Residential, Development and Commercial | architects
Different. By Design.
Small team, big ideas, real results.
Through refreshingly clear thinking, we create beautiful, sustainable spaces that challenge the expected.
No fuss. No ego. Just design that delivers.
Our Latest & Greatest
Explore the standout spaces we've created for ambitious homeowners and developers across the Midlands. Instead of following trends, we challenge the status quo to find new ways to create amazing spaces that just work. See how we’ve designed over 700+ unique buildings that people love to call home, work, and occasionally the pub.
Building to Develop, Invest, or Let?
We've spent twenty years helping developers and landlords across the Midlands get planning approved, hit deadlines, and build projects that stack up commercially. We understand that for you, good design and good returns aren't mutually exclusive.
Building for Yourself?
Same rigour, different brief. Most people only do this once. We've done it hundreds of times — which means we know where the expensive mistakes hide, how to get planning approved without six months of back-and-forth, and how to make sure what gets built is actually what you had in mind.
A 97% Planning Success Rate Over 5 Years
700+ Projects
There's a reason clients come back to us again and again, with many relationships spanning more than a decade.
It's not because we charm them. It's because the last project was approved, got built and did what it was supposed to do.
500+ Clients
From first-time renovators to seasoned developers, we've worked with over 500 clients since 2002. That's a lot of "what if we tried this instead?", "how could this work better?", and "planning's approved — when do we start?" moments.
We Work With The Best In The Biz.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Homes that reflect how you want to live. Workspaces where Mondays don't feel quite so Monday-ish. Developments that sell themselves. Take a look and see how we do things a little differently:
JSA Appointed for Listed Building Extension in Amber Valley
JSA is appointed to design a sensitive extension to a Grade II listed stone building in Amber Valley, Derbyshire, going to pre-application with CGI support.
Good Architectural Drawings Matter More Than You Think
Poor architectural drawings create assumptions, delays and cost. See why clear, accurate information matters to homeowners and commercial clients.
HMO or Flats? Why Modern Co-Living Falls Between the Rules
When does an HMO become flats? See how planning, licensing, building regulations and fire safety diverge, and how co-living developers can reduce risk early.
The New NPPF Is Here: What the 2026 Rewrite Means for Your Project
The new NPPF landed on 17 August 2026 and applies to decisions now. What changed for extensions, garden plots, small sites and Midlands projects.
We're Revisiting Our Leisure Portfolio
Twenty years of Midlands pub, bar and restaurant projects, plus a decade behind the bar. What a busy summer tells you about the building you trade from.
We Built an App That Keeps You in the Room
Datum is JSA's own project app. Every client gets a login: latest drawings, the brief, where planning's got to and what we did this week. Free on every project.
Biodiversity Net Gain: A Quick Guide for Anyone Who Isn't an Ecologist
What Biodiversity Net Gain requires for new developments in England: the 10% target, who's exempt, and how to plan for it from day one.
A 1960s Bungalow Gets a Contemporary Rethink in Lichfield
A modest 1960s bungalow in Lichfield is being extended and reconfigured for downsizing clients. Planning is submitted to Lichfield District Council.
Little Eaton Dormer Bungalows Approved, No Amendments Needed
Two backland dormer bungalows in Little Eaton have been approved by Erewash Borough Council with no amendments needed. Here's why that's rarer than it sounds.
JSA Appointed to Design 'The Forest': 73 Apartments for T&T Asset Group in Derby City Centre
T&T Asset Group has appointed JSA to design The Forest, a 73-apartment conversion in Derby city centre, covering architecture, interior design and planning.
The Grange, Finished: A Georgian Villa Restored, Warmed and Handed Back
See the finished restoration of The Grange, a Georgian villa in South Derbyshire. JSA acted as both architect and project manager throughout.
Burley Lane Site Progress Update: Quarndon Home Now Taking Shape
Site progress at Burley Lane in Quarndon: stair structure, basement golf simulator, MVHR routes, full-height glazing and November 2026 completion.
