Architects in Dorset
ReFrame Studio’s Dorset office is in Bournemouth. We design well-crafted, sustainable homes for homeowners and self-builders across Dorset, with a particular focus on its exceptional countryside. Our work is shaped by the county’s rolling landscapes, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and historic villages, as well as opportunities for barn conversions, replacement dwellings and carefully integrated new homes.
We support clients at every stage - from early concept design and planning strategy through to building regulations and project delivery - navigating the complexities of rural planning, landscape designations and heritage settings. Our approach is to create refined homes that sit comfortably within their surroundings, combining high-quality architecture with a deep understanding of Dorset’s unique character.
Residential Architects in Dorset
ReFrame Studio works with homeowners and self-builders across Dorset, designing carefully considered homes that respond to their setting and the way our clients want to live. Our projects range from home extensions and renovations to new-build houses, often set within rural landscapes, coastal sites and historic villages.
Dorset has a distinctive architectural character - from traditional cottages and farmsteads in the countryside to coastal homes and market town developments. Much of the county is shaped by protected landscapes, including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which require a sensitive and considered design approach. Our work focuses on creating thoughtful, well-crafted homes that balance context, sustainability and modern living.
Planning Permission in Dorset
Navigating planning permission in Dorset can be complex, particularly within conservation areas, heritage settings, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and sites affected by landscape or ecological constraints. 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 local planning policies across Dorset, including rural and coastal authorities, 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 Dorset and the surrounding areas.
The Bide Bothy
Countryside Retreat
The Bide Bothy is a cabin set on a working farm in rural Dorset, developed as part of a wider farm diversification project within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The original structure was undertaken as an in-house project by Scott in collaboration with his partner Caroline, evolving from a hands-on, experimental build into an award-winning piece of architecture.
Designed as an inviting and cosy retreat, the Bothy encourages rest and connection with the surrounding landscape, while also acting as a testing ground for sustainable technologies and innovative construction materials. Its simple form and carefully crafted detailing reflect a deep respect for its rural setting and agricultural context.
Originally constructed during the Covid lockdown on a driveway in Lincolnshire, the project embodies a resourceful and design-led approach, demonstrating how thoughtful architecture can emerge from constrained conditions and go on to form part of a high-quality, landscape-led development within one of Dorset’s most protected environments
Stays can be booked at www.thebide.com.
Boscombe Spa
New Build Clifftop Home
Southern Wood
New Build Forest Home
The Bide Nest
Contemporary Eco Cabin
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 with clients across Dorset, from its coastal towns to its rural landscapes and historic villages. Scott has a thorough understanding of planning processes across the county, including Dorset Council and BCP, alongside an established network of trusted local consultants and suppliers who can support projects from concept through to completion.
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 shaped by Dorset’s diverse character - from its dramatic coastline and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to its traditional villages, farmsteads and historic market towns. This local insight is reflected in projects such as the award-winning The Bide, part of a farm diversification project within the Dorset AONB, as well as a carefully considered home in the Branksome Park Conservation Area - both demonstrating a sensitive and 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 Dorset area please get in touch with Scott. For all new projects we can arrange for a free initial consultation and site visit.