HOW WE WORK
evoke architects is a practice dedicated to creating architecture that balances innovation with practicality.
Based on the South Coast of England, our focus is residential design - from contemporary homes to traditional extensions - always rooted in the charactor of their setting.
We understand that rural projects demand sensitivity. With extensive experience navigating planning in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we bring clarity and strategy to even the most challenging sites.
Sustainability underpins everything we do. As certified Passivhaus Designers, we embrace low-energy, future-proof solutions that enhance comfort and minimise environmental impact.
Above all, we believe in collaboration. Clear communication, strong client relationships, and carefully crafted design storytelling guides each project from concept through to completion.
OUR EXPERTISE
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PLANNING STRATEGY
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INNOVATIVE DESIGN
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SUSTAINABILITY
We bring extensive knowledge and experience in maximising land value and optimising site development. Over the past 15 years, we’ve worked with both private clients and developers, achieving consistent success on projects within some of the country’s most sensitive locations — including National Parks, Green Belts, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The early stages of a project are critical. We explore every option from the outset — often uncovering opportunities that may not have been considered. With strong connections to a wide network of consultants, we ensure the right team is brought together for each project.
Through comprehensive feasibility studies, we provide clients with a clear foundation on which to make informed decisions. Our objective approach helps reveal both the strengths and the challenges of each potential pathway, ensuring the best possible route forward.
Our architectural service is driven by creativity, but always grounded in reality. We develop innovative design solutions that respond to the unique character of each site and client brief, while ensuring they remain practical, buildable, and cost-effective.
By blending vision with pragmatism, we create architecture that is both inspiring and achievable — designs that not only look exceptional on paper but also stand up to the practical constraints of construction, planning, and budget
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We take a fabric-first approach, focusing on the efficiency of the building envelope before introducing renewable technologies. This ensures our designs perform sustainably from the outset, rather than relying solely on add-on systems.
With extensive experience in low-energy design, we seamlessly integrate solutions such as ground and air source heat pumps, MVHR, photovoltaics, and battery storage into our projects. Each proposal is carefully considered to balance innovation, practicality, and long-term performance.
PROCESS
STAGE 1
Once we receive your enquiry, we will get in touch to discuss your project in more detail and clarify your aims and brief. We often recommend meeting you on site to explore the project further (this visit is free of charge). After this, we will prepare a bespoke fee proposal tailored to your requirements.
STAGE 3
Once a design option has been selected, we will prepare the required drawings for the planning submission and ensure that all consultant reports are reviewed and aligned with the overall design ambition.
STAGE 5
Our level of involvement at this stage can vary depending on the project. While we do not currently act as Contract Administrator, we are available to respond to any site-based queries. We can also advise on Quantity Surveyor's who can provide a quote for Contract Administration should you need it.
STAGE 2
During this stage, we will develop a planning strategy, advise on the appointment of any additional consultants, and progress the design options for both your project and the site.
STAGE 4
Once planning approval has been granted, we can assist with planning conditions, advise on the appointment of technical design stage consultants, and prepare the necessary technical drawings and specifications to meet Building Regulations.
STAGE 6
This stage involves the completion and handover of the project, as well as addressing any snagging issues during the first year of operation. While we do not currently undertake this role—which is typically the responsibility of a Contract Administrator, if one is appointed—we are always eager to see the completed project, learn from the outcomes, and understand the sustainability aspects of its operation
Ben Kelly, BAK Planning
'Having worked with Claire across a range of projects, I have no hesitation in recommending her architectural services. Claire's ability to problem solve, her eye for detail, and her openness to collaborate means she is a joy to work with. In my experience, the result is that Claire's clients benefit from aesthetic and functional designs that everyone involved can be proud of'
Client, Whitedale Barn
Claire has been excellent from the beginning of a very long planning process to final approval and beyond. Always available for advice and updates, and took great care to understand what we wanted from the final build. Having also worked with Claire on other commercial projects, I can't recommend her highly enough'
Landlink Esates
'Claire was great to work with, full of ideas and skills to materialise them. We are looking for another project so we can do this again'
SERVICES
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Feasibility Studies
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Concept Design
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Planning Strategies
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Planning & Listed Building Applications
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Design & Access Statements
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Principal Designer (CDM Regulations)
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Principal Designer (Building Regulations)
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Building Control Applications
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Tender Drawings and Information
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Lead Consultant
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3D renders, montages, walkthroughs