Architecture Unknown Ltd

22 Reviews

Architects & Architectural Designers

14 Hires on Houzz

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About Us

6x Best of Houzz winner

Award winning

Eco-friendly

Award-winning Creative Architects serving Manchester & Cheshire

We are a young, progressive, Manchester-based architecture practice and progressive spatial facilitators, deeply rooted in sustainable and client focused design. We provide all facets of traditional architectural services, providing back end design support for the shaping of space, creating fun places to live, work and play. This can range from installations in community space to personal Home Improvement. We also facilitate the generation of plans and organisational structure, by providing a public engagement service, creating change in the community. The design ideals that underpin our approach are rooted in the positive possiblities afforded by creating strong relationships with our clients based on mutual respect and listening. Creating open, free and creative dialogue allows us to really tap into what it is that makes our clients tick meaning we get to the nub of the issue leading to the best possible outcomes for everyone involved. Delivering responsive solutions which have a minimal impact on the environment drives the architectural approach and as certified Passivhaus Designers we approach all our designs with the PassivHaus principles in mind. We can also plan your home improvements with future proofing in mind, conscious of the initial up front costs but insuring that any works now will not impinge on future improvements down the line.

Awards

ARB Certified, BUILD- Most Community-Focused Architecture Practice 2025: Manchester Structural Timber Awards 2025;Shortlisted for Pioneer Award: Peel Park Community Centre, RIBAJ 2021 Rising Star Award & Passive House Designer

Professional Information

ARB accredited Passive House Designer

Projects

Featured Review

Penelope Tugman

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22 Reviews for Architecture Unknown Ltd

Newest first

5.0|22 reviews

Work Quality

5.0

Communication

4.9

Value

5.0

Penelope Tugman

I had a shopping list of must haves and would likes - Charlie and Alice translated these ideas into a design that I can take to any builder with confidence, reducing the likelihood of unsatisfactory on-the-spot decision making during the build. It’s good to have a knowledgeable and experienced team that listen and support, developing my hopes and dreams into an achievable reality.

19 May, 2026

Mickey & Oli

We worked with Prem for our design in a day package to help redesign the layout of our new house. We had never worked with an architectural firm before as it was our first house that we had ever purchased so were quite nervous. Prem spent so much time with us talking through each of the stages, really understanding what our hopes were for our home, and putting a super creative flair on our initial ideas. The end result was more than we could've hoped for. Three amazingly designed floors, perfectly laid out furniture, and a staircase that won't easily be forgotten, ever. We can't wait to start working on the house now that we have these fantastic designs. Thank you for all of your help! M&O

18 May, 2026

Katie

We’ve had a really positive experience working with Architecture Unknown through the design phase. They are professional, approachable and very easy to work with, taking the time to understand what we wanted and guiding us clearly through each stage of the process. Communication has been excellent throughout. They have always been responsive and happy to answer questions, no matter how small, which has made the whole experience feel straightforward and well managed. Their advice has been practical and thoughtful, and we’ve felt confident in the decisions we’ve made with their support. A particular mention to Alice, who has been fantastic to work with - always responsive, helpful and proactive, and incredibly patient with my many questions and changing ideas! We’re really pleased with the outcome of the design phase and excited to move into the construction stage with them. We would definitely recommend Architecture Unknown to others looking for a reliable and collaborative architectural partner.

18 May, 2026

HU-627630004

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We were recommended to Architecture Unknown by a friend and had a very positive experience working with them on the redesign of our house. Charlie led our initial “design in a day”, which was a creative and useful way to start the process. It helped us understand what might be possible and shape our vision and ideas from an early stage. Prem joined a little later, and both he and Charlie were a pleasure to work with. Throughout the project, they were sensitive to the parameters of our brief and budget, and lines of communication were always open, even when challenges arose. They were always happy to answer our questions and explain things clearly as the project developed. We have carried out renovations before, but nothing on this scale, and their guidance helped make the process feel manageable. They always understood what we were trying to accomplish and supported us in turning that into a coherent and practical design. We are very grateful for their work in creating a beautiful house that works for us. Their professional, creative and balanced approach made a real difference, and we are very happy to recommend them – thank you Architecture Unknown.

