Based in Surrey, James Williamson Architects Ltd is a RIBA Chartered architectural practice specialising in high-quality residential architecture. We work directly with homeowners who require clear professional advice, regulatory competence, and well-considered architectural solutions. Our practice is built on a commitment to clarity, careful planning, and delivering designs that are both practical and refined.
We focus on residential extensions, renovations, retrofits, and bespoke new-build homes, serving clients across Surrey and the wider South East. Our projects range from internal reconfigurations and loft conversions to full-house refurbishments, energy-efficient upgrades, heritage buildings, and custom-designed homes. We adopt a structured approach that guides clients through feasibility assessments, planning applications, design development, technical coordination, and construction support. Particular attention is given to buildability, risk management, and compliance with UK planning and building regulations, including our responsibilities as Principal Designer under the CDM framework. Sustainability is integral to our design process, incorporating fabric-first principles, low-carbon strategies, and sensitive retrofit solutions. With detailed local planning knowledge and a measured, client-focused approach, we help homeowners achieve comfortable, durable homes while ensuring the process remains clear and professionally managed.
Served areas
- Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Hampshire, London
Business details
- Year established: 2020
- Employees: 4
- Licensed
- Insured
Highlights and features
- RIBA Chartered architect delivering clarity, confidence, and calm.
- Bespoke renovations, extensions, and new-build homes designed.
- Planning advice and feasibility studies to unlock potential.
- Passive House and EnerPHit retrofits for efficient living.
- Collaborative 3D and virtual reality design visualisation.
- End-to-end support, from permissions through to completion.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Practice
Payment methods
- Debit cards, Credit cards, Mobile payments, Bank transfers
Services
Our service is designed for homeowners seeking clarity before making significant changes to their property. We assess opportunities, guide decisions and oversee the design and planning stages with care. This ensures every renovation or extension is purposeful, well-coordinated and delivers a home that feels considered and future-ready. 
We design and deliver new homes that are carefully planned around how our clients live, both now and in the future. Our approach removes uncertainty by providing clear guidance from the earliest ideas through to completion. Every home is shaped to balance calm spaces, practical layouts, and long-term performance. The process is structured, transparent, and focused on confidence at every stage. 
We specialise in heritage and conservation architecture, guiding homeowners through the careful restoration of historic properties. Our approach balances planning requirements, original features, and contemporary living needs. We protect each buildings character while introducing thoughtful upgrades, providing clear advice and reassurance throughout a process that can otherwise feel complex and uncertain. 
We specialise in interior architecture that unites architectural insight with interior design expertise. By considering layout, light, and materials from the outset, we ensure each space works beautifully in daily use. Our structured guidance gives peace of mind while delivering interiors that are functional, sustainable, and carefully tailored to your home.
People
James Williamson
RIBA Chartered Architect
I am James Williamson, a RIBA Chartered Architect. Raised in the South West, I value architecture that responds discreetly to its setting and improves everyday living. Following more than a decade with award-winning practices in the UK and overseas, I established James Williamson Architects in 2020. My aim is to help clients create homes that feel intuitive, lasting and personal.
Reviews (7)
John Armenakas
Sep 19, 2025
James was wonderful to work with, and provided us with 2 wonderful designs that captured everything we wanted in our extension. Once we decided the design we wanted to move forward with, James worked through the planning approval process for us. The results are amazing, and we are so happy with the way our extension looks.
Jeremy Crump
Aug 31, 2024
James was an excellent architect for our downstairs renovation project, very reliable, professional, friendly and accomodating to our requirements. James took our initial thinking and came back with some fantastic designs, challenged our thinking and rescoped areas where needed. After that James was very responsive and went above and beyond with his help: setting up discussions with contractors, contacting Building Control, recommeding suppliers. We are so pleased with the finished result. Would not hesitate to recommend James.
Daniella Taggart
Aug 22, 2024
James Pace
Nov 27, 2023
Sally Hewison
Sep 15, 2023
We engaged James to explore the possibility of updating our small bungalow and incorporating an additional bedroom and bathroom. Communication was very smooth and James listened attentively, understood the brief well and produced an imaginative design which used the limited space available to its best advantage. The design included floor plans and a 3D virtual walkthrough. We decided for personal reasons not to go further at the present time, but if our situation changes in the future we will be more than happy to continue working with JWA
Mansour Allana
Sep 06, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with James on a recent project, and I am absolutely thrilled with the results! From the initial consultation to the final completion, James demonstrated exceptional vision and expertise that truly set him apart.
What impressed me the most was James's ability to listen attentively to my ideas and preferences while also offering invaluable insights and creative suggestions. He took the time to understand my vision for the property and translated it into a design that exceeded all my expectations.
James is also highly skilled in navigating complex regulations and permits, which made the entire process smooth and stress-free. His professionalism, responsiveness, and clear communication made collaborating effectively throughout the project easy.
I am beyond thrilled with the end result, and I couldn't be happier with the decision to work with James.
If you're looking for a talented, reliable, and creative Property Architect, I wholeheartedly recommend James. His dedication to his craft and passion for creating outstanding spaces truly make him a standout professional in his field. I wouldn't hesitate to work with him in the future.
Thank you, James, for turning my property into a dream come true!
What impressed me the most was James's ability to listen attentively to my ideas and preferences while also offering invaluable insights and creative suggestions. He took the time to understand my vision for the property and translated it into a design that exceeded all my expectations.
James is also highly skilled in navigating complex regulations and permits, which made the entire process smooth and stress-free. His professionalism, responsiveness, and clear communication made collaborating effectively throughout the project easy.
I am beyond thrilled with the end result, and I couldn't be happier with the decision to work with James.
If you're looking for a talented, reliable, and creative Property Architect, I wholeheartedly recommend James. His dedication to his craft and passion for creating outstanding spaces truly make him a standout professional in his field. I wouldn't hesitate to work with him in the future.
Thank you, James, for turning my property into a dream come true!
Shaun Fitzpatrick
May 28, 2023
Hi Im Shaun, Bricklayer/ General Builder. In the nearly 40 years Ive been working in the construction industry I have worked with and for many good architects. James Williamson Architects trumps them all. Genuine, polite, helpful and professional service from the first call through to site meetings and dealing with the local authorities. I would happily recommend JMA to any prospective clients for peace of mind in the transition from drawings to completed project.