Business Details
12 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Design Services in Solihull
Established in 2014, The Little Architecture Company is a Solihull-based architectural practice led by Nicola Hopwood, a chartered architect registered with both the RIBA and ARB. Our expertise spans residential projects including property extensions, major refurbishments, and new-build houses, alongside masterplanning, apartment developments, and country residences. We serve clients across the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Dorset, Somerset, and Shropshire, offering a personalised service that creates spaces designed to delight and add value. Our team maintains strong relationships with local planning authorities, having secured complex planning permissions for properties in Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings. We provide comprehensive support from concept design and feasibility studies through to building regulations, construction drawings, and on-site project management.Our portfolio includes award-winning projects for clients such as Urban Splash, Hammerson, and the Olympic Delivery Authority. We collaborate with skilled builders, engineers, and quantity surveyors to ensure successful project delivery. Our approach prioritises understanding client needs to develop tailored solutions that enhance living and working environments. We have worked on specialist education projects like Lokrum Fields for Wider Ambition Ltd, demonstrating our versatility across sectors including leisure, retail, and the Home Office. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our track record of successful residential and commercial developments.
Services
Residential Architecture
New-Build Projects
Property Extensions
Planning Permissions
Project Management
Masterplanning
Conservation Areas
Listed Buildings
Commercial Architecture
Education Sector Projects
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer 10+ years' experience in residential and commercial architecture
- Our team includes RIBA-registered architects with Olympic project credentials
- We secure complex planning permissions for listed buildings and conservation areas
- We maintain partnerships with skilled local construction professionals
- Our portfolio includes award-winning projects for major national clients
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- ARB
What people say
Innovative design options
Proactive management
Smooth project delivery
Transformed living spaces
Personalised service
Services
Residential Architecture
We specialise in creating bespoke residential solutions including new-build houses, property extensions, and comprehensive refurbishment projects. Our approach combines innovative design with practical functionality to enhance living spaces. Clients benefit from our expertise in navigating planning regulations and delivering projects that increase property value.
Planning Permissions
Our team secures complex planning permissions for diverse projects, including properties in Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings. We maintain strong relationships with local authorities to ensure efficient approval processes. This service enables clients to realise their architectural visions while complying with regulatory requirements.
Project Management
We provide comprehensive on-site project management from tendering through to completion. Our services include contract administration, builder coordination, and quality control. This ensures projects are delivered to specification, on time, and within budget while maintaining our high design standards.
Commercial Architecture
Our expertise extends to commercial projects including leisure facilities, retail spaces, and specialist education buildings like Lokrum Fields. We create functional environments that meet specific business requirements while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Our experience with public sector clients ensures compliance with industry standards.
Masterplanning
We develop comprehensive masterplans for apartment developments and large-scale residential projects. Our approach considers environmental impact, community needs, and long-term sustainability. This service provides clients with strategic frameworks for successful property developments.
People
Nicola Hopwood
Chartered Architect
Nicola Hopwood is a RIBA and ARB registered architect with over 25 years' experience. She worked with Stirling Prize winners AHMM and led Glenn Howells Architects' team for London 2012 Olympic accommodation. She serves as RIBA external examiner and has collaborated with major developers including Urban Splash and Hammerson.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in residential projects including new-build houses, property extensions, and refurbishments. We also handle commercial architecture, masterplanning, and projects requiring complex planning permissions for listed buildings and conservation areas.
Which areas do you cover?
We operate primarily in Solihull, West Midlands, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire, with projects extending to Dorset, Somerset, and Shropshire. Our experience includes both local and regional architectural projects.
How do you manage the planning permission process?
We leverage strong relationships with local authorities to secure planning permissions, including for properties in Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings. Our team handles all aspects from initial applications to final approvals.
Can you assist with project management?
Yes, we provide comprehensive project management services including tendering, contract administration, and on-site supervision. We coordinate with trusted builders and engineers to ensure successful project delivery.
What experience do you have with education sector projects?
We have completed specialist education projects like Lokrum Fields, an independent school for pupils with autism and anxiety. Our experience includes understanding specific design requirements for educational environments.
How do you ensure quality in your architectural designs?
Our RIBA-registered architects combine creative design with technical expertise. We maintain quality through rigorous project oversight, collaboration with skilled professionals, and adherence to industry standards throughout the design and construction process.
