About us
Richmond is that unique of London neighbourhoods: a true village within the city. Its heritage landscape covers London’s most gracious architectural eras – Georgian, Regency, Victorian – and the built fabric is fiercely protected. Walking the cobbled, lantern-lit streets from park to park feels like a throwback. And yet, if you want to update a home in Richmond, there are many ways to alter a dated floorplan or a poky kitchen.
Expanding or improving a home in Richmond requires permission from the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames. Over 10 years, Scenario Architecture has forged successful relationships with planning departments across London, and will be able to see through a renovation or expansion with a deft hand and compassionate eye. We are one of the most coveted boutique residential architecture practices for our contemporary treatment of heritage London homes.
As young graduates of the Architecture Association, we formed Scenario in 2007, bringing a unique vision for a truly collaborative architecture into being. With our fresh approach to residential architecture in historic homes, we’ve built up a portfolio of striking projects that speak to the changing lifestyles of today’s Londoners. A highly functional home is the product of a deep understanding of each client. Scenario’s tailor-made homes tell a story about their owners’ needs and ambitions – not about ourselves.
We were already considered one of the top practices working in London when our landmark project Scenario House was shortlisted for the RIBA London Awards in 2018. A Victorian conversion with sweeping spaces, soaring ceilings and singular details, it demonstrates our commitment to period properties and the modern needs of Londoners today. Homeowners seeking architects, Richmond based, should examine its fresh, customised approach to a typical London heritage home.
Projects
Full renovation of a family home, exploring the connection between living spaces
The Scenario House, Stoke Newington during NLA Open house event
Starting your Richmond project
Richmond Architects Your Richmond project
Most building projects in Richmond require approval from the local authority. Richmond architects can help you through the process, collaborating with council officials to see through your application. Scenario Architects has successfully steered clients through the permissions stage.
We’ve drawn up an illustrated synopsis to help guide you through the planning process for a Richmond-based renovation, restoration, addition or new-build.
Focal Shift fire place, first project as local architects in Hackney E9
The Scenario House, Stoke Newington during NLA Open house event
2017
Your Richmond project
Are you looking into architects for a residential project in Richmond? Scenario can help. We’ve put together an illustrated rundown of the architectural process to help you understand what it entails, whether you’re planning to extend your home or renovate – or even build a new home entirely. Home renovations and extensions must be approved by the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames. Our successful track record securing planning permission on behalf of our clients will be of use when you set out to navigate that process. We will work collaboratively with Richmond officials to see through your application.
If you are thinking about starting an architectural project in Richmond, be it a renovation, or an extension to an existing property or even a new build house we are here to help.
We created a brief and illustrated overview of the process to help you understand what to expect through the various stages of a residential, extension, renovation or new build project in Richmond.
Most projects need planning permission from your local council.
TIP: To find out the actual track record which any architects you may be considering has with your local council, go to the planning application search page on your local council’s website and use the search by agent option.
Tip
Working with Scenario Architecture on your Richmond project
Richmond Architects Your Richmond project
Our boutique studio specialises in residential architecture, offering bespoke services for home additions, renovations and new-builds. Based in Wandsworth, we practice across London and beyond.
A RIBA Chartered Practice, Scenario complies with the UK’s strict health and safety criteria. We collaborate closely with our clients throughout every stage of the process, from the design phase, through planning and construction. We aim to deliver every project on time and on budget.
Our skilled team works with the latest 3D design technology: real-time digital visualisations and virtual reality. We feel they are the most effective and efficient tools for seeing through our work, choosing fittings and simulating natural light.
This Chartered Institute of Building case study features a recent Scenario project, demonstrating the benefits of advanced technologies in designing for the domestic sphere.
Working with Scenario Architecture on your Richmond project
Established in 2007, Scenario Architecture is a boutique architecture studio focused on the high-end residential sector, working extensively throughout and around London. We specialise in every scale and type of domestic project, from interior alterations, through full renovations and refurbishments to new build homes. We offer a full bespoke architecture service tailored to fit your requirements and aspirations.
Our friendly and highly skilled team has the knowledge, experience and expertise necessary to take you step-by-step through the challenging and exciting journey of creating your new home. We will work together with you in close collaboration from initial design, through detail design and planning all the way to tender, construction and successful completion of your project on time and within budget.
Scenario Architecture is an RIBA Chartered Practice, which essentially means that we are compliant with the RIBA (Royal Institute of Chartered Architects) strict criteria, covering insurance, health and safety and quality management systems.
