About the Studio

Welcome to Studio Arkell, a design focused Architect’s practice based in Christchurch, Dorset. Established in 2020, we provide first-rate architectural, interior and landscape design services across the South Coast.

We're guided by a simple yet powerful ethos: create beautiful, considered architecture. It’s this driving value that leads us to approach every project with a thoughtful eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

By carefully planning every aspect of a design, from the big decisions of layout, spatial flow and materiality down to the smallest bespoke detail, we achieve perfect harmony between form and function. Our buildings don’t just meet the practical needs of their occupants; they’re intentional statements of timeless design.

Studio Arkell is a RIBA-chartered practice headed by RIBA Chartered & ARB-registered architect Hannah Arkell.

Based between the South Coast of Dorset and the New Forest in Hampshire, we’re dedicated to delivering the same level of design rigour typically associated with big city practice. Collectively, our experienced team of architectural assistants, technicians, and specialist associates have a balanced depth of knowledge & up-to-date skill sets, allowing us to offer you a broad range of bespoke design solutions varying in type, complexity and scale.

By combining traditional drafting skills and design techniques with innovative research, material knowledge, and evolving technologies, we’re able to incorporate a workable blend of old and new into each of our projects.

What We Do

With a vast combined knowledge and experience spanning many decades, the team at Studio Arkell are able to offer:

  • Concept design

  • All aspects of planning advice and application

  • Interior Design

  • Landscape & Garden Design

  • Technical drawings

Our Approach

We work on a diverse array of building types, and can provide advice and design solutions for:

  • Residential extensions, conversions, and reconfigurations

  • Commercial design and build schemes

  • Heritage and listed buildings

  • New build designs

  • Investment projects and feasibility studies

Initial Consultation

Portfolio

See our digital 2025 portfolio here.

Meet the Team

Hannah

Architect / Director 

Hannah is the principal architect, having established the practice in 2020 following ARB & RIBA accreditation. The Studio specialises in residential architecture ranging from the smallest domestic extension to large scale residential schemes.

Previously Hannah studied Computational Architecture at Masters level, which led to working around the world in London, Germany, Denmark and Portugal. Hannah is a nominee and winner of several Business Awards.

Her studies, work and experience in her busy Studio have led Hannah to be particularly interested in how natural materials can be used to create beautiful, sustainable architecture that meets the changing needs of families and businesses alike.

Emily

Architect

Emily studied at Arts University Bournemouth for six years, graduating with a Distinction at Master’s level. She joined Studio Arkell in 2021 and spent two years contributing to a wide range of projects before undertaking her Final Examination in Professional Practice (Part III) at the University of Portsmouth.

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Emily developed a particular interest in planning policy. She now leads many of our planning applications, guiding projects through the approvals process with expertise and attention to detail. In addition to her project work, Emily coordinates our work experience programme and plays a key role in mentorship across the practice.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys cultivating her edible garden and draws inspiration from both traditional and contemporary garden design.

Nicole

Senior Designer

With nearly 20 years of experience working with Dorset-based architectural practices, Nicole brings a depth of knowledge and creativity to every project she undertakes. Her background in Fine Arts, combined with a Master’s degree in Architecture, gives her a distinctive design perspective that bridges artistic vision and architectural precision.

Nicole plays a pivotal role in managing many of the practice’s projects at concept stage, where her passion for design truly shines. Her ability to translate ideas into compelling architectural concepts makes her a key figure in shaping the direction and identity of each development. Nicole is known for her thoughtful approach, attention to detail, and dedication to creating spaces that are both innovative and contextually grounded.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys exploring the local landscape on dog walks—ideally with a good coffee in hand. A fan of hands-on creativity, she also enjoys DIY and is about to embark on the exciting renovation of her new home.

Olivia

Junior Designer

Olivia is a Junior Architectural Designer with a degree in Interior Architecture and Design from Arts University Bournemouth. Blending functionality with aesthetic appeal, Olivia approaches every project with the aim of crafting spaces that are both beautiful and welcoming. Her design ethos is rooted in the belief that good architecture enhances everyday life and should be forward-thinking and inclusive.

Keen to deepen her expertise, she hopes to pursue a Master’s in Architecture in the near future at Arts University Bournemouth.

Outside of work, Olivia enjoys travelling and eating out with friends and family, often drawing inspiration from the cultures and interiors she encounters. A passionate collector of unique décor, she’s always on the lookout for pieces that tell a story - and never misses an opportunity to shop along the way.

Jacob

Senior Technician

Jake is a fully qualified Architectural Technologist with over 15 years of industry experience. He began his career at 16, balancing full-time work with his studies at Solent University, where he earned his degree in 2019.

 Jake joined Studio Arkell in 2025 as our in-house Technical Lead, responsible for producing detailed, regulation-compliant construction drawings that form the foundation for our contractor partners to build from. Known for his keen eye for detail and solutions-focused approach, Jake collaborates closely with our wider consultant teams and contractors to ensure exceptional quality throughout every project.

