About
LA Hally Architect is an award-winning RIBA Chartered Practice with a young, fresh and innovative approach to design. Our small team of fully qualified Architects is committed to delivering high quality bespoke architecture, tailored to the needs of you and your family.
“We first find out from our clients what their current and expected needs are then we work with them to create their personalised design – working on all scales of the project from the overall concept down to the detail of junctions between different materials. We create lifestyle architecture that provides a flexible uplifting environment of flowing, well-lit, inspirational spaces that can transform the way you live.” Lesley Hally, Practice Director
Founded in 2009 by Lesley Hally, LA Hally Architect focuses on high quality private residential projects, which are approached with a passion for contemporary design and detail. Although most of our work is based in Hampshire, we have also had successful projects in the New Forest, Channel Islands, Surrey, Berkshire and London, and our projects have been featured in a range of magazines such as Real Homes, Grand Designs, Homebuilding and Renovating, and Build It, as well as featuring in Channel 4’s Homes by the Sea. At LA Hally Architect we understand that each client has specific needs and rather than prescribing a strict design style, we approach each project individually. We work closely with our clients and contractors to ensure that the vision for each project is fully realised. The ultimate aim is that users of the completed building experience the joy and beauty in the clever use of materials, detailing, space and light.
Working with an Architect
Privacy Policy
At LA Hally Architect we take data protection seriously. Our privacy policy details how we collect, store and use your data whilst working with you. You can view our policy here.
SERVICES
At LA Hally Architect we offer a full range of architectural services, from concept design to preparing and submitting planning and building control applications, technical detailing, and providing contract administration on site. Whilst we are keen to be involved in projects from conception to completion to help you through the process and ensure the project is successfully delivered on site, we understand that this is not for everyone. Our services are therefore provided in a flexible manner which allows you to decide just how much involvement you require from us. The core services that we can provide are:
Initial Meeting
The first step on every project for us is the initial meeting. It is a great opportunity to run through your likes and dislikes about the property, any key features or things that could work better for you, and for us to see the site and surrounding area. Maybe there is a key view you want to capture, or a space which requires privacy from neighbours. We can run through this in detail with you and aim to answer any initial queries you might have. Once we have a clear understanding of the scope of the works you are looking to undertake and the level of involvement you require from us, we can prepare a detailed fee proposal for you.
Design
For some smaller projects it may be that all you need is some design inspiration. We first ascertain your requirements in the form of a detailed brief, which will often include images, material ideas, space requirements, etc. We then build on these to create a sketch proposal for the project in both 2D and 3D, based on a survey of the existing property. The brief is a key part of the design process, so it is important to consider what is important to you.
The design process is very much a collaboration between client and architect so we will seek feedback from you as we go – we do not operate a ‘one size fits all’ approach and there is flexibility to tweak and change things as the design progresses!
Planning
The majority of projects that we work on will require planning permission of some form. From Full Plans applications for new build properties, to Householder applications for new builds, as well as Conservation Area Consent, etc, we are able to help prepare and submit these applications on your behalf. We also regularly work with independent consultants and will advise you of any specialist input we feel you may require.
At the planning stage the design becomes more defined and we suggest speaking to a local contractor or cost consultant to confirm that the scheme is within budget before any permission is sought.
Whilst planning permission can never be guaranteed, we have a good understanding of how the application may be viewed by the local council, which will form part of the dialogue whilst developing the proposal. We have a high success rate with our applications and encourage early discussion with the local authority.
For most projects where it is understood that planning permission will be required the design and planning stages will often be combined, which we feel provides a more fluid approach to the design development.
Building Control
All construction work in the UK is required to be approved by a licensed building control inspector, who ensures that the building works are carried out in line with current regulations. We can provide you with detailed drawings for this submission, working closely with both your appointed structural engineer and approved inspector.
The drawings produced at this stage are the base for your construction drawings, and look to include electrical layouts, feature lighting, material details etc, produced in collaboration with any specialists you may require.
We are happy to give more advice on the above, and are able to suggest both local engineers and approved inspectors if required.