Planning Approved for Bramble Street Office-to-Flats Conversion in Derby
A vacant period office on Bramble Street, Derby, has approval for three flats. Now the unglamorous part: stairs, acoustics, flood notes and drawings.
Justin Smith Architects Is Now JSA Architects
Justin Smith Architects is now JSA Architects. Here’s the story, in Justin’s own words, and what the rebrand means for our clients and the practice.
Welcome to JSA, Joao Bravo
Joao Bravo joins JSA as our 3D artist and visualiser. A University of Derby graduate and qualified architectural technologist, originally from Lisbon.
Light at the End of the Terrace: Contemporary Rear Extension to a Victorian Townhouse in Sutton Coldfield
A contemporary rear extension brings light and space to a Victorian townhouse in Sutton Coldfield, and leaves the period terrace out front exactly as it was.
JSA Architects and British Living Group: Working Together on Derby Co-Living Development
JSA is working with British Living Group, one of the Midlands' most commercially minded developers, on a 27-room co-living conversion in Derby.
Lichfield’s Local Plan Might Be Delayed to 2029. If You’re Thinking About a Project, Here’s What That Means for You
Lichfield District Council may delay its 2043 Local Plan. If that sounds like a reason to pause your project, read this first. It probably isn't.
5,500 Homes Are Coming to Walmley. If You’re Already Living There, This Is Your Cue to Stop Putting Off Your Own Project
Birmingham City Council has approved the groundwork for 5,500 new homes near Walmley. If your own project's been on the back burner, this is your sign.
Planning Approved for Brooklands Luxury Dwelling
Golden Brook Developments had a permission for Brooklands and didn't rate the design. We redesigned it, and South Derbyshire has now approved the new scheme.
Planning Submitted: Brooklands' Redesign Heads to South Derbyshire District Council
The design's done and the application's in. Here's what JSA has proposed for Brooklands, a new home in Weston-on-Trent, South Derbyshire.
JSA Architects Appointed to Redesign Brooklands, a Luxury New Build in Weston-on-Trent
A permission existed and a design was on the table. Golden Brook Developments decided it wasn't good enough. They were right, and they called us.
Two Stand-Out Self-Builds Submitted for Full Planning in Little Eaton
Two bespoke self-build homes in Little Eaton designed for standout architecture and smart investment returns.
Major Family Home Remodel Proposed in Repton, South Derbyshire
Modern extension and full internal remodel proposed for character home in sought-after Repton, South Derbyshire.
Planning Appeal Secured for Bold New Home in Quarndon’s Green Belt
A new home in the Quarndon Green Belt, won at appeal. How strategic planning and a strong design got a Green Belt house over the line in Derbyshire.
Windy Rise, Little Eaton: JSA Architects Appointed and Planning Application Submitted
The Windy Rise plot in Little Eaton lost its bungalow to arsonists in 2017, then spent a decade rewilding. Our design for the hillside is now with the council.
Windy Rise Gets the Green Light: Erewash Borough Council Approves the Hillside Home That Made Councillors Say 'Thunderbirds Are Go'
Planning approved at Windy Rise, Little Eaton. Erewash Borough Council approved this Green Belt replacement dwelling 11-1. See how JSA Architects made the case.
Derby Assembly Rooms - Future of City Centre Development
Why Derby's new Assembly Rooms masterplan validates the mixed-use approach JSA has advocated since 2015.
Welcome to the Lichfield Studio, Olivia Hunt
Olivia Hunt joins our Lichfield studio as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant: NTU graduate, a year in practice across the Atlantic, now designing Midlands homes.
England Has a Height Complex. I’ve Spent A Decade Watching It Cost People Homes.
After 20+ years and 700+ buildings, JSA’s Chris Wood on why Britain’s instinctive fear of height is quietly making the housing crisis worse.
JSA Appointed for Listed Building Extension in Amber Valley
JSA is appointed to design a sensitive extension to a Grade II listed stone building in Amber Valley, Derbyshire, going to pre-application with CGI support.