6 March, 2026

HU-57513736

We have been working with AU on our kitchen extension since June. Well start work soon ( complete on the house next week!) and AU have been flawless in their creativity, problem solving & support. Planning permission was seamless which isn’t easy in Trafford. Prem & Dan have been awesome. As we move to build stage we are keeping them involved / retained which we hadn’t planned to do before we began working together but they’ve become a crucial to our process ! Such a strong recommend.

9 October, 2025

Dave Riding

We have been working with Architecture Unknown for a couple of years now, as they guided us through a house renovation. We asked the team to reconfigure a cellar, as well as another floor of the house, whilst installing an air source heat pump and associated insulation. Throughout the process the team have demonstrated an extremely high level of creativity, attention to detail, diligence, and superb communication skills which went well beyond our expectations of an architecture firm. In addition, the team have always been punctual, personable and good fun, and we have enjoyed working with them. Most importantly, we are delighted with the finished design and implementation, and would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone looking for high quality architecture and delivery.

13 December, 2024

John R

Daniel drew up architectural drawings for an extension to our 3 bedroom semi. Architecture Unknown listened to exactly what we were looking to get out of an extension and designed the extension to match our requirements. They offered advice on options that we hadn't thought of, nice design touches and then helped us through the process of getting planning permission, finding builders, building engineers etc etc! If you want a good architect that listens to your requirements, offers input and gets to a place where you have a design that meets your needs, then I recommend Architecture Unknown.

15 September, 2024

Greg Meade

I really enjoyed being part of the 'design in a day' process and also seeing how an architect problem-solves on the spot; it was really interesting for me, and Charlie was patient and mindful of the needs of the whole household throughout the process. Excited to see the next stages!

22 August, 2023

Steve Helme

Gabriela Simion and her colleagues at Architecture Unknown led the design through to installation of a new door and ramp at St. Clement's Church in East Manchester, showing patience and support during the process of arranging the required permissions and funding. The building works were carried out sympathetically and I have no hesitation recommending AU? as a great firm of architects to work with. Thanks and Blessings!

23 March, 2023

HU-494190516

Daniel has been helpful and efficient in his communication with me, and I love his designs. I’ve also appreciated his advice and recommendations throughout the process. I like the way AU present their charges up front, and are transparent in what they hope to achieve at each stage, including the way they have worked with me.

8 March, 2023

Trend Design & Build

AU? Are a great architectural team that I have been fortunate to work along side as a building contractor. I have a great relationship with both Charlie & Dan, their drawing packages are always very detailed, great eye for detail. They are very good at sorting all contracts between client and contractor acting as contract administrators, this is a great tool as it keeps transparency for the clients and contractor through a project large or small. I highly recommend AU? Sam @ Trend Design & Build

8 February, 2023

Jo Jones

Everything you want from an architect - personal, professional, creative, communicative, caring, brilliant. Highly recommended - the very best of the very best, yet fairly priced. Would not hesitate to recommend and would go to no other.

27 December, 2021

HU-994949652

We contacted Charlie and Dan in Jan 2021 to enquire about a project in our semi-detached, 1920s, 3 bedroom property. We wanted something imaginative and different that would open up (and brighten up) our downstairs space ready for our new arrival. The guys were open and communicative from the start, explaining their ethos and process clearly whilst respecting our timelines (tight, due to impending baby) and brief. We met several times over Zoom and shared ideas before Dan came round to understand more about the property and space. He quickly drew up exciting plans that met with our taste and, once we'd agreed on the scope, took it upon himself to move the project forward, recommending builders, structural engineers and providing assistance with admin aspects, such as building regs. Fast forward a few months and our project is happily in flight, it's a transformation that we can't wait to see the results of. A knocking down of an internal wall, moving our kitchen, removing chimney breasts and strategically brightening up the space. Without AU's vision and action oriented approach we wouldn't have been able to achieve this. They've been flexible throughout and a delight to work with. We would highly recommend them.

31 March, 2021

Conor Roche

Charlie and Dan were a joy to work with. Attentive to our needs while they took the initiative to contribute brilliant ideas throughout the process. They stuck to a very tight deadline and communicated clearly at every milestone. These are good people doing great work. I'm very happy we found them and I look forward to working together again in the future.

