Architects in Solihull

‘When we started our renovation project, we knew what we wanted to achieve but didn’t know where to start. We contacted Jonathan Darcy and this is the best decision we made.

He listened to our initial concept and took the time to answer our questions, we lived abroad and communication was easy via emails or on the phone.
He then turned the concept into tangible options and the vision was taking shape. He was full of practical advice.

We thought we knew what we wanted. But through the concept session he gave three options which went above and beyond and improved the flow of the space in a way we could never have imagined. Our visitors who witnessed the “before and after” of our house have all complimented us on the vision, which has to be credited to Jonathan.

We simply can’t praise his professional expertise highly enough and warmly recommend Darcy Architects.’

Celine W - Solihull

Design and Planning in Solihull

Solihull has a distinctive planning character, combining urban and suburban neighbourhoods with historic villages and extensive areas of Green Belt.

Green Belt policy is therefore a major consideration across much of the Borough, particularly around settlements such as Knowle, Dorridge, Hampton-in-Arden, Berkswell and Meriden.

Recent national policy changes around Grey Belt add another layer of consideration for some sites, but do not remove the need for careful planning analysis.

Conservation Areas and Article 4 Directions also affect parts of the Borough, meaning works that might be permitted elsewhere can require formal consent.

For residential extensions, the Council places particular emphasis on scale, neighbour relationships, daylight, overlooking and how the extension relates to the original house. On larger schemes, landscape, biodiversity and drainage become increasingly important.

The key in Solihull is recognising whether a site is primarily suburban, historic-village or Green Belt in character, because each demands a different architectural response.