St Ives · TR26 · AONB · Conservation Area
Architects in St Ives — Conservation Area and Neighbourhood Plan specialists.
Extensions, refurbishments and new builds across St Ives, Carbis Bay, Lelant and Halsetown. We design to the St Ives Neighbourhood Plan, the Downalong Conservation Area and the Cornwall AONB — the three constraints that catch out non-local studios.
St Ives expertise
Three local constraints we design for every week.
Neighbourhood Plan
The Principal Residence policy means new dwellings normally have to be lived in full-time. We screen this on day one before any drawings begin.
Conservation Area
Downalong, the harbour and most of the town centre — granite, slate and lime-render detailing on visible elevations, with conservation-style roof lights.
AONB & coastal
Ridge height, materials and seaward-facing elevations all carry extra weight in the Cornwall AONB. We design the rationale into the scheme, not bolted on at submission.
Frequently asked
Architects in St Ives — straight answers.
- Are you architects or architectural designers in St Ives?
- Chartered-level architectural designers covering St Ives, Carbis Bay, Lelant and Halsetown. Full RIBA workstages from feasibility to handover, at lower fees than a chartered-architect practice. For listed buildings requiring a registered Architect's sign-off we'll say so on the first visit.
- St Ives Neighbourhood Plan — does the principal residence policy affect my project?
- Yes, and it's the single biggest planning issue in St Ives. The St Ives Neighbourhood Plan requires almost all new dwellings to be principal residences — second homes and holiday lets face strong policy resistance. We screen this on day one before any drawings begin.
- What about the Conservation Area in Downalong and the harbour?
- The Conservation Area covers Downalong, the harbour and most of the town centre. Granite, slate, lime-render detailing and slate-hung walls are essentially non-negotiable on visible elevations. Velux roof lights need careful positioning and conservation-style framing.
- Will you visit my St Ives property for free?
- Yes — free first visit across TR26 (St Ives, Carbis Bay, Lelant, Halsetown). We measure up, check Neighbourhood Plan and Conservation Area constraints, and follow up with a written feasibility note inside a week.
- How much does an architectural designer cost in St Ives?
- Feasibility £600–£1,200, planning package £2,800–£5,500 for a Conservation Area extension (more documentation than a standard application), Full Plans building regs £2,800–£5,500. New builds quoted on scope. No drip-fee variations.
- Can you also build the project?
- Yes — full-build arm for St Ives clients who want one team and one point of accountability. For clients with an existing St Ives builder we deliver a tender-ready Full Plans pack at 1:50 with 1:10 junctions.