Good Architectural Drawings Matter More Than You Think
Poor architectural drawings create assumptions, delays and cost. See why clear, accurate information matters to homeowners and commercial clients.
HMO or Flats? Why Modern Co-Living Falls Between the Rules
When does an HMO become flats? See how planning, licensing, building regulations and fire safety diverge, and how co-living developers can reduce risk early.
The New NPPF Is Here: What the 2026 Rewrite Means for Your Project
The new NPPF landed on 17 August 2026 and applies to decisions now. What changed for extensions, garden plots, small sites and Midlands projects.
We're Revisiting Our Leisure Portfolio
Twenty years of Midlands pub, bar and restaurant projects, plus a decade behind the bar. What a busy summer tells you about the building you trade from.
We Built an App That Keeps You in the Room
Datum is JSA's own project app. Every client gets a login: latest drawings, the brief, where planning's got to and what we did this week. Free on every project.
Biodiversity Net Gain: A Quick Guide for Anyone Who Isn't an Ecologist
What Biodiversity Net Gain requires for new developments in England: the 10% target, who's exempt, and how to plan for it from day one.
A 1960s Bungalow Gets a Contemporary Rethink in Lichfield
A modest 1960s bungalow in Lichfield is being extended and reconfigured for downsizing clients. Planning is submitted to Lichfield District Council.
Little Eaton Dormer Bungalows Approved, No Amendments Needed
Two backland dormer bungalows in Little Eaton have been approved by Erewash Borough Council with no amendments needed. Here's why that's rarer than it sounds.
JSA Appointed to Design 'The Forest': 73 Apartments for T&T Asset Group in Derby City Centre
T&T Asset Group has appointed JSA to design The Forest, a 73-apartment conversion in Derby city centre, covering architecture, interior design and planning.
The Grange, Finished: A Georgian Villa Restored, Warmed and Handed Back
See the finished restoration of The Grange, a Georgian villa in South Derbyshire. JSA acted as both architect and project manager throughout.
Burley Lane Site Progress Update: Quarndon Home Now Taking Shape
Site progress at Burley Lane in Quarndon: stair structure, basement golf simulator, MVHR routes, full-height glazing and November 2026 completion.
Planning Approved for Bramble Street Office-to-Flats Conversion in Derby
A vacant period office on Bramble Street, Derby, has approval for three flats. Now the unglamorous part: stairs, acoustics, flood notes and drawings.
Justin Smith Architects Is Now JSA Architects
Justin Smith Architects is now JSA Architects. Here’s the story, in Justin’s own words, and what the rebrand means for our clients and the practice.
Welcome to JSA, Joao Bravo
Joao Bravo joins JSA as our 3D artist and visualiser. A University of Derby graduate and qualified architectural technologist, originally from Lisbon.
Light at the End of the Terrace: Contemporary Rear Extension to a Victorian Townhouse in Sutton Coldfield
A contemporary rear extension brings light and space to a Victorian townhouse in Sutton Coldfield, and leaves the period terrace out front exactly as it was.
JSA Architects and British Living Group: Working Together on Derby Co-Living Development
JSA is working with British Living Group, one of the Midlands' most commercially minded developers, on a 27-room co-living conversion in Derby.
Lichfield’s Local Plan Might Be Delayed to 2029. If You’re Thinking About a Project, Here’s What That Means for You
Lichfield District Council may delay its 2043 Local Plan. If that sounds like a reason to pause your project, read this first. It probably isn't.
5,500 Homes Are Coming to Walmley. If You’re Already Living There, This Is Your Cue to Stop Putting Off Your Own Project
Birmingham City Council has approved the groundwork for 5,500 new homes near Walmley. If your own project's been on the back burner, this is your sign.
Planning Approved for Brooklands Luxury Dwelling
Golden Brook Developments had a permission for Brooklands and didn't rate the design. We redesigned it, and South Derbyshire has now approved the new scheme.
Planning Submitted: Brooklands' Redesign Heads to South Derbyshire District Council
The design's done and the application's in. Here's what JSA has proposed for Brooklands, a new home in Weston-on-Trent, South Derbyshire.
