Founded in Sussex, Tom Turner Architects is a small, harmonious studio united by a shared passion for the English Country House. For both the team and their clients, there is a lasting pleasure in uncovering the stories held within old buildings, and in shaping new chapters that sit comfortably within this long architectural tradition.
Approach
A strong, collaborative relationship with each client underpins every project. Recognising that building or restoring a home is both a personal and demanding undertaking, the practice has developed a rigorous and carefully considered process that brings clarity and confidence to the journey. The aim is always to ensure that time, care and investment are rewarded with homes of lasting quality.
The team’s work is driven by the belief that houses should enhance everyday life. Each project seeks to capture the emotional character of its setting, including the landscape, history and atmosphere of a place, and weave this together with thoughtful new architecture, creating homes that feel generous and enduring, now and for generations to come.
Whether working with historic buildings or designing new homes rooted in tradition, the practice creates houses that feel entirely of their place and are cherished by those who live in them.
The studio is led by Tom, who oversees every project. When he set up the practice in 2016, it felt natural for him to return from London to his Sussex roots and the buildings he loves.
'As a child I enjoyed looking at the vernacular buildings around Sussex. On the drive up to London I would shout 'Lutyens!' as we went past the beautiful Tigbourne Court. Some of my earliest memories are visiting Arundel Castle and admiring the beautifully restored timber framed houses at The Weald and Downland Museum. These buildings got under my skin and they have never left.'
Our Team
-
Laura Woods
Senior Architect
Laura has worked with award-winning architects in Passivhaus design and specialises in low-energy, low-carbon technologies. She is eager to apply this expertise to historic buildings, ensuring their preservation and enhancement for future generations.
She is a keen yogi and surfer, helping to run a national surf club that connects LGBT+ people to surfing, the ocean and a shared community.
-
Clare Newman
Studio Manager
Having first studied architecture, Clare's creative interests led her to pursue a career in press photography. She then diversified to be more present for her family, launching a product photography business in Brighton. Missing the thrum of a busy office, she joined our team as studio manager.
Clare enjoys travelling, sea swimming and exploring the South Downs.
-
Henry Dickson
Architectural Assistant
Henry was born in London, but grew up and studied in New Zealand. He loves the way vernacular architecture reflects a place’s history and context, and is particularly drawn to designs that enhance everyday life and prioritise sustainability.
Outside of work, Henry enjoys cooking, cycling, and reading.
-
Letty Walton
Senior Interior Designer
With a background in the arts and a keen eye for interiors, Letty has worked across construction and development, gaining hands-on experience in building and design.
She has a passion for sourcing antiques and upcycling furniture, and enjoys walking and cycling across the South Downs.
-
Evie Dixon
Architectural Assistant
Evie completed her studies in Sheffield, following her undergraduate degree in Cardiff. She has a deep appreciation for the tactility of natural materials and is intrigued by how vernacular techniques can be adapted to contemporary settings. Evie is particularly interested in the sustainable potential of working with existing buildings.
Outside of work, she enjoys sewing, reading, and outdoor activities like walking and swimming.
-
Richard Hanley Timmins
Senior Architect
Richard grew up in rural Shropshire and Wales, where a love of vernacular architecture led him to study at the Bauhaus campus in Dessau. He won the Eisteddfod Prize for student architecture in 2012.
After ten years in London, he now works in Sussex with a focus on low-energy, context-led design and the relationship between buildings and landscape.
-
Stephen Belcher
Senior Architect
Stephen was drawn to architecture for its unique combination of drawing, landscape and structure. He studied at Portsmouth and Westminster and has since worked on a variety of projects across London and the South East.
Now based on the Sussex coast, he focuses on new homes and sensitive refurbishments, taking inspiration from local materials and settings to create thoughtful, well-crafted proposals for clients.
Kind words from our clients
-
![]()
'We would be delighted, should the occasion arise, to embark on another project with Tom.'
'We greatly appreciated the care and time he took over the many detailed meetings that were required to develop our new building space. His ability to patiently listen and contribute through this process was extremely helpful.
