Business Details
26 Years
experience
Award-Winning Residential Architects London Cambridge
Snell David is an established architectural practice specialising in all types of residential work. We pride ourselves on delivering a dedicated, personal, and flexible approach to domestic architecture, ranging from grand new-build houses and listed building refurbishments to modest home extensions. Our projects typically range in value from 150,000 to 5,000,000, and we maintain a design-led ethos regardless of project scale. With offices in London and Cambridge, we serve clients across London, the South, South West, South East England, and East Anglia. Our process aligns with the RIBA Plan of Work, ensuring structured yet adaptable project delivery.The practice was founded in 2000 by James Snell and Richard David, combining over four decades of architectural expertise. Our team includes experienced directors, project architects, and technical staff who collaborate closely with consultants to achieve high-quality outcomes. We prioritise accurate measured surveys, client-focused design appraisals, and meticulous detail design to meet statutory requirements. Our site operations services ensure client expectations are met through contract administration and on-site monitoring. Sustainability and technical excellence underpin our approach to residential architecture.
Services
New Build Homes
Listed Building Refurbishment
Home Extensions
Planning Applications
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer a personal, flexible approach to residential architecture
- Founded in 2000 with extensive experience in domestic projects
- Two offices serving London, the South, and East Anglia
- Design-led process aligned with RIBA Plan of Work
- Projects ranging from 150k to 5M in value
Services
New Build Homes
We design bespoke new-build houses tailored to client requirements, balancing aesthetic appeal with functional living spaces. Our expertise ensures compliance with planning regulations while incorporating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems. Projects range from contemporary family homes to traditional countryside estates.
Listed Building Refurbishment
Our team specialises in preserving historical integrity while modernising listed buildings. We navigate complex planning constraints to enhance usability without compromising architectural heritage. Services include structural assessments, period-appropriate material sourcing, and integration of modern amenities.
Home Extensions
We create functional extensions that seamlessly integrate with existing structures. From single-storey kitchen extensions to multi-level additions, our designs maximise natural light and improve spatial flow while adhering to building regulations and local authority requirements.
Planning Applications
We prepare and submit detailed planning documentation, liaising with local authorities to secure approvals. Our experience with statutory consultees ensures efficient navigation of planning processes for new builds, extensions, and listed building works.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable approach incorporates energy-efficient systems, renewable materials, and passive design principles. We advise on environmental certifications and building regulation compliance to create homes that minimise ecological impact while maintaining comfort and value.
People
James Snell
Director
Co-founder with over 20 years' experience in residential architecture. Qualified RIBA architect, previously at HTA Architects. Leads project delivery and office management in Cambridge.
Steven Carroll
Director
London office director since 2023. Qualified RIBA architect from University of Liverpool. Specialises in commercial and residential projects, with expertise in listed buildings.
James Cattle
Associate Director
Cambridge-based architect with RIBA qualifications. Joined in 2013, specialising in residential new builds and refurbishments. Oversees project teams and design quality assurance.
Richard David
Consultant
Co-founder with commercial architecture background. Provides strategic guidance on practice management and complex residential projects while mentoring junior staff.
Alan Smith
Senior Architectural Technologist
Technical expert with MCIAT qualification. Specialises in listed buildings and residential projects. Oversees building regulations compliance and sustainable design implementation across projects.
Questions
What areas do Snell David Architects cover?
We operate from London and Cambridge offices, serving clients across London, the South, South West, South East England, and East Anglia.
What types of residential projects do you handle?
We specialise in new-build houses, listed building refurbishments, and home extensions with project values from £150k to £5M.
How does your design process work?
Our RIBA Plan of Work-aligned process includes survey, options appraisal, planning, detail design, and site operations stages.
Are you experienced in sustainable design?
Yes, sustainability is integral to our technical department's approach in meeting building regulations and environmental standards.
