RRA Architects

When we were looking to extend and restyle our house, RRA Architects were highly recommended to us by family and friends. Now having got to know and work with the RRA Team, we hope one day to be able to add to and pass on that recommendation to those nearest and dearest to us… RRA’s Oliver and James took our clouded ideas, listened carefully to what we wanted and needed, often when we didn’t even know ourselves what that was. With friendly professionalism, endless patience and inspiring technical knowhow and creativity, we were guided through every stage of the design and planning process, relieving us from much of the often bewildering bureaucratic aspects. We were advised and introduced to first class contractors that we could work with and were best able to deliver our project. We genuinely looked forward to every phone call and working meeting with Oliver, James and the wider RRA Team. Our project is currently ongoing, but already RRA have taken our aspirations of having a ‘nice house’ and turned them into our dream forever home, full of beautiful, unique, and creative design partnered with responsible, practical, and long-lasting functionality. We look forward to completion, but continue to enjoy our working relationship and project evolution... Thank you RRA Lee & Alex

RRA did excellent drawings for our home extension, gave us good advice regarding necessary planning requirements, and connected us with everyone we needed to speak to (and some great builders too). They come very highly recommended - thanks to Mark and Sarah-Jane particularly!

I used RRA to assist with the planning application and design & lay out of a grade 2 listed property conversion in Cheltenham. The planning application was fairly laborious but RRA assisted from start to finish and seemed to have good relations and communications with the planning department. I would always use them for future projects and highly recommend Mark and the team to anyone considering using them

RRA helped us turn our basic ideas into detailed plans with improvements we would never have thought of ourselves. The level of service continued to be highly responsive throughout the project, with flexibility to have meetings in the evening after work. Would highly recommend!

RRA provided us with a first-rate service that has resulted in a modern extension that complements our old property. A satisfactory fusion between the new and the old was a critical part of the brief we asked RRA to follow. We were able to choose from a selection of draft designs and to have our own ideas accommodated within the architect’s design but still retaining the balance of the original design concept. A key element leading to the success of this project was the initial supply of builders names for the tendering process and help selecting the chosen firm who turned out trumps and completed the project only a few weeks late in spite of an appalling wet winter and covid-19. The architect quickly established a professional yet congenial client relationship and responded promptly and efficiently to our questions and concerns. Once building work commenced any problem areas were thoroughly investigated and resolved reflecting a good working relationship between architect, client and builder. Monthly site meetings between the three parties ensured that any outstanding or new issues were discussed and followed up resulting in minimal delays to the project. Likewise budgets were monitored and costs checked to avoid overspend. We would not hesitate to recommend RRA’s services to other homeowners who want to guarantee a reliable, competent and professional service.

Absolutely loved working with RRA. Mark and Olly completely understood our brief and how we needed our house to work for our family. Comms were really great and they were excellent at answering questions really honestly. We’re really happy with the end result and wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again.

We employed RRA first in 2015 to remodel our home. It is an old cottage that had botched extensions that we build in the past and the house didn’t work as a family home. We had lived their 5 years before we could around to calling an architect. I wished we did it sooner. RRA had some great ideas, and the house now works great. We employed them again in 2018 to convert our outbuilding into annexe for relatives to stay and as home office / gym. Again the design ideas and service was first class.

We have engaged RRA on 5 separate projects from large extensions, conversions and now a new build bungalow. From our initial idea's they use their considerable expertise and knowledge to design class leading designs. They have worked closely with us (client) to advise on best practice, innovation and direction to obtain that all important planning permission. They are professional in everything they do and so accommodating in achieving your future goals. Excellent company with enthusiastic and professional employee's. Highly recommended

We needed an Architects firm to provide Concept proposals for improvements we wanted to make to the Club House at our Golf Club. We needed some ideas we could then present to the members in order to get support and funding. RRA came up with some great ideas, with some 3D computer visuals which has now got support from the club. The funding raising is going very well as all members love the scheme, so we will employ RRA for the next stages and start work next year! Definitely recommend.

