with construction budgets starting from £400,000, delivering bespoke solutions for high-end residential developments.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
We integrate sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and environmentally conscious construction methods while maintaining architectural integrity in all our designs.