Schedule of Works, Tendering & Contractor Appointment
In order to produce accurate costings for your building, we produce a comprehensive schedule of works to be issued alongside our construction drawings for pricing. This schedule lists in detail the work to be carried out, minimising the risk of things being missed on site or additional costs being requested. As part of this we can also produce detailed internal layouts, illustrating bathrooms or bespoke joinery items and including any internal finishes you may have selected.
We will discuss with you the most appropriate way of pricing the works and any contractors we feel may be suitable, as well as tendering the project and assisting with the appointment of the selected party.
Contract Administration
The role of the architect as Contract Administrator is to ensure that the works are carried out in accordance with the contract. Through carrying out site visits, valuations and being on hand to answer any queries, we aim to make the construction process much more straightforward for you. Our involvement in this process more often means that the original architectural intent of the proposal is able to be retained and that any requests for additional payments are able to be verified by ourselves, rather than you having to rely on the input of the contractor alone. Ultimately it is our intention that the construction process goes as smoothly for you as possible.
Lesley Hally
Principal Architect
BSc Arch BArch (Hons) RIBA
Lesley Hally is the founder of LA Hally Architect. Lesley graduated from Dundee School of Art in 2000 and went on to complete her Part III at Metropolitan University, London. She worked in small award-winning firms in London and Scotland before launching her own studio in 2009. It was in these practices that Lesley was introduced to the world of high end residential architecture, designing bespoke spaces and details to suit modern family life, often combining historic architecture with modern intervention.
Lesley’s love of lifestyle architecture has since been her passion, creating beautiful bespoke homes for the individual client. LA Hally Architect has been recognised in the Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph, Grand Designs and many other publications. Lesley has publicly talked about her work at RIAS, RIBA and public events. Her views and design advice has been published in a variety of magazines.
Amelia Samways
Associate Architect
BA (Hons) MArch RIBA
amelia.samways@lahally.com
Amelia first joined LA Hally Architect in 2011 as a Part I Architectural Assistant, and has continued to work for the practice through to attaining her Part III qualification from the University of Bath in 2017. Focusing on the power of architecture and literature, her work achieved recognition in the 2015 AJ ‘Student Shows’ review and has been awarded the Bradford Prize for sensitive design in environments of historic value. Having worked exclusively within the private residential sector, Amelia has experience working on renovation, extension and conversion projects, focusing on bespoke one-off housing.
Molly Blackwell
Part II Architectural Assistant
BSc (Hons) MPhil
Molly completed her master’s degree at the University of Cambridge following an undergraduate degree from Queen’s University Belfast. She was featured in Blueprint Magazine’s 2019 ‘Ones to Watch’ list for her thesis project, focusing on the position of migrant women in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. She takes a keen interest in detailed, people-scale projects and particularly enjoys understanding how personal experiences of space stitch together overall schemes. With previous experience including cultural and educational projects, Molly is now enjoying the detail-oriented nature of residential architecture and looking to complete her Part III studies in the near future.
Christmas is Coming!
December 2020
Christmas has arrived! We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our wreath making workshop with Louise from Creative Flora in Twyford, a fab way to get us in the festive spirit!
Planning Approval – Marchwood
December 2020
We’ve been granted planning approval for another scheme this week! This time it’s our House 682, a subtle extension and modernisation project in the beautiful New Forest.
Site – Stockbridge
November 2020
We love receiving photos from satisfied clients, like this one of our recently completed House 596 in Stockbridge. Happy clients make for happy architects!
Planning Approval – Houghton
October 2020
We’re thrilled to have been granted planning permission for our House 617 in Houghton. We think it’s the first new build to be approved since the recent nutrient neutrality policies have been implemented, so quite an achievement!
Feature – Homify
October 2020
Our House 288 has been featured in this Homify guide to good hallways! Check it out here.
Planning Approval – Sparsholt
October 2020
We’ve just received listed building permission for the second phase of our work on House 673, a Grade 11 listed farmhouse.