JSA Architects Appointed to Redesign Brooklands, a Luxury New Build in Weston-on-Trent
A permission existed and a design was on the table. Golden Brook Developments decided it wasn't good enough. They were right, and they called us.
Two Stand-Out Self-Builds Submitted for Full Planning in Little Eaton
Two bespoke self-build homes in Little Eaton designed for standout architecture and smart investment returns.
Major Family Home Remodel Proposed in Repton, South Derbyshire
Modern extension and full internal remodel proposed for character home in sought-after Repton, South Derbyshire.
Planning Appeal Secured for Bold New Home in Quarndon’s Green Belt
A new home in the Quarndon Green Belt, won at appeal. How strategic planning and a strong design got a Green Belt house over the line in Derbyshire.
Windy Rise, Little Eaton: JSA Architects Appointed and Planning Application Submitted
The Windy Rise plot in Little Eaton lost its bungalow to arsonists in 2017, then spent a decade rewilding. Our design for the hillside is now with the council.
Windy Rise Gets the Green Light: Erewash Borough Council Approves the Hillside Home That Made Councillors Say 'Thunderbirds Are Go'
Planning approved at Windy Rise, Little Eaton. Erewash Borough Council approved this Green Belt replacement dwelling 11-1. See how JSA Architects made the case.
Derby Assembly Rooms - Future of City Centre Development
Why Derby's new Assembly Rooms masterplan validates the mixed-use approach JSA has advocated since 2015.
Welcome to the Lichfield Studio, Olivia Hunt
Olivia Hunt joins our Lichfield studio as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant: NTU graduate, a year in practice across the Atlantic, now designing Midlands homes.
England Has a Height Complex. I’ve Spent A Decade Watching It Cost People Homes.
After 20+ years and 700+ buildings, JSA’s Chris Wood on why Britain’s instinctive fear of height is quietly making the housing crisis worse.
"They really did approach our project as if it were their own."
Not to sound like a Ronseal ad, but we pride ourselves on doing exactly what we say on the tin.
Most helpful and efficient...
JSA architects have been most helpful and efficient in developing plans for a proposed new bungalow for our occupation in old age. Probably not the easiest of clients, they has managed our requirements and aspirations cleverly and tactfully to produce practical solutions of both site payout and building design. They have retained and managed sub-consultants to produce the reports necessary to support our planning application in which their good working relationship with Council officers has been helpful to our cause. Their communications has always been timeous and efficient, both face to face, by e-mail and by telephone. Thank you! John and Anne Cartmell.
JCJohn Cartmell
A very professional and reliable firm.
JSA Architects are a very professional and reliable firm. They have expert knowledge in dealing with Listed Buildings and properties located within a conservation area. Their expertise also extends to general planning issues and construction management. They always return your calls in a timely manner. Highly recommended.
KPKnight Property Investments
Very clear, organised and easy to work with...
It was an absolute pleasure working with JSA Architects. Chris Wood was very clear, organised and easy to work with, for a project that we gratefully helped on for the 3D visuals. The design produced by JSA Architects clearly demonstrated the passion and thought process that they went through to meet their clients needs, expectations and dreams. The level of detail, excellent design and clear communication made it even more enjoyable to work with. Furthermore, JSA Architects' portfolio really demonstrates all of the above mentioned and I highly believe much more, for every project and client they work with. Definitely our top recommendation for architects and again, a massive pleasure on collaborating with you.
KRKreativiz
Communication has been first class throughout which is so vital.
JSA and specifically Georgie Rathbone have been excellent all the way along a very slow, frustrating planning application with Amber Valley Borough Council. Although the process is still not complete, we have no problem in recommending JSA for anyone considering dealing with a Grade II listed property negotiation. Communication has been first class throughout which is so vital.
EBElli Barrow
They provided clear drawings that my builders were really happy with.
