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.

Tommy Harrison 11/5/26 Tommy Harrison 11/5/26

Should a Barn Conversion Still Look Like a Barn?

The most celebrated barn conversions in Britain share a quiet secret: none of them shout. Here's what the best examples get right about letting a barn stay a barn — and why that might be the boldest design decision of all.

Tommy Harrison 11/4/26 Tommy Harrison 11/4/26

Can You Convert Your Barn Into a Home? The Class Q Rules

A barn is not a blank canvas, legally speaking — but since 2024 it's a considerably more generous one. Here's what the Class Q rules actually allow, and where the exceptions still bite.