Our Practice
Studio Smale Architecture
Studio Smale Architecture
We are a female owned ARB and RIBA Chartered Practice, with a diverse portfolio of projects across London, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Northamptonshire.
Studio Smale provide architectural services for all types of domestic and small commercial projects; from initial concept and feasibility design, all the way through planning and technical design. We have 14 years of architectural and construction industry experience within our team
Our Team
Rebecca Smale Ba(hons) MArchD ARB RIBA
Founder of Studio Smale, Rebecca is a chartered architect and holds a RIBA Part I Bachelors Degree in Architecture, a RIBA Part II Masters Degree in Applied Architecture and Urban Design and has also completed the RIBA Part III Examination in Practice and Management with a special commendation.
Rebecca is registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Rebecca is a mother of two who enjoys spending time with her menagerie of animals. She is currently undertaking a barn conversion project and is studying clay sculpting at an evening class.
Why Choose Us
We are easy to work with…
We ask questions to understand your project requirements and aspirations from the first consultation. We are engaged, responsive and value our client relationships. We listen and offer clear advice.
We are communicators…
We produce sketches, plans and detailed drawings to give you a clear vision of your project and what you can expect from the design. We manage your expectations throughout the process. We don’t use jargon and aim to demystify the process.
We are supportive…
We guide you through the process, acting on your behalf with planning, building control, and other relevant authorities. We offer balanced and impartial advice.
We are collaborative…
We can recommend local consultants and contractors or work with client appointed designers. We work closely with other parties ensuring excellent communication and effective teamwork.
We are designers…
Whether you don’t know where to start or have a detailed brief, we can help you realise your ambitions. We place emphasis on the importance of providing adequate daylight, views to nature, acoustics, indoor air quality, ergonomics, furnishings, scents, colours and more.
We are budget conscious…
We understand the practical and the aesthetic challenges of building or renovating a home. We always keep your budget in mind.
We are problem solvers…
We identify and promptly address any issues that arise. We listen to your concerns and suggest solutions to ensure the project runs smoothly.
We are environmentalists…
We aim to enhance the environment, both sustainably and visually offering a holistic approach to design.
Our Process
Stage 1 architects consultation…
We offer an initial consultation free of charge. We visit the site to discuss your ideas and give you a rough idea of the costs involved. We follow up with a written scope of services and fee proposal.
Stage 2 survey…
We attend the site to take measurements and photographs needed to produce as existing drawings.
Stage 3 design…
We produce one design if you have a clear idea of what you want or a couple more if you need to develop your ideas.
Stage 4 planning…
We submit the design to the local planning authority and liaise with the planning officers. (We submit pre-application advise if required)
Stage 5 engineer input…
We prepare drawings suitable for the structural engineer to develop their design. We liaise with other consultants as required.
Stage 5 building control…
Once planning permission has been approved, we resolve the construction details and obtain building control approval.
Stage 6 construction…
We can assist in obtaining quotes and hand over the project to the builder. Your project is now ready to start on site.
Our Services
Extensions…
Single Storey, Double Storey, Wrap around & Infill Extensions; Loft Conversions
Interior remodelling…
Internal replanning; Working with Interior Designers
Outbuildings…
Annexes; Home Offices; Garden Lodges; Garages
Change of use…
Garage conversions; Barn Conversions; Change of Use; Running a business from home etc.
Planning permission…
Permitted development; Certificate of Lawful Development; Full Planning; Outline Planning; Planning Conditions; Non-Material Amendments; Retrospective Planning
Building control…
Building Control Applications; Building Regularisation Applications; Appointment of Local Authority Building Control or Approved Inspectors
Self Build & new build…
Feasibility studies; Pre-Application advice; Self Builders and Equestrian Facilities; New Builds; Small Housing Developments <5 units; Feasibility Studies; Pre-Application Advice
Heritage architecture…
Listed Building Consents; Non designated heritage assets; Scheduled Ancient Monument Consents; Conservation areas; Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Our reviews
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I commissioned Smale Architecture to develop my early thoughts on an extensive redesign of my home and barn. I was impressed that before doing anything Rebecca really took time to talk through what we wanted to achieve by way of use of the space and the research she undertook to establish a clear understanding of my tastes and preferences. The house was built circa 1770 has several historical features and is situated in the historical centre of a rural village. The property, whilst not listed, is a non-designated historical asset. Rebecca helped me understand what that meant in order that this was taken into consideration prior to any submission. Rebecca was incredibly patient with me, she advised me well and helped me think through the implications and practicalities of some of my thoughts. I was absolutely delighted with the final plans. Rebecca’s advice to submit for pre planning advice ahead of the full planning application was sound resulting in full approval of the application without amendment or appeal. I have been extremely pleased with Rebecca Smale Architects. Having already recommended Smale Architecture to friends and neighbours I have no hesitation in recommending Rebecca further. Personally, I would definitely use Rebecca again should I embark on future projects.
Karen Georgiou Normanton On Trent
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We use the services of Rebecca Smale Architecture to get planning permission for our outdoor riding arena. From the start, Rebecca was obviously very knowledgeable and understood our needs clearly. The planning pack was professional and we obtained planning permission without any problem – I’m sure it made a massive difference having used Rebecca’s service. I am happy to recommend her services to anyone. Thanks, Rebecca.
Sue Hill Wisbech
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I engaged Smale Architecture to help me resolve a planning application I had made to change the front garden of my property in The South Hams, Devon to enable off-street parking & the need for a dropped kerb. I wrongly assumed the process would be very straightforward as a number of similar plans had been successful on the road that I live on. I initially engaged a neighbour & local architect who to be fair is a commercial rather than residential architect. They did a good job on the design and plan, but we did not take sufficient account of the fact that the house is in and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which meant additional scrutiny to the design & materials. We received pushback from the planning department. Rebecca undertook a very thorough review of the background and quickly understood the key issues to address. Rebecca made some sensitive amendments as well as asserting our position where we felt pushback by the planning department was not appropriate. This was all done quickly and very professionally and only required a couple of on-line meetings and emails between us to discuss and agree. Rebecca submitted the documentation on my behalf to the planning department. We subsequently received planning approval to our revised plan without any further questions. I would highly recommend Rebecca, she is very knowledgeable, experienced, professional and very easy to work with.
Chris Bunniss Salcombe
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Rebecca has been a fantastic help with successfully applying for a change of use of our garage. I can now run my dog grooming business from home. She approaches everything in a calm way and simplifies all the confusing jargon. I would highly recommend her planning and building regulations services! Thank you so much for all your support Rebecca.
Liane Bradbury Northampton
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I used Studio Smale for plans to be drawn up for an extention and to take care of the planning application through to permission granted. I was very happy with the service I received. The drawn plans were done to a very high standard and nothing was too much when deciding to make alterations to them before they were submitted. Rebecca was very polite and very knowledgeable. A very professional service and I will not hesitate to use again in the future.
John Edwards Yaxley, Peterborough
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Great experience from the first informal consultation to opening the door to my transformed home. Highly recommended
Karen Georgiou Normanton On Trent
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Rebecca's service was professional, timely and resulted in a successful planning outcome for us. Wouldn't hesitate to use her services again, or recommend to others. Thank you.
Sue Hill Wisbech