Residential Architects serving clients in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire.
Brightman Clarke Architects is an award-winning, RIBA-chartered practice that specialises in designing high-end, bespoke homes and extensions across Chesterfield and the surrounding towns and villages of North East Derbyshire.
Our client-focused design service offers everything from self-build new homes and substantial renovations to sophisticated house extensions within Chesterfield and the broader Derbyshire region. Based in the village of Dore, we extend our services to North East Derbyshire by collaborating with clients in Ashgate, Brampton, Wingerworth, Walton, and Holymoorside.
Contemporary Extensions | Total Home Renovations | Luxury New Build Homes
Your Vision, Our Expertise.
At Brightman Clarke Architects, you’re at the heart of our design process. Based in the village of Dore, near Sheffield, we regularly work over the border and thoroughly understand Chesterfield's unique character and planning landscape.
From the charming neighbourhoods of Ashgate, Brookside, Walton and Somersall to the villages like Palterton, Holymoorside and Wingerworth, we know the local planning requirements and create exceptional designs that complement your lifestyle.
Whether you’re envisioning a contemporary extension or a luxurious new-build home, we ensure that your design captures your aspirations and harmonises with its surroundings. This is your home, and we aim to bring your vision to life.
We will never forget: this is your home, not ours.
Bespoke House Extensions in and around Chesterfield.
Are you looking for an architect in Chesterfield to help transform your cherished family home with a thoughtfully crafted house extension?
We specialise in designing modern single-storey extensions, complete home refurbishments, and multi-storey transformations to provide more space for living, entertaining, and unwinding.
As well as extra living spaces & bedrooms, our bespoke designs can incorporate luxurious features, including:
Home offices and libraries - perfect for remote work or quiet study.
Entertainment rooms, games areas, and private cinemas.
Wellness-focused areas like gyms, home spas, and indoor pools.
Customised, professional-grade kitchens for the keen home chefs in the family.
Your vision drives our designs, ensuring a result that perfectly suits your lifestyle.
Discover examples of our completed projects here.
We promise to put you at the heart of our design process.
New build & self-build homes in Chesterfield area
Do you dream of building your new home in Chesterfield or one of its surrounding areas, such as the neighbourhoods of Ashgate, Brookside, and Walton, or a village like Wingerworth, Holymoorside or Barlow?
As RIBA architects, we provide concept-to-completion services, specialising in unique, contemporary architecture.
Our designs are mindful of the distinctive challenges of green belt locations, conservation areas, and other complex planning requirements. Explore our portfolio of bespoke self-build and new homes.
As architects, we champion sustainable design by thoughtfully selecting materials that complement the site and employing innovative construction methods that align with your budget and environmental goals.
As a RIBA Chartered Practice, we uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Our team includes ARB-registered architects alongside experienced architectural technologists and design professionals, delivering exceptional service and assured quality at every stage.
Choosing a RIBA-accredited practice means you can rely on our architectural expertise and commitment to excellence.
-
![Architect Designed Contemporary New Home]()
Architect Designed Contemporary New Home
“…Their designs are both stunning and practical, and from a builder point of view they are achievable, which translates to a successful build in terms of timings, cost and end product… We have no hesitation recommending Brightman Clarke to anybody seeking an architect.”
Whitshaw Builders
-
![Sensitive House Extension]()
A Sensitive House Extension
“ We chose Brightman Clarke after meeting with Chris Brightman… They were the most interested in our ideas and wishes of all the architects we saw, but also came up with solutions we would not have thought of… No hesitation in recommending them and in fact we have done so several times already. “
Ruth
-
![Extension & Total House Refurbishment]()
Extension & Total House Refurbishment
“A tired 60's house with lots of potential that the team at Brightman Clarke helped us realise. Couldn't have asked for more. Highly recommended!”
John
Frequently Asked Questions
Every project is unique; no single answer on our website will cover your project perfectly. Here are some ballpark answers to help you get started.
-
We focus on high-end / luxury residential projects, with budgets starting around £100,000 for extensions. Our expertise spans luxury extensions, complete home renovations, and new-build houses / self-build homes.
-
The estimated starting cost for extensions is £2,500–£3,000 per square metre (including VAT). Note that this does not cover professional fees, landscaping, or internal reconfigurations.
-
Our fees are tailored to your project’s needs. After your ‘Kickstart’ Design Consultation, we provide a transparent fee proposal outlining costs and timelines.
-
Planning is a crucial topic we cover in your initial Kickstart Design Consultation.
In brief: Yes, you will likely need planning permission or a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) if you plan to:
Build something new
Make significant changes, like a large extension
Change the use of your property
What are Permitted Development Rights?
Some types of work can be done without planning permission under permitted development rights. However, these guidelines are complex and open to interpretation. For clarity and certainty, we always recommend applying for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC).What is a Lawful Development Certificate?
An LDC, issued by your local council, confirms that your project doesn’t need planning permission. It is not a substitute for planning consent but provides legal assurance for your proposed work. -
Designing and building a home is a collaborative process that typically takes 18–24 months from our initial meeting to project completion.
What next?
Building a new home or extending an existing one is an exciting and personal journey. Choosing the right architects at the outset can make all the difference to how that journey feels.
As architects working regularly in Chesterfield and the surrounding area, we believe the most successful homes are those that sit comfortably within their surroundings, yet feel unmistakably personal to those who call them home.
At Brightman Clarke Architects, most projects begin with a face-to-face consultation. This initial meeting allows us to understand you, your home or site, and what you are hoping to achieve.
We listen carefully, explore ideas together, and discuss design possibilities, planning considerations, and realistic timescales, drawing on our experience of projects across Chesterfield.
Afterwards, we provide a clear design report that captures the key points discussed, sets out the initial design principles, and includes a written fee.
Clients often tell us this early stage gives them confidence and clarity as they take the next step.
Whether you are planning a new home or a bespoke extension in Chesterfield, we work collaboratively to ensure your project starts on a strong foundation.
Updated: 18:38 15/12/25 - Thanks to feedback ;-)