arch/FORM

arch/FORM We are an RIBA Chartered Architect's studio based in Leicestershire working across the East Midlands

043// Pre-construction visual of a cabin for Forest Holidays. šŸarch/FORM are proud to share that we have been appointed ...
06/02/2026

043// Pre-construction visual of a cabin for Forest Holidays. šŸ

arch/FORM are proud to share that we have been appointed to undertake the architectural technical design for Forest Holidays on one of their new cabins at Thorpe Forest.

We look forward to seeing this progress on site!

042// Not every project needs to be built to be a success.This project reached RIBA Stage 2, where we worked closely wit...
30/01/2026

042// Not every project needs to be built to be a success.
This project reached RIBA Stage 2, where we worked closely with the clients to explore how their home could evolve - spatially, environmentally and as a place for family life.

The brief was ambitious but thoughtful:
• Reworking the ground floor to better connect kitchen, garden and daily routines
• Creating calm, usable spaces rather than simply adding area
• Improving thermal performance, air quality and long-term comfort

Materially, the proposals focused on upgrading the existing house in a considered way - replacing the original 1960s cladding with recycled plastic tiles, introducing timber elements to soften the extension, and specifying alu-clad timber windows throughout to improve performance and longevity. Built-in furniture was carefully integrated to create much-needed storage without increasing floor area, and the garage was reworked and detached from the neighbouring property to resolve long-standing constraints.

As part of the concept stage, we tested the full wish list against current construction costs. That process gave the clients clarity - and ultimately helped them decide that selling the property was the right move for them.

While the project didn’t progress to construction, the design process still did what it’s meant to do:
it helped the clients make a well-informed decision, with confidence.



040// We’re excited to share this contemporary rear extension and ground floor reconfiguration in Loughborough.Our clien...
17/10/2025

040// We’re excited to share this contemporary rear extension and ground floor reconfiguration in Loughborough.

Our clients approached us wanting to open up the ground floor, creating a light-filled, flexible family space that feels connected to the garden.

The existing conservatory also overheated in the summer and was too cold to enjoy fully in the winter. Our proposal replaces the existing conservatory with a similarly sized timber-framed extension that they will be able to enjoy all year round, providing:

A dual-aspect kitchen, dining, and seating space.

Sliding doors and a large picture window framing views of the re-landscaped garden.

Western Red Cedar cladding and a standing seam roof, softening the extension into the garden.

High performance glazing and window seats to lounge about and take advantage of them!

Inside, the exposed structural steelwork brings a subtle industrial feel - something our clients were particularly keen to celebrate.

As this is classed as an overly glazed extension, we provided an area-weighted U-value calculation to determine the upgraded levels of insulation required. To achieve the most efficient use of space we opted for timber frame construction with Gutex Wood Fibre insulation from - this keeps the structure warm with low thermal conductivity and is excellent at storing heat, meaning a more comfortable space to enjoy all year round. Woodfibre, along with other natural fibre insulations, offers substantially lower embodied carbon compared to synthetic alternatives.

We’re looking forward to seeing this one progress on site with !

039// We’ve recently submitted this thoughtful extension and reconfiguration scheme to planning for one of our clients.O...
12/09/2025

039// We’ve recently submitted this thoughtful extension and reconfiguration scheme to planning for one of our clients.

Our clients came to us with a clear brief, however they were very open minded in how we reached their end goal:

An additional guest bedroom with access to its own bathroom.
A living space that feels light, generous and connected to the garden.
An outdoor space that works as an extension of the indoors, removing the existing conservatory which hasn’t been usable during hot summers and cold winters.
Practical touches like a utility for muddy dog walks and a more spacious entrance as well as achieving side access to the garden.

We worked through a number of schemes reviewing each alongside their budget, undertaking budget costing exercises.

Our design responds with:
A guest suite that feels like its own retreat, orientated towards the established garden and pond.
A bright living space featuring a full-height glazed window seat and a corner window framing views across the rear of the property.
A pergola that extends the living area outside.
Flexibility through an open-plan ground floor with a large glazed hidden pocket door opening up the relocated kitchen so it is still connected with the re-configured living space.
A utility room with side access, plus a reconfigured entrance with hidden cloaks and bench seating.
A relocated kitchen to the front, improving flow through the home and orientating the client’s key spaces towards the garden.

Materiality was carefully chosen to complement the existing house: light brick to work with the existing render, blue plinth bricks, soldier course detailing, rain chains, and bronze windows and doors to harmonise with the garden setting.

Looking forward to the next stage with this exciting project.

038// Introducing the latest member of the arch/FORM team - the Matterport Pro3!Along with traditional measuring equipme...
16/05/2025

038// Introducing the latest member of the arch/FORM team - the Matterport Pro3!

Along with traditional measuring equipment, we now also use a 3D scanning system that combines LiDAR laser technology and high-resolution photography. The scanner is placed in a few locations within each room and completes a full 360 scan, capturing every inch of your property with precision.

From this we gain a complete digital twin - a 3D walkthrough of your home that’s accurate to within millimeters and a highly detailed point cloud, which we import directly into our software to produce 3D models, floorplans, sections and elevations.