Planning Approval – Twyford
October 2020
We recently gained planning approval for our House 661! The project features a red brick extension with large Crittall windows to flood the new kitchen with light, as well as a loft conversion with new dormers to maximise the property’s rural views.
Planning Submission – Alton
September 2020
We’ve just submitted this new-build house for planning. The house occupies a sloped site overlooking the South Downs, so the split-level design maximises space and views while minimising volume from the street. Fingers crossed for approval!
Planning Approval – Chandler’s Ford
September 2020
We’re excited to have been granted permission for our House 623! We’re adding an intricate brickwork extension to the rear of the Arts & Crafts house, along with a subtle two-storey side extension.
SIte – Petersfield
August 2020
We’re really pleased with our recently completed House 632, an extension project providing a light, bright backdrop for our clients’ colourful pieces.
Site – Chandler’s Ford
August 2020
Our House 499 is progressing nicely on site, with joinery and fittings going in. Not long til completion now!
Site – Compton
July 2020
It’s always exciting to see projects progressing on site, and this fab drone shot gives us a great view of the extension for our House 629.
Planning Approval – West Wellow
June 2020
We’ve just been granted the third planning approval of the week! Our work on House 656 includes a total modernisation of the facade, with new dormers, planters and glazing.
Planning Approval – Hamble-le-Rice
June 2020
More great news – we’ve received planning permission for our House 281 in Hamble-le-Rice!
Planning Approval – Sparsholt
June 2020
We’ve just received planning permission for the first phase of our work with House 673, a Grade II listed 18th-century farmhouse in Sparsholt. Stay tuned for news on phase two!
Feature – Real Homes
June 2020
Our House 378 has been featured in the July 2020 issue of Real Homes magazine! Have a read here to see why our clients love their home.
Planning Approval – Old Alresford
May 2020
We’re delighted to have been granted planning approval for our House 644, an extension project in the beautiful village of Old Alresford. Our scheme uses a crisp zinc and brickwork palette to the front of the property, tying the new building into the historic fabric.
Planning Approval – Chandler’s Ford
April 2020
We’re thrilled to have received planning permission for our renovation project, House 642 in Chandler’s Ford, this morning.
Site – Chandler’s Ford
April 2020
Our project in Chandler’s Ford is moving along nicely on site, helped by the glorious spring sunshine!
Planning Approval – High Wycombe
April 2020
We’ve just received planning permission for another project! House 591, in High Wycombe, features both one- and two-storey extensions to consolidate the existing house, alongside new garden buildings and landscaping to draw the whole project together.
Planning Approval – Winchester
April 2020
Another of our projects has recently been approved by Winchester City Council. Our plans for House 658 include a sympathetic two-storey extension to the side and a clean-lined modern extension to the rear.
Feature – Houzz
March 2020
It’s always lovely to have our work included in press features, like this one from Houzz. Our House 288 is showcased for its ‘striking asymmetrical’ design: https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/23-striking-asymmetrical-and-off-centre-features-stsetivw-vs~130796142
Site – Bransgore
February 2020
We’re excited to have started on site with our House 627 – looking forward to more visits to the beautiful New Forest!
Planning Approval – Lymington
February 2020
New Forest District Council has approved our plans for House 639, including extending the property, renovating the interior and completely overhauling the dated façade.
Feature – Ugly House to Lovely House
January 2020
We were excited to see that our work was cited as the inspiration behind some of the transformations on Channel 4’s Ugly House to Lovely House, presented by George Clarke. The feature can be found here: https://c4uglytolovelyseries2.wordpress.com/inspired-properties/
Planning Approval – Colden Common
January 2020
We’re very pleased to have gained planning permission for another project recently, this time for House 631 – an extension and renovation project on the outskirts of Winchester.
Planning Approval – Bransgore
December 2019
Great pre-Christmas news – we’ve received planning permission for another project! Our House 627, an extensive renovation project in the New Forest.
Build It 2019 Shortlist
November 2019
We were thrilled to be one of this year’s finalists in the Build it Awards Best Renovation or Extension category, and recently enjoyed a great night at the awards ceremony. We’re very proud of our House 522!
