As we reach the end of 2025, we’re taking a moment to look back at some of the highlights from what has been another busy and hugely rewarding year for the practice. Thank you to all our clients, partners, consultants and friends who have been part of the journey.
At Richmond Bell Architects, we pride ourselves on building strong relationships with planning authorities and working collaboratively to guide projects through the complexities of the planning system.
This year, we secured multiple planning permissions across the South and South West, including The Old Chicken Shed in Dorset (pictured above). On this project, we worked closely with Atlas Planning Group to address new Biodiversity Net Gain requirements through a carefully considered, landscape-led scheme. Recent approvals also include Jurassic House, a clifftop dwelling in Dorset, Anthorn, a contemporary eco home in Dorset, and Clere House, a new Georgian farmhouse in Hampshire.
Further permissions in Hampshire, Wiltshire, the New Forest, Surrey and London reflect the continued trust our clients place in us to manage the planning process with care, insight and expertise.
Alongside a number of new commissions this year, we also enter 2026 with several exciting builds nearing completion. We’re especially excited to see progress at Home on a Vineyard near Salisbury, where the main structure and feature glulam beams were installed in April along with SIPs panelling. This ‘upside-down’ home locates its living spaces on the first floor to capture the sweeping countryside and vineyard views.
A highlight of our design work this year has been Home for a Sculptor (pictured above), a traditional mill which has undergone a complete restoration.
Our approach respects the building’s history while adding a modern steel and glass extension that opens to the river. In the garden, an outbuilding now serves as a bright studio for the client, a sculptor. Sustainability is at the heart of the design, with solar panels providing heat for both the house and studio, and a green roof encourages biodiversity.
Giving back to our local community remains central to who we are. This year our team supported the Trussell Trust and Salisbury Foodbank earlier this month, offered pro bono design work to North Dorset Rugby Club on their new club house, and continued our involvement with Rowbarrow Community Project in Salisbury.
We are looking forward to continuing our momentum into the New Year, with several major projects on the horizon. We will be progressing designs for a project in the New Forest, working alongside Daniel Combes Garden Design, submitting outline planning for a 80-home development near Shaftesbury and commencing on-site work at Jurassic House (pictured).
We look forward to another year of collaboration and meaningful progress.
Wishing you a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
From all of us at Richmond Bell Architects, thank you for your continued support.
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