Words

Testimonials

“Whatever we throw at OWL, they always deliver.”
“OWL thinks outside the box, inside the box, and around the box—unexpected solutions.”
“OWL doesn’t just draw it—they make it better.”
“A design beyond our expectations.”
“Do you only work nights?”
“Fantastic speed of delivery—1 week to Planning.”
“It’s a hoot working with OWL.”
Response to email stating (Congratulations, you now have a further planning approval… ) “Legendary! Thank you!”
“Life changing” was the response to moving into a large rear extension (10m x 8m) that looks to the sides, thus making a north and south garden whilst stopping overlooking from the west.

Architectural Design from Leeds – West Yorkshire OWL – Organising Working & Living

Our mission is not to sell you a building… …but to design and organize your Working & Living environment.

Contact Information

Phone: Please call to arrange a meeting. Personal Service: Provided by Grahame White. Flexible Hours: Available up to 7 days a week.

Covid-19 started a remote service, but I have worked from home since 2007…

I can review your project remotely and online. In recent years, I have completed several appraisals and designs without visiting the property. If available, adequate online information about the property allows me to build a 3D CAD model. Sometimes, I may ask you to provide a few basic measurements.

Commissions Include:

Residential: Houses, Bungalows, Extensions
Small Works: Undertaken
Industrial Buildings & Offices
Community Buildings
School Extensions/Alterations
GP/Dental Practices
Residential Care Homes
Ablutions

Design Philosophy

Design style and aesthetics are tuned to your requirements, not locked into a corporate image.

Professional Information

Professional Indemnity Insurance
VAT: Not registered for VAT, so no VAT added to your bill.
Flexible Payment: Only pay for the time needed for your project and abort at any stage without penalty.

Project Solutions

Solutions are designed to meet the building commissioner’s requirements and ensure efficient construction processes. “Quietly Functional and Competent Buildings”.

Note: No need to build an extension in some cases. We can often meet your needs within the existing envelope of your building or residence.

Property Purchase Advice

Thinking of buying a property? Have a sketch design done to explore possibilities before you buy—usually much cheaper than a valuation survey! See the Extension Appraisal Page. This can often be done online without a face-to-face meeting.

SHELTER Scheme

Many clients use the “Architect in the House” scheme for advice on what, where, and how to proceed with a project. Sometimes the advice is to find another property or to consult a specialist such as a structural engineer. We only offer our services where we can secure the best value. See the SHELTER Page.

Notable Projects

2025: Add a Modern Kitchen Dining Living Room to an 1893 Arts and Crafts Country House (2411).
2024: Supersize a bungalow in Adel (2408) Supersize semi in a diagonal direction into a large rear garden in Alwoodley (2255).
2023: Significant Loft Conversion in Adel (2301) – here the previous specialist company had failed to obtain planning permission).
2022: Supersize Semis on Alwoodley Lane in Leeds (2031+2230). Three duplex flats at HSBC Chapel Allerton (2215). Special case Front Dormers won on appeal Alwoodley (2046).
Lockdown Special: here a large estate house was supersized in various ways (2029). Substantial planning approvals were first by the LPA (Leeds) and then more via the Planning Inspector at Appeal. The New Permitted Development for adding one or two storeys was tested here; it was proven not to be a real permitted development in most locations.
2021: Listed Church Conversion for Dwelling in Woodlesford (1936) – here a poor internal arrangement was fixed. Extensive Permitted Developments in Hawksworth (2158)
2020: Green belt supersizing of a former pub conversion in Bramhope (2005) Flagstaff Gardens Blackpool (1812) – colourful Public Toilets.
2019: Sensitive extension to Listed Building Newsham Green (1747)
2018: Two-storey East Wing to Country House near Harewood (1706)
2017: Large extension and remodeling with Conservation Area in Guiseley (1764)
2016: Supersize estate house in Idle (1517) Up and Out extensions in all directions.
2015: Supersize bungalow in Harrogate (1425) using Enhance Permitted Development Rights.
2014: Nursing Home in North Wales (1327)
2013: Change of use of Village School to a Single Dwelling in Great Preston (1322)
2011: Largest Residential Extension in Green Belt – North View House, Shadwell Leeds (0714)
2010: Largest Project – St Oswald Primary School 2FE – 3000m².
2009: Quickest Planning Approval – 6 weeks.
2008: Largest Planning Application – 56-bed nursing home Bryn Awelon II in Criccieth, North Wales.
2007: Smallest fee paid for Planning & Building Regulation Application – £395.

Technology

3D Computer-Aided Design: Included as standard.

Interests

Keen interest in Grand Designs and Sustainability.

Terms and Conditions

hyperlink to pdf form/document 2025-01

Only pay for the time needed for your project and abort at any stage without penalty. These are the general terms of appointment as required by ARB** and RIBA*.

Hourly Rate: This is usually charged at an hourly rate of £60 and billed monthly. This usually extends to design work for “OWL” Organising Working and Living (or Learning), including:

Planning Advice
Planning Applications
Planning Appeals
Building Regulations Advice
Building Regulations Submission
Basic Schedule of Works for Pricing
Construction Advice
Ad hoc Site Inspections
Technical Advice

Where consultancy services are outside the competency of OWLarchitecture.com, a direct appointment of other consultants will be required, e.g., Construction Design and Management Regulations, Party Wall Agreements, Quantity Surveying, Contract Administration, Structural Calculations, and Topographical Surveys.

No Additional Costs: No extra charges for postage, printing (up to A3 size drawings), or mileage.

Digital Delivery: All work is generally issued by PDF. Many clients read and view A3 drawings on iPads.

Sustainable Design Principles

The ARB issued a guidance document in 2021 including sustainable design principles such as:

Understand the relationships between buildings, settlements, communities, and a changing climate.
Design low and zero carbon buildings.
Understand social sustainability and social value.
Preserve, integrate, and enhance natural habitats.
Apply principles such as Retrofit First, Fabric First, Passive Design, Daylighting, and appropriate renewable technologies.