West London residential architects
As West London residential architects, GOAStudio helps homeowners, buyers, property owners and small-scale developers assess and develop projects principally across Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Hounslow, Richmond upon Thames and Brent. We can help you understand the property, likely constraints and realistic routes before you commit to a design or purchase.
Our residential work across West London includes house extensions, renovations, retrofit, internal reconfiguration, roof alterations, period and heritage homes, flats and carefully considered small residential developments. We look at the existing building, its planning context and the way you want to live before deciding what should be extended, retained or reorganised.
The aim is not simply to add floor area. It is to create a home with better natural light, a more useful layout, improved storage, stronger garden connections and greater comfort, while keeping the design realistic in relation to planning, budget and construction.
West London architects at a glance
- Who we help: homeowners planning an extension, renovation or retrofit; owners of period, listed or conservation-area homes; buyers assessing a property before purchase; and property owners testing a small residential development.
- Where we work: principally across Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Hounslow, Richmond upon Thames and Brent, with borough-specific advice and residential project experience in these parts of London.
- What we can provide: architectural services may include feasibility, design, planning applications, technical design, Building Regulations and construction-stage support, depending on the project and appointment.
From early advice to construction
Depending on the project and appointment, GOAStudio can support you from early feasibility through design, planning, technical information and construction-stage advice. We agree the services and deliverables in writing so you know what is included at each stage.
- Feasibility and brief: understand the property, your priorities, apparent constraints and realistic options.
- Design and planning: survey the property, develop the design, prepare the planning information and manage the application where required.
- Technical design: prepare Building Regulations and construction information and coordinate relevant consultants.
- Construction support: assist with tendering, contractor queries, site reviews and contract administration where included in the appointment.
GOAStudio London residential architecture
George Omalianakis, BA (Hons) B.Arch Pg Dip Environmental Design.
Chartered RIBA architect and ARB registered.
RIBA Conservation Registrant specialism in conservation areas, period and Listed buildings.
Residential expert contributor for magazines including Which? magazine and Ideal Home.
Last reviewed by George Omalianakis for GOAStudio: August 2026
Early advice and next steps
The right first step depends on how far you have progressed and how much property-specific advice you need.
Request a free Feasibility Review
- Best for: an initial assessment of the property’s apparent potential, constraints and sensible next steps.
- What to send: the full address, a few photographs, any available drawings and a short outline of what you hope to achieve.
- What we provide: early observations on the site context, planning history and apparent constraints, together with guidance on the likely route forward.
- Cost: free.
- Commitment: no obligation to proceed.
Book a two-hour Home Consultation with George
- Best for: detailed advice at the property when you are actively planning building work or considering a home to buy and renovate.
- Format: an approximately two-hour visit with George to discuss the brief, layout, design, planning and construction considerations.
- What may be included: quick hand-drawn sketches, early layout ideas and advice about likely approvals or other consultants.
- Cost: £250 + VAT.
- Commitment: a standalone service with no obligation to proceed. The consultation fee is not credited against a later professional appointment.
Why work with GOAStudio on a West London home?
GOAStudio combines residential design, planning judgement and experience of older buildings within one architect-led service. George Omalianakis is directly involved in the work and brings conservation and environmental-design expertise to projects where historic character, existing fabric and modern comfort need to be considered together.
Our advice is property-specific. We look at the existing home, its planning history, borough context and the way you want to live before recommending a design or approval route.
Depending on the appointment, we can provide continuity from early feasibility and planning through technical design and construction-stage support.
Feasibility Review
A request a Feasibility Review is often the best first step if you want a realistic view of planning restrictions, design scope and what is worth pursuing before you commit further.
Home Consultation
If you already need more detailed, property-specific advice, Book a home consultation and we can help you clarify the brief, priorities and likely next steps.
Flats, maisonettes and small residential developments
Many West London projects involve flats, maisonettes, mansion blocks, mews houses or mixed-use buildings rather than a standalone house. Leasehold arrangements, shared structure, access, roof ownership, neighbours and the need for freeholder consent can affect what is practical as well as which statutory approvals may be required.
GOAStudio also works with property owners, landowners and small-scale developers on suitable conversions, infill sites, changes of use and new-build residential projects of up to 10 homes. At an early stage, we test whether the site and brief appear compatible before a client commits to a more detailed design or planning route.