Planning Approval – Winchester
October 2019
We’re pleased to have been granted planning permission for this contemporary timber-clad extension to a house in Winchester.
New Recruits!
October 2019
We’ve recently welcomed two new members to the LA Hally team. Molly is joining us after completing her master’s degree at the University of Cambridge, and George is completing his Part I experience following his undergraduate degree at Oxford Brookes University.
Planning Approval – Maidenhead
September 2019
Good news – we’ve just heard from Windsor & Maidenhead Borough Council that we’ve been granted planning permission for this project, featuring a series of dramatic charred timber rear extensions.
We are hiring!!
July 2019
We’re on the lookout for enthusiastic Part 1 + Part 2 Architectural Assistants to work on some exciting new projects with us!!
ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT
We are currently looking for ambitious and motivated Part I and Part II Architectural Assistants to join our small and friendly team, who will be working across a wide range of RIBA work stages assisting with the development of design proposals, preparing & submitting planning applications, co-ordinating with other members of the team, preparing drawings & visualisations, & liaising with both clients & contractors.
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following;
· A passion for high end residential design
· A good interest in technical detailing
· Proficient in Vectorworks, Adobe Suite & Microsoft Office
· Proficient in SketchUp
· Excellent design & presentation skills
· Polite & professional attitude
· Be able to work as part of small busy team
· Excellent time management skills
· Fluent written & spoken English
· Full UK driving licence
· Should be eligible to work in the UK and must be already living in the UK at the time of application
Please send a CV and examples of your work by email to design@lahally.com for the attention of Lesley Hally.
Planning Approval – Romsey
May 2019
We’re pleased to have just gained planning permission from Test Valley Borough Council for another extension project, near Romsey.
Planning Approval – Southampton
March 2019
We are delighted to have received permission for two new build houses in Southampton from the Southampton City planning committee.
We are hiring!!
August 2018
We are currently looking for a talented Part I Architectural Assistant to join our team of Architects based in Winchester. If you are interested in applying, please send your CV & examples of work to design@lahally.com
Architecture Ambassadors
July 2018
Today we spent a second brilliant morning with the Year 2 class at Twyford St Marys School, as part of the RIBA’s Architecture Ambassadors Programme. Inspired by a book they are reading (The Lighthouse Keepers Lunch), each team of two had to plan, draw, and construct their own lighthouse through ‘junk modeling’, tailoring their designs to a number of design briefs prepared by some particularly demanding lighthouse keepers!
Working in Plan, Section and elevation,we were amazed at the amount of thought & consideration each group put into their designs, and how they evolved throughout the session. It was particularly great to see them engaging with a variety of different scales, considering the landscape, the building, and the activities that were taking place inside. They even came up with novel ways of managing the daily commute, incorporating everything from tunnels, bridges & ladders, to trampolines, drones, and transformer style boats!
Thank you for treating us to some wonderfully creative and inspiring work today Oak Class!
Awards – ‘Best of Houzz 2018’
February 2018
LA Hally Architect are delighted to have won #BestOfHouzz2018 for both Design & Service! #architecture #winchester
House 388 Featured in Real Homes ‘Extensions for Every Budget’
February 2018
Project 388 featured in @RealHomes April Edition “Extensions for Every Budget” #architecture #renovation
House 435 listed as Architizer feature project
December 2017
Great article on @Architizer about house 435 – have a look and view some of our other projects at http://arc.ht/2BnRd2r #FeaturedProject
BuildIt Magazines Winners edition has arrived!
October 2017
Winner’s issue of @BuildItMagazine has arrived complete with mug! #architecture #Winchester
Winner of Best Renovation / Extension Architect in the Build It Awards 2017
December 2017
We are very proud to have received the award for Best Renovation / Extension Architect at the Build It Awards 2017, in association with Buildstore for House 288!
House 378 Featured in the Hampshire Chronical
May 2017
Great article in the @hantschronicle featuring our House in Winchester IV which is up for a @RICSnews Award! #architecture #Hampshire