As early adopters of latest technology, we use as a standard for all projects a verity of innovative 3D design and visualisation tools to create and communicate design with our clients. Our experience shows that Real-Time visualisations and Virtual Reality tours are extremely powerful tools to streamline the process of choosing material finishes fixtures and fittings as well as simulating realistic natural light conditions.
When we produce accurate and reliable construction information we use the latest 3D BIM technology, (BIM stands for Building Information Modelling) which means that all project information is derived from a single accurate and coordinated 3D model. Using this cutting-edge technology collaboratively with other consultants as well as contractors has proven to save time and cost for our clients.
A case study featuring one of our projects was published by the Chartered Institute of Building, demonstrating the great benefits of this advanced technology specifically with domestic projects.
Scenario Architecture in London deliver design and architectural expertise for residential projects. We were established in 2007 by Ran Ankory and Maya Carni who both trained with the AA School of Architecture. Scenario have grown to an award-winning team of nine. We have been featured in Dezeen and Elle Decoration UK.
Our highly experienced team of architects Stoke Newington work with clients using innovative 3D and Virtual Reality technology that simulates your new home before the first brick is even laid. This simulation technique allows you to see beautiful scenarios, designed to fit your life. An organic process, it often influences the choice of materials and design methods.
If you are looking for a top architects Richmond, we can help with your project. We are a RIBA Chartered Practice and we operate across the following areas and postal districts: Camden, Dalston, Hackney, Hampstead, Highgate, Haringey, Islington, East London, Knightsbridge, Kensington and Chelsea, Mayfair, Notting Hill, North London, West London, West Hampstead, Shoreditch, Southwark, Stoke Newington, N1, N6, NW3, N16 and E5.
Full-width extension opens to the beautiful garden of this Victorian property
Complete renovation and extension of a family home
A glazed roof draws daylight deep into the plan
Scenario is an established architecture practice focusing on contemporary residential design. We take on projects of every scale and scope, from home refurbishment, renovation and expansions to new-builds.
Victorian renovations are more compassionate today than they’ve ever been, with homeowners striving to preserve architectural elements like decorative cornicing, ceiling roses, skirting boards and dada rails. Sash windows are being replaced by specially made wood reproductions and wood-burning fireplaces recouped after being sealed off for decades. Paint companies like Farrow & Ball have built multinationals out of replicating the de rigueur colours of Victorian times. And new tile ceramicists are bringing back traditional motifs with contemporary silhouettes, for front gardens and foyers. Hardwood floors have made a comeback, with timber salvage and reproduction going strong.
Most renovations focus on transforming the core of the home, and revolutionise the kitchen and bathrooms in the process. To recoup the extra floor area today’s families have become accustomed to, Richmond architects are extending into voids in the lofts and side returns common in Victorians. Small period kitchens can open up into the side return without eradicating period features; in the recovered space, a corner can be reserved for a powder room or utility room. Ditto the loft: pushing up the ceiling and pushing out dormer windows can make new space available for an en suite bathroom.
With extending out into dead space comes the welcoming in of natural light. Upward-facing Velux windows become possible once the upper floor is properly extended and the main floor pushed out beyond the confines of the original footprint. If a second-storey extension is permitted in your plans, an internal void can bring natural light from the top floor downwards, and vice versa.
Richmond Architects In our clients words
We wanted to renovate our house in a conservation area in central London. Given this involved a complete demolition and new build with an extra floor on top, getting planning approval was always going to be tricky. Scenario did an amazing job on the new house 'envelope' and throughout the planning phase. We couldn't have wished for better from them and having succeeded in gaining planning approval owe them a very big 'thank you'. 
Scenario designed a kitchen extension for us, and we are delighted with the results. The process was well organised, planned and delivered, and the whole team were a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend them for their design, planning and project management skills. 
Worked with these guys on the internal development of our office. From start to finish they were great. They got what we wanted first time and really made working with them very easy. Their aftercare has been great too helping us deal with something that they were not involved with in the first place. Will highly recommend them to anyone. See all Google reviews
Working with Scenario Architecture
At Scenario Architecture, we tackle residential architecture of every scale and scope. We’ve taken on interior refurbishments and full renovations in the most historic homes, establishing a logical contrast between old and new. From our London studio, we offer a totally bespoke service with our team of highly skilled architects.
