Cotswolds Architects

I’m Josh Hovey, a residential architect working with homeowners across the Cotswolds to create thoughtful, well-resolved homes that balance character, comfort and context.

Whether you’re extending a stone-built cottage, renovating a farmhouse, or planning a new-build on a sensitive rural plot, I offer clear, design-led support tailored to your home and how you want to live in it.

If you’re planning a project in the Cotswolds, I’d be happy to visit and help you explore what’s possible.

Replacement dwelling by cotswolds architects 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

Designing Homes in the Cotswolds Landscape

The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, known for its distinct building materials, village character and sensitive planning controls. I work with clients to respond to these constraints in a way that’s both appropriate and creative—ensuring the design respects its setting while improving how the home functions.

I often assist with projects involving:

  • Extensions and alterations to traditional stone properties

  • Renovations of historic rural homes and cottages

  • New-build houses on infill, backland or countryside plots

  • Sites within the Cotswolds AONB, Conservation Areas, or involving listed buildings

  • Planning applications requiring sensitive, well-evidenced design proposals

My base near the southern edge of the Cotswolds allows easy access to towns and villages across the region.

Architectural Services

I work solely with private residential clients. My services include:

  • Home Extensions – Designed to improve light, space and usability without overpowering the original building

  • Internal Reconfiguration and Renovation – Updating and adapting traditional homes for modern life

  • New Build Homes – Individually designed houses that sit well in their landscape or village context

  • Heritage and Conservation Work – Navigating listed building consent and sensitive local planning frameworks

  • Low-Energy Design Support – As a Certified Passivhaus Designer, I advise on improving building performance without compromising character

Nearby Projects

Replacement dwelling by Cotswolds architect Joshua Hovey

Replacement Dwelling
Stroud

Listed building extension by cotswolds architect joshua hovey

Listed Building Extension
Winchcombe

Charred timber extension by cotswolds architect joshua hovey

Charred Timber Extension
Kempsford

A Structured Yet Flexible Process

Every project is unique, but my approach remains consistent: thoughtful design, clear communication, and a focus on practical outcomes.

Here’s how we begin:

  • An initial site visit to understand the brief and site characteristics

  • A fixed-fee proposal tailored to your needs and preferred level of support

  • Concept design in 3D, with up to five refinement rounds

  • Optional input from third-party cost consultants

  • Expert handling of your planning application

  • A coordinated technical drawing package suitable for pricing and construction

  • Ad hoc site support during the build phase, available on a time-charge basis

You stay in control of your project throughout—I offer the structure, insight and experience to guide you through it.

Why Choose a Cotswolds Architect?

Designing in the Cotswolds requires a measured, context-aware approach. Many properties are protected by planning policy or have heritage significance. Others involve complex landscape settings or strict material requirements.

I help clients navigate these factors with care—balancing planning expectations with design quality and long-term practicality. My goal is to deliver architecture that’s both distinctive and appropriate to its place.

  • "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 a residential project in the Cotswolds, I’d be glad to help you explore your options.

Every project starts with a no-obligation meeting on site to discuss your aims, identify likely constraints, and outline a path forward.

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 cover all of the Cotswolds?
    I work across the AONB and surrounding areas, including villages near Tetbury, Stroud, Cirencester and Bath. If you're unsure, just ask.

  • Can you help with planning and listed building consent?
    Yes. I provide early guidance on what permissions may be needed and how best to approach the design and application process.

  • Do you take on small projects?
    I tend to focus on projects that involve greater complexity—whether due to site sensitivity, scale, or design ambition.

  • What happens after our first meeting?
    If the project feels like a good fit, I’ll provide a clear, tailored proposal for the next steps.

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