Architects in Kingston
AURA Architecture are based in nearby Clapham, and serve the Kingston area with a dedicated team of residential architects. Find out what makes us unique compared to other architects in Kingston, and how we improve the homes and lives of people living in Kingston upon Thames, Surbiton, New Malden, and the surrounding areas.
Learn how we won an award from Build in 2019 as the ‘Most Trusted Architecture Practice Greater London’, and why our online reviews are 4.9/5 on Google and 5/5 on Houzz.
“Looking for the best Architecture Firm in Kingston?”
AURA Architecture is an award-winning architecture firm based locally in Clapham, South West London. Our residential architects work with Homeowners to deliver their dream homes and Property Developers to bring their development projects to life.
We specialise in providing the best Kitchen Extensions, Loft Conversions, Basement Conversions, Refurbishments and New Builds.
We always recommend hiring an architect that knows your area well. We have extensive knowledge of Kingston, Surbiton, New Malden and other surrounding areas.
What makes us different from other architects in Kingston upon Thames?
Simplicity
We use more simple designs with defined detailing, that you won't spend a fortune on. We create interest with splashes of colour and contrasting textures.
Sustainability
We endeavour to think sustainably in everything we do, and aim to create energy-efficient buildings that save you, the homeowner, money.
Technology
Using 3D modelling and VR technology will help you save costly changes on site. See what your new property will look like before it's built!
Some of our projects in and around Kingston
Our Unique 10-Step Design Process.
1 – A Simple, 3-Step Online Brief, we will then contact you to discuss everything in more detail.
2 – A Desktop Research Study, and a Meeting To Discuss.
3 – A Choice of Designs – You will usually provide 3 options to choose from.
4 – Managing the Planning Application – We will act as an agent to help you through the process and liaise with the planning officers at The Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames Borough Council.
5 – Working with the Right People – We have a good relationship with 3rd parties in Kingston that will help you with your project. This includes structural Engineers, Party Wall Surveyors, and Mechanical/Electrical engineers.
6 – Maintaining Standards and working with Building Control – Again acting as an agent through the approval process of your plans
7 – Looking after the Final Touches – The Specification of works will detail all the internal finishes, wall coverings, floor coverings, bespoke joinery, and electrical and heating layouts amongst other finishing touches.
8 – Help you find the Right Builder – We have a good relationship with many builders in Kingston and will create a Tender Package for you. We recommend sending the package to 3 or 4 contractors to find you a competitive and comprehensive price.
9 – We also offer a Site Monitoring service which relieves the pressure off you to keep an eye on your builders. We usually monitor once a week (unless agreed otherwise).
10 – Enjoy your New Home!
Our Online Reviews
Scott RobertsonJune 20, 2023 Professional, reliable, great to work with. Highly recommended if you are renovating your house. Carina Isabel Lopes De CarvalhoMay 2, 2023 It is a company of excellence Emily StuartJanuary 25, 2022 I used Aura for a side return and rear extension, and a renovation of my first floor bathroom. I wanted something unique and characterful, with lots of natural light. Aura really went above and beyond my expectations, creating me a space that truly is more than I could have imagined. From the initial consultation, where I felt immediately at ease with the team, to the transparency in their costings, all the way through the design process and project management, Aura have been consistently professional, communicative and flexible. It certainly hasn’t been an easy time for anyone in the industry, but Aura’s solution-first attitude and their adaptability made it so easy to work with them through lockdowns, supply chain challenges, pingdemics and everything in between. It was a true pleasure to work with the team - they really do their utmost to make the process as straightforward, simple and enjoyable as possible. I’d not hesitate to recommend Aura. They team are the perfect balance of creative and practical, imagination and solutions, to make whatever dream you have come to life. Rob BirkinNovember 18, 2021 GeorginaFebruary 9, 2021 I chose to use Aura based on their reviews in June 2020. At first it was a really good experience and I was impressed with their professionalisim. I received my drawings and wasn't completely happy with them. The 4 options I was given were all basically the same thing. They never came to my property to see the space or get a feel for where the light was coming in etc. The bathroom on the drawing didn't make sense as it was so small. (See below). The snug was also like a meter so again didn't make sense. I tried to escalate this to Ben, and I was offered another call but I had lost confidence in them. My neighbour was also doing