Business Details
Sustainable Architects in County Durham
Dark Skies Design is a small, friendly architectural practice based near Barnard Castle in County Durham. We specialise in contemporary, sustainable design for both residential and commercial clients, offering tailored services from initial concept to completed build. Our expertise spans modest alterations to large-scale projects, including eco-friendly homes, extensions, conversions, and heritage buildings.We provide comprehensive guidance through planning permissions, building regulations, and construction processes while integrating interior and landscape design for a holistic approach. Sustainability is central to our work, focusing on energy efficiency, renewable technologies, and context-sensitive design informed by our director's practical self-build experience.
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Landscaping
Sustainability Consulting
Measured Surveys
Feasibility Studies
Planning Applications
Building Regulations
Budget Costing
Contract Administration
Details
- Year established: 2025
Highlights and features
- We offer tailored architectural services for projects of all sizes
- Our team combines formal architectural training with practical self-build experience
- Sustainability focus includes energy efficiency and renewable technology integration
- We provide end-to-end project guidance from initial design to completion
- Our services include landscape and interior design for holistic solutions
Services
Architectural Design
We create contemporary architectural solutions tailored to client needs. Our services cover residential and commercial projects from concept to completion. We specialise in sustainable design principles that enhance building performance while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Sustainability Consulting
Our sustainability expertise focuses on energy efficiency and renewable technologies. We advise on thermal performance, passive design strategies, and off-grid solutions. Our approach prioritises cost-effective sustainability through design rather than relying solely on technology.
Planning Applications
We guide clients through the planning permission process for all project types. Our services include preparing documentation, liaising with authorities, and addressing regulatory requirements. We have experience with both straightforward extensions and complex developments.
Interior Design
We create functional interior spaces that complement architectural designs. Our approach integrates spatial efficiency with aesthetic considerations. We work on residential and commercial interiors as part of complete architectural projects.
Landscaping
Our landscape design services create harmonious outdoor spaces. We specialise in sensory gardens, practical hard landscaping, and ecological planting schemes. Designs consider both aesthetic appeal and functional requirements for residential and care facilities.
People
Paul Hunt
Director
Paul Hunt BA(Hons)Int Grad Dip is a registered architect with 25 years' experience. He specialises in sustainable design and has practical self-build experience from converting a chapel and renovating a farmhouse using off-grid technologies.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full architectural services including design, planning applications, building regulations, and construction management for residential and commercial projects.
Do you specialise in sustainable design?
Yes, sustainability is central to our work. We focus on energy efficiency, passive design strategies, and appropriate renewable technology integration for all projects.
Can you handle projects of different sizes?
We work on projects ranging from small alterations to large-scale developments, including eco-houses, extensions, conversions, and commercial buildings.
Do you offer landscape and interior design?
Yes, we provide integrated landscape and interior design services to complement our architectural work for a cohesive design approach.
How do you support the planning process?
We guide clients through planning permissions and building regulations, preparing necessary documentation and liaising with local authorities throughout the process.
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout County Durham and the North East region, working on both urban and rural projects.
Reviews (4)
Sarah Longstaff
Feb 23, 2021
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I can't recommend Dark Skies Design highly enough. Suzy was excellent in supporting us with drawings and the planning applications for the reconfiguration of our grade II listed home. We are especially thankful for her tenacity with a particularly challenging planning officer!
Sarah Longstaff
Feb 23, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness
I can't recommend Dark Skies Design highly enough. Suzy was excellent in supporting us with drawings and the planning applications for the reconfiguration of our grade II listed home. We are especially thankful for her tenacity with a particularly challenging planning officer!
I can't recommend Dark Skies Design highly enough. Suzy was excellent in supporting us with drawings and the planning applications for the reconfiguration of our grade II listed home. We are especially thankful for her tenacity with a particularly challenging planning officer!
Lee Bailey
Dec 19, 2020
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Excellent service from Dark Skies on our recent house extension. As complete novices to the design and planning processes, we really appreciated Paul's patience and expert advice.
Paul was happy to answer our many questions and provide a range of creative options to make the most of the space available.
Paul also took the lead on the Planning process and provided us with frequent progress updates as well as sourcing Building Inspectors and Ecology experts. We're extremely happy with the service we've received from Dark Skies and would whole-heartedly recommend them to anyone.
Paul was happy to answer our many questions and provide a range of creative options to make the most of the space available.
Paul also took the lead on the Planning process and provided us with frequent progress updates as well as sourcing Building Inspectors and Ecology experts. We're extremely happy with the service we've received from Dark Skies and would whole-heartedly recommend them to anyone.
Amanda Courtley
Dec 11, 2020
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Dark skies gave great advice and help with getting our new shop front plans drawn up and passed by the council. Would use again and highly recommend.
