Bristol Architects

I’m Josh Hovey, a residential architect designing thoughtful, practical homes for clients in Bristol and the surrounding area.

Whether you’re renovating a character property, planning a sensitive extension, or considering a one-off new build, I work with you to develop well-resolved designs that reflect your aims and respond carefully to their setting.

If you’re planning a residential project in or around Bristol, I’d be happy to help you explore what’s possible.

Contemporary extension design by Bristol Architect 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

Design-Led Residential Architecture for Bristol and Beyond

Bristol is a city with a diverse architectural character and a layered planning context. From suburban Conservation Areas and traditional stone buildings to garden plots and landscape-sensitive sites, many properties benefit from a calm, considered design approach that balances originality with practical insight.

I typically support clients looking to:

  • Extend or adapt an existing home with character or heritage value

  • Navigate constraints such as Conservation Area status or site sensitivity

  • Develop well-designed homes on underused or edge-of-city plots

Based in Clevedon, just outside the city, Bristol and its surrounding suburbs are easily accessible for site visits and collaboration.

Architectural Services

I work exclusively on private residential projects and offer the following services:

  • Extensions and Alterations – Larger or more complex interventions to improve light, flow and usability

  • Renovations – Reworking older homes to suit contemporary needs while respecting their character

  • New Build Homes – Site-specific design for unique or challenging plots

  • Heritage and Conservation Work – Sensitive design responses for listed buildings and protected areas

  • Low-Energy Design Advice – As a Certified Passivhaus Designer, I can advise on practical performance upgrades and sustainability strategies

Nearby Projects

Garden Room Extension by Bristol Architect Joshua Hovey

Garden Room Extension
Chew Stoke

Old School Renovation by Bristol Architect Joshua Hovey

Old School Renovation
Clevedon

Contemporary extension by Bristol Architect Joshua Hovey

Contemporary Extension
Olveston

My Process

My process is structured but flexible, designed to support you from initial ideas through to a buildable design package—without unnecessary complexity.

Here’s how it works:

  • A no-obligation site visit to understand your aims and assess the setting

  • A tailored, fixed-fee proposal for the stages required

  • A 3D concept design, with up to five rounds of revisions within a fixed fee

  • Optional cost review using a third-party estimator

  • Detailed technical drawings and specification notes coordinated with a structural engineer

  • Ad hoc support during construction available on a time-charge basis

You remain in control of your project, with clear, realistic input at each stage.

Why Work with an Architect Near Bristol?

Whether you’re dealing with planning restrictions, a heritage context or simply trying to make the most of a complex site, working with someone who brings local insight and a measured design approach can help you avoid common pitfalls and make better-informed decisions.

My work is focused on clients who value good design, want clear communication, and need practical support in realising their vision.

  • "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

IIf you’re planning an extension, renovation or new-build home in or near Bristol—and you're looking for calm, creative input grounded in experience—I’d be glad to help you explore the potential.

Every project starts with a conversation and a no-obligation site visit to talk through your ideas, assess the site, and outline what the process could look like 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 work in all parts of Bristol?
    I consider projects across the city, particularly those with architectural character, planning sensitivity or larger-scale requirements.

  • Can you help with listed buildings or Conservation Areas?
    Yes. I have experience with heritage contexts and can provide early advice on how to approach your design and planning application.

  • Do I always need planning permission?
    Not always, but many properties in Bristol do. I’ll help you understand the likely requirements early on.

  • What happens after the first meeting?
    If the project feels like a good fit, I’ll prepare a detailed 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