Conversions, Retrofit And New Homes.
Thistle is a nationwide, developer-led practice for the conversion and retrofit of existing buildings, and new homes on small sites. We test what a site can deliver, then design and deliver it, with one team from feasibility to site.
Your fixed fee on screen in two minutes.
Feasibility from £298. Pay half to start, from £149. The other half is waived when you go ahead with us. How it works.
Not ready yet? Get a free one-page summary.
5-star customer reviews on TrustpilotTrusted by developers across the UK
What We Do
One Team, Feasibility To Site.
Most projects start with a feasibility. If it is a Go, the same design team takes it through planning, technical design and onto site.
Feasibility
What the building can become, the planning route and the risks, with a clear Go or No-Go in five days.
Planning
Design and the planning application, led by Kaan, from pre-application advice to committee where it is needed.
Technical design
Building Regulations drawings and specification, with a chartered structural engineer managed by us.
Delivery
Tender and construction support, with the same team answering site queries the same day.
Buildings We Work On
Selected Work
Buildings We Have Tested And Built.
Why Developers Work With Us
Set Up For Developers.
Answers the same day
Site queries come back within a couple of hours. Calls, WhatsApp or your project portal, usually straight away.
A weekly meeting with your design team
Your project portal is updated several times a week, so you always know where things stand.
A chartered structural engineer, managed by us
From design to site, with full calculations, so structural questions on site get a quick answer.
One team from start to finish
Ed leads the technical stage, Kaan leads planning, and Jodi is with you throughout.
In Their Words
Hear It From Our Clients.
I booked a feasibility study before committing to the purchase of a property I intended to convert into an HMO. The team were thorough, professional and, most importantly, completely honest. Although the outcome wasn't what I initially hoped for due to planning constraints, the study identified significant risks that could have cost me a substantial amount of money had I proceeded without proper due diligence.
We have been working with Ed and the team at Thistle Architecture on a complex office-to-residential conversion and roof extension project in Winchester, and the service throughout has been excellent. Ed has been proactive, commercially minded and solutions-focused from day one.
I've worked with Edward and Kaan on several planning applications now, all of which have resulted in positive outcomes. They consistently provide a high standard of work, are thorough in their approach, and understand how to present a strong planning case.
I decided to work with Ed and the team due to their experience in HMO conversions. I was purchasing my first building to convert and needed expert guidance. The whole process was so enjoyable and the results were fantastic!
Thistlearchitecture recently did the full planning application on a Hotel we own to which they gain planning permission to turn it into a 9 bedroom HMO. Great service throughout, always easy to get on the phone and very details with their work.
Ed and his team are always friendly, professional and positive. They are exactly the team you want when working on complex projects.
Used Ed and his team to put my property through planning etc.. couldn’t fault them, came up with some great ideas and drawings.. would highly recommend!
The People
Who You're Working With.
Commercial and technical experience from £50,000 refurbs to £20m construction management. Founder of HMO Designers and HMO Checker, and a developer himself, so the advice comes from someone who has taken the risk personally.
BArch. Runs every feasibility from sketch scheme to sign-off, with 5+ years across residential and HMO planning, from deal sourcing through to submission.
A property sales background and strong HMO and developer knowledge. Jodi is the first point of contact for a free Expert Session: she helps you understand the opportunity, clarify your objectives, and choose the right feasibility route.
Working With Us
How To Start.
Not Ready Yet
Free one-page summary
The likely planning route, the main constraints and what a feasibility would answer, within one working day.
Get my free summaryTalk It Through
A free call with Jodi
Not sure which route fits? Jodi will talk through your building and the right next step. Larger schemes can speak to Ed directly.
Book a free callNot Sure Where To Start?
Talk It Through With Jodi.
A free call about your building, what you want from it and the right next step. Jodi is the first point of contact for every new project.
Larger scheme? Ten or more units, a commercial building, a portfolio or a joint venture: book a call with Ed, Thistle's founder.
Not Ready Yet?
Get a free one-page summary of your scheme.
Tell us about the property and we will send you a one-page summary within one working day: the likely planning route, the main constraints we can see, and what a full feasibility would answer.