Allen Architects was founded seven years ago by RIBA Chartered Architect James Allen, starting life — quite literally — at his dining room table. Since those early days, the practice has grown steadily into a team of three architects and a studio manager, and we’ve thankfully graduated to our own studio space in South East London.

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Much of our work focuses on residential architecture. We design everything from small side return extensions and double-storey additions to full house refurbishments and more complex basement excavations. Every home — and every client — is different, so we shape our approach around the needs of each project. What stays consistent is our aim to create calm, carefully considered spaces that feel generous, well made and built to last.

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Alongside our residential projects, the team also has experience working on small to mid-sized developments, as well as more recent work in the retail and commercial sectors.

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We support clients through as much of the architectural process as they need. From early feasibility studies and concept design, through planning applications and detailed technical packages, to helping with tendering and overseeing projects during construction, we aim to guide each stage with clarity and care.

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While we’re proudly design-led, we’re also practical. For us, good architecture isn’t just about drawings — it’s about delivering buildings that work well, can be built efficiently, and make the most of the resources available. We collaborate closely with contractors and specialist consultants to solve problems together and keep projects moving forward.

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At heart, we’re a small practice that values straightforward and honest advice, clear communication and thoughtful design. We know that commissioning architecture is a big step for many clients, and we’re genuinely grateful for the trust people place in us to help shape their homes and spaces.

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james 

BA(Hons) PGDip ARB

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James founded Allen Architects in 2019.

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Having gained his BA and Diploma studying at Newcastle and Kingston University respectively, he gained valuable experience working on both small scale commercial and residential developments in Surrey, oftentimes in the context of ‘Listed Buildings’, in the ‘Green Belt’, and in ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.

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In 2010, James joined Tom Gresford in Hackney, and under Tom’s guidance developed an extensive knowledge of planning policies specific to the London Boroughs, and wide ranging experience overseeing all stages of the design and construction processes. James became a qualified architect and registered with the ARB in 2015.

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James believes that an architect’s ‘design philosophy’ should be organic and evolve everyday with each new experience gained. There is no one single ‘best approach’ to architecture other than to at ‘core’ respond to and resolve our client’s brief. Whilst every brief will be different, the architect should always retain the highest levels of professionalism and quality.

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