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Swain Architecture

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Swain architecture tackle every project with creativity and an open mind, we’re UK architects with Region

27/05/2026

How Can Architects Help You When Building in a Designated Conservation Area?

Conservation Area planning is one of the most misunderstood parts of residential architecture. One of the biggest myths? That you have to replicate what already exists. You don’t. Good contemporary design is actively encouraged, it just needs to respond thoughtfully to its surroundings.

These are our top 5 tips:

* We don’t have to copy the past, but we do need to respect and relate to it.
* Understand the local vernacular and character
* Early engagement with planning officers is vital
* A well-prepared Heritage Impact Assessment and Design & Access Statement is required in most cases
* Architects speaks the language of conservation policy

At Swain Architecture we help our clients navigate getting planning approval in areas designated for protection. We design contemporary homes that sit beautifully within protected streetscapes as well as heritage extensions that knit in seamlessly. Traditional materials. We handle the complex planning so you can focus on imagining your new home.

19/05/2026

Here are a few photos from a recent site visit to a completed new-build home designed by Swain Architecture in Long Clawson, Leicestershire.

A simple palette of timber cladding, large picture windows and clean contemporary detailing gives the house a calm and modern feel, while still sitting comfortably within its surroundings.

We’re really pleased with how the finished home has turned out and hope our clients are enjoying settling into their new space.

30/04/2026

RIBA House of the Year
Did any of you watch Channel 4’s Grand Designs, RIBA House of the Year just before Christmas? Here are our five favourite builds from the short-listed buildings...

Amento, Suffolk by James Gorst Architects
A retirement cottage with a zoned, walled layout, designed around views and how you actually move around a house. We’ve worked next to a James Gorst-designed home before and they’re an amazing architectural studio! The attention to detail is something else.

Caochan na Creige, Outer Hebrides by Izat Arundell
A picturesque self-built on a remote Scottish island. This house disappears into its landscape in the best possible way. It’s not showy, just beautifully framed views and a layout that feels natural.

Cast Corbel House, Norwich by Grafted
A contemporary extension to a Victorian home that works perfectly. The red brick detailing looks both contemporary and in-keeping which is not easy to do. We’d love to do something similar one of our Victorian or Edwardian projects - this is really appropriate for the East Midlands style of heritage building.

Catching Sun House, Walthamstow by Studio Shaw
Built on a former MOT garage plot, this house fills a tricky, enclose site with natural light. What an oasis. Proof that a difficult brief can produce brilliant solutions.

Ferry House, Salisbury by AR Design Studio
Accessibility and long-term liveability built in from the start, stunning materials and views to match. Exactly the kind of holistic thinking we try to bring to every project.

It’s incredibly rare we post other peoples work and we think that’s the right thing to do, after all we’re selling what we do. But we don’t work in a vacuum and seeing great architecture like this is inspiring. It reminds us why we love what we do. Which one’s your favourite?

23/04/2026

Planning a new build or home extension? With over 10 years experience in the industry, here are our top 5 mistakes we see others make:

1. Assuming you don’t need an architect
The right architect saves you money, stress and time. They know what planners will accept, what materials work, and which builders to trust.

2. Going with the cheapest quote
Low quotes often leave things out. Always know what’s included, budget for contingencies, and talk to previous clients before committing.

3. Rushing the design stage
Once building starts, changes cost. Think through your long-term needs like working from home, family or energy use, before anything hits the ground.

4. Not checking you understand the design
Plans can be hard to read if you’re not a builder. Ask for 3D visuals if you need them. Better to ask now than regret it later.

5. Expecting perfection
A great result is absolutely achievable — but the plot, aspect, and surroundings shape it as much as the design. Get the basics right first.

We’re a small Nottingham-based practice and we care about doing the job properly, not just impressively. If you’re thinking about a project, come and have a chat.

15/04/2026

We’ve moved!

After a short delay, Swain Architecture is now settled into our new home, and we love it!

We’ve relocated from Long Eaton to a beautifully renovated office in Bramcote, bringing us closer to Beeston, Chilwell, and Nottingham City Centre. The space has just been completed with modern interiors and up-to-date tech, while still retaining plenty of period character and natural light of the original building.

We’ve no more moves planned any time soon, so if you’d like to come and see us, we’d love to have you. Just get in touch to arrange a visit. Our new address is:

Swain Architecture
The Grove, Peache Way
Nottingham, NG9 3DX

23/12/2025

Over the Christmas period, Swain Architecture will be closed until 6th January while we take a short break. During this time, we’ll also be relocating our studio and getting set up for the year ahead. More details to follow once we’re settled into our new home. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. We look forward to picking things back up in the New Year.

19/12/2025

Merry Christmas from everyone at Swain Architecture. We’d like to thank our clients, collaborators and friends for another brilliant year. We hope you’re able to enjoy some well-earned time off with those who matter most.

This Christmas, we’re donating to Emmanuel House, an independent Nottingham charity supporting people who are homeless or in crisis - no one should be without a place they can call home.

Thank you for your continued support. See you in 2026!

18/12/2025

Yesterday was the .architecture Christmas party and we had an amazing afternoon getting creative at a .surface.studio terrazzo workshop. Big thanks to Hannah at Awn for being our tutor, we loved it. The decorations are already on our trees. As ever, a big thanks to the Swain team for all your hard work this year. Also great to see our friends from and yesterday, thanks for joining us!

15/12/2025

Thanks for asking about architecture and building! We've tackled some common questions below. If you have a question we haven't addressed or want to discuss a project, we'd love to hear from you.

01/12/2025

Ask Izzy - Our Swain Q&A

Got a burning question about architecture or construction? We’re opening the floor for your questions. Send us a direct message, and we’ll share a selection of (anonymous) answers in a weeks’ time. We’d love to hear what you’ve always wanted to know.

Address

Mohan Business Centre, Tamworth Road
Nottingham
NG101BE

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+441159727685

Website

http://swainarchitecture.com/, https://www.justgiving.com/page/izzy-rhodes-2

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