Business Details
36 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Services in Brighton
Established in 1990, our practice specialises in delivering tailored architectural solutions that harmonise design excellence with client aspirations. With over three decades of experience, we excel in residential refurbishments, heritage projects, and new-build homes, often navigating complex conservation challenges. Our work has earned multiple Sussex Heritage Trust Awards, reflecting our commitment to quality and context-sensitive design.We prioritise understanding each client's vision, transforming projects into spaces that enrich family life. As part of Spruce Architecture, we continue to blend innovation with practicality, guided by a philosophy rooted in the principles of renowned architects like Palladio and Scarpa. Our team combines global perspective with local expertise, serving clients across Brighton, Hove, and the South Downs.
Services
Residential Architecture
Heritage Refurbishment
New Build Homes
Loft Conversions
Extensions
Conservation Projects
Planning Consultancy
Barn Conversions
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in residential and heritage architecture
- Our team specialises in navigating complex conservation and planning challenges
- Award-winning designs recognised by Sussex Heritage Trust
- Collaborative approach prioritising client vision and practical needs
- Proven track record in delivering context-sensitive, energy-efficient homes
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
What people say
Absolute pleasure to deal with
Creative ideas exceeded expectations
Fantastic attention to detail
Expert navigation of planning challenges
Transformative design results
Services
Residential Architecture
Specialist architectural design for residential properties, combining modern functionality with contextual sensitivity. Expertise in listed buildings and conservation areas. Delivers bespoke solutions that enhance living spaces while maintaining structural integrity and historical character.
Heritage Refurbishment
Expert restoration and modernisation of heritage properties, balancing preservation with contemporary needs. Navigates complex planning regulations to retain architectural character while improving energy efficiency and usability for modern living.
New Build Homes
Design of bespoke new homes tailored to client lifestyles and site contexts. Integrates sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems while creating aesthetically striking, functional living environments that respond to landscape and surroundings.
Loft Conversions
Maximises vertical space through innovative loft conversions that create light-filled living areas. Combines structural expertise with creative design to transform underutilised spaces into functional rooms while maintaining roof integrity.
Extensions
Architectural extensions that seamlessly integrate with existing structures while meeting modern living requirements. Focuses on optimising natural light, spatial flow, and contextual harmony to enhance property value and functionality.
People
David Kemp
Architect
RIBA Chartered Architect with 30+ years' experience specialising in residential and heritage projects. Graduated from Brighton Polytechnic, established practice in 1990, and now part of Spruce Architecture. Recipient of multiple Sussex Heritage Trust Awards for innovative conservation work.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in residential architecture, heritage refurbishments, new-build homes, loft conversions, and extensions, with particular expertise in conservation projects and listed buildings.
Do you work outside Sussex?
While based in Brighton, we work across Sussex and have completed projects in Central London and the South Downs National Park.
How do you handle planning challenges?
Our team has extensive experience navigating complex planning regulations, particularly for heritage properties, ensuring compliance while achieving design objectives.
What awards have you won?
We've received eight Sussex Heritage Trust Awards for excellence in residential architecture and conservation projects since 2003.
Can you assist with listed building projects?
Yes, we have significant expertise in working with listed buildings, balancing preservation requirements with modern living needs.
How do you approach client collaboration?
We prioritise understanding client aspirations through detailed consultation, creating tailored designs that reflect individual needs and lifestyles.
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Reviews (4)
Arzu Shepherd
Feb 25, 2020
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We hired David at DK Architects as he came across as a architect who was willing to fulfil our long and varied brief as far as possible but was not afraid to challenge our thinking when he needed to. We had decided to go from a extensive renovation to a complete knock down and rebuild of our house, and David was not cowed by the challenge; indeed he had previous experience of this in the surrounding region.
This local knowledge was key to us, as it a critical factor in producing something that was acceptable to the local council, neighbours and also to ourselves. David achieved this with the first application and that is a testament to his expertise. David is a decent person and we are happy to have met him and worked with him on such an important life project, our family home. Many thanks to you David.
This local knowledge was key to us, as it a critical factor in producing something that was acceptable to the local council, neighbours and also to ourselves. David achieved this with the first application and that is a testament to his expertise. David is a decent person and we are happy to have met him and worked with him on such an important life project, our family home. Many thanks to you David.
Deborah Lacey
Dec 20, 2019
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DK Architects were capable and efficient in making the whole process go smoothly and it was a pleasure to work with them - from wonderful ideas for the design to planning permission and building regulations applications, to recommending builders. We decided on LK Carpentry who did a fantastic job. We originally had a large conservatory that formed part of the kitchen. It was spacious and bright but as usual with conservatories, it was freezing cold in winter and boiling hot in summer!
We now have a single storey extension instead of the conservatory with bifold doors opening on to the garden. We are so pleased with the result as it is beautifully designed, spacious and bright and so great that the heat all around the house is now much more even. Great job! Thanks very much.
We now have a single storey extension instead of the conservatory with bifold doors opening on to the garden. We are so pleased with the result as it is beautifully designed, spacious and bright and so great that the heat all around the house is now much more even. Great job! Thanks very much.
Tim Devitt
Apr 29, 2019
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Working with DK architects was an excellent experience. David provided measured and insightful advice and came up with a wonderful design for our large bungalow project. David's extensive experience enabled us to start on the design prior to moving in and his in-depth knowledge of the planning process, and likely obstacles, was invaluable in making the right decisions at the design stage which resulted in our planning application being approved at the first attempt.
We are thoroughly delighted with our finished home and would highly recommend DK Architect for their practical design ideas, professional approach and the easy working relationship that they engender.'
We are thoroughly delighted with our finished home and would highly recommend DK Architect for their practical design ideas, professional approach and the easy working relationship that they engender.'
Alan Whitefield
Jan 03, 2019
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DK architects are thoroughly professional with wonderful insight and a great talent for design. The advice given by David on how we can improve the original design for our three storey house renovation and extension meant we absolutely maximised the space and light in the house. The final design was perfect for our needs and the extension 'box' at the rear of our house still gets compliments from passers by more than one year after project completion. David provided a great deal of help navigating the planning process and was a huge comfort when the project faced challenges in getting the plans finally approved. We love the look and more importantly the feel of our home. I would happily recommend DK Architects for any renovation or extension project.
