“We had a great experience working with My/Architect on our side-return extension in Hackney. From our first contact they were responsive, took time to explain the process and pricing structure clearly, and were ready to work with us to get the right balance of designed features and keeping to budget.”
Carys – Hackney
Conservation area, Full internal renovation, Bow
Extension, internal renovation, Hackney
Kitchen extension, internal renovation, Palmers Green
Extension, internal renovation, Islington
Grade 2 Listed, Conservation Area, Full Renovation
“Everything is made clear, easy and stress free. Designs were beautiful and any questions or advice I needed were answered quickly and empathetically.”
At My/Architect, we specialise in high-end home renovations, extensions and interiors from £150k to £2m+.
We offer a fully integrated service that brings together architecture, interiors, contractor coordination and project management. Our approach is designed to provide homeowners with professional oversight throughout the design and delivery process.
As residential architects in Hackney, this borough is where My/Architect began. From a single desk on Hackney Road, we have grown into a multidisciplinary team working across the capital.
We maintain a deep connection to the East End, drawing inspiration from its rich mixture of industrial heritage and family-oriented living. Whether working on the Victorian rows of Hackney Central or the Edwardian streets bordering Victoria Park, we understand how to adapt these historic properties for modern life, applying the same rigour here as we do in neighbouring Islington.
Led by Founder Harry Molyneux and Director Dani Schmidt, our team brings architectural expertise and on-site experience to London residential projects. We combine design vision with practical delivery across our architecture services, ensuring each home receives care and attention from start to finish.
Harry founded My/Architect to make residential architecture more practical and transparent. With over a decade of experience delivering London home extensions and refurbishments, he brings a rare mix of design knowledge and build expertise. Harry leads client strategy, ensuring every project is designed with cost, delivery, and quality in balance.
Dani oversees design development and project delivery, guiding clients from concept through to construction. With a background in residential architecture and interior detailing, she focuses on designs that combine aesthetic precision with real-world feasibility. Dani is known for her calm, structured approach and commitment to getting projects built well.
“Harry and Dani were so wonderful! Harry came and measured our whole house, and was extremely committed to the task. Dani helped us bring all of our ideas to life and guided us in the right direction. She was also so helpful, consistently following up with the council to get our planning permission sorted.”
To see if neighbours have done similar extensions or to check your own property’s history, use the Hackney Planning Search. You can search by postcode or street address to view approved designs and decision notices.
There are over 30 conservation areas in Hackney, covering neighbourhoods from De Beauvoir to Clapton Square. You can check if your home is affected and download the specific design guidance for your street on the council’s Conservation Areas page.
Hackney has specific guidance for homeowners, most notably the Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD. For detailed rules on materials, massing and design, refer to the Planning Policy Documents.
If you suspect your home is listed, you must check the official register before starting work. Search the Historic England List to find the specific listing entry for your address.
Hackney has a mandatory list of drawings and reports required to register an application. Review the Planning Application Requirements to ensure you have the correct documentation.
Basement and ground floor extensions often require a flood risk assessment. You can check the long-term flood risk for your specific area using the government’s Flood Map for Planning.
Most planning applications should be submitted via the national Planning Portal, which allows you to upload drawings and pay fees online.
Once planning is approved, you will need to apply for Building Regulations approval. You can submit your application directly via Hackney Building Control.
Our architectural experience in Hackney is foundational to our practice. It is here that we honed our expertise in delivering complex urban projects, from loft conversions in Stoke Newington to the refurbishment of flats along Regent’s Canal.
We specialise in high-value enhancements that respect the local character. Much like the work we now deliver in Waltham Forest, every project in Hackney presents unique challenges, from conservation area constraints to tight site logistics.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, we apply our deep experience in local planning and design to deliver a thorough, end-to-end service for complex renovations.
Securing approval for extensions near Hackney Central or Hackney Road often requires a sensitive approach to local heritage constraints.
Similar to the conservation work we undertake in Camden, our team manages the detailed planning, design, and architectural drawings necessary for successful applications.
We specialise in complex schemes, including the refurbishment of listed townhouses, ensuring that significant alterations meet the rigorous standards expected by the local authority.
We design with cost clarity and buildability in mind for London homes.
We make every stage clear, from first sketch to handover. You’ll know what’s included, what it costs, and when it happens.
Our process gives homeowners predictable budgets, timelines, and scope, helping avoid surprises.
Many of our projects are located in sensitive areas, such as Hackney Town Hall conservation zones. We support homeowners by producing the detailed architectural drawings required to demonstrate that a proposed extension or renovation respects the character of the conservation area while maximising internal space.
We provide a builder matchmaking service to pair you with trusted partners suited to the logistics of working in Hackney. We then oversee the project through to completion, managing site queries to ensure the build quality matches the design intent.
Treating the structural shell and internal fit-out as separate phases often leads to disjointed results. By handling both under one roof, we ensure that elements like joinery, lighting, and material finishes are considered from the very first planning concept.
As residential architects in Hackney, we specialise in high-end projects typically ranging from £150k to over £2m. This focus allows us to provide a dedicated, boutique level of service for homeowners seeking premium extensions and full-scale renovations.
For more information on our process across the capital, view our London residential architects overview.