About Me

I’m Josh Hovey, an architect based near Bristol, designing thoughtful, practical homes across the South West. I work with homeowners on extensions, renovations, listed buildings and new-build houses—bringing together creativity and common sense to deliver designs that are both beautiful and buildable.

As a sole practitioner, I offer a personal, consistent service from start to finish. Every project is handled directly by me, ensuring clarity, responsiveness, and a collaborative process tailored to your needs.

My Approach

My work is calm, considered, and grounded in practical experience. I believe good architecture should respond to context, improve daily life, and remain realistic about complexity and cost. I listen carefully, guide clearly, and deliver designs that are personal, well-integrated, and rooted in place.

I work best with clients who value good design, want to be involved in shaping their home, and are looking for a balance between creativity and practicality. My approach focuses on:

Clear, honest communication
Design-led yet buildable solutions
Early 3D modelling to support confident decisions
A structured, step-by-step process that stays flexible

What I Do

I design homes that are built to last—both in function and feeling. Projects typically include:

Home Extensions
Renovations and Alterations
Listed Building Projects
New Build Homes
Barn Conversions

Many of my projects involve sensitive or rural sites—including Conservation Areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and listed buildings. I bring experience navigating these planning contexts, ensuring your project is well thought through and presented in a way that meets both design goals and policy requirements.

Credentials

I’m a fully qualified architect, registered with both the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). I’m also a Certified Passivhaus Designer, which means I’m trained in delivering low-energy buildings to one of the most rigorous sustainability standards in Europe.

Over the years, I’ve worked on a wide range of homes—from sensitive listed building renovations to contemporary new builds—often in complex planning contexts such as Conservation Areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), and rural sites. My work has been featured on the cover of Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine, and I continue to collaborate closely with consultants such as structural engineers and heritage specialists to ensure each project is both well-resolved and well-coordinated.

How I Work

I offer a full architectural design service—from early concept design through to planning and detailed construction drawings. I provide everything your builder needs to begin work with clarity and confidence.

Each project begins with a free in-person site visit to understand the context, discuss your goals, and establish a clear brief. From there, most of the design process is carried out remotely, with meetings held online, allowing for a focused and efficient workflow while keeping communication clear throughout.

You can expect:

A collaborative start – We begin by discussing your aims, lifestyle and constraints to build a clear brief.
Design-led, practical proposals – I develop options that respond to your site and goals.
3D visualisations – I use 3D tools early on so you can understand how the space will feel and function.
Planning and technical drawings – I prepare and submit your planning application, then produce technical drawings for construction.
On-hand advice – While I don’t manage the build directly, I remain available during construction to support you with design-related decisions and advise on any issues that arise on site.

This approach suits clients who value clear communication, thoughtful design, and a well-structured process—combining personal input at key moments with a flexible, efficient way of working throughout the project.

Fee Structure

I usually work on a fixed-fee basis, with costs agreed in advance for each stage of the design process. This gives you clarity from the outset and helps avoid surprises later on. A detailed fee proposal is provided after the initial site visit, outlining the scope of work, design stages, and associated costs.

Additional services—such as advice during the construction phase—are charged hourly, so you can choose how much support you’d like as the project progresses.

“We have found Joshua to be an extremely professional and talented architect. His professional approach and stunning designs have really impressed us and our clients. I would highly recommend Joshua to anyone looking to embark on a design led construction project.”

Bradley

Next Steps

If you’re planning a project—whether it’s adapting an existing home or creating something entirely new—the first step is a conversation. I offer a free, no-obligation site visit to understand your goals, assess the site or building, and offer honest, practical advice on what’s possible.

Following the visit, I’ll provide a tailored fee proposal outlining the design stages, expected timescales, and how the process works from start to finish. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and make sure the approach feels right before moving forward.

If you’d like to arrange an initial visit or discuss a potential project, feel free to get in touch.