We collaborate closely with all our clients from the initial meetings and drawings, through planning, tender and construction. We complete all our projects on time and on budget. If you’re searching for an architect, Richmond based, check out our portfolio of high-end residential projects. We use 3D design technology in all our work. This Chartered Institute of Building case study – featuring a Scenario Architecture project – demonstrates the benefits of this advanced technology for domestic architecture. As a RIBA Chartered Practice, Scenario complies with RIBA’s strict health and safety criteria.
In our client's words
Dalston is less a defined London territory than it is a neighbourhood of like-minded people. Roughly defined in the west by the A10, the city’s oldest Roman-dug road, it floats between Clapton, Hoxton and Islington. But more than its geographical location, it expresses itself with its liberal, tolerant, international attitude.
The working-class population that first settled here in the 19th-century, rippling out from the Regents Canal, converted farmland into industrial sites and small Victorian cottages. They were joined by immigrants from multiple countries and religions, together building up a modest community outside the confines of the City of London. After a postwar slump, the neighbourhood came alive toward the end of the last century. Artists began settling here, spilling out from Hoxton and Shoreditch, seeking inexpensive post-industrial workspace, artistic freedom and places to exhibit their art. As per the rules of gentrification, young professionals and families followed. They’ve transformed the old warehouses, factories and stables into appealing and spacious homes. And in the brownfields between them, architects have designed experimental contemporary homes, creating housing where none existed while pushing the boundaries of their craft.
Live-work spaces, purpose-built apartment blocks and modern terrace housing have sprung up among the historic brick and contemporary timber constructions, giving the neighbourhood a dynamic and unpredictable character. People of all cultures and brackets live side-by-side, and businesses are popping up to serve them. They combine to make Dalston an area of great potential, for people who seek a multicultural atmosphere and an unconventional lifestyle.
If you’re a fan of heritage housing, look to the streets radiating east off Stoke Newington High Street and Kingsland Road. Streets like Forest Road and Richmond Road, leading to Gayhurst Community School and London Fields, are chock-a-block with tall, broad Victorian family homes and repurposed factories. With the old brick and ironwork maintained, new residents are slowly fixing them up and maximising their potential. Further north, Shacklewell Lane, Sandringham Road and St Marks Rise are attracting new buyers to the grand tree-lined streets. Homes here rise to four storeys, many of them in need of an upgrade. Buyers seeking a fixer-upper, or a tired family home on which to put a personal stamp, would have lots of opportunity here. At the heart of this enclave sits St Marks Dalston, one of the largest neighbourhood churches in the country – larger in area than Southwark Cathedral. Its Gothic rose window and French-inflected tower, built a century ago, dominate the road.
Loft extensions are more of a rule than an exception in Dalston, as are side-return kitchen extensions. Local architects like Scenario are well versed in the expansion and renovation process here, and manoeuvre their designs successfully through the planning and heritage departments. The results are often stripped-back, light-filled versions of the original Victorian architecture, offering vast entertaining spaces and private nooks for growing families.
Further Reading
Though its neighbours the Sheens were mentioned in the Domesday Book, Richmond came into being during the reign of King Henry VII, the former Earl of Richmond in Yorkshire. He built Richmond Palace on the River Thames, only a few remains of which survive. Ever since, the neighbourhood hosted some of the most recognised names in British lore: writers like Alexander Pope and Virginia Woolf; actors like Richard Burton; royals back to Queen Elizabeth I, who stayed at Richmond Palace en route between Hampton Court and Woodstock.
The allure of Richmond’s location cannot be overstated. It is surrounded by green and blue: deer parks, heaths and golf courses. The spectacular Thames, which dips toward the neighbourhood on both sides, is where sculls and pleasure-boats glide all year long – to stroll along the river on a sunny morning is to be thrust back some 300 years. Just upriver is Sion Park, with its 16th-century crenellations. Downstream is Marble Hill, one of a handful of grand, old houses where wealthy city types stayed centuries ago. Abutting the old deer park is Kew Gardens, which recently reopened Temperate House, a hanger-sized Victorian glasshouse. Some say there are 2,500 deer living in the park today.