work on her flat which is a similar layout and in contrast her drawings were really well thoughtout. In the end I had to pay again to get my drawings redone. (Attachment P&S - one example of my new drawings below - the more detailed drawings). I asked Aura for a partial refund as I never actually received a final drawing from them (despite paying for them) and they refused. It was just a disappointing and expensive experience. Anthony EganMay 22, 2020 I recently contacted Aura Homes Ltd to discuss a small development project. The project was unusual and a lot of factors needed to be taken into account due to the location, site surroundings and practicality of the proposal. I originally discussed it with Ben Richards who I found to be helpful, knowledgable and very accommodating in that he listened intently to give a fair assessment of feasibility. Iris Kouneni was assigned to me and met with me to thoroughly discuss and understand what my intentions were. Like Ben, she digested my layman’s view and proceeded to give me her professional opinion. Iris and Ben were an absolute delight to work with, professional, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and communicative to mention just a few of their qualities. Unfortunately due to the COVID19 lockdown we have had to shelve the project. It's been a pleasure to work with Aura Homes Ltd, refreshingly honest and professional. I look forward to working together with them in the future. Brendan QuinnMay 20, 2020 Thanks for reading this review. Ben is one of my monthly sponsors of the Property Events that I have run and also of the National Development Summit earlier in 2020. In a business setting I really appreciate Ben's support, particularly during COVid19- Ben had the option of pulling out of my events as a sponsor- as I have had to pivot- moving them online. Ben has continued to support these events as a sponsor, when he could have easily turned his back and moved on. Also at the National Development Summit 2020, Ben could see the effort I had put in to make the event, a great event, and himself and his team also equally put in huge effort. When you organise events, you ideally want things to go smoothly in terms of presenters turning up on time/before time, and with slides which are hassle free, and this Ben has done so. I have been to Ben's office several times and the staff have been really friendly. Ben's knowledge of working at Berkeley Homes, puts his company at a very high level. Louise HancockApril 13, 2020 Aura Homes is a highly professional firm of architects that always have the clients best interests at hart. The quality of their plans and drawings is superb and their turn-around when making amendments well within expected timelines. For bespoke projects, their research and recommendations (both in terms of quality and costs) is superb. Harry BucknellApril 10, 2020 Couldn't recommend Ben and his team more. We were in a really tricky position with our building project and Ben navigated us safely out of it. Superb guidance, great technical knowledge and what I really valued the most was the communication. Always got back to me promptly which makes a real difference when stress levels are high. Thanks Aura! Eugene ClarkeApril 9, 2020 The quality of work from Arua Architecture is to an excellent standard. We worked primarily with Ben and Gabby, they provide a friendly and professional service that minimised the worry and stresses associated with building projects. We hired Aura Architecture to assist us with our building project. We appointed them for the following work: - Regularisation on previous designs - Planning conditions discharge - Building regulation drawings - Detailed designs They came recommended from a Structural engineering company, and we were not disappointed.
Making Everything Transparent
We hear from our clients that speaking to architects is daunting as they often use industry terminology, making the process unnecessarily complicated and hard to grasp. Clients wish is ‘if only I could find a residential architect near me that I can trust’!
Our Director, Ben Richards, when he set up the company back in 2017, set to solve this issue for homeowners wanting to make improvements to their home.
That is why we share our Fees on our website, create Blogs and FAQ articles to share industry insights, and have created the 10 Step AURA Process which is explained via Youtube or can be Downloaded for Free to read anytime.
What we love about Kingston upon Thames
The beautiful Victorian homes located all over the Borough, ranging from the listed Victorian Villa’s located around Fairfield to the area of Coombe which hosts some of London’s most expensive homes. We love working on period properties and adapting them to suit that homeowners requirements.
Being near Surbiton and Kingston Train Station you can be in central London in under 20 minutes.
Being in London, but having the beauty of some of London’s finest outdoor areas on your doorstep. The Thames, Bushy Park, Richmond Park and so on.
The vibrant town centre! Having access to a great choice of pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops and the new Town House Library next to the University.