Depending on the size and complexity your home or project, a survey may take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.

Swipe through to see the scanner in action!

design

037// Good news for our first post of 2025 (Taken a bit longer to post than we should! 😬)We’ve just secured approval for...
21/04/2025

037// Good news for our first post of 2025 (Taken a bit longer to post than we should! 😬)

We’ve just secured approval for a two-storey extension and a garage dormer loft conversion for one of our lovely clients.
šŸ’«

When they first approached us, they gave us the following design brief:

ā€œOur master bedroom feels small and doesn’t take in the garden views… the living space just doesn’t work for us… and we’d really like to make better use of the attic space above our garage.ā€

The original layout didn’t make the most of this modern three-storey home. The master bedroom was lacking light, space and a connection to the beautiful views. Downstairs, the living space felt awkward and dim. So we designed a scheme that:

Expands and reconfigures two main spaces where the flow of the existing house didn't work for the family.

Maximises natural light and views.

Adds warmth and quality through oak-framed glazing and a frameless juliette balcony.

By considering thermal performance early in the process, we’ve helped ensure the design stays intact through to the build phase – avoiding costly or unexpected changes down the line. Can’t wait to see this one on site soon!

—

PS: Sorry we’ve been quiet on here – we’ve been flat out since January with new projects, live sites, and technical packages! More updates to follow soon.

036// What drawings and information do we include in our technical design (Building Regulations) packages?A clear and co...
01/03/2024

036// What drawings and information do we include in our technical design (Building Regulations) packages?

A clear and comprehensive set of technical drawings and specifications are key to ensuring that the concept you fell in love with during the design phase flows through to the construction and ultimately, the enjoyment of your finished project!

Some companies provide limited information which may achieve building regulations approval, however there is a lot of scope in these limited drawings for misinterpretation, differences between quotations and inevitably a raft of questions during the construction process (also, are they competent enough to act as a principal designer? More on that below!).

We provide a comprehensive technical design package, which when accompanied by a set of structural engineer’s drawings, will bring clarity to the process for both you and your contractor. Our drawings provide key details, resolve complex construction junctions, as well as making sure everything within the design can be priced accordingly. Window and door specifications are taken care of, as well as items such as the electrical layouts! Importantly, you will also be able to tell if a contractor’s quotation is like for like as we remove the guess work!

We can even manage the tender (pricing process) and site works for you!

The technical design stage has become even more important since the changes to the building safety act, whereby a Principal Designer is required to sign off the design at the end of the project’s construction alongside the Principal Contractor. If one is not appointed, this duty will pass on to you as the homeowner. Importantly, this is a service which we can provide and dovetails with our technical design package.

This project workbook shows the information we provided for building regulations approval and formed the base of the tender package to receive competitive quotations from local building contractors.

035// What drawings and information do we include in our planning design packages? āœļøTo achieve planning approval from y...
26/02/2024

035// What drawings and information do we include in our planning design packages? āœļø

To achieve planning approval from your local authority, the drawings you will need as a minimum are the existing and proposed drawings of your home, a site plan and a location plan. However, this skips out all of the site analysis, design options, material selection and colour choice you will go through along the way, THE FUN BIT!

A design package quotation from arch/FORM will not be like for like with other architects or designers. Not only do we provide the basics you need for a planning application, we help you enjoy the process... as well as providing preliminary cost and technical information!

We now provide project books as standard when we complete milestones for our client’s projects. The project books are split by the major project milestones depending on your project requirements.

The following project workbook shows the drawings and information we provided from the initial measured survey, all the way through to planning and some additional services too.

We will follow up with the second technical workbook so you can view what we include in our technical design packages.

033// A great way to bring our 2023 work to a close with another planning permission granted for a project in Leicesters...
22/12/2023

033// A great way to bring our 2023 work to a close with another planning permission granted for a project in Leicestershire! šŸ 

No changes to the design required and the bare minimum of conditions too. šŸ™Œ

Our client will be removing the existing conservatory and re-locating their kitchen within a new rear extension to maximise their view and enjoyment of the garden. The connection with the garden will continue with a decking area flush with the kitchen, creating a seamless transition to the outdoors. With the re-modelling we were also able to create a new utility space and downstairs w.c.

Swipe to see the existing plans.

Our client will be undertaking the building project themselves so we look forward to working with them on the technical design and their transition to beginning construction in the new year!

032// Another project submitted for planning earlier this week for a beautiful home in the Leicestershire Countryside. šŸ”...
24/11/2023

032// Another project submitted for planning earlier this week for a beautiful home in the Leicestershire Countryside. šŸ”

The project seeks to extend and replace a series of smaller front extensions to provide an entrance orangery which is functional, but also enjoyable to sit in and look out onto the front garden.

Materials and features include arched head sash windows with projecting brick headers, matching stone copings, window heads and cills and a new roof lantern.

Using the 3D model we have even produced panoramic renders which has allowed our clients to view anywhere within the model without the use of software šŸ‘€. We also provided a 3D print of the new extension!

We look forward to receiving planning permission for the project in the new year and seeing it start on site!

Address

Shepshed

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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