About
A Feasibility-First Architectural Practice.
We analyse the data, so the answer is accurate and the wait is short. We work with developers and high-end residential clients on retrofit, conversion, and the reuse of existing buildings.
Who We Are
An Architecture Practice,
Built Around Feasibility.
Thistle Architecture tests whether a building can become something more valuable, then designs and delivers the answer. Every scheme starts with the numbers, the planning policy, and the existing structure, so you know whether a deal stacks up before you commit to it.
Thistle Architecture is part of the Thistle Group, alongside HMO Designers and HMO Checker. Some of the team also develop and invest in the same kinds of buildings our clients buy, which sharpens the advice, but it supports the architecture, it doesn't replace it.
Feasibility First
Every project starts with the same question: does this actually work? We answer it with a fixed-fee feasibility before a single line is drawn.
Existing Buildings & Retrofit
Most of what we do is testing and reusing what's already there, not building on a clean slate.
Data-Informed Decisions
Planning history, policy, comparables and viability, checked before judgement is applied, not instead of it.
Developer-Led, Commercially Aware Design
We design with the numbers in view throughout, not as a check at the end.
One Team Through Delivery
The person who runs your feasibility is the designer you keep working with through planning and delivery.
The Team
The People Behind
Every Feasibility.
Edward Kercher
Founder & Director
Sets the commercial and technical standard every feasibility is judged against, from £50,000 refurbishments to £20m construction management. Founded the Thistle Group, so the developer's perspective is built into how the practice works, not bolted on afterwards.
BA (Hons) Architectural Technology, CIAT Affiliate
Kaan Taskin
Design & Planning Lead
Kaan runs every feasibility from the first sketch scheme to sign-off, and is the designer most clients work with through planning. He leads the planning process across the practice, managing projects from feasibility to submission, coordinating consultants and acting as the quality check before anything goes to a council. He joined Thistle in 2024 after five years across residential and HMO work, from deal sourcing through to submission, and holds a BArch in Architecture.
BArch in Architecture
Jan Kercher
Interior Designer
Jan leads interior design across the Thistle Group, making sure every scheme is finished to a demanding standard once the architecture is settled. She produces the room-by-room mood boards, specifications and interior design packs for co-living, HMO and residential projects, and works alongside the design team from feasibility so the interiors are planned in rather than added at the end. She brings 25 years across interior design, graphic design and brand management, and holds an HND in Design and is an Associate of the CIPD.
HND Design, Associate CIPD
Adouj Abu Saadeh
Architectural Designer
Brings international practice experience in Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the UAE to the design team, since moving to the UK.
BA Architecture, Bilkent University (High Honours, 2019); LEED Green Associate
Seyma Dilber
Architectural Designer
Seyma takes projects from the first survey through design and into the planning and technical stages, producing the planning drawings and technical packages that carry a scheme from consent to site. She has six years across residential and HMO work, commercial surveying, design and planning in the UK, and holds a BSc in Architecture and an MA in Interior Design.
BSc Architecture, MA Interior Design
Beverley Gibbs
Practice Manager
Looks after the finance and admin that keeps every project on track behind the scenes, with over 20 years of practice and studio management experience.
BA (Hons)
Jodi Edgley
Business Developer
Leads the first conversation behind every feasibility, gathering the project details and understanding the client’s commercial goals before the design team begins. Commercial-to-residential and HMO investment specialist
10 years in estate agency, NAEA qualified
Client Reviews
Judged On The Outcome.
Every review on our Trustpilot profile is five star. Read them all
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 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 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!
How We Work
Data First, Then Drawings.
Most practices design first and worry about viability later. We do it the other way round. We analyse the data first, which makes the answer more accurate and cuts the time it takes to get it. The team that runs your feasibility stays with you through sketch scheme, planning, and delivery, so nothing is lost in handover.