Studio Maiva

Studio Maiva We are a Bournemouth based award winning design practice specialising in design lead architectural s

We are a Bournemouth based award winning design practice specialising in design lead architectural solutions, with a long history of good design and personal service.

PLANNING APPROVED | Ridgeway 🏡Planning permission secured for a major transformation of this family home.The brief was t...
02/09/2026

PLANNING APPROVED | Ridgeway 🏡

Planning permission secured for a major transformation of this family home.
The brief was to significantly increase the footprint to around 500sqm, creating a generous home designed around family life and entertaining, with a large open-plan kitchen, living and dining space and five spacious bedrooms.

Externally, the challenge was to balance a more classic architectural character with a contemporary edge. Stone cladding and Georgian-inspired windows bring that traditional feel, while slim aluminium frames and black timber cladding give the design a much sharper, modern finish.

A big transformation from what stands there today, and one we’re very excited to see move forward.

When planning a renovation, it's easy to assume that creating more space means building an extension.For this family hom...
26/08/2026

When planning a renovation, it's easy to assume that creating more space means building an extension.

For this family home, it didn't.

Instead, we completely reimagined the existing layout, transforming an underused living room into a spacious kitchen, dining and living area designed around the way the family actually lives.

The key challenge was creating a space that felt open without feeling like one large room.

A double-sided fireplace subtly separates the dining area from the lounge, creating two distinct spaces while maintaining a strong visual connection.

Changes in ceiling height, carefully designed around the existing rooflights, which were spray-painted black, and a restrained palette of oak, microcement and soft green tones further define each zone, giving every area its own character without the need for walls.

It's a great example of how thoughtful spatial planning can have just as much impact as adding square footage.

Sometimes, the smartest design decision isn't to build bigger. It's to make the space you already have work beautifully.

What would you choose: an extension, or a smarter layout?

"How much will my project cost?" is one of the first questions we're asked, and understandably so.The honest answer is t...
21/08/2026

"How much will my project cost?" is one of the first questions we're asked, and understandably so.

The honest answer is that every project is different. The size of the extension, the complexity of the design, the materials you choose and even the site itself all play a part.

What we can do is help you understand where your budget is best spent, identify opportunities to add value, and make informed decisions before work begins. It's often these early conversations that prevent costly changes later.

Our role isn't simply to design beautiful homes. It's to guide you through the entire journey, helping you protect both your vision and your investment from the very first sketch through to completion.

Have a question you'd like us to cover in a future Frequently Asked Friday? Leave it in the comments below.

FEATURE FRIDAY | Meet Claire 👋This week we're introducing Claire, one of our Interior Designers, who recently celebrated...
14/08/2026

FEATURE FRIDAY | Meet Claire 👋

This week we're introducing Claire, one of our Interior Designers, who recently celebrated her one-year anniversary at Studio Maiva. 🎉

Claire loves the challenge of transforming a client brief into a home that works beautifully in everyday life. Her favourite part of every project? Refining the layout.
"It's like the most satisfying puzzle."

Whether she's designing a kitchen, bathroom or an entire home, Claire enjoys finding solutions that balance practicality with beautiful design.

One thing clients are often surprised to discover is just how many decisions happen before the finishes are even chosen. The early design stages shape how a home will feel, function and flow for years to come.

Away from the studio, Claire finds inspiration through architectural photography, design shows and problem-solving on site. And if she could share one simple design tip, it would be this: hang artwork at eye level and layer your lighting with wall lights and lamps to create a much warmer feel.

When we asked what she enjoys most about Studio Maiva, her answer perfectly reflects the way we work:

"Collaborating with the architectural team. It's great working together to create the best possible outcome for every client."

Happy one-year anniversary, Claire! 🥂

PROJECT REVISIT | Alton RoadEvery site has its own opportunities and constraints. The challenge is recognising the poten...
06/08/2026

PROJECT REVISIT | Alton Road

Every site has its own opportunities and constraints. The challenge is recognising the potential that's already there.

When we were first approached to appraise this site, it was home to a single property. Through careful design and close collaboration with the planning department, we secured approval to replace it with two contemporary family homes that make the most of both the site and its surroundings.

By responding to the natural topography, the homes step into the landscape, allowing the rear gardens to be accessed from the first floor while capturing sea views from every upper-level living space.

It's a project that reminds us that great design isn't just about creating beautiful homes. It's about understanding a place, solving complex challenges, and making thoughtful decisions from the very beginning.