18 December, 2020

Harpurhey Neighbourhood Project

these lads are brill, we had problems with our building surveyor, the lads got the drawings & surveyor sorted! we are still with the lads! great service & really easy to talk to

12 November, 2020

chrisdshepard

Architecture Unknown is a company you rarely come across; mixing close personal connection, future-led design, environmental ethics and social conscience in equal measure. There's an immediacy of ease and involvement, with community their focus. The journey is seen as just as important as the outcome. This makes them great to work with and an ideal fit for National Trust, where we welcome and value everyone.

6 November, 2020

Julian Beach

It has been great working with Architecture Unknown from the initial meetings to discuss the potential designs of our new building, through community engagement, the build, and the final outcome of a fantastic-looking building that will serve as a brilliant Scouts HQ and community resource. AU’s Wikihouse design enabled us to keep costs down by using volunteers for some of the assembly work as well as allowing community involvement in the construction. They have remained actively involved in the project through to completion helping us turn our plans into reality.

2 November, 2020

Ian Roberts

Architecture Unknown were flexible in their approach in providing a ‘Design in a Day” service that met our needs to create initial designs for an amazing frontline community asset, within our small financial budget. Working with Charlie and Dan, and in particular, their personal approach to client requirements has provided us with an initial vision that has enabled us to share our ambitions with potential investors and funding bodies.

2 November, 2020

HU-425783459

We were very pleased to find Architecture Unknown who were not only open to working with us, but who offered their own ideas and embraced the concept of co-creation with enthusiasm. The process was enjoyable, comfortable and built trust between professionals and ourselves.

30 October, 2020

digitalwoodoo

Architecture Unknown are a great team, incredibly passionate and enthusiastic about people and architecture. A pleasure to work with and learn from during the process of developing our project. We’re looking forward to collaborating again in the future with this outstanding company.

29 October, 2020Last modified:31 October, 2020

Martine Susan

Architecture Unknown had the vision to guide us through a full conversion of a grade II listed building. The result is an inspirational combination of traditional Georgian features in the listed front part of the house with a modern light filled kitchen extension at the back involving a bespoke glass roof and window seat. The back elevation is a particularly impressive mix of traditional brick with modern glass and anthracite. The project was immense including full loft and cellar conversions, AU held our hands through complex relations with a myriad of professionals including party wall surveyors, conservation officers and building contractors. Much of the construction phase took place during the COVID pandemic which added an additional layer of complexity. AU were flexible and agile in an ever-changing situation and ensured safe working at all times. Their presence was calm, reassuring and professional. We would not hesitate to recommend them.

19 October, 2020

HU-65907071

It has been great working with Architecture Unknown, the final outcome is a fantastic-looking building that will serve as a brillant Scouts HQ and community resource. AU’s Wikihouse design enabled us to keep costs down by using volunteers for some of the assembly work as well as allowing community involvement in the construction.

15 October, 2020

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Business Details

Business Name

Architecture Unknown Ltd

Phone Number

07480 534778

Website

www.architectureunknown.co.uk

Address

Manchester,, Lancashire M40 7FS
United Kingdom

Typical Job Cost

£150,000 - £600,000

We off a highly professional and exciting architectural service which we call the 'Design Study' . This includes the fun 'Design in a Day' service where we design with you as a team around your kitchen table. Our Desing study service has a range of involvement options allowing you to tailor what service would suit you depending on your budget, size of project and how deep you want us to go into the design process. Prices start at £600 for our basic service, call now to discuss!!!

Followers

13 Followers

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Services Provided

Architectural Design

Architectural Drawings

House Extensions

Home Renovation

New Home Build

Building Design

House Plans

Loft Conversion

House Restoration

Design Consultation

Sustainable Design

Floor Plans

Project Management

Basement Conversion

Eco Homes

Loft Restoration

Accessible Design

Site Planning

Drafting

Passive Houses

Tiny House Building

Prefab Home Extensions

Prefab Homes

Garage Design

Space Planning

Custom Build Home

Garden Pods

Passive House Designer

Self build Garden Pods

Self build homes

WikiHouse

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Areas Served

Cheshire

Manchester

Trafford

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Credentials

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1 Ideabook

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Architecture Unknown Ltd