About

Expert Residential Architects in Winchester and the South of England

Founded in 2018, Giles Architects has rapidly established a strong reputation for delivering exceptional residential architecture across rural areas in southern England, including the South Downs National Park. Our portfolio highlights a range of successful house extensions, bespoke new builds, and housing developments tailored for private clients throughout Hampshire, Surrey, West Sussex, and London.

Giles Architects provides bespoke housing design operating under the private residential design division of Metashape Architects LTD, co-founded by Alex Giles and Ian Liptrot. While Metashape focuses on design-led projects for commercial clients, Giles Architects specialises in personalised architecture for homeowners and private developers.

Residential Architecture Specialists in Winchester and Beyond

Based in Winchester, we offer expert architectural design services for:

  • House extensions
  • Custom new build homes
  • Residential and mixed-use developments

Our extensive experience enables us to combine innovative, cutting-edge design with deep knowledge of construction techniques and sustainable building technologies.

Sustainable, High-Quality Architectural Solutions

At Giles Architects, we are passionate about creating sustainable, high-quality homes that improve our clients’ lifestyles and exceed expectations. Our client-focused approach means we listen carefully to your vision, delivering tailored architectural solutions that reflect your unique needs and aspirations.

We pride ourselves on managing projects of all scales, from small residential renovations to multi-million-pound developments, across various sectors including residential, commercial and community buildings. Our expert team understands every step of the UK design and construction process, ensuring seamless project delivery.

Advanced Design Tools

Utilising state-of-the-art design technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM), 3D visualisations, and animations, we communicate architectural concepts clearly to clients and planning authorities alike. We also integrate traditional hand-drawn sketches and mixed media to enrich our design process.

RIBA Chartered Expertise

As a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) chartered practice, Giles Architects follows the RIBA Plan of Work, providing structured guidance through every phase, from initial concept design to project completion.

Explore the comprehensive architectural services we offer for each project stage below.

CONCEPT DESIGN AND FEASIBILITY (RIBA Stage 0-1)

We will have an initial meeting with you to unwrap the project brief, understand your vision, and discuss design concepts. We carry out detailed site analysis and arrange site surveys if required. We research local planning policy and begin to develop informed and considered design ideas and options for discussion. We also advise you of any other specialist consultants that may be required during the planning process.

THE PLANNING PROCESS (RIBA Stage 2-3)

We work closely with the Local Authority and local communities to develop a design that is likely to achieve the best possible planning consent. We are experienced in complex planning processes involving multiple stakeholders, and are skilled in designing projects that respond to the various requirements while ensuring we adhere to your project brief and quality standards. Your needs and aspirations always remain our priority. Once a design is developed and agreed we submit a planning application on your behalf and liaise closely with the local authority throughout the process.

TECHNICAL DESIGN AND BUILDING REGULATIONS (RIBA Stage 4)

We produce a detailed and coordinated design package which you can share with contractors for pricing, and submit with your Building Regulations application. At this stage we always use Building Information Modelling (BIM) – however small the project – to coordinate the details in 3D prior to construction work beginning on site. This helps clarify design details and simplify the construction process.

CONSTRUCTION (RIBA Stage 5)

We produce working drawings that can be used for construction on site. We are passionate about the detail of the design, and it is at this stage we ensure the details provide an aesthetically beautiful architectural solution that is technically achievable. We can oversee the contractor on site, attend site meetings, and administer JCT Contracts on smaller projects if required.

PROJECT BUDGET

We understand that budget control is of paramount importance to a successful project, and also for your peace of mind. We work closely with you or with third party cost consultants, from the beginning to help understand any financial constraints and considerations, and we continuously review costs throughout the process. We can also work closely with your preferred contractors to ensure cost-effective design solutions, while maintaining architectural quality.

If you need any more information or would like a friendly, no-obligation chat about how we can help, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would love to hear about your project and to advise on the best way to realise your vision.

Giles Architects
Metashape Architects LTD
Trading as Giles Architects
Company Number: 14205537

info@gilesarchitects.co.uk
01962 458 078

45 Southgate Street,
Winchester, Hampshire
SO23 9EH

Having trained as architects at top design-led practices in central London, we combine contemporary design, construction and building technology expertise with a passion to create high-quality, sustainable projects that delight our clients and transform the way they live and work.

acreditations