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, as well as 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:

• £250,000+ for extensions and renovations (typical projects range up to £1m)

• £600,000+ for bespoke new homes (typical projects range up to £1.5m+)

• Special project: occasionally we do take on small design-oriented commissions, these interesting and often quirky briefs would normally have a budget of around £150,000+

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 services” or generalist 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?
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’s potential
✔ 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 a self-build. 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 either a Kickstart Consultation or a Planning & 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 it’s an approach we encourage.

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 house 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 find Arnie the French Bulldog and Jasper the Whippet around the studio. They’ve become part of the Brightman Clarke welcome and sometimes even appear on our social media.

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

We’ve been asked that direct question before, and the truth is, we don’t feel it’s for us to answer. That one is down to you after we’ve given you this insight:

A good architect or an experienced architectural designer will help you design the home you’re after, what makes the difference is how the process feels.

Building or renovating is a long journey, sometimes exciting, sometimes challenging, so it matters who you share it with.

We never forget that this is your home; not ours. Our role is to listen, to guide, and to share in the process with honesty and care.

Every project is director-led, and we dedicate more time than most to exploring ideas and soultions together. For us, success is not just about the finished home but about the experience of creating it.

This website has been created to introduce you to who we are and what we can do. If you feel you would enjoy working with us, we may be the right architects and designers for you.