Business Details
21 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architects in Wantage, Oxfordshire
Founded in 2005, Allister Godfrey Architects is an award-winning RIBA Chartered Practice dedicated to transforming residential spaces across England. Our approach prioritises client collaboration, ensuring every project reflects individual aspirations while navigating planning complexities. With expertise in new builds, extensions, and listed building alterations, we combine modernist principles with sustainability to create homes that exceed expectations. Our teams extensive experience, including Allister Godfreys 20+ years in architecture and participation in RIBAs mentoring scheme, underpins our commitment to excellence. We maintain strong relationships with external consultants for structural, planning, and sustainability advice, ensuring comprehensive solutions.Recognised as 'Best for Modernism' by The Sunday Times, we focus on smaller projects to maintain quality and personal service. Our holistic methodology considers site, budget, and design to deliver award-winning results, from modest extensions to large-scale developments. Client testimonials highlight our ability to enhance living spaces through thoughtful design, with many projects originating from word-of-mouth recommendations. Sustainability is integral to our practice, with expertise in zero-carbon and Passivhaus standards. We pride ourselves on simplifying the architectural process, offering transparent communication and tailored support from initial concept to project completion.
Services
Architectural Design
Planning Applications
Extensions & Refurbishments
New Build Projects
Sustainability Consultancy
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We have an excellent track record for obtaining planning permissions.
- Our holistic approach considers site, budget, and sustainability.
- We prioritise client collaboration throughout the design process.
- We specialise in sustainable design, including Passivhaus standards.
- Our team includes RIBA-registered architects with decades of experience.
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
- Architects Registration Board (ARB)
What people say
Exceeded expectations
Stress-free process
Innovative ideas
Excellent communication
Award-winning results
Services
Architectural Design
We create bespoke architectural solutions for new homes, extensions, and refurbishments. Our designs prioritise functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability while adhering to planning regulations. Clients benefit from our award-winning expertise in modernist and traditional styles across diverse residential projects.
Planning Applications
Our team specialises in securing planning permissions for challenging sites and listed buildings. We handle submissions to local authorities, leveraging deep knowledge of legislation to achieve approvals. Clients receive strategic advice to navigate complex regulatory requirements efficiently.
Extensions & Refurbishments
We transform existing properties through modern extensions and sensitive refurbishments. Our approach enhances usability while respecting architectural heritage. Services include spatial reconfiguration, structural upgrades, and sustainable retrofitting for improved energy efficiency in both urban and rural settings.
New Build Projects
From concept to completion, we design and manage new residential developments on greenfield or brownfield sites. Our expertise includes zero-carbon construction, Passivhaus standards, and innovative layouts tailored to client needs. Projects range from single-family homes to multi-unit developments.
Sustainability Consultancy
We integrate sustainable practices into all projects, offering specialist advice on energy efficiency and environmental impact. Services include zero-carbon strategies, material selection, and passive design principles. Our solutions balance ecological responsibility with practical functionality for modern living.
People
Allister Godfrey
Director
RIBA Chartered Architect with 20+ years' experience in residential design. Founded the practice in 2005 after five years at Anderson Orr Architects. Specialises in modernist new builds and listed building alterations while mentoring architecture students.
Devon Winch
Architectural Assistant (RIBA Part 2)
Currently completing a Level 7 Apprenticeship since joining in 2023. Focuses on sustainable design principles and community-oriented architecture. Graduated from the University of Reading with a strong interest in environmentally conscious development.
Isabelle Farlow
Architectural Assistant (RIBA Part 1)
Recent Oxford Brookes University graduate who participated in RIBA's mentoring scheme under Allister Godfrey. Brings fresh perspectives to residential design while gaining practical experience in the practice's collaborative environment.
Susie Godfrey
Office Manager
Manages office operations, HR, and marketing with a background in pharmaceutical industry marketing. Oversees digital presence and award submissions while maintaining the practice's administrative efficiency and client communication.
Neil Cadge
External Technical Consultant
Provides technical support and surveying services since 2015. Specialises in detailed technical drawings and construction documentation, ensuring precise execution of architectural plans with meticulous attention to building regulations and specifications.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We focus on residential architecture including new builds, extensions, refurbishments, and listed building alterations. Our expertise extends to planning permissions, sustainability consultancy, and multi-unit developments across England.
How do you approach the planning process?
We handle planning applications for challenging sites and listed buildings, leveraging our deep knowledge of regulations. Our team prepares detailed submissions to local authorities while providing strategic advice to secure approvals efficiently.
Can you help with sustainable building design?
Yes, we integrate sustainability into all projects, offering expertise in zero-carbon construction, Passivhaus standards, and energy-efficient retrofitting. Our solutions balance environmental responsibility with practical living requirements.
What is your design philosophy?
We believe design should be collaborative, creating spaces that reflect client aspirations. Our modernist approach combines functionality with aesthetics while maintaining sensitivity to heritage and environmental context in every project.
Do you offer initial consultations?
We charge £300 + VAT for a 90-minute project kick-off meeting covering planning, design, and cost advice. This fee is discounted if you engage our services, or we can meet free of charge at our offices.
Reviews (3)
O. Mathieson
May 02, 2021
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Allister recently provided me with advice for a listed property that needed modification. He was fantastic. Professional. Clear. Responsive. Resourceful. He gave us a very good understanding of the potential scope and risks of the project and did this working within a very narrow timeframe. I was very impressed and recommend without reservation.
Rory Andrews
Nov 17, 2020
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We approached Allister with a relatively small scheme to remodel part of our listed cottage and although we do not feel like 'big clients', nothing seems too much trouble for Allister and his team. They have been happy to communicate with a number of suppliers/professionals and we feel that every detail has been afforded the appropriate amount of attention. From the design side of things, Allister has added great insight and made suggestions that make the most of some quite pokey spaces (it is a cottage after all) to maximise both the aesthetic and functional value of each area. I couldn't recommend
Nigel Darwin
Jun 05, 2020
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Allister has been excellent to work with, very strong design skills, but most importantly great communication - listening, challenging as needed, thinking ahead. A real pleasure - we would absolutely want to work with Allister again
