25+ Years Local Expertise | Residential, Heritage and Sustainable Design

Transform your home with thoughtful, innovative design. From concept to completion, we deliver architectural solutions that enhance how you live whilst respecting Somerset's unique character and planning requirements.

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About MJW Architects

MJW Architects is a RIBA chartered architectural practice based in Somerset, serving homeowners throughout the South West for over 25 years. We specialise in residential architecture that responds sensitively to its context—whether extending a period property in Bath, converting a Somerset barn, or creating a contemporary new build in the Mendip Hills.

Our approach combines creative design with practical expertise in planning, building regulations and construction. As a RIBA chartered practice, we deliver professional architectural services across all project stages, from initial consultation through to completion on site. We work throughout Somerset, Bath, Bristol and beyond, offering both full architectural services and planning consultancy to suit your project needs.

Every project receives the personal attention of principal architect Michael J Williams, ensuring consistent quality and a collaborative design process that places your needs at its heart.

Architectural Services

Featured New Build House Projects

Housing Development

Self-Build Farm House

Self-Build House

Underground House

Contemporary Stone House

Passivhaus New Build

Community Housing

Sustainable Home

New Build Houses Across Somerset & Wiltshire

Create your dream home from the ground up. Whether building in a rural plot, a village infill site or an urban garden, we design new houses that respond to their landscape and context whilst delivering innovative, sustainable architecture.

Our new build projects range from contemporary eco-homes to contextual designs in sensitive village settings. Each design responds to site opportunities—views, orientation, topography—whilst addressing planning constraints and achieving Building Regulations compliance including increasingly demanding energy performance standards.

We offer particular expertise in Passivhaus and low-energy design, creating comfortable, healthy homes with minimal running costs. Our approach integrates architecture, landscape and sustainability from the earliest concept stages, delivering buildings that enhance their surroundings and stand the test of time.

Sustainable design including Passivhaus and low-energy solutions

Site-responsive architecture maximising views, light and landscape connection

Complete service from land assessment through construction to completion

Planning success in challenging contexts including AONB and conservation areas

See All New Build Projects

Featured Conversions and Refurbishment Projects

Agricultural Building Conversion

Garage Conversion

Outbuilding Conversion

Old Chapel Conversion

Contemporary Stone Barn

Stone Barn Conversion

Historic Barn Conversion

Sustainable House Conversion

Barn Conversions and Rural Building Conversions

Breathe new life into Somerset's agricultural heritage. We specialise in converting barns, mills, chapels and other rural buildings into exceptional homes that celebrate their history whilst meeting contemporary living standards.

Our conversion projects demonstrate deep understanding of traditional construction methods, conservation principles and the planning considerations unique to rural conversions. We work sensitively with existing structures, retaining character features whilst introducing modern comfort, daylight and energy performance.

Whether your barn is listed, within a conservation area or requires agricultural occupancy considerations, we bring proven expertise in securing planning consent and listed building approvals. Our designs respect the building's agricultural origins whilst creating distinctive, characterful homes perfectly suited to rural Somerset living.

Proven success with complex rural planning applications and listed building consents

Sensitive design that celebrates original features and traditional materials

Expertise in structural solutions for agricultural buildings

Energy efficiency strategies appropriate to historic buildings

See All Barn Conversions & Rural Buildings Projects

Featured Listed Building and Heritage Projects

Georgian House Restoration

Farmhouse Restoration

Farmhouse Conversion

Garden Room

Listed Building

Lutyens House

Listed Building & Heritage Projects

Enhance historic buildings with confidence. Our heritage architecture service combines conservation expertise with creative design, enabling listed buildings and properties in conservation areas to adapt to modern life whilst preserving their significance.

We work with Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II listed buildings across Somerset, securing listed building consents and planning approvals for extensions, alterations, conversions and restoration projects. Our approach respects historic fabric and traditional construction methods whilst introducing contemporary interventions where appropriate.

With deep understanding of Somerset's vernacular architecture—from medieval timber frames to Georgian townhouses and Victorian country estates—we design alterations and additions that enhance rather than compromise historic character. Our projects demonstrate that heritage buildings can accommodate twenty-first century living standards whilst retaining the qualities that make them special.

Proven success with complex listed building and conservation area applications

Expert understanding of historic construction and traditional materials

Collaborative approach with conservation officers and heritage consultants

Sensitive contemporary interventions that enhance historic buildings

View All heritage Projects

Featured House Extension Projects

Front Porch

Garden Room

Garden Office

Oak Frame

Listed Building

Glass Extension

Lutyens House

Contemporary Extension

Featured House Extension Projects

Transform your home with a thoughtfully designed extension that enhances both space and lifestyle. We create additions that feel integral to your existing property—whether a contemporary glass link, a traditional stone extension, or a multi-storey transformation.

Our extension projects range from modest single-storey rear additions to substantial two-storey side extensions, each designed to maximise natural light, improve circulation and respond to your site's unique opportunities and constraints. We handle the full process from concept design through planning and building regulations to construction completion.

With extensive experience across Somerset's varied planning authorities and conservation areas, we successfully navigate permitted development rules, planning applications and listed building consents. Our extensions respect the character of your home and neighbourhood whilst delivering the modern living spaces you need.

Expert planning navigation including permitted development and conservation areas

Sustainable design with focus on natural light, ventilation and energy efficiency

Space planning that enhances how your home works for daily life

Seamless integration with existing architecture and materials

See All House Extensions