Architect
James Howell Designs
Trust score
59out of 100
Rating5.0★
Review volumeLow · 11
Source diversity1 source
VerificationListed
Based on rating, review volume, independent sources and verification. Evidence context — not a guarantee of workmanship.
Recent work
16 photosWork photos from the public profile
About
James Howell Designs has been vetted and approved by TrustATrader. Covering Essex, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Kent
Reviews · public evidence
What customers say
5.0out of 5
5 stars11
4 stars0
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star0
Highlights
"James is definitely the best architect that I have ever used from start to finish very professionally a architect that couldn't do enough for you. He thinks outside the box he help design my new house which turned out outstanding with some very complicated parts to it James was on hand though the whole of the build with advice or answers can't recommend James enough thank you for my dream home"
"James designed and project managed our house renovations in 2019. From the outset he was professional, listened to our wishes for the project and guided a team of builders through to the final excellent result."
"Very happy with the services provided, excellent service and fantastic design. We would highly recommend their services."
Detailed reviews
Replies to reviews
James is definitely the best architect that I have ever used from start to finish very professionally a architect that couldn't do enough for you. He thinks outside the box he help design my new house which turned out outstanding with some very complicated parts to it James was on hand though the whole of the build with advice or answers can't recommend James enough thank you for my dream home
Reply from the business
"Hello Tony, it was a rewarding challenge and more projects since. We’ve built a strong working relationship and always look forward to your next project. Many thanks for the review. James"
James designed and project managed our house renovations in 2019. From the outset he was professional, listened to our wishes for the project and guided a team of builders through to the final excellent result.
Reply from the business
"Hi Debbie, the photo doesn’t do your project justice as we had a number of alterations going on during the refurbishment of your home. The results have been rewarding and your cottage now has a few up to date luxuries. Always a pleasure to James"
Very happy with the services provided, excellent service and fantastic design. We would highly recommend their services.
James is a very nice chap. He has done multiple jobs for us, and we are very pleased. His is extremely efficient, does what you ask him to and is very prompt. I wouldn't use anyone else.
Everything went to plan he did all the drawing the building.
He's the best designer we have every worked with !
He's design features are great!
James Howell provided a great service making obtaining planning approval and submitting building control application and easy process. Thanks for your help James.
James is professional, efficient and thinks outside the box. He’s totally on the side of his clients. He really has looked out for me and my partner and ensured we are getting the best value for money from our builders. Thank you James 👍
This is the first time we have used James, and have been very impressed. Previous experience with architects is they more or less do what you ask for without any flair themselves. James has proved his worth coming up with ideas we had not thought of, and bringing the whole project to life. Taken a real interest in our job and now spending time with the builders making sure they completely understand the job. Will definitely use him again and would seriously recommend.
Working with James has been a pleasure. His attention to detail, and ability to truly listen has been invaluable. James is always Professional, responsive, and highly skilled. I would gladly recommend him to anyone looking for architectural work.
Local context
Rated 5.0★ — in line with the local average for architects in Chelmsford
Across 32 rated architects in Chelmsford, the typical rating is 5.0★. We compare against the same businesses a homeowner would find searching for this trade locally.
Public evidence checks
Public evidence shownTrust checks and red flags
Public review evidence5.0★ from 11 public reviewsAcross TrustATraderTrustATrader
Sources
1 named sourcesEvery signal, traced to its origin
Review sources
Public evidence checks
What's strong, and what to check yourself
✓Strong signals
✓Rating: 5.0★
!Worth checking yourself
!Review volume: Low · 11
!Source diversity: 1 source
!Verification: Listed
Verify at the sourceCheck them yourself
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Only someone on the Architects Registration Board (ARB) register may legally call themselves an 'architect' in the UK — ask for their ARB number and check it free at arb.org.uk. An 'architectural designer' or 'technologist' is a different, unregistered role (often capable, but not the same protection).
Agree how they charge before any work starts — a percentage of the build cost, a fixed fee, or an hourly rate — and exactly which stages it covers (concept design, planning application, building-regulations drawings, work on site), so there are no surprises later.
Confirm what they will actually handle versus what is excluded — the planning application, the building-control drawings, and whether they will administer the builder's contract on site — and get it, and a portfolio of similar projects, in writing.
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