Residential Architects for Cheltenham, the Cotswolds & Gloucestershire
Lewis Critchley Architects is a RIBA Chartered architectural practice specialising in bespoke new homes, house extensions, renovations and residential architecture across Cheltenham, the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire.
We design thoughtful, contemporary homes shaped around the people who live in them and the places they belong.
Whether you are planning a bespoke new-build house, transforming an existing property or considering a contemporary extension, we combine creative architectural design with practical experience to unlock the potential of your home or site.
Working across Cheltenham, the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire, we can guide you through the complete architectural process — from initial ideas and feasibility through planning permission, technical design and construction.
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Residential Architecture Designed Around You
A successful home begins with understanding how you want to live.
We take time to understand your ambitions, your property, your site and its surroundings before developing a design. Our architecture is contemporary and distinctive, but always considered in relation to its setting.
We specialise in residential projects where intelligent architectural design can make a meaningful difference to the way a home looks, feels and functions.
From a light-filled house extension to a completely new home, every project is developed around the client rather than a predetermined architectural style.
New-Build House Architects
Bespoke new homes designed for their site and setting
Building a new home offers the opportunity to create something genuinely individual.
We design bespoke new-build houses that combine architectural ambition with a careful understanding of landscape, orientation, views, daylight, materials, energy performance and planning requirements.
Every site is different. Our role is to identify its opportunities and constraints and develop an architectural response that feels particular to its location and to the way you want to live.
We can assist from early site appraisal and feasibility through concept design, planning permission, technical design and construction.
[Explore Our New-Build Projects]
House Extension & Renovation Architects
Transforming existing homes through considered architectural design
A successful house extension should do more than simply add floor area.
We consider the existing home as a whole — its layout, character, natural light, views, circulation and relationship with the garden — before deciding how new space should be added.
The result might be a contemporary kitchen extension, a reconfigured ground floor, a two-storey addition or a complete renovation and remodelling of the property.
Our aim is to create new and existing spaces that work together naturally, improving both the character of the house and the way it functions day to day.
We work on house extensions and residential renovations throughout Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire and surrounding areas.
[Explore Our Extension & Renovation Projects]
Contemporary Architecture in the Cotswolds
Designing a new home or extension in the Cotswolds requires a sensitive understanding of place.
The distinctive villages, landscapes, traditional materials and historic buildings of the Cotswolds create both opportunities and constraints for contemporary architecture.
We believe that new architecture can respond respectfully to its surroundings without simply copying the past.
Through careful consideration of scale, proportion, materials, landscape, views and local character, we design contemporary homes that feel confident, considered and appropriate to their setting.
Planning Permission & Architectural Services
Taking a residential building project from an initial idea to a completed home involves many decisions.
As RIBA Chartered Architects, we can provide architectural services throughout the project, giving you a clear and structured route from the earliest design discussions through planning and construction.
Feasibility & Initial Consultation
We explore your brief, budget, property or site and identify the principal opportunities and constraints before significant design work begins.
Concept & Architectural Design
We develop design ideas around the way you want to live, exploring layout, space, daylight, views, materials and the relationship between the building and its surroundings.
Planning Applications
We prepare and coordinate the architectural information required for planning applications and can manage the submission through the planning process.
For projects on sensitive sites, in conservation settings or within the Cotswolds landscape, early consideration of planning policy and local context can be particularly important.
Technical Design
Following planning approval, we develop the architectural drawings, details and information required to turn the approved design into a buildable project.
Construction Support
We can continue to work with you, your contractor and the wider consultant team during construction, helping to resolve design issues and maintain the quality and integrity of the architecture as it is built.
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Why Choose Lewis Critchley Architects?
Good residential architecture comes from a combination of creativity, technical knowledge, careful listening and collaboration.
As a RIBA Chartered architectural practice, we bring professional expertise to each stage of the project while maintaining a personal, design-led approach.
Our work is characterised by careful attention to proportion, natural light, views, materials, landscape and detail.
Rather than imposing a house style, we develop each project in response to the client, the property and its setting.
The result is architecture designed not simply to look impressive, but to create homes that are enjoyable to live in for many years to come.
From Initial Ideas to a Completed Home
Our architectural process is designed to make creating or transforming your home as clear and enjoyable as possible.
We work collaboratively from the earliest conversations, helping you understand what may be achievable before developing the architectural concept and guiding the project through planning and detailed design.
Depending on the requirements of the project, we can also work alongside structural engineers, planning consultants, landscape designers, energy specialists, contractors and other consultants to help coordinate the wider project team.
[See How Our Architectural Process Works]
Architects Working Across Cheltenham, the Cotswolds & Gloucestershire
Lewis Critchley Architects works with homeowners, landowners and developers on residential projects throughout Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire and surrounding areas.
Our work includes:
Bespoke new-build homes
- Contemporary house extensions
- Home renovations and remodelling
- Replacement dwellings
- Residential architectural design
- Feasibility studies
- Planning applications
- Technical design
- Construction-stage architectural support
If you are considering a new-build home, house extension or major renovation, involving an architect early can help you understand the opportunities, constraints and potential of your property or site before making major decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work on residential projects in Cheltenham?
Yes. Lewis Critchley Architects works on residential architecture across Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, Tewkesbury and the wider Gloucestershire area. Projects include new-build homes, extensions, renovations and substantial residential remodelling.
Can you help with planning permission?
Yes. We can develop the architectural design, prepare the information required for a planning application and manage the architectural aspects of the submission. Planning considerations are incorporated into the design process from an early stage.
Do you design house extensions as well as new-build homes?
Yes. Our residential work ranges from contemporary house extensions and renovations to complete new-build houses. We approach extensions by considering the whole property rather than simply designing additional floor space.
When should I speak to an architect?
Ideally, speak to an architect at the beginning of the project. Early architectural advice can help establish what may be achievable, identify potential planning or site constraints and allow different design options to be considered before significant decisions are made.
Can you take a project from design through to construction?
Yes. Depending on your requirements, we can provide architectural services from initial consultation, feasibility and concept design through planning, technical design and construction-stage support.
Thinking About a New Home, Extension or Renovation?
If you have a property, site or idea you would like to explore, we would be pleased to hear about it.
Tell us what you are considering and we can have an initial conversation about your project, its opportunities and the next steps.
[Discuss Your Project With Lewis Critchley Architects]
