Nottingham architects Julian Owen Associates have a long history of working with self builders and developers to create their own homes. Custom builds are the latest innovation in the UK to make many more plots available to self builders.

Custom build is now being actively promoted by national government. Developers are now obliged by local councils to provide individual plots for self builders, often as part of larger housing developments. Julian Owen is a member of the government’s Right to Build Task Force, which specialises in advising local councils on how to comply with the planning rules and fulfil their obligations under the legislation. As house developers start to be obliged to provide custom build plots, Julian Owen Associates Architects are well-placed to assist them to work with the particular requirements of self builders. For more information please see our detailed explanation of custom builds or our downloadable factsheet.

See the photos on the right for examples of successful Custom Build Developments by others in Europe and the UK.

Please note this page contains information for developers or people with a custom build plot. If you are looking to design your own home outside of a custom build project please see our page on Self Build and Individual homes

For more information on custom build projects click here

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Another section of the Custom build street scene in Amsterdam, NL
a street scene in a custom build development in the suburbs of Amsterdam
A custom build development in Leeds
A custom build development in Leeds
A Photo of the street scene at Graven Hill, Oxford
A Photo of the street scene at Graven Hill, Oxford
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Looking for a local building plot? Take a look at our Land List.

The Land List

Here's what our clients have to say about us...

I commissioned Julian Owen Associates Architects to obtain planning permission for a 5 house-building project in Long Eaton. They obtained the planning approvals with no problems whatsoever and all the worry and stress on my part was not warranted as they dealt with the whole process on my behalf.

JMS

Very happy clients! I am thrilled to have them drawing our house extension and renovation. Can very heartily recommend to anyone looking for a firm to take on a large project.

S Lumby

I was very satisfied from the beginning. They response very quickly, on the site with you the next morning, and they have done some pre-work before came to the site. The fee they charge was reasonable (I got a few quotes from local companies and theirs is competitive), more importantly, they listened to you, took what you wanted/described in, and delivered a fantastic plan (better than I expected!). Both plans got approved at the first go.

F.F.

Many thanks for a prompt and professional response that got a lot of necessary work that I’d been putting off for too long off the starting blocks. I now have a home that I love to live in.

F. Pickering

I want to thank Julian and the team for their excellent support for my home renovation. Their design solutions balanced functionality with aesthetics, making the most of our space while maintaining a seamless flow with the existing structure.

Thanks to their in-depth knowledge of regulations and efficient handling of permits, the planning process was smooth and stress-free. During the process, they maintained excellent communication, ensuring everything progressed as planned.​ Julian ​himself stepped in when needed, bringing his expertise and a personal touch that reassured us throughout the project.​

I highly recommend Julian Owen Associates Architects to anyone considering a home project.

S. Nair

We had a very positive experience working with Julian Owen associates. Communication was clear throughout the process. Although our project was of a relatively small scale we still felt we were an important client. We particularly welcomed the support we received in linking with a builder and establishing a JCT homeowners contract.

P. Walder