Business Details
39 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Services in Brighton
Established in 1987, Domain is a Brighton-based architectural practice with over three decades of experience in residential and commercial design. Our team combines architectural expertise with practical construction knowledge, delivering projects ranging from small extensions to large-scale developments. We maintain a near 100% success rate in planning applications through strategic collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders. Our holistic approach integrates design, cost management, and technical precision to create sustainable, buildable solutions. With specialist experience in conservation areas and listed buildings, we balance contextual sensitivity with modern functionality.Our work has been featured in national publications including the London Evening Standard and Ideal Home Magazine. As a multi-award-winning practice, we have received recognition from the Sussex Heritage Trust and LABC South East Building Excellence Awards. Our directors bring unique perspectives from roles as developers, contractors, and legal compliance specialists. We maintain a mixed-use property portfolio across Brighton, London, and Sussex, ensuring practical understanding of investment requirements. Client testimonials highlight our proactive problem-solving and exceptional service delivery.
Services
Architectural Design
Planning Applications
Party Wall Services
Listed Building Projects
Development Management
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- Established in 1987 with 35+ years architectural experience
- Near 100% success rate in planning applications
- Specialist expertise in listed buildings and conservation areas
- Award-winning practice with industry recognition
- Integrated approach combining design and cost management
Associations and certifications
- Downland Prize
- Sussex Heritage Trust
- Green Apple International Environment Award
- LABC South East Building Excellence Awards 2017
What people say
Exceptional level of service
Highly creative but cost-effective designs
Proactive problem-solving approach
Successful planning applications
Award-winning practice
Services
Architectural Design
We create innovative architectural solutions tailored to specific site constraints and client requirements. Our design process integrates contextual sensitivity with modern functionality, ensuring projects meet planning requirements while maximising value. Our expertise spans residential extensions, commercial developments, and complex listed building projects.
Planning Applications
With a near 100% success rate, we prepare and submit planning applications that address local authority requirements. Our strategic approach involves early stakeholder engagement and evidence-based design justifications to secure approvals for challenging sites including conservation areas and listed buildings.
Party Wall Services
As members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors, we provide expert advice on party wall matters. Our services include serving notices, preparing schedules of condition, and resolving disputes between adjoining owners while ensuring compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Listed Building Projects
We specialise in working with listed buildings and conservation areas, balancing preservation requirements with modern needs. Our approach maintains historical integrity while implementing contemporary solutions that enhance usability and sustainability for residential and commercial properties.
Development Management
We oversee development projects from inception to completion, coordinating design teams and contractors. Our management approach ensures projects stay within budget while maintaining quality standards, with expertise in both small-scale local developments and international projects.
People
Duncan Thomas
Founder & Architect
RIBA-registered architect with 35+ years experience, specialising in complex projects. Member of Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors. Combines design expertise with practical construction knowledge gained from high-profile London developments.
Alina Vernon
Practice Manager
Qualified legal professional managing contracts and compliance. Brings construction law expertise from Sussex-based firm experience. Coordinates client communications and project documentation while pursuing further legal qualifications.
Ben Murdoch
Architect & Passivhaus Consultant
Certified Passivhaus Consultant with specialist energy efficiency knowledge. Handles new build and renovation projects, focusing on sustainable design solutions. Provides freelance architectural expertise to Domain since 2017.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full architectural services including design, planning applications, listed building consent, party wall advice, and project management for residential and commercial developments.
How successful are you with planning applications?
We maintain a near 100% success rate through strategic planning submissions, evidenced by positive feedback from Brighton Council and conservation organisations.
Do you work with listed buildings?
Yes, we specialise in listed buildings and conservation areas, with expertise in balancing preservation requirements with modern functionality.
Can you manage development projects?
We offer comprehensive development management services, overseeing projects from initial design through to completion while ensuring budget and quality control.