Now built, Tom’s design is a pleasure to live in. We are absolutely delighted with the final design. It speaks volumes to the value of Tom’s input.'
JB, Ancient Woodland House
-
![]()
'We trusted Tom completely. The end result is fantastic and we are really enjoying living in our new home.'
'Tom took a lot of trouble to understand how we wanted to live in the house and what we liked – and knew we didn’t. We had a strong sense that he was listening carefully. We absolutely loved Tom’s designs right from the outset. They fully met the brief and he encouraged us to think more openly.
The aesthetics are fantastic and the new blends very well – but without exactly copying – the old. Tom’s advice on the materials and detailing have come together with the existing house to make a very attractive property, sympathetic to its location.
The planning process was extremely smooth and we got approval first time. Tom anticipated possible objections and headed the problems off.
We felt that our project was an absolute priority for him and that we had his full attention. He ran the project professionally and smoothly and we are absolutely delighted with the final result.
Not only did Tom produce a fantastic design for the shell of the building but he was very involved in the interiors too and he introduced design elements that we would not have thought of.'
AM, Farnham Houe
-
![]()
‘I was thrilled with the results and look forward to having an opportunity to work with Tom again.’
'Strong design skills and construction knowledge meant Tom was able to foresee issues and present new opportunities based on the historical nature of the build and the desired results. I felt very positive about his handling of the design, which worked well as a foundation for the contractors.
Hearing a different, knowledgeable perspective was a valuable process and I feel we found the best ideas through a strong collaboration. The process of achieving Planning and Listed Building Consent was smooth, efficient and sensitively handled. Tom was very helpful and managed our expectations well.
Tom’s management of the construction phase was good. Getting a top-level finish was critical for me and the understanding of this ran through everything we did.'
CL, Georgian House
-
![]()
‘Tom was a pleasure to work with from the start of the project right through to the end.
His design and understanding of space and light are second to none. Tom worked very well with all parties involved during pre-build planning and stayed in close contact with the building team throughout. The quality of work and customer care was excellent. We absolutely love the end product and will certainly use this firm for future projects.’
IG, Victorian Terrace
-
![]()
‘We always felt entirely at ease with Tom and that we were in very good hands.'
Tom was alive to the character of the building and very helpful on many design issues with good taste and helpful suggestions. His drawings and specifications were highly detailed which meant there was very little need for alterations and less possibility for disputes. The process of finding a builder was very fluent and seemed painless. Tom managed the construction phase well and had a good relationship with both the builders and ourselves. We had good information on choices and costings and Tom was helpfully firm with the builders when the occasion required it. We were very pleased with the final result.’
AS, Pilgrims Guest House
-
![]()
'Tom and his team brought clarity of vision and process.'
We had trouble establishing the proper scope for the project, we had no understanding of the Listed Building requirements and we needed an educated eye on the aesthetic consistency (and lack thereof) of our home.
Tom and his team brought clarity of vision and process. From the first meeting, I felt that even if we had not resolved all the issues, there would be resolution. Knowing that there is a logical progression, freed us up to be creative within it. Of course, experience and professionalism and industry contacts were hugely helpful, but at a personal level, we just felt we were in good hands.
Every time I come round a corner and see some change large or small, I feel like we have added to the value of our investment and increased our appreciation of the grand old lady that is our home.
JF, Ham Common House
-
![]()
'Tom Turner Architects brought a thoughtful and deeply considered approach'
‘We struggled to find an architect who truly understood the sensitivity required when working with a heritage building. We needed someone who would honour the past rather than simply impose something new.
What Tom Turner Architects brought to the project was a thoughtful and deeply considered approach. Tom combined a genuine respect for the building’s history with exceptional technical rigour, producing a highly detailed set of drawings and construction information. This clarity made the entire build process smooth, predictable and reassuring.
As a result, we feel we’ve made a positive contribution to a building whose story stretches back to the 1600s. The new addition sits comfortably within that narrative, ensuring the building can continue to evolve for generations to come.’
JA, The Old Manor House
‘The common thread through every project is an appreciation of the past combined with an understanding of how we live now. The result is a home that is natural to its environment and loved by you.’
Playlist: Home, the atmosphere of place