Business Details
39 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Services in Brighton
Established in 1987, Domain Architects is a Brighton-based practice combining design excellence with practical construction expertise. Our team brings decades of experience in residential and commercial projects, including listed buildings and conservation areas. We specialise in navigating complex planning processes, achieving a near 100% success rate with planning permissions. Our holistic approach integrates architectural design, project management, and cost control to deliver buildable, sustainable solutions tailored to client needs.With a portfolio spanning from small extensions to large-scale developments, we prioritise contextual sensitivity and financial viability. Our directors' extensive backgrounds in construction, law, and energy efficiency ensure comprehensive project oversight. Recognised through industry awards and positive planner feedback, we maintain a client-centric ethos demonstrated by repeat business and high satisfaction rates. Our purpose-built Brighton studio serves clients across Sussex, London, and internationally.
Services
Architectural Design
Planning Applications
Party Wall Services
Listed Building Consent
Development Management
Project Management
Sustainable Architecture
Conservation Areas
Commercial Development
Residential Extensions
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- 98% success rate with planning permissions
- Specialists in conservation areas and listed buildings
- In-house party wall surveyor and legal compliance expertise
- Award-winning sustainable design solutions
- Proven cost-control methodology for budget adherence
Associations and certifications
- LABC South East Building Excellence Awards 2017 Finalist
- Green Apple International Environment Award Winner
What people say
Well considered design
Sensitivity to context
Excellent planning success
Professional team
Quality outcomes
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design service creates bespoke solutions balancing aesthetic appeal with functional requirements. We specialise in contemporary designs that respect historical context, particularly in conservation areas. Through iterative client collaboration, we develop schemes that maximise space utilisation while maintaining cost efficiency. Our technical expertise ensures buildable proposals meeting all regulatory standards.
Planning Applications
With a 98% success rate, our planning service leverages deep local authority knowledge to secure approvals. We prepare comprehensive submissions addressing all technical requirements, including heritage impact assessments and sustainability statements. Our proactive engagement with planning officers ensures smooth processing for both residential and commercial developments.
Listed Building Consent
Specialist listed building services preserve architectural heritage while enabling necessary modernisation. We navigate complex conservation requirements, preparing detailed heritage statements and working closely with English Heritage. Our approach maintains historical integrity while incorporating contemporary improvements that enhance property value and usability.
Party Wall Services
As registered party wall surveyors, we manage all aspects of the Party Wall Act. This includes preparing award documents, resolving disputes, and ensuring legal compliance. Our expertise minimises neighbour conflicts through transparent communication and technically sound proposals that protect both parties' interests.
Development Management
From site acquisition to completion, our development management ensures projects meet quality, budget, and timeline targets. We coordinate multidisciplinary teams, manage contracts, and provide cost control throughout the process. This holistic approach delivers commercially viable developments with minimal client risk.
People
Duncan Thomas
Founder & Architect
RIBA-registered architect with 35+ years' experience, specialising in complex planning and party wall matters. Former site architect for major London projects, combining design excellence with practical construction knowledge. Member of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors.
Alina Vernon
Practice Manager
Legal and architectural professional managing contracts and compliance. Qualified in law with business, bringing construction law expertise to project management. Oversees operational aspects while maintaining client service standards in this dual-qualified role.
Ben Murdoch
Architect & Sustainability Specialist
Certified Passivhaus Consultant with expertise in energy-efficient design. Specialises in retrofit projects and modern construction methods. Combines technical knowledge with creative design to deliver sustainable buildings meeting current and future environmental standards.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full architectural services including design, planning applications, listed building consent, party wall management, and development oversight for residential and commercial projects.
Do you specialise in heritage buildings?
Yes, we have extensive experience with listed buildings and conservation areas, maintaining historical integrity while implementing modern improvements that enhance usability and value.
How successful are you with planning applications?
We maintain a 98% success rate with planning permissions, achieved through thorough understanding of local policies and proactive engagement with planning authorities.
Can you manage complex boundary issues?
As registered party wall surveyors, we handle all aspects of the Party Wall Act, preparing legal documents and resolving disputes while protecting client interests and maintaining neighbour relations.
How do you control project costs?
Our cost control methodology combines value engineering with early-stage design decisions, ensuring transparent budget management throughout the project lifecycle without compromising quality standards.
Reviews (7)
James Walmsley
Apr 23, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Duncan was really helpful in getting our extension plans approved and also in providing details and options during our build. Really great service would recommend.
Duncan was really helpful in getting our extension plans approved and also in providing details and options during our build. Really great service would recommend.
Anita Yates
Aug 27, 2020
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Domain did an excellent job. Duncan was approachable, easy to chat to and extremely efficient. I absolutely recommend him.
Chris Owen
Nov 24, 2019
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I employed Domain for the entire project of my new build house which at the time was my garden. After an initial consultation with Duncan, I decided Domain were the Practice for me. Duncan took my initial idea right through to outline planning (including fighting a denied decision on appeal), design & specification, tender/selection of contractor, site visits/management of build/certification. I can't speak highly enough of Domain and from my experience I would definitely use them again for any projects in the Brighton area. They provide advice and hand-holding for all aspects of the entire project
Nikki Walker
Nov 17, 2019
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Duncan and his team designed a fantastic ground floor extension for me, incorporating every detail I had asked for. They provided an exceptional service, were professional throughout and very patient! I would highly recommend Domain.
Jamie Wadman
Jun 01, 2019
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We have just completed a great contemporary extension on a house in Haywards Heath for Domains
They provided the most detailed information that we have ever been supplied with, avoiding expensive delays and cost overruns on site that we so often encounter. We look forward to working with them again. Jamie@stylorenovations.
They provided the most detailed information that we have ever been supplied with, avoiding expensive delays and cost overruns on site that we so often encounter. We look forward to working with them again. Jamie@stylorenovations.
Gary Sussex
Sep 13, 2018
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I would like to thank Duncan and his team for all of their hard work and for being so approachable and easy to deal with. I would happily recommend Domain Architects to anyone thinking of starting a building project.
Craig
Aug 26, 2018
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Gosh what a find. Duncan and all the team at Domain have been amazing. Within a very short space of time i have met them, discussed my plans for my grade 2 listed pub in a conservation area of Brighton, they have talked me through what will work and wont and have the plans drawn up ready for pre planning advice. Duncan's knowledge has been second to none and with Irene being a constant point of call i could not of been happier with the service so far. I look forward to moving my project forward with them on board.
