Business Details
29 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in London
Alan Higgs Architects is a full-service architectural practice with over 220 completed commissions across Britain, Australia, and Europe. Our expertise spans new builds, listed building restoration, and sustainable design, with a focus on integrating modern solutions into historic contexts. We specialise in residential, educational, and cultural projects, prioritising natural light, spatial harmony, and client-specific needs. With 27 years of experience since founding in 1997, we combine deep architectural knowledge with practical project management to deliver tailored solutions. Our work reflects a commitment to sustainability, heritage preservation, and innovative design that enhances both functionality and aesthetics.We maintain strong relationships with clients, often working with families and institutions across multiple projects. Our team holds qualifications from RMIT University and Cambridge, alongside RIBA membership, ensuring rigorous professional standards. We have successfully navigated complex planning processes for Grade II listed properties and heritage sites, achieving first-attempt approvals. Our international portfolio demonstrates adaptability to diverse cultural and environmental contexts while maintaining a consistent design ethos. Client satisfaction remains central to our approach, balancing creative vision with budgetary and programmatic constraints.
Services
Architectural Design
Listed Building Restoration
Sustainable Architecture
Interior Design
Urban Planning
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We have completed over 220 architectural commissions across three continents
- Specialists in sustainable design for listed and historic buildings
- 27 years of experience managing complex planning and restoration projects
- RIBA-accredited team with expertise in international architectural traditions
- Proven track record achieving first-attempt planning approvals for sensitive sites
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of British Architects
Services
Architectural Design
We create bespoke architectural solutions that balance aesthetic vision with practical functionality. Our designs maximise natural light and spatial relationships while respecting site context. Projects range from private residences to cultural institutions, with a focus on innovative material use and environmental sustainability. Each commission receives tailored attention to meet specific client requirements.
Listed Building Restoration
Specialist restoration of Grade II listed properties and historic structures. Our approach preserves architectural integrity while introducing modern amenities. We have secured planning approvals for complex heritage sites, including 14th-century buildings and Victorian synagogues. Expertise includes navigating listed building consent processes and integrating contemporary extensions with traditional fabric.
Sustainable Architecture
Environmental responsibility underpins all our projects. We incorporate passive design strategies, renewable energy systems like water-source heat pumps, and locally-sourced materials. Our sustainable approach extends to adaptive reuse of existing structures, reducing embodied carbon while creating energy-efficient spaces that respond to climate challenges.
Interior Design
We design interiors that reflect client lifestyles and architectural context. Services include spatial reconfiguration, bespoke joinery, and material specification. Our work enhances functionality while maintaining design coherence with exterior architecture. Projects range from single-room renovations to comprehensive interior overhauls of historic properties.
Urban Planning
We develop strategic plans for residential and mixed-use developments. Expertise includes site analysis, zoning strategies, and public realm design. Recent projects demonstrate our ability to create cohesive urban environments that respect historical context while meeting contemporary needs. We have secured planning permission for social housing schemes in central London.
People
Alan Higgs
Founder & Principal Architect
Alan Higgs established the practice in 1997 after graduating with distinction from RMIT University. He holds a PhD in architectural design and has completed nearly 270 commissions. His expertise spans residential architecture, heritage conservation, and sustainable design. Alan combines academic rigor with practical experience to lead complex projects from concept to completion.
David Weston-Thomas
Senior Architect
David joined the firm in 2003 following experience at Cambridge University and Harvard Graduate School of Design. He specialises in residential projects that balance formal architectural principles with client needs. David brings expertise in spatial clarity and material selection, contributing to both private commissions and public sector work.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in residential architecture, listed building restoration, sustainable design, interior architecture, and urban planning. Our expertise includes working with historic properties and creating modern interventions that respect architectural heritage.
How experienced are you with listed buildings?
We have extensive experience with over 30 listed building projects, including Grade II properties. Our team successfully navigates planning and conservation requirements while introducing contemporary design elements that enhance historical structures.
Do you work internationally?
Yes, we have completed projects in Britain, Australia, Europe, and have current commissions in France and Scotland. Our international experience includes adapting to different regulatory environments and cultural contexts.
How do you approach sustainable design?
Sustainability is integral to our practice. We employ passive design strategies, specify low-impact materials, and incorporate renewable energy systems. Our approach balances environmental responsibility with functional, aesthetically pleasing architecture tailored to each project's needs.
What is your design philosophy?
Our philosophy combines order and calm with innovative spatial relationships. We prioritise natural light, material authenticity, and contextual sensitivity. Each project receives a unique solution that responds to site conditions, client aspirations, and architectural history.
How do you manage complex projects?
We provide comprehensive project management from initial concept through to completion. This includes coordinating planning applications, working with specialist consultants, and ensuring adherence to budgets and timelines while maintaining design integrity.