The District Line will whiz you into the City, yet breaking away from the bustle of town is easy when you’re living in Richmond, with Heathrow Airport barely 30 minutes away and all of the West Country beyond. Old Windsor is closer to Richmond than Soho. The elegant Georgian townhouses abutting the park and lining the river bear special heritage status – they deserve it, having escaped the worst of the bombs during the Second World War. If you were after a home with history, though, you’d find a wealth of them, resembling the finest in mien and stature. A brown-brick cottage with a white picket fence, a Regency terrace as graceful as any in Kensington, a detached Georgian with a park view… they’re all available in Richmond, and each can be tailored to the needs of a growing family. Not only are the houses protected by conservation rules, but the bakeries, the schools, pubs and hotels. So even if you’ve opted to live somewhere new, your views will forever be “period”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning in Richmond Upon Thames
We offer extensive services in Richmond Upon Thames for homeowners looking to renovate. This London borough is one of the wealthiest, containing many properties that showcase historical architecture. Consequently, many residents embark on restoration projects or renovations to modernise their homes for how we live today.
As a leading architect in Richmond, we know that there are many questions to ask before renovating a property in this area. Most specifically, many of our clients come to us asking about planning permission in this London borough. How does one go about acquiring permission to conduct certain renovations, when is it needed, and so on.
Is it hard to get planning permission in Richmond?
As you may be aware, Richmond upon Thames is notorious for its strict planning permission regulations. The planning officers are keen to respect traditional where possible, not wanting to disrupt the natural equilibrium of the area. There are some very strict rules in place and a series of Conservation Areas to be aware of. In total, Richmond has 85 conservation areas, with each one carrying its own statement. The idea with an area like this is that it has special architectural or historic interest that needs to be preserved or enhanced.Not only that but there are lots of listed buildings within the borough of Richmond as well. A listed building is a property that has been placed on the Statutory List of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. Special consent is needed before these buildings can be altered in any way.
Of course, there are properties outside of conservation areas - and ones that aren't listed buildings - in Richmond as well. These properties are the easiest to gain planning permission for, but you still have to go through the process of acquiring it.
Is it possible to get planning permission in a Conservation Area?
Yes, you can acquire planning permission to extend or alter a building within one of Richmond's 85 Conservation Areas. However, you also need to apply for Conservation Area Consent. This is a completely different form of permission, which is granted by an external force.Thus, you need to submit two applications; one for Conservation Area Consent, and one for Planning Permission in Richmond. It isn't uncommon for homeowners to end up with approval in one of these categories, yet not the other. Rest assured, you need both before you can legally renovate a property in one of the Conservation Areas in Richmond.
Is it possible to get planning permission for Listed Buildings in Richmond?
Once more, it is definitely possible to obtain the right permissions to renovate a listed building in this London borough. Damaging or making alterations to a listed building is actually considered a criminal offence. Therefore, you want to avoid making any plans or starting any work until you are 100% certain that you're been granted the correct permissions.Similar to Conservation Areas, listed buildings require two levels of approval. Firstly, you need to get listed building consent directly from Historic England. Once this has been granted, you can proceed with your planning application to the Richmond Council. Here, you need an extensive list of documents that detail everything about your property. This includes supporting documents from any professionals that will be working on your home - such as architects, consultants, engineers, and so on.
Why is the final step necessary? Because it gives the council confidence that you will undertake a responsible renovation job that doesn't ruin the building. If you submit an application with no support from any suppliers or contractors, it will most likely be rejected.
How do you apply for planning permission in Richmond?
Regardless of what category your property falls into, you will need to submit a planning application to the Richmond Council. The council itself recommends that you do this online via the Planning Portal. There's a £25 fee for doing this, and the process will look something like this:
- Check if permission is required - Firstly, head to the Planning Portal site and check if your property requires any planning permission at all. It's rare, but some properties and buildings in Richmond don't need any permission to carry out renovations. Checking is just a way of staying safe.
- Fill in the right form - There are lots of different planning application forms available, and the one you choose will depend on what your project entails. It helps to work with professionals like ourselves to understand which form you need to fill in. This can avoid lots of confusion and stress if you fill in the wrong form.
- Ensure you have all the right evidence - On the form, you will be asked to provide a host of evidence or supporting documents with your application. Be sure that you have all of these as it prevents any stoppages in the process.
- Submit your application - Finally, you can send off your application and wait for the outcome.
What are Richmond Village Plans?
One final point to cover, and relates to the fourteen villages in Richmond. Interestingly, each village in this borough will have its own planning policy called a Village Plan. This goes alongside the Richmond Local Plan, and you need to read up on it.Sadly, the Village Plans aren't easy to find - and they change rapidly. By working with a local architect like Scenario Architecture, you can find these plans and understand the specific policies in place relating to the village you're based in.
