Autumn 2026
— 15 October 2026
And just like that, autumn is upon us! The leaves are turning, the temperatures are dropping and, despite some welcome rainfall, drought conditions remain.
We’ve enjoyed some beautiful autumn sunshine, bringing the natural and built environment around us to life. Yet the changing temperatures have presented their own challenges, with chilly mornings and evenings giving way to warmer afternoons; a reminder of how important it is to create homes that respond to the changing seasons.
As architects, we’re passionate about designing spaces that offer comfort while maintaining a strong connection to the natural world. The rhythms of the seasons continually inform our approach, inspiring us to create homes that work in harmony with their surroundings.
As we all prepare for winter, we wish you a wonderful autumn. If the changing weather has you thinking about how to make your home more comfortable, efficient and adaptable throughout the year, we’re here to help you make the most of your space, whatever the season.
On the Drawing Board
We have a diverse and exciting range of projects on the drawing board, each presenting its own unique design opportunities and challenges.
These include refining hard landscaping proposals for a beautiful Grade II listed country house, where designs aim to strengthen connections with the surrounding landscape and frame views of the house for generations to come.
In West Oxfordshire, we are privileged to be designing a new home nestled within a wonderful walled garden. Here, we are carefully balancing competing design priorities, creating shelter and privacy while preserving open, far-reaching views.
Meanwhile, in North Oxfordshire, we are applying the same considered design approach to contemporary additional family accommodation at the rear of a traditional country house. The challenge lies in striking the right balance between old and new, creating a sensitive yet distinctly contemporary addition that complements its historic setting.
Planning (RIBA Stage 3)
We continue to progress projects through the planning system, working closely with our clients and fellow consultants to develop strategies that respond to the complexities of each individual application.
Planning can be a lengthy process, with significant implications for project programmes. Every site presents its own unique considerations, all of which can influence both the design proposals and the planning strategy. Careful preparation, early collaboration and a clear understanding of the potential challenges are essential.
By working with a coordinated team, we aim to anticipate requirements and navigate the planning journey as effectively as possible. However, even with thorough preparation, unexpected challenges can arise along the way.
We are pleased to have recently secured planning permission for two exciting projects:
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A central London mews house — including proposals for a new basement and mansard roof.
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A new wing to an existing barn in the Cotswolds AONB — on a site at the edge of a village.
These approvals reflect the importance of a considered, site-specific approach and collaborative working in achieving successful planning outcomes.
Technical Design (RIBA Stage 4)
A stage not to be underestimated! This is where the quality, specification and regulatory compliance of a building are carefully scrutinised and confirmed. We place great importance on this part of the process, ensuring our clients’ design aspirations are translated into a high-quality, well-considered and compliant finished buildings.
We have recently completed a tender package for a substantial, one-off new country house in Oxfordshire. Working closely with our clients, we prepared a comprehensive set of tender drawings, specifications and schedules to enable contractors to price the project accurately and consistently.
We look forward to seeing this exciting project progress to site and, in due course, sharing more of its development with you.
On Site (RIBA Stage 5)
We champion the traditional procurement route for our projects and offer a comprehensive range of traditional architectural services, including Contract Administration, Lead Designer and Project Management. This approach allows us to remain closely involved throughout the entire journey, from initial concepts through to construction and completion, helping to protect the design intent and maintain quality at every stage.
For larger or more complex projects, we are equally happy to work as part of a wider consultant team, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities that support a coordinated and collaborative approach.
To learn more about the William Green Architects design process and how we guide projects from inception to completion, visit our website.
Site Progress (RIBA Stage 5)
With temperatures returning to more seasonal levels and the summer holidays now a happy memory, work continues at pace across all our sites.
Our listed country house project in Hertfordshire has reached Practical Completion, and we are delighted that our clients have been able to return home following an extensive period of construction.
Meanwhile, our project in Wheatley, South Oxfordshire, involving the refurbishment and extension of a family home, has progressed from external works to the internal fit-out. We were pleased to come across the project on Instagram, shared by the subcontractors responsible for the external insulation and rendering. Their workmanship looks excellent, and it is wonderful to see the building taking shape so beautifully.
We look forward to sharing our own photographs and showcasing the project in more detail as work progresses.
Practice Thoughts
Following a period of reflection, we have renewed our focus on entering industry awards and seeking opportunities to share our work through publication.
You may have spotted our Cheltenham project, West Court, featured in 25 Beautiful Homes magazine, where it also graced the front cover. We are equally delighted to have been shortlisted in the 2026 Build It Awards in the Best Architect category.
We look forward to continuing to showcase our work and pursuing further opportunities for industry recognition. However, none of this would be possible without the trust and support of our clients.
We would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you. Your collaboration, patience and commitment throughout the design and construction journey, along with your kind words and testimonials, mean a great deal to us. We are proud of what we achieve together and grateful to have you as part of our journey.
We continue to raise awareness of our work and the services we offer, and have recently published two brochures: About Us and Home Making. Both provide an insight into our practice, our design philosophy and how we work with clients to create thoughtful, enduring architecture.
We invite you to take a look and, should you know anyone who may benefit from our services, we would be delighted if you shared the brochures with them.
As our practice continues to evolve, we remain committed to refining and developing the quality of our offering, building new relationships and creating opportunities to work on exciting projects.