Portishead Architects

I’m Josh Hovey, a residential architect working with private clients in and around Portishead to design homes that are both considered and buildable.

Whether you’re improving a long-term family home, reworking a property with character, or planning a new build in a sensitive location, I provide clear, design-led advice to help you move forward with confidence.

If you have a residential project in mind, I’d be happy to talk it through and help you understand your options.

Extension design by portishead 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

Architecture in Portishead and Coastal Areas

Portishead combines historic stone properties, hillside homes with views, and newer edge-of-town developments—many with tight site constraints or planning considerations. Some fall within Conservation Areas or zones affected by coastal exposure and landscape policy.

I typically support clients with:

  • Larger extensions or remodels to existing detached or character homes

  • Renovations requiring a careful approach to materials, views or heritage

  • One-off new builds in backland, infill or edge-of-settlement sites

  • Homes in sensitive settings or with visible locations (e.g. hillside or waterfront)

  • Projects that benefit from a clear, well-reasoned design response

My practice is based nearby in Clevedon, making Portishead easy to reach for site visits and ongoing support.

Architectural Services

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

  • Extensions and Alterations – Improving space, light and layout in homes where quality matters

  • Renovations and Reconfiguration – Thoughtful upgrades that enhance the original structure

  • New Build Homes – Individually designed houses shaped by site, orientation and context

  • Heritage or Planning-Sensitive Projects – Work within Conservation Areas or on prominent plots

  • Low-Energy Design Advice – As a Certified Passivhaus Designer, I can advise on practical, fabric-first strategies to improve performance and comfort

Nearby Projects

Garden Room Extension by Portishead Architect Joshua Hovey

Garden Room Extension
Chew Stoke

Old School Renovation by Portishead Architect Joshua Hovey

Old School Renovation
Clevedon

Contemporary extension by portishead architect joshua hovey

Contemporary Extension
Olveston

A Clear, Collaborative Process

I support clients through design and technical stages with a structured but flexible approach. My aim is to help you make informed decisions without overcomplicating the process.

What to expect:

  • A site meeting to understand your aims and assess early constraints

  • A detailed, fixed-fee proposal tailored to your scope and needs

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

  • Optional budget check using an independent cost estimator

  • Expert handling of your planning application with the local planning authority

  • Technical drawings and notes, coordinated with a trusted structural engineer

  • Additional site-stage advice available if needed, on a time-charge basis

I don’t act as project manager or contract administrator—but I remain available throughout to support the design as the build progresses.

Why Choose a Local Architect for Portishead?

Designing in Portishead means dealing with hillside terrain, protected views, coastal conditions and a mix of planning policies. I offer calm, honest advice and design that reflects the realities of each site—alongside the aspirations of the client.

With strong local knowledge and easy access for site visits, I’m well placed to support residential projects that need clarity, care and creativity.

  • "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 considering a renovation, extension or new build in or around Portishead, I’d be glad to help you explore the next steps.

We’ll start with a no-obligation meeting on site to review your brief, consider key issues, and talk through 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 Portishead town centre and outskirts?
    Yes—especially if the project involves planning sensitivity, a larger brief, or more complex design constraints.

  • Can you help with homes near the seafront or on steep plots?
    Absolutely. These locations often benefit from an early design strategy and a measured approach to planning and orientation.

  • Do you take on smaller projects?
    I typically focus on projects where design quality is a key priority—usually larger in scale or complexity.

  • What happens after the initial visit?
    If the project feels like a good fit, I’ll send you a tailored fee proposal outlining the recommended 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