James Williamson Architects Ltd is a RIBA Chartered architectural practice located in Surrey, specialising in high-quality residential architecture for private homeowners. We provide professional guidance grounded in regulatory expertise and carefully developed design thinking, supporting clients through complex residential projects with confidence and clarity.
Our work focuses on residential extensions, renovations, retrofits, and bespoke new-build homes across Surrey and the wider South East. Project types include loft conversions, kitchen and living space alterations, comprehensive refurbishments, low-energy upgrades, heritage properties, and individually designed new houses. We are recognised for a structured, client-focused process that guides projects from early feasibility and planning advice through design development, statutory submissions, and construction support. Particular emphasis is placed on buildability, risk management, and technical coordination, including undertaking the Principal Designer role under the CDM Regulations. Sustainability and long-term performance inform our approach through fabric-first design, energy efficiency, and sensitive retrofit strategies. By working collaboratively with consultants, contractors, and local authorities, we ensure quality, compliance, and continuity throughout every stage of delivery.
Our work focuses on residential extensions, renovations, retrofits, and bespoke new-build homes across Surrey and the wider South East. Project types include loft conversions, kitchen and living space alterations, comprehensive refurbishments, low-energy upgrades, heritage properties, and individually designed new houses. We are recognised for a structured, client-focused process that guides projects from early feasibility and planning advice through design development, statutory submissions, and construction support. Particular emphasis is placed on buildability, risk management, and technical coordination, including undertaking the Principal Designer role under the CDM Regulations. Sustainability and long-term performance inform our approach through fabric-first design, energy efficiency, and sensitive retrofit strategies. By working collaboratively with consultants, contractors, and local authorities, we ensure quality, compliance, and continuity throughout every stage of delivery.
Served areas
- Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Hampshire, London
Details
- Year established: 2020
- Employees: 4
- Licensed
- Insured
Highlights and features
- RIBA Chartered architect delivering clarity, confidence, and calm.
- Bespoke renovations, extensions, and new-build homes designed.
- Planning advice and feasibility studies to unlock potential.
- Passive House and EnerPHit retrofits for efficient living.
- Collaborative 3D and virtual reality design visualisation.
- End-to-end support, from permissions through to completion.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Practice
Payment methods
- Debit cards, Credit cards, Mobile payments, Bank transfers
Services
Our service focuses on improving homes so they work better for the people living in them. We guide clients from early ideas through to completed construction, removing uncertainty at each step. Through thoughtful design and structured support, we help turn tired spaces into calm, light-filled environments tailored to everyday living. 
Our service provides end-to-end support for families embarking on a new build. We offer early clarity on feasibility, costs, and design direction before progressing with confidence. Homes are designed to be flexible, energy-efficient, and thoughtfully detailed. Each decision is documented to ensure transparency and reassurance throughout the project. 
Our practice delivers sensitive heritage and conservation solutions for homeowners seeking reassurance and expertise. We interpret planning policy, liaise with relevant authorities, and develop designs that respect historic character. Through clear communication and careful detailing, we help clients achieve a home that feels both authentic and practical. 
Our interior architecture service transforms uncertainty into informed decision-making. We carefully plan each stage, ensuring that design intent, budget awareness, and practical delivery remain aligned. Through thoughtful detailing and sustainable principles, we create interiors that feel intuitive to use, visually refined, and capable of supporting everyday living. People
James Williamson
RIBA Chartered Architect
I am James Williamson, a RIBA Chartered Architect. Raised in the South West, I value architecture that responds discreetly to its setting and improves everyday living. Following more than a decade with award-winning practices in the UK and overseas, I established James Williamson Architects in 2020. My aim is to help clients create homes that feel intuitive, lasting and personal.
Reviews (7)
John Armenakas
Sep 19, 2025
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James was wonderful to work with, and provided us with 2 wonderful designs that captured everything we wanted in our extension. Once we decided the design we wanted to move forward with, James worked through the planning approval process for us. The results are amazing, and we are so happy with the way our extension looks.
Jeremy Crump
Aug 31, 2024
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James was an excellent architect for our downstairs renovation project, very reliable, professional, friendly and accomodating to our requirements. James took our initial thinking and came back with some fantastic designs, challenged our thinking and rescoped areas where needed. After that James was very responsive and went above and beyond with his help: setting up discussions with contractors, contacting Building Control, recommeding suppliers. We are so pleased with the finished result. Would not hesitate to recommend James.
Daniella Taggart
Aug 22, 2024
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Abhivan Chekuri
Jun 29, 2024
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Alex
Jan 11, 2024
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James is an absolute pleasure to work with, he took a lot of time to listen and take onboard what we wanted. He carried out all the necessary paperwork with council which made things super easy for us. His drawings are extremely well detailed right down to the 3d mockup drawings of our extension which was nice touch, it gave a feeling of real progress with our project before it had even begun. I've recommended James to several friends and wouldn't hesitate in recommending him again.
Sally Hewison
Sep 15, 2023
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We engaged James to explore the possibility of updating our small bungalow and incorporating an additional bedroom and bathroom. Communication was very smooth and James listened attentively, understood the brief well and produced an imaginative design which used the limited space available to its best advantage. The design included floor plans and a 3D virtual walkthrough. We decided for personal reasons not to go further at the present time, but if our situation changes in the future we will be more than happy to continue working with JWA
Joseph Kane
Jun 23, 2023
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James designed a wrap around extension to our Victorian terraced house and we couldnt be happier with the job he did. Very straightforward to deal with, fantastic design proposals and great imagery to help us visualise the different options. The technical drawings he prepared were very accurate which helped make the build process as straightforward as it could be. Would definitely recommend.