Best Residential Architectural Design Practice 2026 – Essex
Invent Architecture & Design was named Best Residential Architectural Design Practice 2026 – Essex in the BUILD Architecture Awards 2026.
For our clients, this recognition is about more than a title. It reflects the consistent standard of service, design thinking and project care we bring to residential work across extensions, conversions, renovations and new homes.
We believe good architecture should do more than look impressive on paper. It should make everyday life work better – improving layout, light, flow and the long-term enjoyment of your home.
This award sits alongside the feedback we receive from our clients, whose reviews regularly highlight clear communication, thoughtful design and a smooth, well-managed process from first ideas through to completed drawings.
What This Award Means
Being recognised as the Best Residential Architectural Design Practice 2026 – Essex at the BUILD Architecture Awards is independent confirmation of how we approach residential design.
For homeowners and developers planning projects such as home extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, renovations and new build homes, it demonstrates our commitment to:
Designing residential spaces that are thoughtful, well‑proportioned and tailored to the way you live.
Clear, responsive communication throughout the design and approvals process.
Practical, buildable solutions that work on site – not just on paper.
Careful attention to planning, building regulations and technical detail.
Helping you unlock the full potential of your plot or existing home.
Every project is different, so we start by listening carefully to what you want from your home – more space, better light, improved flow or added value – and then translate those aims into designs that are beautiful, functional and realistic to build in the context of your property and budget.
What Our Clients Say
Awards are one form of recognition, but the experience of working together matters just as much. The feedback we receive from homeowners highlights the same qualities we aim to bring to every project – clear communication, thoughtful design and a smooth, well-managed process from first ideas through to completed drawings.
Best Residential Home Improvement Project 2026 – Essex
Invent Architecture & Design was awarded Best Residential Home Improvement Project 2026 (Essex): Home Extensions & Renovation in Wakes Colne in the BUILD Architecture Awards 2026.
The project transformed what was originally a fairly conventional red-brick bungalow into a distinctive contemporary home designed around space, natural light and open-plan living.
Our clients approached us through a recommendation with a clear ambition to completely rethink their home. Working from their initial ideas, we developed a comprehensive architectural design incorporating extensive extensions and internal alterations, dramatic glazed apexes, a completely new external material palette and a substantial open-plan kitchen, living and dining space centred around a double-sided fireplace.
Invent Architecture & Design supported the project from the initial consultation and measured survey through concept design, Planning Permission and Building Regulations, together with coordination of the structural engineer, Building Control and other consultants.
Our clients, who have their own construction experience, then took on the challenge of self-building the project and bringing our designs to life.
Completed in 2025, the finished home represents a remarkable transformation from the property we first visited in 2020, and we're incredibly proud to see that transformation recognised with a BUILD Architecture Award.
What This Award Means
Being recognised as Best Residential Home Improvement Project 2026 (Essex) is particularly meaningful because it celebrates the outcome of an individual home transformation, from the first conversations and initial design ideas through to the completed project.
For us, the Wakes Colne project demonstrates what can be achieved when an existing property is looked at differently. Rather than being constrained by the character of the original bungalow, the design sought to unlock its potential through carefully considered extensions, internal reconfiguration, increased natural light and a much stronger architectural identity.
The dramatic glazed apexes and contrasting external materials completely changed the appearance of the property, while internally the new open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas transformed how the home could be used and enjoyed.
It also reflects the collaborative nature of residential design. We developed and coordinated the architectural and technical design, while our clients used their own construction knowledge and experience to undertake the build and turn those drawings into the finished home.
For homeowners considering extending, renovating or completely reimagining an existing property, this award demonstrates that even an initially unremarkable home can have extraordinary potential with the right vision, design and execution.
LABC Excellence Awards 2020 – Regional Finalist
Invent Architecture & Design was delighted to be recognised as a Regional Finalist in the LABC Building Excellence Awards 2020, continuing the recognition we received in the previous year's awards.
The recognition reflects our commitment to producing well-considered residential designs supported by clear, detailed technical information and a practical understanding of the Building Regulations process.
What This RecognitionMeans
Being recognised by the LABC Building Excellence Awards for a second consecutive year is an achievement we're incredibly proud of.
It reinforces the standards we aim to maintain across every project, from the initial design through to the technical Building Regulations stage, and recognises the importance we place on producing practical, buildable solutions alongside good residential design.
For our clients, it provides further independent recognition of the quality, care and technical knowledge we bring to their projects.
LABC Excellence Awards 2019 – Regional Finalist
Invent Architecture & Design was proud to be recognised as a Regional Finalist in the LABC Building Excellence Awards 2019.
For our growing practice, this represented an important milestone and provided independent recognition of our approach to residential architectural design and Building Regulations.
What This Recognition Means
Being named a Regional Finalist is something we're extremely proud of and reflects the standards we aim to bring to every residential project.
Our approach combines thoughtful design with practical technical solutions, clear drawings and close coordination throughout the design and Building Regulations process.
Most importantly, this recognition reinforces our commitment to helping homeowners navigate what can often be a complicated process with greater clarity and confidence.