FEATURE FRIDAY | Meet Jake 👋This week we're introducing Jake, one of our Architectural Designers and Technologists.Jake ...
17/07/2026

FEATURE FRIDAY | Meet Jake 👋

This week we're introducing Jake, one of our Architectural Designers and Technologists.

Jake loves every stage of the design journey, but if he had to choose, it's the balance between creativity and technical detail that keeps every project exciting. One day he's exploring bold design ideas (he's still waiting for the chance to use Corten steel on a project!), the next he's deep into the construction details or watching a design come to life on site.

He's particularly inspired by architecture in Singapore, where buildings and nature work together seamlessly. It's no surprise that one of the first things he notices when walking into a space is how it connects with the outdoors. When that transition feels effortless, you know the design has been carefully considered.

One thing Jake is passionate about is helping clients navigate the realities of a project. Honest conversations around budgets early on help create homes that are both beautiful and achievable, without unwelcome surprises later.

When we asked what he enjoys most about Studio Maiva, his answer summed up exactly who we are:

"You really get to take ownership of your projects, but you've always got the support of the whole team. Whether it's the interiors team helping unlock a tricky layout or the admin team navigating planning, everyone chips in. We all get on really well... and there's plenty of banter too!"

Outside of work, you'll usually find Jake watching Formula 1 or looking after his pet tortoise, ‘Tortilla Tortellini’ 🐢

Say hello to Jake in the comments!

📍 Follow Jake's design journey:

Creating a space to work from home doesn't have to mean shutting yourself away.For this project, our clients wanted some...
12/07/2026

Creating a space to work from home doesn't have to mean shutting yourself away.

For this project, our clients wanted somewhere they could focus during the day while staying connected to their beautiful garden and home. The result is a standalone garden building linked to the house by a covered walkway, making that short commute comfortable whatever the weather.

Inside, every detail was designed with purpose. The desks face the garden to make the most of the outlook, while a carefully considered gallery wall and the rich Nomad paint colour by create a stylish backdrop for video calls.

The adjoining entertaining space is just as considered. Large sliding doors open onto the beautifully landscaped garden by , while the microcement floor flows seamlessly from the home bar into the office. Natural textures, including the fluted timber bar front and wall panelling, bring warmth throughout.

Even the WC became an opportunity to introduce character, carrying the Nomad colour through alongside beautiful fluted tiles from and statement light fittings by .

For us, great design is about creating spaces that work beautifully for everyday life, whether that's a productive morning in the office or an evening spent entertaining friends in the garden.

08/07/2026

Cliff Drive | On Site

Another project is entering its final chapter.

What started as a vision on screen is now coming together on site, with completion expected later this summer.

This full refurbishment in Canford Cliffs has involved the careful coordination of countless decisions, from the overall design and spatial planning through to kitchens, bathrooms, finishes and all of the technical details behind the scenes that make a home function beautifully.

It's always exciting to reach this stage of a project, where the ideas that began on paper start to feel like a real home.

A huge thank you to the talented team helping bring this one to life:





We can't wait to share the finished result.

Starting a home project can feel like a big step.That's why we guide every stage, from the first conversation through to...
03/07/2026

Starting a home project can feel like a big step.

That's why we guide every stage, from the first conversation through to completion.
We take the time to understand how you want to live, shape the design around your goals, navigate the approvals, coordinate the technical details and stay involved throughout construction.

Our aim is simple: to make the process feel clear, enjoyable and well managed, so you can focus on the exciting parts while we take care of the rest.

Swipe through to see how we guide our projects from first sketch to final detail.

Boldre New Forest | Project RevisitWe love the New Forest!Its unique character is what makes it such a special place to ...
25/06/2026

Boldre New Forest | Project Revisit

We love the New Forest!

Its unique character is what makes it such a special place to live, but it also means planning can be complex. Working closely with a planning consultant, we helped our clients bring forward a substantial extension and remodel that respected both the property and its setting.

The brief was to remove a series of out-of-character additions and create a generous new kitchen, dining and living space that felt completely at home alongside the original Edwardian villa.

Our guiding principle throughout? It should feel like it has always been there.
One of our favourite details is the orangery extension. Small in scale, but hugely important in tying the old and new together through careful proportions, detailing and collaboration with the joinery team.

A fantastic project for brilliant clients, delivered alongside .

Address

54 The Grove, Christchurch
Dorset
BH232HB

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441202280638

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