In summary, there's a plethora of knowledge to know about planning in Richmond. It's a difficult borough to deal with, but it is still very possible to acquire the right planning permission for your project.
At Scenario Architecture, we offer extensive services in Richmond Upon Thames for homeowners looking to renovate. This London borough is one of the wealthiest around, contain lots of properties that showcase historical architecture. Consequently, many residents embark on restoration projects or renovations to add more modernity and structural safety to their homes.
As one of the leading architects in Richmond, we know that there are many questions to ask before renovating a property in this area. Most specifically, many of our clients come to us asking about planning permission in this London borough. How does one go about acquiring permission to conduct certain renovations, when is it needed, and so on.
Is it hard to get planning permission in Richmond?
Unfortunately, Richmond upon Thames is notorious for its strict planning permission regulations. The planning officers are keen to keep things as traditional as possible, not wanting to upset the natural look and character of this area. There are some very strict rules in place and a series of Conservation Areas to be aware of. In total, Richmond has 85 conservation areas, with each one carrying its own statement. The idea with an area like this is that it has special architectural or historic interest that needs to be preserved or enhanced.Not only that but there are lots of listed buildings within the borough of Richmond as well. A listed building is a property that has been placed on the Statutory List of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. Special consent is needed before these buildings can be altered in any way.
Of course, there are properties outside of conservation areas - and ones that aren't listed buildings - in Richmond as well. These properties are the easiest to gain planning permission for, but you still have to go through the process of acquiring it.
Is it possible to get planning permission in a Conservation Area?
Yes, you can acquire planning permission to extend or alter a building within one of Richmond's 85 Conservation Areas. However, you also need to apply for Conservation Area Consent. This is a completely different form of permission, which is granted by an external force.Thus, you need to submit two applications; one for Conservation Area Consent, and one for Planning Permission in Richmond. It isn't uncommon for homeowners to end up with approval in one of these categories, yet not the other. Rest assured, you need both before you can legal renovate a property in one of the Conservation Areas in Richmond.
Is it possible to get planning permission for Listed Buildings in Richmond?
Once more, it is definitely possible to obtain the right permissions to renovate a listed building in this London borough. Damaging or making alterations to a listed building is actually considered a criminal offence. Therefore, you want to avoid making any plans or starting any work until you are 100% certain that you're been granted the correct permissions.Similar to Conservation Areas, listed buildings require two levels of approval. Firstly, you need to get listed building consent directly from Historic England. Once this has been granted, you can proceed with your planning application to the Richmond Council. Here, you need an extensive list of documents that detail everything about your property. This includes supporting documents from any professionals that will be working on your home - such as architects, consultants, engineers, and so on.
Why is the final step necessary? Because it gives the council confidence that you will undertake a responsible renovation job that doesn't ruin the building. If you submit an application with no support from any suppliers or contractors, it will most likely be rejected.
How do you apply for planning permission in Richmond?
Regardless of what category your property falls into, you will need to submit a planning application to the Richmond Council. The council itself recommends that you do this online via the Planning Portal. There's a £25 fee for doing this, and the process will look something like this:
- Check if permission is required - Firstly, head to the Planning Portal site and check if your property requires any planning permission at all. It's rare, but some properties and buildings in Richmond don't need any permission to carry out renovations. Checking is just a way of staying safe.
- Fill in the right form - There are lots of different planning application forms available, and the one you choose will depend on what your project entails. It helps to work with professionals like ourselves to understand which form you need to fill in. This can avoid lots of confusion and stress if you fill in the wrong form.
- Ensure you have all the right evidence - On the form, you will be asked to provide a host of evidence or supporting documents with your application. Be sure that you have all of these as it prevents any stoppages in the process.
- Submit your application - Finally, you can send off your application and wait for the outcome.
What are Richmond Village Plans?
One final point to cover, and relates to the fourteen villages in Richmond. Interestingly, each village in this borough will have its own planning policy called a Village Plan. This goes alongside the Richmond Local Plan, and you need to read up on it.Sadly, the Village Plans aren't easy to find - and they change rapidly. By working with a local architect like Scenario Architecture, you can find these plans and understand the specific policies in place relating to the village you're based in.
In summary, there's a plethora of knowledge to know about planning in Richmond. It's a difficult borough to deal with, but it is still very possible to acquire the right planning permission for your project.