In Brent, our relevant work includes the conversion and extension of a vacant mixed-use corner building to create two homes. GOAStudio developed the project from feasibility and pre-application advice through to full planning approval in February 2026, with retrofit and building performance considered alongside the change of use and residential layouts.
Our small residential development service explains how we approach feasibility, planning and design for these projects.
Extensions, renovations and retrofit in West London
West London contains many houses and flats that have been altered over several generations. Before proposing another addition, we look at how the property works now, what is worth retaining and where a carefully positioned change could make the greatest difference.
For a rear, side-return or roof extension, that may mean balancing additional space with daylight, circulation, proportions, neighbouring outlook and the relationship with the garden. A renovation may instead concentrate on reorganising the existing plan, improving storage or bringing light further into the home.
Where older fabric is involved, ventilation, moisture and thermal performance should be considered alongside the architectural changes. Energy improvements need to suit the building rather than be treated as isolated products, particularly where traditional construction or heritage constraints are involved.
Our dedicated pages explain how we approach house extensions, house renovations and improvements to older London homes in more detail.
For homeowners considering a rear or side-return addition, our London kitchen-extension architect guide explains how layout, daylight and the connection with the garden should be considered together.
Period, listed and conservation-area homes in West London
West London includes Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and other older houses and flats, alongside listed buildings, locally listed properties and extensive conservation areas. These homes can often accommodate thoughtful change, but the design needs to respond to the building’s character, construction and wider setting.
A listed flat in Paddington, a Victorian villa in Holland Park, a conservation-area house in Stamford Brook and a conservation-area garden flat in Kilburn, Brent raise different questions. Listed status can affect internal as well as external work. In conservation areas, roof form, windows, materials, frontages, boundaries and the relationship with the wider street may all carry additional weight.
George leads GOAStudio’s work with period and heritage homes. His conservation and environmental-design experience helps us consider historic fabric, consent requirements and modern comfort together rather than treating them as separate concerns.
Read more about our architectural services for period and conservation-area homes in London and listed buildings.
Residential architect advice across West London boroughs
There is no single West London planning rulebook. The relevant considerations depend on the borough, street, property, planning history and work proposed. Conservation-area designations, listed status, Article 4 Directions—which can remove specified permitted development rights—and previous planning conditions may introduce additional requirements.
Our relevant project areas include Hammersmith, Fulham, Shepherd’s Bush, Stamford Brook, Chiswick, Holland Park, Kensington, Chelsea, Paddington, Maida Vale, Pimlico, Barnes, Richmond, St Margarets, Kilburn, Queen’s Park, Kensal Green, Willesden, Harlesden and Wembley.
Our borough pages provide local context and examples of GOAStudio’s work:
- Hammersmith and Fulham residential architects: period houses, terraces, flats and maisonettes, extensions, roof alterations, retrofit and projects where neighbouring amenity or flood-risk context requires early consideration.
- Kensington and Chelsea residential architects: listed buildings, conservation-area homes, mansion flats, mews houses and villas where proportion, materials and heritage significance need careful judgement.
- Westminster residential architects: listed and conservation-area homes, flat renovations, garden-flat extensions, roof alterations, penthouse works and sensitive older-building upgrades.
- Hounslow residential architects: house and roof extensions, renovations and residential conversions, with project experience in Chiswick.
- Richmond residential architects: extensions and roof alterations to family homes in areas including Barnes and St Margarets.
- Brent residential architects: period houses, garden flats, conservation-area homes, extensions, renovations, residential conversions and small development opportunities across areas including Kilburn, Queen’s Park, Kensal Green, Willesden, Harlesden and Wembley. See our completed Kilburn garden-flat extension.
When you contact us, we review the property rather than relying on a regional assumption. We consider the local planning framework, designation and planning history before advising what appears realistic. Our planning permission service for London homes and small developments explains how we can develop the design, prepare the application and manage council liaison.
Depending on your project you may also find useful the following guides:
Selected West London residential projects
Our portfolio includes completed projects, planning approvals and feasibility work across the six West London boroughs above. These examples show how the design response changes with the property type, homeowner’s priorities, planning context and existing building.
Stamford Brook, Hammersmith and Fulham W6: house extension and renovation
A rear extension and whole-house renovation to a conservation-area home where poor-quality existing additions had weakened the relationship between the reception rooms and garden. The project created a lighter, more coherent layout while responding to the period property and its setting.
