Business Details
20 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Services in Hove, Brighton
McCurdy Architecture has provided architectural services to over 300 clients across 14 years, combining formal expertise with practical building experience. Our founder holds a degree in architecture, a master's in urban design, and brings 40 years of hands-on experience in property development, conservation, and sustainable design. We are members of the AECB, Passivhaus Trust, and Green Building Partnership, reflecting our commitment to environmentally conscious practices. Our approach prioritises simplicity, clarity, and holistic design, ensuring every project aligns with clients' unique needs and local regulations. We specialise in extensions, conversions, listed buildings, and low-energy solutions, offering end-to-end support from initial consultation to regulatory approvals.Our track record includes navigating complex planning processes for conservation areas and listed properties, delivering tailored designs that balance heritage with modern living. Client testimonials highlight our pragmatic advice, adaptability, and the seamless integration of sustainability into every project. We operate with transparency, providing free initial consultations and maintaining open communication throughout the design and approval stages. Our focus on energy efficiency and robust retrofit strategies helps clients reduce carbon footprints while enhancing comfort and property value.
Services
Loft conversions
Listed buildings
Low energy design
Planning permission
Refurbishments
Basement conversions
Building regulations
Conservation areas
Extensions
Architectural consultations
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of experience in architectural design and conservation.
- Our team specialises in sustainable and energy-efficient building solutions.
- We provide free initial consultations with no obligation to proceed.
- We have successfully navigated planning approvals for 300+ projects.
- Our membership in AECB and Passivhaus Trust underscores our environmental commitment.
What people say
Personalised approach
Expertise in planning
Sustainable designs
Timely manner
Excellent recommendations
Services
Loft conversions
Transform unused loft space into functional rooms while maximising natural light and structural efficiency. Our bespoke designs comply with building regulations and optimise headroom through dormer or hip-to-gable extensions. We handle planning permissions for conservation areas and listed properties, ensuring seamless integration with existing architecture.
Listed buildings
Specialist adaptations for Grade I and II listed properties, balancing preservation with modern functionality. We secure Listed Building Consent and planning approvals, maintaining original architectural details while implementing energy-efficient upgrades. Our expertise includes navigating heritage policies for internal alterations and external modifications.
Low energy design
Energy-efficient retrofitting and new builds that reduce carbon emissions by 55% by 2050 targets. We conduct detailed energy assessments, recommend insulation upgrades, and design passive solar strategies. Our deep retrofit plans address air tightness, thermal bridging, and moisture control to enhance comfort and reduce bills.
Planning permission
Streamlined planning applications for extensions, conversions, and alterations. We prepare technical drawings, submit pre-application enquiries, and liaise with local authorities to maximise approval chances. Our success rate covers complex cases in conservation areas and the South Downs National Park.
Basement conversions
Create habitable basement spaces with waterproofing solutions and natural light integration. We design cavity membrane systems with drainage pumps, ensuring compliance with building regulations. Our projects include separate basement flats requiring planning approval and structural reinforcement.
People
Martin McCurdy
Architect
Martin McCurdy is a qualified architect with 40 years of experience in sustainable design and heritage conservation. He holds a master's in urban design and has completed 300+ projects across Brighton and Sussex. His expertise includes navigating planning complexities for listed buildings and promoting energy-efficient retrofitting strategies.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in extensions, loft conversions, listed building adaptations, and low-energy sustainable designs across Brighton and Sussex.
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?
Permitted Development rights may apply, but we'll assess your property type and submit applications if required.
How do you handle projects in conservation areas?
We have extensive experience securing approvals while preserving heritage features and meeting local authority guidelines.
Can you help with energy-efficient home upgrades?
Yes, we conduct energy assessments and implement retrofit strategies to reduce bills and carbon emissions.
What's included in your initial consultation?
A free site visit to discuss your project, address planning considerations, and outline next steps with no obligation.
Reviews (6)
D. C.
Dec 02, 2021
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Previously I employed the cheapest architect I could find. Thousands of pounds later and a project in tatters I had to start again. Martin was recommended to me by an established builder and I haven't looked back. He was professional, honest and proposed a plan which others said was not possible. His communication was excellent, even when I was completely frustrated and confused he took the time to explain the process (more than once sonetimes). Top man
Josh Samuels
Oct 07, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Martin was fantastic in helping us plan our extension and renovations. He used his extensive knowledge of the planning system to ensure all the boxes were ticked. He was very efficient and communication was excellent throughout the process. Would certainly recommend his service to others.
Martin was fantastic in helping us plan our extension and renovations. He used his extensive knowledge of the planning system to ensure all the boxes were ticked. He was very efficient and communication was excellent throughout the process. Would certainly recommend his service to others.
Elliott Hollingdale
Sep 24, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Martin is amazing! Really thorough with his work with a great eye for detail. Weve worked with him on multiple projects now which vary from extensions, new builds and listed building consent. He really knows his stuff. Cant recommend him highly enough!
Martin is amazing! Really thorough with his work with a great eye for detail. Weve worked with him on multiple projects now which vary from extensions, new builds and listed building consent. He really knows his stuff. Cant recommend him highly enough!
Guy Coulson
Aug 23, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Martin was excellent to work with and has solid knowledge and experience of working in conservation zones. He does exactly what he says he will, on time and budget.
Martin was excellent to work with and has solid knowledge and experience of working in conservation zones. He does exactly what he says he will, on time and budget.
Sabrine Salem
Aug 01, 2021
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From the first contact Martin has been very responsive, reliable and committed to our vision and project. He has guided us through the process of obtaining planning permission for an extension and internal alterations to a Grade II Listed building in Hove, frequently suggesting new and fresh ideas along the way when we hit obstacles. His knowledge of listed building conversions has been invaluable to helping us achieve such a positive outcome. It has been a complete pleasure working with Martin over the past year and I will not hesitate to request his services again in future. Thank you again
Martin Bailey
Jul 27, 2021
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I engaged Martin McCurdy's services after searching for an architect with considerable basement works experience, local to Brighton, with vision and ethics. Every stage of the process of working with Martin has been easy and he has always been available to explain aspects I wasn't sure of and progress the project in the direction I wanted. His work throughout has been exemplary and I don't hesitate to recommend him. There was no aspect of the project (a complete renovation of an existing basement including extensive excavation, light wells, windows, internal staircase, new front and rear access
