KnoxHowell Architects

04/09/2026

PLANNING SUBMITTED

We have submitted an application to extensively refurbish and extend this locally listed fisherman cottage in Seaview.

The scheme focuses on replication of the existing historical language whilst creating subservience through set backs and ridge height drops. The planning department was focused on showing a timeline of development.

The rear has some striking new extensions promoting modern living with connection to the south facing gardens boasting great views of Seagrove Bay.

We are excited to see this progress.

17/08/2026

02/08/2026

PLANNING SUBMITTED

We are excited for this replacement house in Bembridge to be submitted to the Isle of Wight planning department.

Our clients; who run a successful business here on the Island have been really collaborative in the design process which has reduced design time dramatically. The detailed briefing process and several design meetings has resulted in a thorough pre application where the design has remained unchanged as a result of the feedback.

This two and half storey dwelling maximises the views of the sea from both the front and rear elevations. This seek to balance between traditional and contemporary detailing to achieve this striking alternative to the Bembridge Vernacular. It also benefits from a triple height entrance hall which will be a huge wow as you enter the house.

This self build will be their family home for years to come.

We are excited to see this one progress.

25/07/2026

PLANNING GRANTED

With the benefit of a previous consent on the site from another practice for an exciting and ambitious replacement dwelling, we were tasked to work with the clients in a hyper collaborative way where we often designed with them in the room.

Where previously the consented dwelling was not financially achievable, it was clear we needed to utilise a lot of the existing structure and foundations. This meant the issues relating to the slope stability of the under cliff were mitigated and whilst treating this as an extension and not a new build would incur VAT the savings made would far exceed this uplift.

We opted to work closely with a structural engineer as early as possible to preserve the existing foundations and ground floor and opted to vertically extend to maximise the sea views.

The result is a consent that went through with minimal extra consultants, on budget and a much shorter build programme.

This will progress to site quickly which we are really excited for.

16/07/2026

Planning Approved! | Rew Street, Gurnard

Great news, this bungalow transformation has just got planning permission!

Bungalows offer a brilliant opportunity for contemporary intervention — the kind that can completely transform them into a modern home.

The beauty of a bungalow lies in its internal walls, which are often non-structural and free to reconfigure with minimal structural work. And if the roof space can take a loft conversion, that's extra living space (and value) added without ever touching the ground floor.

The new front porch, rear extension and lift conversion with front dormers have given this 1960s bungalow a striking, contemporary new look.

ModernArchitecture BeforeAndAfter IsleOfWight Gurnard DormerWindow HomeExtension ContemporaryDesign

16/06/2026

Meet Martina 👋🏻

​We’re excited to officially introduce Martina, who has been with us since February as our new RIBA Part 2 Assistant!

​Martina studied at the prestigious Welsh School of Architecture in Cardiff. We are excited to have her join us in the studio as she was showcased on Dezeen for her Bsc (Hons) design project, and more recently her MArch Thesis Design project was awarded Best Narrative, a real achievement.

​A true creative, Martina brings some fantastic digital and hand-drawn illustration skills to the studio and is proving to be a great addition to our team.

​Welcome aboard, Martina!

08/06/2026

KnoxHowell Architects are on the move!

​It’s been an incredible two years in Cowes. A huge thank you to Nick Joyce at for our collaborative working project. It was a fantastic starting point, but as we’ve evolved, it became clear we needed a space that offered an easier commute and a dedicated environment to host our clients.

​When we started looking for a new studio, we had a strict checklist.

Our new home needed to offer:

​Space to Grow- We needed sufficient room for our team, a great setup to host clients, and the potential to sublet an area for work-share space for like minded businesses.

​Architectural Soul- The building we work in is a reflection of our business. It needed to be interesting, have character, and hold architectural significance.
​
Client Accessibility- It had to be stress-free for visitors, easy to reach, parking right outside, and no battling through heavy traffic.

​A Vibrant Community- Too often, office spaces can feel sterile and disconnected. We wanted an environment where businesses come together and interact.

​We are super excited to announce that we found exactly what we were looking for on Clarence Road, East Cowes!

​Our new home is a stunning Grade II listed Georgian terrace that gives us plenty of room to grow. We are right next door to some fantastic small businesses, and there is parking right out front.

Even better, it’s highly convenient for the team with all of us having an easy commute to the studio.

​We will certainly miss being right in the heart of Cowes among so many great businesses, but it served as the perfect launchpad for us.

​This is an exciting new chapter, and we can’t wait to welcome clients into our new home very soon!

We will post updates of the space as it evolves.

19/05/2026

We are working closely with on this new build house in Gurnard.

Knowing that this house was having some bedrooms at ground floor with large windows on the southern and western facades, we designed in overhanging first floor volumes to combat issues with overheating that provide vital solar shading.

We should be designing buildings utilising passive strategies rather than rely on measures such as air-conditioning or expensive solar control glazing systems.

Part O is a relatively new building regulation and the awareness of it's impact at an early stage in the design process is often critical to avoid issues during the technical design phase.

We are excited for this to start on site in the next couple of months.

13/05/2026

PLANNING APPROVED

After years of failed negotiations on design with other designers we were tasked to provide a fresh approach to the former Fitness Factory site in Newport.

The site lies adjacent to the conservation area and was constrained by it's tight plot, access and visibility issues.

Our approach was to firstly persuade the planning authority of the importance of the corner and it's hierarchical presence to the street scene and context. We successfully justified 3 storeys and stepping the mass down to meet the existing Portland Street terracing. We then redesigned the entrance point to provide greater access to the parking area. The design reflects the historical facades but with some contemporary embellishments.

This development will provide attainable housing in a town centre location providing parking and concealed bin storage preserving the historical town centre setting.

Through our approach of collaboration and design justification we achieved the consent first time.