We design thoughtful architecture for low energy living
New build / Extensions / Retrofit
Serving the East of England and beyond
Our Studio
We have built a strong reputation for securing planning permission on challenging sites
We commonly work on projects outside of settlement boundaries and within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We have a high success rate in securing planning consents on these types of tricky site by adopting a narrative-led approach that frames each proposal within its wider landscape, community and policy context. Rather than treating planning as a checklist of technical requirements, we begin by understanding the story of the site: its history, visual and ecological character, local settlement patterns and the everyday experiences of people who live and work nearby. This narrative becomes the organising principle for design decisions, guiding siting, massing, materials and landscape responses so the proposal reads as a considered continuation of place rather than an imposition upon it.
By translating that story into clear, evidence-based narratives for planning officers and local councils, we bridge the gap between design intention and planning policy. Our submissions combine well-crafted illustrative material and contextual analysis with concise written arguments that address specific planning tests—visual impact, landscape sensitivity, heritage or ecological considerations—showing how the proposal responds positively to each. This methodical yet empathetic strategy helps shift the conversation from generic objections to the unique merits of the scheme, increasing the likelihood of consent even on technically constrained sites while protecting the qualities that make the landscape special.
Testimonials
“We have worked with Joseph from Fen Studio Architects for over 2 years whilst he designed an eco / passive house for us and then he managed the house build process undertaken by our builders. We have just moved into the house. We cannot praise Joseph highly enough and the whole build process from design to completion has been smooth and stress-free. Joseph is extremely competent and capable and easy to get on with. Everything just happens as and when it should. We would not hesitate to recommend Joseph to design and manage any building project.”
— Emma & Simon Page - Hereward House
“Joseph helped us design our new home and was on exactly the same wavelength as us from the outset. He managed to incorporate every detail we wanted and kept in touch throughout the entire planning process. The council responded very positively to the design, which was a real bonus. Although the build has not yet started, we fully intend to continue working with Fen Studio through to completion. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and Joseph consistently went above and beyond throughout the process”
— Pip & Anita Partridge - Partridge Covey
“I have recently worked with Joe at Fen Studio Architects and he was brilliant. He came up with some really amazing ideas on how to work the space best and get the most from what we could and within our budgets. He helped to find suppliers and contractors and assisted in looking over quote and how we could work them into our design and budget so everything fit together. Joe explains everything clearly and the drawings we have are very extensive and gave me a very clear picture of what the project would like. We will definitely work with Joe again on future projects and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to a friend, in fact I already have done several times.”
— Augusta Sneddon - Bartlow Road