I approached JSA after my previous architect acquired planning permission for extensions and alterations to my home. I needed detailed drawings for building regulations approval, and they were more than happy to take on the project when the previous architect stopped communicating. They provided clear drawings that my builders were really happy with, and they proposed changes to the design that would improve the general layout and look, but this required further planning permission. They submitted the applications and gained planning approval all without additional charges just because they saw an opportunity for improvements. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
KFKelly Fisher
Cannot recommend enough.
Chris has been brilliant through the whole process of re-designing our home. Cannot recommend enough. Thank you ☺️
SHShaun Hogg
Communication throughout was excellent.
We worked with Georgie on a small project in Melbourne. We found her to be extremely helpful and quickly able to understand what we wanted. Communication throughout was excellent. We were successful with our application which helped resolve a dispute that had been outstanding for over 12 months.
LTLouise Thompson
They really did approach our project as if it were their own.
Following a recommendation, we engaged JSA Architects to prepare and submit a challenging planning application within the green belt. I can honestly say that they did not disappoint. Each stage of the application was handled with consummate professionalism by Chris Wood and the team at JSA. Chris quickly came up with a bespoke strategic plan designed to maximise the site's potential. His extensive expertise was invaluable especially when dealing with council officials and engaging specialists to provide additional reports in order to further support our application. The team at JSA consistently exceeded expectations and proved always willing to go the extra mile. They really did approach our project as if it were their own. We would highly recommend JSA Architects without reservation.
MTMarcus Thomas
Very professional but also very down to earth...
Chris has been nothing but fantastic since we approached him for our project. He came with a wealth of expereince and ideas that really helped us create a wonderful living space. He is very professional but also very down to earth. I would highly recommend him!
ZMZoe Miller
A professional and personable experience.
A great experience working with JSA. A professional and personable experience. Highly recommend.
JDJ&K Developments Ltd
Great ideas and really detailed drawings...
I am a builder who has worked with JSA and found them to have great ideas and really detailed drawings. Chris whom I dealt with on the project was very friendly and approachable and explained easily and concisely any details and was really great to work with.
DBDeene Ball
Outstanding design and service.
Outstanding design and service! From the outset we have been impressed with JSA who took the time to thoroughly understand what we were trying to achieve and came up with a perfect solution, utilising the current space more effectively rather than the more costly route of an extension. The drawings they provided were of a very high quality and our builder remarked that they were better than most he had seen. Since the design process they made themselves readily available in answering queries from ourselves, the builder and building control, responding to emails the same day. Chris was particularly helpful when building control raised a number of queries and telephoned them himself to discuss and resolve them. Chris has been very professional and friendly throughout - regularly checking in with us to see how we were getting on and has shown a genuine interest and desire to help if we have needed. The work is nearly complete and we are absolutely delighted with the result. We thoroughly recommend Chris and the team.
RPRebecca Parkes
Very professional but approachable team.
I have found JSA to be a very professional but approachable team of architects and technologists. I have worked with hundreds of architectural practices around the country. JSA would certainly be one of the more professional practices. JSA were keen to seek very in depth details regarding our SIPS product in order to provide their clients with a comprehensive set of construction drawings. They were also not adverse to taking some advice from our design and technical departments. I have completed a couple of projects with them now. Although the structures were challenging on their own merits, the knowledge and technical capabilities of the JSA team ensured a successful project in each case, with a set of happy clients. We have since recommended some of our own clients to seek the services of JSA.
PBP1 Building Systems
All in all, a great service...
Great experience working with JSA who produced an amazing design and definitely incorporated ideas we would not have thought of. We found them to be very efficient and very prompt in responding to any queries we had. We received a speedy positive response from the Council for our plans, again they kept us posted on any developments. All in all, a great service, would recommend and use JSA in the future. Thank you!
SKSandy Kooner
So much better!
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FCFake Client C
Excellent service from the very start
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FCFake Client B
Honest and very knowledgeable!
JSA visited my house to help me decide on the best way forwards with adaptations for my disabled daughter. I was truly grateful for the advice they gave - and this was done in a really impartial way. Without the help of JSA I think that I would be still stuck with the dilemma. Honest and very knowledgeable!
HCHelen Coley
