Modern Residential Architecture

We design and deliver high-end residential architecture, including new-build homes, extensions and full refurbishments. We combine clear design, planning expertise, and a trusted network to create refined, bespoke homes with confidence and efficiency.

Designing Sustainable New Homes and Refined Residential Transformations

As a leading residential architecture firm, we aim to create a result that perfectly utilises the space and unique assets of each house built, extension or refurbishment.

When searching for a residential architect near you, it’s important to choose a practice with experience in projects similar to your own. Looking for residential architects in London? Visit our London architects page.

Contemporary Residential Architecture

Modern homes today are all about clean design, open spaces, and comfort. At AURA, we create homes that feel balanced and connected — where the structure, natural light, and surroundings all work together.

We go beyond basic open-plan layouts to design spaces that feel open but still have a clear purpose. By using split levels and thoughtful layouts, we create areas for relaxing, working, and everyday living — all while keeping a smooth flow throughout the home.

Bringing the outdoors in is a big part of what we do. Large windows, smartly placed openings, and clear views help fill each space with natural light and create a strong connection to the outside environment.

We also focus on how your home performs, not just how it looks. From energy-efficient materials to sustainable building methods, every home is designed to be comfortable, practical, and built for the future.

Spatial Design, Light and Materiality

At AURA, we design homes with care and attention to how they will actually be lived in. We bring together space, light, proportion, and materials to create homes that feel calm, balanced, and easy to enjoy.

Our approach is simple — we listen, we understand how you want to live, and we design around that. Each home is shaped to find the right balance between open spaces and more private areas, so it works beautifully day to day.

We use natural light, thoughtful layouts, and a sense of space to create interiors that feel clear and comfortable. Features like double-height areas, framed views, and gentle transitions between rooms help the home flow naturally without feeling overdesigned.

Materials are an important part of what we do. We choose stone, timber, metal, and plaster for their quality and how they age over time, so your home continues to look and feel better as the years go on.

Every project is different. We don’t follow trends or apply a set style — instead, we design homes that suit their setting and the people who live in them, creating something that feels personal, timeless, and lasting.

"Bringing creative vision to your home"

AURA Modern Residential Architecture is a design studio of architects and interior designers dedicated to crafting bespoke homes for private clients. Our work focuses on maximising space and natural light to create refined, light-filled environments where timeless elegance meets sustainable, energy-efficient design.

Our Bespoke Process

Step 1

Getting Started

Get started by completing our contact form.

We’ll then be in touch with you to chat about your project, and recommend that you book in a Home or Video consultation. This is so we can meet you, and chat about your ideas, constraints and brief.

Alternatively, if you want to get your project moving faster and explore your project’s options & costs, take a look at our Concept Feasibility Package.

Step 2

Initial Desktop Study & Meeting

We will carry out a desktop study of your property to understand how we can best achieve your ideal home. This will include searches on nearby planning applications, looking at satellite and street view images of your property, and research in to local Planning Authority Policies.

We can then meet at your home to discuss your requirements. Once we know what you’re looking to achieve we will provide a written quotation of our design fees.

Step 3

Choice of Designs

We will generally provide 3 design options for you to consider, this will include floor plans and may include 3D images so that you can visualise your new home

Step 4

Managing Planning Application

We will make any relevant Planning Applications on your behalf and act as your agent throughout the process. Your local council will have a 2 week validation period and the application will be reviewed within 8-12 weeks.

You will receive a Decision Notice after this time. This process is not necessary if your scheme falls within your Permitted Development Rights.

Step 5

Maintaining Standards & Working With Building Control

This stage is crucial to ensure you are completing your project to current design standards.

We produce the relevant drawings and specifications and act as your agent in the approvals process. A member of a professional control body (local council or an Approved Inspector) will check our plans for compliance and visit your home at various stages in the construction process to check your builder is carrying out the works to the standards expected.

Step 6

Looking After The Finishing Touches

Although the Building Regulations drawings will give your builder enough information to build your project safely and to the latest regulations, they will not provide information on the finishing details.

The Specification of Works will detail the required internal finishes, wall coverings, floor coverings, bespoke joinery, and electrical and heating layouts amongst other finishing touches.

