Thomas Studio
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A Top 25 Grand Designs Architect
Latest articles on self build and planning permission
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Rural Land for Sale England: The Ultimate Guide to Finding and Buying Self-Build Plots in the Countryside
Rural Land for Sale England – A Complete Guide to Finding and Buying Self-Build Plots in the Countryside Estimated reading time: 10 minutes Key Takeaways Rural England offers increasing opportunities for self-build projects in picturesque settings. Understanding the self-build movement is crucial for aspiring builders. Finding suitable land involves multiple strategies, including registering with local…
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Planning Permission Countryside Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Building in Open Countryside England
Planning Permission Countryside Home: What You Need to Know Before Building in Open Countryside (England) Estimated reading time: 12 minutes Key Takeaways Building a home in the English countryside requires careful navigation of stricter planning permissions compared to urban areas. Understanding settlement boundaries and the legal framework is crucial for successful planning applications. Paragraph 84e…
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How to Get Planning Permission on Land: Your Step-by-Step Guide for England and Wales
How to Get Planning Permission on Land: Your Step-by-Step Guide for England and Wales Estimated reading time: 10 minutes Key Takeaways Understanding planning permission is crucial for land development in England and Wales. Approximately 75% of planning permissions are approved with proper application. Knowing when you need planning permission and preparing a solid application boosts…
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How to write a brief for your architect
We believe great buildings can only come from a great brief! If you are planning a self-build project and you are considering hiring an architect to help you realise your dream home, it is going to be important to getting the briefing process right. At Thomas Studio we have prepared a FREE guide to help…
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How to build a Paragraph-84(e) home in the open countryside
An in-depth guide to Paragraph-84(e) Are you thinking about building a Paragraph-84(e) home in the open countryside? If you are thinking about how to build a paragraph-84(e) home in the open countryside, or you are struggling to get through the planning system or appeal, we have set out below an in-depth guide. We focus on…
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Self build house in open countryside
About the project This dream self build house in open countryside is a triumph, as planning laws make it all but impossible to gain approval. However, the ‘all-but impossible’ – is at the cutting edge of the self build opportunity, and this self build project is a result of exemption clauses in planning law, which…
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Can I get planning permission in my garden?
10 Tips How to Get Planning Permission in Your Garden – Expert Guide 2025 Architect Garry Thomas sets out his 10 top tips for how to get planning permission in your garden, based on over 15 years of successful garden development projects across the UK. Before applying for planning consent for a house in your…
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The Chapel – Malvern
When History Meets Innovation: Transforming a Victorian Chapel Into an Award-Winning Art Gallery Home This Victorian chapel conversion in Malvern represents a pivotal project for Thomas Studio – one that demonstrates how the right architectural vision can transform a challenging heritage building into an extraordinary contemporary home. The three-storey chapel, perched dramatically on a steep…
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Managing Remote Building Sites: Effective Strategies for Rural Construction Projects
Managing Remote Building Sites: Project Management Tips for Rural Self-Builds Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Key Takeaways Table of contents Introduction Managing remote building sites is key to successful rural self-builds. As more people venture into rural self-builds, effective project planning is crucial. These countryside construction projects face unique challenges that demand innovative solutions.…
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Blending Modern Architecture with Rural Character: A Blueprint for Timeless Homes
Blending Modern Architecture with Rural Character: A Blueprint for Timeless Homes Estimated reading time: 10 minutes Key Takeaways Integration: Seamlessly blend traditional rural elements with modern design for timeless homes. Material Choice: Use natural materials like stone and timber to maintain rural authenticity. Modern Comforts: Incorporate contemporary amenities without compromising the rural character. Heritage Preservation:…
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Building in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Challenges, Environmental Considerations, and Best Practices
Building in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (National Landscapes) Estimated reading time: 10 minutes Key Takeaways Table of Contents Building in areas of outstanding natural beauty, or National Landscapes as they are now called, presents unique challenges and opportunities for rural homebuilders. With the rising demand for countryside homes, it’s essential to address the…
Garry Thomas Architect
Garry Thomas’s passion for architecture has been lifelong and has led him and his clients on the most extraordinary and award-winning journeys, including becoming a Top 25 Grand Designs Architect.
Now he delivers his unique skills and expertise with a national reach through his own independent practice, right back where it all started, in Fownhope, Herefordshire. Read more
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