Wanting a loft conversion to create an extra bedroom. In 2018, I did an internet search and found RRA Architects. Looking at their website with so many impressive projects on it, I thought my loft conversion would maybe, be too small a project and not be of interest to them. But as I didn’t know where to start or the best way to go about it, I called them as none of the other local architects caught my eye. So glad I called. Even with my small build budget, RRA took me through the process step by step. Prepared designs, got me planning permission and building regs approval and also recommended builders and tradesmen who did some of the work I couldn’t myself. I was concerned that the new stairs up to the new room would take up a lot of space, but RRA produced a number of options so I could see how it would work, and there was even enough room for an en-suite. We now have a huge much needed 4th bedroom, and have increased the value of the house much more that what we spent. Would recommend RRA Architects to anyone even with a small project. Highly recommended. 5 Stars.

RRA Architects was recommended to us by two different sources, friends who used them previously and our estate agent. From the first meeting with Mark and the team, we knew we were in good hands. When we bought our very dated, 'doer-upper' we knew what we wanted to do - or thought we did. RRA drew up four design concept options. The first option was what we asked for, the other three were options that we had not even thought of. By the end of our second meeting the design was decided. We now have a house that is far better than we could have imagined. The space, flow and little design details could not have been achieved without their vision. The process was much easier than we expected and our builder was also very happy that the architects drawings had all the information he needed. Very happy clients - we would happily appoint RRA again, but can't see us moving from this house now!

We wanted to extend our garden but we did not know how to apply for planning permission. Mark provided excellent, professional guidance, through the entire planning process. He was always available for questions and was a calm, reliable, assured presence throughout. I'd definitely recommend Mark and his team.

We have been working with RRA for some time now , our particular project is and will be ongoing , we have found outstanding forward thinking professionalism in their own field together with a deep understanding of the surrounding agencies that sometimes need to be involved in our complicated planning system have been fundamental in taking our projects forward . Communication within whole team has helped instil confidence .

I am a (retiring) NHBC house builder who has developed and built a number of sites in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. I have used RRA for over 30 years to draw up my plans. I have found them a friendly, professional set of architects able to produce plans on time, to an agreed budget, and most importantly able to accommodate changes that are demanded by customers/needed in the course of development.

We work with Mark and the team at RRA on a range of projects and often refer them to clients of ours who may be considering altering and extending new or existing purchases. We always find Mark and his colleagues to be supremely professional, incredibly approachable and excellent value for money.

Mark and his team helped us every step of the way. From their initial brilliant designs and imaginative use of space, they then helped us with planning, identifying and selecting the builders, agreeing the contract and finally managing the monthly progress meetings with the builder and surveyor. They truly provide an end to end service. The result is we have a wonderful extension that we use every day and has added much value to our property. Their design is our reality - wonderful. We recommend RRA to anyone looking to extend and improve their home.

I have found Tom Froggatt and RRA to be efficient and understanding of client needs and planning imperatives but adopting pragmatism where required.

RRA are excellent they have great knowledge and Mark has been a great help. They have done two planning applications for us and have always done a great job we would never use anyone else and would highly recommend to anyone. Mark has also helped us with advise, his expert knowledge on other projects also.

We instructed RRA (Mark and Olly) to work on our complete home renovation project in Cheltenham. With very rough ideas of what we wanted their expertise and experience guided us through a minefield of choices and we are thrilled with the house we now live in. They took us to various previous projects to view materials and ideas which helped us choose our final internal and exterior finishes . This 2 yearlong project saw many twists and turns and was without question one of the most stressful things we have undergone but we have to say we were filled with confidence in RRA's ability and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone. A very professional company, who will go above & beyond to ensure they design exactly what you want and who truly care about their customer.

If you're looking for an architectural practice that will work along side you, to come up with something completely original, or to help you to refine your ideas, then look no further - RRA Architects is the place to go! Mark and his team were very easy to work with, when my husband and I decided to extend and re-model our downstairs living space a few years ago. They came up with some initial concepts which they presented to us and took on board our suggestions. We are very happy with the finished result - a multi-purpose space that comprises our kitchen, dining area and a lounge area.

