Bath Architects

I’m Josh Hovey, a residential architect helping homeowners in and around Bath design practical, well-considered homes that sit comfortably within their setting.

Whether it’s reconfiguring a period property, planning a high-quality extension, or designing a new house in a sensitive location, I work with clients to shape thoughtful, site-specific solutions with clarity and care.

If you're planning work to your home in Bath or the surrounding area, I’d be happy to help you explore what’s possible.

Interior view of extension design by Bath Architect Joshua Hovey

  • "Joshua was diligent, professional and knowledgeable throughout the process. He listened to our ideas and guided us gently which resulted in an enjoyable collaborative journey. We are thrilled with the end result and have already recommended Joshua to friends and family."

    Claire and Andy

Architectural Design in and Around Bath

Bath presents a distinctive design context—Georgian streetscapes, listed buildings, steep plots, and a tightly controlled Conservation Area and World Heritage designation. Planning sensitivity and contextual understanding are essential.

Based near Bath, I support clients working on:

  • Homes within Bath Conservation Area or World Heritage Site boundaries

  • Properties with architectural character or listed status

  • Sites on the edge of the city or within the Green Belt

  • Suburban or semi-rural plots in the surrounding villages

The city’s layered history and topography demand a careful design response—one that respects its setting while delivering modern comfort and functionality.

Residential Architecture Services

I work exclusively on one-off residential projects for private homeowners. My services include:

  • Extensions and Internal Alterations – Improving how homes function while retaining their character

  • Renovations – Sensitive upgrades to older buildings for contemporary use

  • New Build Homes – Carefully crafted designs tailored to challenging or prominent sites

  • Heritage and Listed Building Work – Navigating planning and conservation constraints with clarity

  • Low-Energy Design Advice – As a Certified Passivhaus Designer, I can advise on improving comfort and performance in both old and new homes

Nearby Projects

Contemporary Extension by Bath Architect Joshua Hovey

Contemporary Extension
Olveston

Listed Building Renovation
Corsham

Tram Shed Conversion by Bath Architect Joshua Hovey

Tram Shed Conversion
Bath

A Clear, Collaborative Process

I support clients from initial briefing through to technical design—with additional site-stage advice available if needed. My process is flexible but well-structured, giving you clarity at every stage.

What to expect:

  • An initial site visit to understand your brief and assess the setting

  • A detailed, fixed-fee proposal, tailored to your project

  • Concept design developed in 3D, with up to five revisions included in a fixed fee

  • Optional cost advice from independent estimators

  • Coordinated technical drawings and specification notes for use by your builder

  • Further support during construction available on an hourly basis if required

I do not offer project management or contract administration, but I remain available to assist with design-related queries throughout.

Why Work with a Local Architect Near Bath?

Working in and around Bath means understanding the city’s planning sensitivities, architectural legacy, and local construction practices. My approach is calm, design-led and grounded in realism—focusing on creating homes that work beautifully while respecting their context.

Whether your project is within the city or in the hills beyond, I bring structure and clarity to help you move forward with confidence.

  • "We had several meetings throughout the design stage. Joshua worked with us and was patient whilst we were trying to get the design just right for our requirements. The service offered was very professional and we would recommend Joshua to anybody looking for a good architect to work with"

    Daniel

Let’s Begin

If you’re planning an extension, renovation or new-build home in Bath or the surrounding area, I’d be glad to help you explore the options.

Every project begins with a site meeting where we’ll review your aims, assess constraints, and outline how the process would work in your case.

Ready to take the next step?
Get in touch here to book a free initial consultation.

If you’d like to get a better sense of how I work, feel free to browse my recent projects or learn more about my approach—then get in touch when you're ready.

FAQs

  • Do you take on projects in central Bath?
    Yes, especially those involving listed buildings, Conservation Area constraints, or more complex planning requirements.

  • Can you help with World Heritage Site planning?
    Yes. I provide informed, design-led guidance for navigating planning policy in protected areas.

  • Do you work in villages near Bath?
    Absolutely—I support projects both in the city and in surrounding areas such as Bathampton, Monkton Combe and Limpley Stoke.

  • What’s the first step?
    A no-obligation site visit to understand your project and discuss the process. I’ll then prepare a tailored proposal if it’s a good fit.

Useful Resources

Follow Me

Here's a sneak peak of a few architectural details from our new-build eco house near Stroud which is nearing completion. Our clients were pleased to have completed the majority of the shell towards the end of last year allowing them to enjoy Christma
We’ve moved! I am pleased to share the exciting news that we have now moved to our new location near Clevedon in North Somerset. We will continue to be fully available to support ongoing projects. We will still be taking on new projects in t
A lovely view on site over Fairford today, helping with chimney repairs to a grade II listed townhouse. Very tidy work by @cotswoldbuildingandroofing ..... #cotswolds #architect #ArchitectureFirm #listedbuilding
How exciting to receive a copy of this month's Homebuilding and Renovating magazine with our project featured on the front cover! We helped our clients to convert and extend their garage, transforming the connection with the garden and creating a lig
Very pleased to announce that we can now offer Passive House design services in-house. Joshua is now a Certified Passive House Designer, following successful completion of the designer course with Coaction Training and registration with the Passive H
Feasibility study to accompany a pre-application consultation for a new eco-home. Set in the grounds of a Grade II listed manor house near the North Wessex Downs, the new dwelling is sensitively designed to have the appearance of a collection of outb
Feasibility study sketch to illustrate design intent, accompanying a recent outline planning application for two new eco homes in Fairford, Gloucestershire.
Planning approved! We have recently gained planning permission for the conversion of an historic pub and associated barn near Bicester, Oxfordshire. The buildings will be converted into a retail showroom and cafe, with a contemporary extension connec
This is the beautiful newly restored front elevation of our recent Grade II listed renovation project in Wiltshire. We helped our clients gain listed building consent for internal and external repairs and alterations to address damp and ventilation i
Single storey extension to a Grade II listed cottage in the north Cotswolds. CGI views like these help to refine the design with our clients, and also communicate the design intent to the local planning authority. #architecture #architecturelovers #
A contemporary extension to a Cotswold stone house in Chipping Campden, with works now well underway on site, including a loft conversion and extensive internal reconfiguration to improve the flow around the house. #architecture #architecturelovers