Architects in Christchurch
ReFrame Studio’s Dorset office works with clients across Christchurch and the surrounding area. We design well-crafted, sustainable homes for homeowners and self-builders throughout the town. We love Christchurch’s unique coastal and riverside setting, from the historic Priory and harbour to the coastline at Mudeford.
We support projects at every stage - from early design and planning applications to building regulations and project management - creating thoughtful architecture that responds carefully to both people and place.
Residential Architects in Christchurch
ReFrame Studio works with homeowners and self-builders across Christchurch, designing carefully considered homes that respond to their setting and the way people live. Our projects range from home extensions and renovations to new-build houses and self-build projects, often within historic neighbourhoods and sensitive coastal contexts.
Christchurch has a distinctive architectural character — shaped by landmarks such as Christchurch Priory, its historic town centre, and its unique position between the River Avon and River Stour. From waterside settings and floodplain landscapes to established residential areas, our approach focuses on creating thoughtful, well-crafted homes that respond to these varied settings, balancing heritage, landscape and modern living.
Planning Permission in Christchurch
Navigating planning permission in Christchurch can be complex, particularly within conservation areas surrounding Christchurch Priory, the historic town centre, and sites influenced by the River Avon and River Stour, where flood risk and environmental considerations are key. As an RIBA Chartered architecture practice, we guide clients through the entire planning process — from early feasibility studies and pre-application advice to preparing and submitting planning applications.
Our understanding of the local planning authorities in Christchurch helps us develop proposals that respond sensitively to their context while meeting the needs of homeowners and self-builders. By combining thoughtful design with a clear planning strategy, we help maximise the chances of achieving a successful planning outcome.
Local Projects
A selection of projects from Christchurch and surrounding areas.
Boscombe Spa
New Build House
Boscombe Spa is a new-build residential house located on the south coast overlooking Poole Bay. The site occupies a highly sensitive planning context, positioned between two adjacent conservation areas and requiring a carefully considered architectural response.
ReFrame Studios worked closely with the client throughout the early stages of the project, engaging in a pre-application process with BCP Council to establish a design strategy that would respect the surrounding context while unlocking the site’s exceptional qualities. The resulting proposal replaces a dilapidated bungalow with a contemporary home that maximises uninterrupted sea views across Poole Bay while remaining sensitively sheltered by the mature landscape of Boscombe Chine Gardens.
Sustainability was a key driver in the project’s design and construction. The house is designed as a low-energy building, utilising Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), integrated solar roof tiles, and an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) to significantly reduce operational energy demand.
Through careful planning engagement and a clear architectural approach, planning permission for the new dwelling was achieved on the first submission.
Southern Wood
New Build Home
Pen Gallery
Shop and Gallery Fit-out
Meet the Team
Our Dorset studio is headed up by Scott, who grew up in the area, returning from London in 2021 to be back by the sea.
Based in Westbourne, the studio works extensively with clients across Christchurch and the surrounding areas of Dorset and the New Forest. Scott has a thorough understanding of the BCP planning process, alongside an established network of trusted local consultants and suppliers who support projects from concept through to completion.
Scott has strong links to Christchurch, having attended sixth form in the town and remaining part of the Twynham Alumni network, where he supports current pupils who are considering careers in architecture.
He is available for face-to-face meetings and regular site visits, guiding clients through each stage with clear, collaborative advice. His design approach is influenced by Christchurch’s distinctive setting — from the historic Priory and riverside landscapes of the Stour and Avon to the harbour and nearby coastline — alongside a broader appreciation of Dorset’s built and natural environment. This local insight informs a thoughtful, place-led approach to architecture.
Get in touch
If you are interested in talking to us about your new house design, self-build or residential development in the Christchurch area please get in touch with Scott. For all new projects we can arrange for a free initial consultation and site visit.