Step 7

Interior Design

Once the detailed design is complete, it’s your chance to complete your home by choosing the Interior Design items. We offer various Interior Design packages, to suit your home and budget.

To find out more, see our fees page!

Step 8

Finding The Right Builder

We have good relationships with many building contractors and tradesmen and will send out a Tender package (including the drawings and specification of works) to 3-4 contractors to provide you with a comprehensive and competitive project price for your works.

We can arrange for all contracts to be drawn up, and will include information on relevant Health and Safety, and your responsibilities under the latest Construction, Design and Management (CDM) Regulations.

Step 9

Site Monitoring

We all lead busy lives, so AURA offer a Site Monitoring service to take the hassle away from you and keep an eye on your contractors. We generally visit site twice a week (unless agreed otherwise) and provide a short report including pictures of the progress made on your home improvement works.

Design Approach and Client Collaboration

Every project at AURA starts with a clear and thoughtful approach. We focus on good design, quality materials, and creating homes that will stand the test of time.

We begin by listening. Understanding how you live now — and how you want to live in the future — helps us design a home that feels personal, well thought out, and right for you.

We work closely with you throughout the whole process. From the first ideas through to planning and construction, we collaborate with clients, consultants, and builders to make sure everything runs smoothly and the design is carried through properly.

Our work includes both new-build homes and the careful renovation of existing and heritage properties. Whether we’re adapting an older building or starting from scratch, we aim to create homes that feel simple, well-made, and built to last.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does our studio do?

We design and oversee the construction of homes, guiding each project from first ideas through to completion. Our role is to make sure your home is beautifully designed, practical to build, safe, on budget, and aligned with your vision.

Do I need residential architect for a home extension or refurbishment?

Yes. A residential architect can help maximise space, improve layout and natural light, ensure compliance with planning regulations, and add long-term value to your property.

What types of residential projects do you work on?

We work on a huge variety of projects, ranging from internal alterations to large extensions and basements. We also have huge experience working on heritage buildings, as well as complete new builds.

Are you RIBA chartered architects?

Yes, we are RIBA-Chartered Architects, which means we meet professional standards for design quality, ethics, and technical competence.

Can you help with planning permission?

Yes. We manage the full planning application process, liaising with local authorities and preparing all required drawings and documents.

Do you work on projects in conservation areas or listed buildings?

Yes. We have experience working with conservation areas and listed buildings, carefully balancing design innovation with heritage and planning constraints.

How sustainable are your designs?

Sustainability is central to our approach. We design energy-efficient homes that maximise natural light, improve thermal performance and reduce environmental impact.

Can you help find a builder?

Yes. We can assist with tendering, reviewing builder quotes, and helping you select the right contractor for your project.

Do you offer interior design as well?

Yes. Interior design services can be integrated into the architectural process to ensure a cohesive design from structure to finishes. We also offer interior design as a standalone service.

How much does a residential architect cost?

Fees vary depending on the size, complexity and scope of the project. We provide clear, tailored fee proposals after an initial consultation.

What is your residential design process?

Our process typically includes an initial consultation, design development, planning submission, technical drawings, builder coordination and site monitoring.

How long does a residential project take?

Timelines vary depending on project scale and planning requirements. Small extensions may only take a few months, while larger refurbishments or new builds take longer.

How do I find the best architects near me?

If you are looking for architects near you in London or the Home Counties, AURA offers residential architecture, planning and interior design services tailored to private homes and luxury residential projects.

Do you work with local architects in my area?

Yes, our team works across London and the surrounding areas, including Surrey, Kent, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

What areas do you cover?

We provide residential architecture services across London and the surrounding Home Counties, including Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Residential Architecture for Modern Living

As residential architects, we design homes that respond to how people live today, while remaining adaptable to future needs. Our work is grounded in clarity, functionality and thoughtful design, creating architecture that performs as well as it looks.

We work across a range of residential projects, including new-build homes, extensions and full refurbishments, approaching each project with a focus on usability, spatial efficiency and long-term value.

Every project begins with a clear understanding of how the home will be used, ensuring that design decisions support both day-to-day living and the evolving needs of the household.

Driven by a collaborative and experienced team, we combine design thinking with technical expertise to deliver homes that are refined, practical and built to endure.