Business Details
12 Years
experience
Bespoke Architectural Services in Solihull
Established in 2014, The Little Architecture Company is a Solihull-based practice led by Nicola Hopwood, a chartered architect registered with RIBA and ARB. Our expertise spans residential projects from property extensions to new-build houses, alongside masterplanning, apartment developments, and country residences. We serve individuals, families, and developers across the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Dorset, Somerset, and Shropshire. Our portfolio includes education, leisure, retail, and Home Office (police/custodial) sectors, with notable work on Lokrum Fields for Wider Ambition Ltd, a specialist school for pupils with autism and related needs. We prioritise personalised service, creating spaces that delight and add value.Our process begins with concept design options and feasibility studies, secures complex planning permissions, and extends to building regulations and construction drawings. We maintain strong relationships with local planning authorities and private building control providers. Our on-site contract administration and project management ensure seamless delivery, supported by trusted builders, engineers, and quantity surveyors. Nicola Hopwood brings extensive experience from award-winning firms like Allford Hall Monaghan Morris and Glenn Howells Architects, including Team GB's London 2012 Olympic accommodation. We combine technical excellence with creative innovation to meet unique client aspirations.
Services
Concept Design
Feasibility Studies
Planning Permissions
Building Regulations
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in architectural design and project delivery.
- Our team holds chartered status with RIBA and ARB for professional excellence.
- We specialise in securing complex planning permissions in Conservation Areas.
- Our proven track record includes award-winning projects for major clients.
- We provide end-to-end project management with trusted industry partners.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- ARB
What people say
Innovative and thoughtful design options
Proactive management
Completely changed the way we live
Smooth project delivery
Exceptional attention to detail
Services
Concept Design
We develop tailored concept designs that align with client aspirations and site constraints. Our approach combines creative innovation with practical functionality, ensuring spaces meet both aesthetic and operational needs. This service forms the foundation for successful project approvals and realisation.
Feasibility Studies
Our feasibility studies evaluate project potential through technical, financial, and regulatory lenses. We identify opportunities and challenges early in the process to guide informed decision-making and optimise development outcomes for residential and commercial clients.
Planning Permissions
We secure complex planning permissions, including Conservation Area and Listed Building consents. Our established relationships with local authorities ensure efficient navigation of regulatory requirements, maximising approval success rates for diverse architectural projects.
Building Regulations
Our detailed building regulation drawings ensure full compliance with current standards. We coordinate with approved inspectors to guarantee technical accuracy and safety, facilitating smooth construction processes for both residential and commercial developments.
Project Management
We provide comprehensive on-site project management, from tendering to final delivery. Our oversight ensures quality control, budget adherence, and timely completion, supported by trusted networks of builders and engineering professionals.
People
Nicola Hopwood
Chartered Architect
Nicola Hopwood, RIBA/ARB-registered architect, graduated from the Bartlett School of Architecture. She worked with Stirling Prize-winning firms and led Team GB's 2012 Olympic accommodation design. With expertise in residential and commercial sectors, she specialises in complex planning and project delivery.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide concept design, feasibility studies, planning permissions, building regulations, and full project management services for residential and commercial developments.
Which areas do you serve?
We operate across the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Dorset, Somerset, and Shropshire, with specialist expertise in Solihull and surrounding regions.
Can you handle listed building projects?
Yes, we specialise in securing planning permissions for listed buildings and Conservation Area developments, combining heritage preservation with modern functionality.
How do you manage construction projects?
We offer end-to-end project management, including tendering, contract administration, and on-site oversight, working with trusted builders and engineers to ensure quality delivery.
What experience do you have in education projects?
We have delivered specialist education facilities, including Lokrum Fields for Wider Ambition Ltd, designed for pupils with autism and related needs.
