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TEA Architects | Thoughtful. Efficient. Architectural.

🏡 Bespoke designs for homeowners & developers in the South West.

Maximising potential through smart, value-driven solutions.📍 Bath & Frome | 📞 07890 904378 | 🌍 www.tea-architects.co.uk

23/10/2026

Planning permission granted. Ready to build? Not quite 🏡📐

One of the most common misconceptions in architecture is that once planning permission is approved, construction can begin.

But there's an important difference between designing a building and working out how it's actually going to be built.

Planning drawings communicate the vision - the layout, appearance, scale and relationship with the surrounding environment.

Technical drawings take that vision further, resolving the construction details, materials, structural coordination and Building Regulations requirements that turn a design into a buildable project.

It's a crucial stage that can help avoid costly surprises, improve coordination and ensure the finished building performs as intended.

At TEA Architects, we believe good architecture is about more than how a building looks. It's about how it's put together, how it performs and how it stands the test of time.

Swipe through to discover why both stages matter. ➡️

Thinking about a building project? We'd love to hear from you.

07/10/2026

Renovate, extend or rebuild?

When looking at a property or site with potential, the right answer is not always immediately obvious.

A successful project begins by understanding what already exists: the building’s condition and character, its planning status, its relationship with the landscape and whether it can realistically support the home you want to create.

At North Hill Farm, this process has involved considering the existing agricultural building, the site’s planning history and how a replacement dwelling could respond more effectively to its rural setting, the client’s brief and long-term energy goals.

Planning policy, construction cost, structural condition, energy performance and the property’s long-term potential should all influence the decision, not simply its current appearance.

Early architectural advice can help identify the opportunities, principal risks and most credible route before you commit.

Considering a property or site with potential? We’d be happy to help you explore the options.

30/09/2026

Biodiversity net gain works best when it’s considered from the start.

Understanding the habitats already on site can help shape the layout, protect valuable features and identify opportunities for enhancement. Working with an ecologist early also helps the design and landscape proposals respond to the site, while informing the biodiversity metric.

The right approach depends on the site and the project. BNG requirements and any exemptions should be checked for each proposal.

25/08/2026

Good architecture relies on good collaboration.

We work closely with clients, contractors and consultants to make sure the original vision is carried through into a practical and well-considered building.

Clear and timely communication is a vital part of that process, particularly when designs need to respond to the realities of construction.

Thank you for these kind words and for being part of the project.

18/08/2026

Windows are not simply openings in a wall.

Their size, shape, position and pane divisions can completely change the character of a building and the experience of the spaces inside.

Tall windows can create rhythm and elegance, while wider openings can frame views and strengthen the connection between a room and its surroundings. Each window also needs to respond to the wider elevation, internal layout and the way the space will be used.

Alongside appearance, we consider ventilation, safety, structure, opening requirements and manufacturing constraints. Plans, elevations, 3D views and window schedules are then coordinated to ensure every opening works as part of the overall design.

Good window design brings together appearance, performance and practicality.

Swipe to see some of the considerations behind the process.

14/08/2026

Small extension. Big transformation.

At Wiltshire Way in Bath, the rear extension projects just 1.5 metres from the existing house, but completely changed the way the ground floor works.

The project reorganised the existing home to create a much better connection between the kitchen, dining and living spaces, with a new rooflight bringing daylight deep into the plan.

Upstairs, we also created a new master suite above the existing garage, with a vaulted ceiling and large picture window making the most of the views across Bath.

Alongside the new spaces, the existing house underwent a significant energy upgrade, including internal wall insulation, improvements to the heating and ventilation systems, and integration of the existing PV panels with battery storage.

A good example of how extending isn't always about adding as much floor area as possible. Sometimes a relatively small intervention, combined with a rethink of the existing house, can make a much bigger difference.

Builder: Artisan Carpenters
Structural Engineer: Splinter Structures

12/08/2026

Thinking about buying a property to renovate or extend?

It’s easy to walk around a house and immediately start imagining what you might change. A bigger kitchen, another bedroom, more glazing or an extension into the garden.

But before committing to a property, it’s worth understanding what you’re actually working with.

Planning constraints, the existing building, neighbouring properties, access, drainage, structure and, of course, budget can all influence what might be possible.

Sometimes the answer is a substantial extension. Sometimes a relatively small intervention and a better use of the existing space can completely change how a house works.

A little investigation before making an offer can help identify the opportunities, flag potential risks and give you a much clearer idea of the likely project costs.

If you’re considering a property and want some advice on its potential before you buy, we’re always happy to take an early look.

07/08/2026

Midford Lane, Bath

Not every project starts with a blank sheet of paper.

These two contemporary homes had already secured planning permission before we became involved. Our role was to develop the approved design into a fully coordinated technical package that could actually be built.

Technical design is where drawings become buildings. It involves coordinating Building Regulations, construction details, structural engineering, specifications and consultant information so that everyone on site is working from the same set of information.

For this project we developed the RIBA Stage 3-5 technical design, working closely with the wider consultant team to help deliver two energy-efficient contemporary homes that sit comfortably within their landscape.

Projects like this are always collaborative, and we'd like to acknowledge everyone involved:

Client:
Concept Design & Planning: Stonewood Design
Planning Support:
Technical Design (RIBA Stages 3-5): Ewan Tavendale (developed whilst at Bright Studio and completed through .architects )
Structural & Civil Engineers:
Photography: .helme

Great architecture doesn't stop at planning permission. That's often where the real coordination begins.

If you're looking to take an approved scheme through to construction, we'd love to help.

05/08/2026

Planning permission isn't the finish line. It's just the beginning.

One of the biggest misconceptions in residential architecture is that once planning permission is approved, you're ready to start building.

In reality, that's where the next phase begins.

Before a contractor can provide an accurate quotation or construction can start, every element of the design needs to be carefully developed and coordinated. Building Regulations drawings, structural engineering, M&E design, specifications and technical detailing all need to come together into one coordinated package.

It's often the work that no one sees, but it's what gives clients confidence, helps contractors build efficiently and avoids costly changes on site.

At TEA Architects, we believe great homes aren't just designed. They're carefully coordinated long before construction begins.

Have you ever wondered what happens after planning permission is granted? Let us know in the comments below. 👇

31/07/2026

Planning approval for a barn conversion in !

This project began with a collection of redundant agricultural buildings in Charlcombe, just outside Bath.

Rather than clearing the site and starting again, the ambition was to retain the character of the existing farm buildings while creating a contemporary family home designed around a new courtyard.

The result is a home that celebrates its agricultural origins through the retention of existing rubble stone walls, simple forms and carefully considered contemporary additions that bring light, openness and modern family living to the site.

We're delighted that planning permission has now been granted and are looking forward to developing the detailed design over the coming months.

A big thank you to James Tavenor and John White for their support and collaboration throughout the planning process. Great projects are always the result of a strong team effort.

What do you think of this approach to rural conversions?

Address

5 Argyle Street
Bath
BA24BA

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 6pm
Tuesday	9am - 6pm
Wednesday	9am - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 6pm

Website

http://www.tea-architects.co.uk/

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