Business Details
39 Years
experience
Brighton Architects Specialising in Residential & Commercial Design
Established in 1987, Domain Architects is a Brighton-based practice combining design innovation with technical expertise. Our team brings decades of experience in residential and commercial architecture, specialising in listed buildings, conservation areas, and complex planning projects. With a near 100% success rate in planning applications, we prioritise contextual design that enhances value while respecting heritage.Our collaborative approach involves clients, planners, and contractors to deliver buildable, sustainable solutions. As both architects and developers, we uniquely understand cost management and construction challenges, ensuring projects meet aesthetic and financial goals. Our work spans from small extensions to large-scale developments across Sussex, London, and international locations.
Services
Architectural Design
Planning Applications
Party Wall Services
Listed Building Consent
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of architectural experience since 1987
- Near 100% planning permission success rate
- Specialists in listed buildings and conservation areas
- Collaborative approach with planners and contractors
- Proven cost-control expertise from development experience
What people say
Well considered design
Sensitive approach
High quality building
Services
Architectural Design
We create tailored architectural solutions balancing creativity with practicality. Our designs maximise property potential while respecting local context and heritage. With expertise in both modern and traditional styles, we deliver functional spaces that enhance value and meet planning requirements.
Planning Applications
Our planning specialists achieve high approval rates through deep understanding of local policies. We prepare comprehensive submissions addressing all technical considerations, from conservation area requirements to party wall agreements, ensuring smooth approval processes for residential and commercial developments.
Listed Building Consent
Specialist conservation services for listed buildings and heritage sites. We navigate complex regulations while preserving historical integrity, delivering sensitive modernisations that meet modern standards without compromising architectural significance in Brighton, Hove and Sussex.
Party Wall Services
As members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors, we provide expert party wall advice. Our services include dispute resolution, award preparation, and compliance management, ensuring legal requirements are met while protecting both building and adjoining owners' interests.
Project Management
We oversee projects from concept to completion, coordinating contractors and managing budgets. Our hands-on approach ensures quality control, timely delivery, and cost management, with particular expertise in complex developments requiring specialist technical coordination.
People
Duncan Thomas
Founder & Architect
RIBA-registered architect with 35+ years' experience, specialising in complex developments. Former site architect for major London projects, combining design expertise with practical construction knowledge. Member of Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors.
Alina Vernon
Practice Manager
Legal and architectural professional managing contracts and compliance. Former practice manager for Sussex firm with national projects. Combines construction law expertise with operational management, supporting smooth project delivery and client relations.
Ben Murdoch
Architect & Sustainability Specialist
Certified Passivhaus Consultant with expertise in energy-efficient design. Specialises in retrofit projects and modern construction methods, bringing technical innovation to both new builds and heritage renovations across residential and commercial sectors.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full architectural services including design, planning applications, listed building consent, party wall management, and project oversight for residential and commercial developments.
Do you specialise in heritage buildings?
Yes, we have extensive experience working with listed buildings and in conservation areas, delivering sensitive modernisations that preserve historical integrity while meeting modern requirements.
How successful are you with planning applications?
We maintain a near 100% success rate in planning approvals through thorough understanding of local policies and proactive engagement with planning authorities.
Can you manage complex development projects?
Our team combines architectural and development expertise to manage complex projects, including party wall disputes, rights of light issues, and contaminated sites, ensuring successful outcomes.
How do you control project costs?
We employ value engineering and early-stage cost analysis, working closely with contractors to maintain budgets without compromising quality through our development and construction management approach.
Do you work outside Brighton?
While based in Brighton, we work across Sussex, London, and occasionally internationally, applying our expertise to diverse architectural challenges in various regulatory environments.
