Architectural Services in Cheshire
Residential, commercial and heritage projects across Cheshire and the North West, from a single extension to a full refurbishment
Architectural Services for Projects That Deserve Proper Thinking
Most projects go wrong before anything is built. A brief that was never properly interrogated, a design that ignores how the site actually works, a planning application submitted in hope rather than expectation.
Hough Architecture is a RIBA Chartered practice based in Sandbach, working across Cheshire, Cheshire East and the wider North West. We handle residential, commercial and heritage projects from first feasibility through to completion on site.
James Hough leads every project personally. You are not handed to a project manager after the first meeting, and the person who designs your building is the person who sees it through planning and onto site.
What Our Architectural Practice Covers
We work across six areas. Each one is led by James and follows the same stages: feasibility, concept design, planning, technical design, and construction support.
Designing a home from the ground up, with the detail a new build deserves. Site appraisal, orientation, massing and material choices resolved before anything reaches planning.
High-end refurbishments and considered additions that work with the existing structure rather than against it. Barn conversions, rear and side extensions, and full internal remodelling.
Working with developers on infill sites, conversions and multi-unit schemes. Site appraisal, viability, and schemes designed to sit properly within their setting rather than fight it.
Sensitive design that respects the history of a building while making it work for how people live now. We handle listed building consent, heritage statements and conservation officer liaison throughout.
The majority of our projects go through Cheshire East, where we achieve around a 95% planning success rate. We prepare and submit applications, handle officer queries and manage the process end to end.
Office, retail and industrial projects handled with the same attention to detail as our residential work. Feasibility, site appraisal, planning and technical delivery.
Why Work With Hough Architecture
Hough Architecture is a RIBA Chartered architectural practice in Cheshire, founded by James Hough in 2015. Chartered status means full professional indemnity insurance and accountability to the institute, which not every business offering architectural services carries. The practice is also registered with the ARB and The Green Register.
James leads every project personally, from first conversation through planning to completion on site. Most of our work goes through Cheshire East, where around 95% of applications succeed, because problems get resolved before submission rather than argued after refusal.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Where We Work
We are based in Sandbach, and most of our projects go through Cheshire East, where we know the local plan and how officers read it. We work regularly across Cheshire West and Chester, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire and North Wales.
Areas we cover:
Frequently Asked Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
New builds, extensions and conversions, listed buildings, commercial and industrial projects, planning applications and residential development. Each project runs through feasibility, concept design, planning, technical design and construction support.
What does an architect actually do?
An architect takes a project from an idea to a built building. That means interrogating the brief, designing to the site, preparing and submitting planning applications, producing technical drawings and specifications for construction, advising on contractors, and administering the building contract through to completion.
Do I need a RIBA Chartered architect?
Not by law. But for new builds, significant refurbishments and listed buildings, it makes a real difference. Chartered practices meet professional standards, carry full indemnity insurance, and have the technical depth to get complex projects through planning and built properly.
How much do architectural services cost?
A full scope of services typically falls between 10 and 12% of total project budget for domestic renovations and extensions, and 5 to 7.5% for a new dwelling. Listed buildings and complex schemes sit toward the higher end. Allow a further 1 to 3% for other consultant and application fees.
Do you work with developers?
Yes. We work with developers across Cheshire and the North West on infill sites, conversions and multi-unit schemes.
Start Your Project
If you are planning a new build, a significant refurbishment or a listed building project, talk to James about what you have in mind. No obligation, and you will get a straight answer on whether it is viable.