What areas does Studio Harrison work in?

Derbyshire and the Peak District predominantly, with regular projects across the wider East and West Midlands, and a number of clients in Jersey, Channel Islands.

Do I need planning permission for my extension or new build?

Most extensions and all new-build homes need either planning permission or, in some cases, a Lawful Development Certificate confirming permission isn't needed — which applies depends on scale, location, and whether the property is listed or in a conservation area.

Do you offer snagging inspections for new-build homes?

Yes — a technologist-led inspection of a newly built home before or shortly after legal completion, checking construction quality and finish against the specification and building regulations.

What's a fabric-first approach to sustainable design?

Treating the building's fabric — insulation, airtightness, glazing, thermal bridging — as the foundation of energy performance, before adding renewable technology on top, in line with Passivhaus and AECB principles.

How long does a typical residential project take?

Usually several months from initial consultation to a full set of construction drawings, plus a further 8 weeks for planning determination on a standard application.

How much does it cost to work with an architectural designer on a home project?

The investment is usually structured either as a percentage of the construction cost or as a fixed fee for each design stage, agreed upfront once the scope is clear.

About.

The Practice.

Studio Harrison is a design-led architectural practice based in Brailsford, Derbyshire, working across Derbyshire, the Peak District, the East and West Midlands, and Jersey, Channel Islands — from rural residential projects and historic conservation to contemporary masterplanning and urban housing.

The studio was established to bring a hands-on, deeply considered approach to both the design and delivery of each project. With expertise spanning rural and urban residential work, historic conservation and masterplanning, Studio Harrison works with clients across Derbyshire, the Peak District, the wider Midlands and Jersey.

The studio offers services in architecture, sustainable design, masterplanning and urban design, historic building conservation, BIM and 3D visualisation, and design-led new-build quality control and snagging inspections.

Every project is rooted in a commitment to lasting design quality — guided by both environmental responsibility and architectural clarity.

Scenic view of rolling green hills with patchwork agricultural fields and a few scattered houses, misty mountains in the background under a light cloudy sky.

Find out more about our expertise

A beautifully minimalist modern house extension with large glass sliding doors, oak column and cladding, and natural landscape including trees, bushes and meadows.

A group of people sitting at a long table outdoors, enjoying a meal together under a canopy with string lights, in a social gathering or celebration.

A red brick manor house with a beautiful stone and glass conservatory extension. There are purple flowering plants and greenery in front.

A smiling man in a dark blazer and white shirt sitting at a wooden table with architectural models and books in the background.

Our Founder.

Studio Harrison was founded in 2019 by Tommy Harrison, driven by a passion for creating thoughtful, enduring architecture that responds to both people and place. Combining a strong technical background with a design-led approach, Tommy established the practice to deliver architecture that is as carefully resolved behind the scenes as it is visually compelling. After several years of continued growth, the practice was incorporated as Studio Harrison Ltd in 2024, marking the next chapter in the practice’s evolution.

Having worked across residential, education, healthcare, civic, cultural, and workplace sectors, Tommy has led projects ranging from bespoke private homes and listed buildings to large-scale public developments amongst multidisciplinary teams. This breadth of experience provides a balanced perspective—bringing together creative thinking, technical precision, and a clear understanding of how buildings are delivered.

Tommy believes that successful architecture is never defined by style alone. It begins with listening, understanding context, and resolving complexity through considered design. Every one of our project reflects his philosophy, with a focus on timeless architecture, environmental responsibility, and meticulous attention to detail from concept through to completion.

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