HEM Architects

08/06/2026

Here's how we're retrofitted a home in Edgerton, Huddersfield⁠
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Senior Architect Anna Roper shares how we helped transform Alan and Ali’s downsized home to be warmer and more comfortable. ⁠
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Anna explains that the roof was one of the biggest areas of heat loss. So to tackle this, we’re added high-performance insulation, keeping the upstairs really warm in winter and cool in summer. ⁠
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You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel.
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If you don't want another cold winter in your home, then contact us today and talk to the retrofit experts. Link in the comments.

06/06/2026

Construction is underway on a mixed use development in Swallownest

We're helping to create a fantastic new mixed-use development at 28-36 High Street (the old conservatory site). This previously vacant corner plot will be turned into a vibrant, sustainable community hub.

The scheme will feature:

4 Modern Retail Units: Brand new ground-floor commercial spaces to boost the local high street.

4 Premium Apartments: Spacious, one-bedroom duplex flats that will have plenty of natural light.

It will be a 2.5-storey building featuring classic red brick inspired by Swallownest's Edwardian heritage.

This will also breathe fresh life into the high street while creating beautiful, practical spaces people can live and shop in.

Keep an eye out for updates as the build progresses.

Main contractors: Precision Group

05/06/2026

If you’re considering buying a property that’s been sitting empty for a while, there is a little-known UK VAT rule that could save you tens of thousands of pounds on your renovation.

But most buyers don’t know about it.

Whether you’re navigating a probate sale or auction, buying an unloved house means there’s potential to save on your renovation.

HEM Architects can help:

We specialize in turning dark, dated properties into warm, light-filled homes.

We help you get the most value from your property and save you money from day one.

Don’t start your renovation without a solid plan. Head to the link in our bio and book a call with you today and see how transform your empty property.

03/06/2026

In the old proverb, a whole kingdom was lost for want of a horseshoe nail.

It’s a story about how small things can affect the bigger picture and outcome. If the smallest piece fails, the entire battle can be lost.

In building and construction, the architect can often be seen as a horseshoe nail.

In the context of the renovation or new build home, including land, materials, labour and finishing, an architect's fee can look like a small part that can be squeezed down. It’s tempting to look for the 'cheapest nail'.

But a good architect is worth investing in as they will share the vision of the project.

A good architect is your safeguard against small errors that can snowball into a disaster.

You don't hire a good architect just for their drawings. You hire us because they're the foundation on which the rest of the project will stand on.

If you don't invest in the foundation of the project, you aren't saving a few thousand pounds, you’re gambling with the entire 'kingdom' you’re trying to build.

Have you ever seen a small oversight turn into a major project headache? We’d love to hear them in the comments.

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If you're looking for a great architect to help you with a low energy renovation or new build home then book a call with us through our website today. Link in the comments.

02/06/2026

Would you spend £199 to save yourself buying the wrong house?

Some people think architects just draw the plans you ask for.

But for Mary and Mike, our most valuable work happened before any drawings were done.

While in the process of buying a detached bungalow in Nettleham, in Lincoln they appointed us to start the remodel and extension of their new home.

But as the scope of their project grew, we provided clear visibility of costs early on and they realised the investment wasn't sensible for their stage of life.

They decided to withdraw from the sale, avoiding a huge mistake.

The best time to hire an architect isn't when you get the keys it’s when you’re still deciding if you should.

Don't assume your project will be fine. Book your Project Preparation Workshop for £199 + VAT via the link in our comments.

01/06/2026

Have you thought about building your own home or maybe a significant extension and submitted a pre-app (or pre-application) before submitting a formal planning application?

Did you receive negative or unclear feedback on your pre-application?

Did this feedback mean you kicked your plans into the long grass and gave up on your dream home?

This can be a common occurrence. It’s understandable if you’ve felt deflated by negative feedback, losing the excitement you’d felt in getting your dream home and improving your life.

Here's an example of how we turned a negative pre-app into a positive for a new build home in Huddersfield.

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If you have had a negative pre-planning feedback or a planning refusal and want to kickstart your plans.

Then send us a Message through Messenger. We'd love to discuss your project with you.

28/05/2026

Energy costs are rising again. Is it time you acted?

With energy prices set to jump by 13% this July, the ongoing rising energy costs can feel relentless. But you don't have to settle for a cold home or high energy bills.

At HEM Architects we help give you freedom from increasing energy costs by focusing on your home’s fabric. It all starts with a clear plan:

Our Retrofit Strategy from £2,495 + VAT

We provide a bespoke, data-driven plan tailored to your home. This strategy identifies the most impactful improvements.

From smaller jobs to larger fabric upgrades and renewable heating systems we aim to ensure every pound you invest into your home lowers your bills and boosts your comfort.

Why Retrofit?

🏠️Stop paying to heat the outdoors through leaky walls and roofs.

🌬️Eliminate draughts and cold spots for a healthier living environment.

🔥Reduce the temperature of poorly insulated loft rooms or conservatories

💷Future-proof your home against further price hikes.

Don't wait for winter to feel the pinch. Start your journey toward a warmer, more sustainable home today by booking a call through our website. Link to our Retrofit Strategy webpage is in the comments.

27/05/2026

Our Project Architect and Part 2 Architectural Assistant or Junior Technologist roles close on Sunday 31 May.

At HEM Architects, we believe great design and a well-run business go hand in hand. We create thoughtful, well-crafted homes; but we don’t believe that should come with stress, long hours or constant firefighting.

We use clear systems, structured workflows and strong project leadership to deliver high-quality projects in a calm, organised way.

You’ll be joining a team that’s focused on doing great work in a structured, supportive and high-performing environment.

If you enjoy working like this, and want to take real ownership of your projects, we’d love to hear from you.

For our Project Architect role, we’re looking for someone who is confident leading projects and enjoys both design and delivery, particularly within the private residential sector.

You’ll likely have:

✅️ A minimum of 2 years’ post-Part 3 experience

✅️ Strong experience delivering private residential projects across all RIBA stages.

✅️ Experience working directly with homeowner clients and managing those relationships well.

✅️ The ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines through good planning and organisation.

✅️ Confidence building relationships with clients, consultants and team members.

We offer:

✅️ A competitive salary of £35,452 – £40,452 depending on experience

✅️ Flexible working hours

✅️ An opportunity to work on a range of transformation projects

To apply please submit your CV, portfolio and a short covering letter explaining why you’d like to join us via our Google forms by 6pm Sunday 31st May 2026. Link to the website for the two roles in the comments.

23/05/2026

Homebuilding & Renovating have shared the recent article we had on our extension and retrofit renovation in Ranmoor, Sheffield.

Blending modern style with Arts and Crafts charm, this renovated period home proves what’s possible with the right vision.

To see more photos, tap the link in the comments.

Photographer: Dug Wilders
Architect: HEM Architects

23/05/2026

Your garden is a valuable asset ⁠
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Most people don't realise that their garden could unlock potentially life changing amounts of value. ⁠
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Learn how you can do this with our step by step process to either get you planning permission to either sell or build your own dream home. ⁠

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Book a Project Prepartion meeting with us today for £199 + VAT if you’d like to build a dream home in your garden or like to release money for your retirement. ⁠
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Link in the bio / comments.