We stumbled upon RRA in 2016 and asked them to come on board for the conversion of a Listed building in the middle of Cheltenham. We were impressed by their ideas and their detailed work so have moved on to use them for more projects we've been invlolved with. Very glad to see them growing and look forward to undertaking many more projects in the future

I have worked with RRA Architects on numerous projects over the past 5 years and have always found them to be professional, diligent and creative in designing fantastic spaces for their clients.

As a result of working with RRA we have an extension that continues to blow us away! It was through their vision and gentle 'nudging' we have a space which works brilliantly and looks amazing. Without RRA we could have ended up with a fairly predictable extension on the back of a red brick semi. But we have curved walls, and bare brick, and a fabulous massive pane of glass - all contributing to a stunning entertaining space.

When Mark Powles asked me if I might be kind enough to write a review of his company I did not hesitate in saying ‘ yes ‘ . We first saw what would be our new home on 14-7-2015 and peering over the gate for the first time we just knew immediately that this property could be for us. It was originally designed as a coach house to provide accommodation for both carriages ,stabling and ancillary facilities for horses for the adjacent mansion. It was constructed of mellow Cotswold stone and appeared pretty neglected but it had tremendous potential and the specification met all our aspirations. Negotiations were protracted due to the reluctance on the part of the vendor to answer basic questions in relation to the property. Initially we were not told that the property was curtilage listed grade 2 and that a large extension constructed 30 years previously was the subject of an enforcement order, as were the plastic windows. I mention this because it sets the scene in respect of the enormity of the project. This was going to be a challenge from beginning to end and we could see that we would need an architect who was easy to work with over a lengthy period, who had experience in the field of restoration and, importantly, could work with our Cotswold District Council Conservation Officer. At this point we were introduced to Mark Powles of RRA Architects and immediately we realised that he met or indeed exceeded all our parameters. Mark is a patient listener and was eager to interpret our needs and , importantly , had considerable experience of historic building restoration. He , and we, faced many challenges over the following 8 months and I have to say that without his skills as a negotiator and his understanding of what was going to be needed to reach our ultimate goal we would have been hopelessly lost. I cannot adequately stress the importance of having the right man in charge when the project is large and prolonged. Mark was able to liaise with our builder, Cover Construction, on a daily basis and I cannot recall a cross word between any of us during the eight months that it took to complete. Such was our trust and confidence that we worked on a ‘cost plus ‘ basis with an ultimate outlay of circa £800000 and such was our delight at the finish that we held a well deserved party for all those involved. We now have a wonderful 5 bedroom house incorporating a lift, 5 Victorian stables, a superb copper roofed dining area as an extension and it all gives us joy on every day. Our thanks to them all. Finally I must add that I was not paid or rewarded in any sense for this appraisal.

Mark and his team at RRA helped us with three separate stages of our house development and extension. They have always been really helpful, and open to us adding our input into the designs.

Very professional young practice, and most helpful in drawing up and submitting my requirements for planning approval, which came through very quickly. We were all on the same ‘wavelength’ in terms of overall design for the small extensions/remodelling of my 30-years old detached house, and they made several further proposals which I have adopted. Completion now almost there, so I am really looking forward to that event notwithstanding the national virtual shutdown due to the current pandemic. Good firm to have on board for its expertise.

Mark and the team have been absolutely outstanding, the service they provide is excellent and coupled with a really impressive product. The team are extremely professional and experienced, taking the stress and hassle out of the planning and design process.

We have worked with RRA on a number of projects. Their creative team are professional, efficient and have provided excellent customer service. We will certainly be using them for any up coming projects.

RRA have been a pleasure to work with, particularly given that my project hasn't been straightforward. They have responded promptly to requests for revisions throughout, & their ability to create innovative designs is impressive. Their patience in the face of several restrictive issues is noted, as is their expertise & knowledge of planning constraints.

Mark and his team have been excellent and a delight to work with. Response times have always been superb and clarity provided at every step of the way. So unlike the previous architects we used.....

Hired RRA for a extension to you house fantastic service from Start to finish came up with some great designs .i would highly Recommend RRA