Holland Park, Kensington and Chelsea W14: conservation-area villa extension
Extensions and alterations to a substantial Victorian villa that had already undergone major contemporary changes. Following detailed pre-application discussions, GOAStudio developed a conservation-led design that balanced the character of the original house with the language of the later additions and obtained planning permission for the proposals.
Paddington, Westminster W2: listed-building flat renovation
Internal alterations and refurbishment to make better use of a listed flat’s available space and create a separate bedroom area. The project required the proposed layout to be considered alongside the significance and fabric of the listed building.
Chiswick, Hounslow W4: house extension and renovation
This completed project combined a two-storey rear extension, roof extension, internal alterations and full refurbishment to a terraced house. The work included reinstating original features and creating a new kitchen extension as part of a coordinated improvement to the whole home.
Barnes, Richmond SW14: rear kitchen extension
A new rear extension and remodelling of an existing addition to create a more useful kitchen, dining and family living space. The proposal was developed as a joined-up improvement to the existing house rather than simply adding another room at the rear.
Kilburn, Brent NW2: conservation-area garden-flat extension
A rear extension and internal alterations to a ground-floor garden flat in a conservation area created an enlarged kitchen and dining space. GOAStudio provided architectural services through planning and Building Regulations, construction information and construction-stage visits. The project was completed in winter 2015.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an architect for a straightforward West London extension?
You are not generally legally required to appoint an architect for a house extension. However, apparently simple projects can involve layout, measured information, planning, neighbouring amenity, structural design and Building Regulations questions. Early architectural advice can help you compare options and avoid committing to a design that adds space without improving the way the home works.
Does GOAStudio work with Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian homes in West London?
Yes. We work with period houses and flats, including listed buildings and properties in conservation areas. We consider the building’s character, construction and heritage context alongside the need for improved layouts, comfort and energy performance. Our period and conservation-area home service explains this approach in more detail.
When should I speak to an architect if I am buying a West London property to renovate?
Ideally, seek advice before exchanging contracts if your decision depends on extending, reconfiguring or substantially renovating the property. Our architect advice before buying a house can help you understand design potential, planning constraints and the principal issues to investigate before committing.
Can GOAStudio advise on planning risk across different West London boroughs?
Yes. We review the property, relevant borough guidance, planning history and immediate context before advising on the likely route. Planning decisions always rest with the relevant local planning authority, so we explain material risks without guaranteeing an approval.
How much does it cost to appoint a residential architect in West London?
Architectural fees depend on the property, project scope, complexity and stages of service required. After reviewing the address, available information and your outline brief, we can explain the appropriate route and provide an indicative fee range. The optional two-hour Home Consultation costs £250 + VAT and is a standalone service; its fee is not credited against a later professional appointment.
Can GOAStudio support a project beyond planning permission?
Yes. Depending on the appointment, GOAStudio can provide technical design and Building Regulations information, coordinate structural and other consultants, assist with tendering and provide construction-stage support. We set out the agreed services and deliverables before the appointment begins.
Does GOAStudio work on small residential developments in West London?
Yes. We work with property owners, landowners, self-builders and small-scale developers on suitable conversions, infill sites, changes of use and new-build residential projects of up to 10 homes. Our small residential development service explains how we approach feasibility, planning and design.
Not sure where to start with your renovation or extension?
Read this before you meet an architect, speak to a builder or spend money on drawings.
This free, architect-prepared guide walks you through the 15 essential questions every homeowner should ask before starting a project.
"Should we renovate, extend… or walk away?
15 Questions every London homeowner must ask before starting a project to include homes in Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings."
Whether you're planning a modest rear extension or major alterations to a listed home, it will help you avoid expensive mistakes and give you clarity on what’s possible for your property. Includes guidance on:
Planning approvals. Conservation areas.
Timelines and costs. Appointments you need to make.
Design and sustainability options.
When to press ahead and when to walk away
We provide architectural services for residential projects in the following London Boroughs:
Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
We specialise in
- Greener homes
- Retrofit and energy efficiency for older and traditional buildings
- Conservation areas
- Listed Buildings
- Homeowner architectural services
- Property developments architectural services
GOAStudio London residential architecture limited.
86-90 Paul Street, EC2A 4NE, Hackney
Chestnut Avenue South, E17 9EJ, Waltham Forest
t: 0203 984 3005
