FAQs

Who are Brightman Clarke Architects?
We are a RIBA Chartered Practice based in Sheffield, specialising in high-end residential architecture.

Our directors, Chris Brightman (Architect, ARB, RIBA) and Jonathan Clarke (Architectural Technologist & Designer), lead a close-knit team of eight designers and architects. Every project is overseen directly by one of the directors, ensuring continuity and quality throughout.

What types of projects do you take on?
We focus on bespoke new homes, large-scale extensions, conversions, and major renovations. Many of our projects are in sensitive settings such as open countryside, the green belt, or conservation areas.

For smaller-scale projects, such as a loft conversion or simple extension, you may find that a local builder or draughtsperson is a more straightforward and cost-effective option.

Do you work outside Sheffield?
Yes. Although based in Sheffield, we frequently work throughout Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and the Peak District, and undertake select commissions across the whole North of England, the Midlands, and Wales.

How much do projects typically cost?
As a guide, our projects usually have construction budgets starting at:

• £150,000+ for extensions and renovations (typical projects range between £250,000 and £750,000)

• £450,000+ for small high-quality bespoke new homes (typical new projects range up to £1.5m+)

• Special project: Occasionally, we undertake smaller, design-oriented commissions with interesting and quirky briefs. If you have one of these projects, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

These figures reflect the scale and level of detail we specialise in.

Why do you ask about the budget early?
Being open about the budget from the start enables us to design realistic and achievable solutions that truly align with your goals. Some clients are cautious about sharing a figure, but knowing the range helps us create a scheme that is right for you, without wasting time or resources on ideas that can’t be built.

What are your fees?

Our fees are tailored to each project. They reflect the time and detail we invest, especially in the early stages of the design process. While our fees are higher than those of “drawing servces” or general firms, clients choose us because of the value we add in design quality, problem-solving, and support throughout planning and construction.

Do you offer a free quote?
No, not for extension or renovation projects. Instead, we offer an initial one-off consultation designed to add value immediately:

Kickstart Design Consultation (£150) Renovations & Extensions.

More than just a quick chat on site, this in-depth consultation gives you real value from the start:

✔ A home visit to assess your property; expert advice on design, planning, and construction
✔ A feasibility document outlining what was discussed
✔ A no-obligation fee proposal and clear next steps

If you’re extending or renovating, this consultation sets us apart by giving you tangible ideas and a clear path forward.

For new build projects, we offer two approaches:

1) Plan & Vision: Site Feasibility Service (£POA) New Build Homes.

If you own land or are looking to buy a plot, this in-depth feasibility review, delivered jointly with a planning consultant, will give you clarity on what’s possible. Planning policy & site constraints: what can and can’t be done on your site.

✔ Opportunities & challenges: access, landscape, taking in your surroundings
✔ Design feasibility: layout, massing, and architectural approach
✔ Strategic next steps: clear guidance to move forward
✔ A no-obligation fee proposal and the next steps

For more details, see our Plan & Vision: Site Feasibility Service.

2) Self-Build Initial Design Consultation New Build Homes

The best place to begin if you’re planning to build yourself. This is an open conversation, at your place or ours, to help shape your vision before any major decisions are made. Together, we’ll:

✔ Explore your ambitions for your new home
✔ Outline key planning and design considerations
✔ Help you understand the self-build process
✔ Provide a no-obligation fee proposal and next steps

This is your opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and gain insight into how we work. It’s a natural starting point for any self-build journey.

How do I get started?
The best first step is to contact us to discuss your project. We’ll recommend a Kickstart Consultation or a Plan & Vision Consultation, depending on your goals. From there, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Do you help with planning permission?
Yes. We manage the entire planning process, from concept design through to submission. Many of our projects are situated in sensitive or challenging areas, so we have extensive experience collaborating with local authorities and planning consultants to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Do you handle interiors and landscaping?
Yes. We develop initial concepts in-house and frequently collaborate with trusted interior designers and landscape architects. These collaborations often result in some of our most photogenic and inspiring schemes, and we encourage this approach.

What awards have you won?
Recently, we won Best Renovation for The Works at the 2024 Homebuilding & Renovating Awards and were shortlisted for Best Value Home for The Sanctuary. Our work is also regularly featured in Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine and other publications.

What is your design style?
We don’t impose a style. Every home is bespoke, developed in close collaboration with you. That said, much of our work tends to fall into two strands:

• Contemporary Homes — modern designs that balance clean lines with a sensitive mix of materials such as stone, brick, timber, render, and metal. We are also experts in the creative use of glass.

• Traditional Homes with a Twist (Traditional-Neue) — classical forms reimagined for modern family life, from Georgian-inspired new builds to traditional conversions with contemporary extensions and detailing.

How do you work with clients?
Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We spend more time in the early design stage than most practices, exploring ideas with you until the right solution emerges. We like to say: we don’t design houses. Together we create homes.

Do you manage projects through to construction?
Yes. We offer a comprehensive architectural service, encompassing feasibility and planning through to technical drawings and site support during construction. We also work closely with trusted builders, engineers, and consultants.

Do you really have dogs in the office?
Yes. You’ll often see Arnie, the French Bulldog, and Jasper, the Whippet, around the studio. They’ve become part of the Brightman Clarke welcome committee and sometimes even appear on our social media.

Why should we choose Brightman Clarke Architects rather than another architect?

We are sometimes asked this question directly, and our honest answer is that it is not a decision we can make for you.

Any good architect or experienced architectural designer should be able to help you create a well-designed home.

What truly sets one practice apart from another is how the process feels, not just what is achieved at the end.

Designing and building a home is a long journey. At times, it can be exciting and inspiring; at others, it can be challenging and demanding. Who you choose to share that journey with matters.

We always remember that this is your home, not ours. Our role is to listen carefully, guide you with clarity and honesty, and work alongside you in a collaborative and thoughtful manner.

Every project at Brightman Clarke Architects is director-led, and we intentionally invest more time than most in the early design stages.

We believe that exploring ideas, testing options, and refining solutions together lead to better outcomes and a more rewarding experience.

For us, success is measured not only by the finished home but also by how supported and confident you feel throughout the process.

This website aims to give you an insight into who we are, how we work, and the values that guide our practice. If our approach resonates with you and you feel you would enjoy working with us, then we may be the right architects and designers for your project.