 Outside of work, Jake enjoys playing football, gardening, and—most importantly—spending time with his wife and their young son.

Amanda

Director

Amanda has always had a particular interest in architectural design, having overseen numerous house builds, reconfigurations & renovations over the last 30 years.

With her creative eye for detail, Amanda has also designed many residential and commercial interior schemes, and as a keen horticulturist she also brings her flair for landscape and planting design to the team.

The combination of these varied creative skills coupled with her years of experience make Amanda’s design input invaluable to the practice.

Alongside design, Amanda also brings an accounting and administrative skill set enabling her to manage the day to day running of the studio.

Years of Experience

January 2025 marked 5 years of Studio Arkell, which seems quite unbelievable to us. Starting as a single architect, the team has now grown, offices established, and we’ve worked on quite literally hundreds of projects across the South Coast of England.

Hannah -

I am very proud of the SA team; every member is so valued and brings a different skill set collectively delivering bespoke & creative schemes across the residential and commercial sector. I feel very fortunate to have such a diverse & fulfilling job, working closely alongside our clients to deliver their vision. Here’s to the next 5 years of our SA team.'

A big thank you to you if you’ve been a client or collaborated alongside us.

Our History

Founded by architect Hannah Arkell, Studio Arkell was born in 2020 upon her return to her hometown of Christchurch after an international career spanning Manchester, London, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, and Porto. Hannah’s passion for the intersection of design and technology was honed through groundbreaking research at the Royal Danish Academy, exploring how natural materials can shape beautiful, sustainable architecture.

Since its inception, Studio Arkell has grown from a small start-up to a dynamic, RIBA-accredited practice. The opening of our Christchurch town centre studio in 2022 marked a major milestone, bringing our creative team together in a space designed to inspire collaboration and innovation.

Now celebrating our fifth anniversary in 2025, Studio Arkell continues to expand, welcoming new designers and technical specialists to meet the growing demand for refined, contemporary architecture across the South Coast and beyond.

Looking ahead, our focus remains on delivering thoughtful, sustainable design - completing an exciting portfolio of ongoing projects while embracing the opportunities that lie ahead for our evolving studio.

 

Join our Team

As our studio continues to thrive & grow, we remain committed to expanding our team with creative, solution-led individuals who can bring their unique talents to both the design and technical stages of our varied portfolio of work.

Do you think you’d be the perfect fit to join our busy and vibrant studio? To apply, please send your cover letter, CV, and a PDF portfolio (max 10MB) to info@studioarkell.com

01202 232423

5 Castle St, Christchurch,
Dorset, BH23 1DP

info@studioarkell.com

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Interior Design

We can also assist with interiors specifications — for example, kitchen layouts, bespoke joinery, finishes, and fittings.

We can prepare a tailored quote based on the level of detail and input you’d like from us. The more information we specify upfront together, the smoother the build process will be, and the more accurate your contractor’s costings will be, helping to avoid unexpected costs.

This scope would be agreed under a fixed fee.

Pre Application

If the proposed scheme is particularly large, complex, or potentially contentious, we may recommend submitting a pre-application enquiry to the local planning authority before proceeding with a full planning application. This can help clarify requirements, identify potential issues early, and improve the chances of a successful outcome.

This scope would be agreed under a fixed fee.

BREGs

After planning approval, the final stage is Technical Design, where we create detailed Building Regulation Drawings (BREGs).

A few important notes:

  • You’ll need Building Control sign-off for the build. This can be done through the local authority or privately, with fees paid directly to Building Control.

  • We can introduce you to trusted local structural engineers, or we’re happy to collaborate with any chartered engineer of your choice. Their fees are separate and payable directly to them.

  • We can also introduce you to reputable builders we regularly work with, if needed.

Our fees are split into two payments: 50% upon instruction and 50% upon issue of the drawings to Building Control.

Planning

Once you’re happy with the proposed design, we’ll prepare your planning application pack.

A typical planning submission includes:

  • Location & Block Plan

  • Existing Plans & Elevations

  • Proposed Plans & Elevations (including coloured elevations)

  • Proposed Site Plan

  • Design & Access Statement

We’ll handle the submission on your behalf and liaise with the council throughout, keeping you updated every step of the way.

Our fees are split into two payments: 50% upon instruction and 50% upon submission of the application.

Concept

This is the exciting part — shaping a design that’s perfectly suited to you.

After our initial consultation, we’ve prepared a brief and a list of drawing deliverables. Here’s how this stage works: We start with a site survey to produce accurate existing plans and elevations. We then develop proposed design drawings based on the agreed brief. Once ready, we’ll invite you to our office for a design review. We’ll refine the design based on your feedback and issue a final drawing pack for you to sign off. Our fees are split into two payments: 50% upon instruction and 50% upon issue of the drawings.