What Defines A House’s Form?
House Form
/haʊs fɔːm/
Definition. The physical and spatial character of a house is shaped first and foremost by the client and their needs, with design decisions arising from how the home must function for the people who inhabit it.
At House Form, we believe the shape and character of a home should always start with the people who will live in it - you. Every project begins with your needs and the way you want your home to work for you.
Alongside this, there are common values that run through all our work: sustainability, a respect for the setting, and the use of traditional materials in a contemporary way. The result is homes that feel familiar and comfortable, rooted in our architectural heritage, but designed with the benefits of modern living and low-energy performance in mind - including Passivhaus principles where appropriate.
We aim to make architecture clear and approachable. Good design should solve problems, not create them. Through a collaborative and transparent process, we help you navigate planning, manage costs, and shape a home that is sustainable, practical and tailored to your budget.
Working across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hampshire and Warwickshire, we create houses and extensions that are simple, elegant and cost-conscious - homes that make sense for you, your family, and their surroundings.
More information on how we work and what to expect at each stage of the process can be found in our Residential Client Guide - click below to download.
James
Managing Director
Passionate about residential architecture, James is committed to producing distinctive, well-crafted designs that enhance both lifestyle and place. At House Form, he looks forward to continuing this focus, bringing fresh insight and leadership to projects, while championing design excellence and client-centred service.
An ARB Registered Architect, James brings extensive experience in bespoke residential design, with a career dedicated to creating high-quality homes that reflect the individuality of each client. His portfolio demonstrates a consistent ability to secure planning approvals and to guide projects smoothly through the often complex regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance at every stage.
James has successfully overseen projects from concept to completion, working closely with consultants, contractors, and local authorities to deliver homes that are both beautifully designed and technically robust. His approach balances creativity with a practical understanding of construction, ensuring that design aspirations are translated into built reality with care and precision.
Andrew
Managing Director
At the heart of Andrew’s work is problem-solving. Every client and site presents its own unique challenges, from planning constraints to technical demands. He believes that the best architecture finds creative, practical answers that enhance daily life. As Charles Eames put it, “We don’t do art. We solve problems.” That philosophy guides Andrew’s approach, ensuring each home is designed not just to look good, but to work beautifully for the people who live in it.
As a Certified Passivhaus Designer, Andrew brings specialist knowledge in creating homes that are exciting to live in, energy efficient, and comfortable. Through House Form, he offers accessible and sustainable home design at a more personal scale.
Andrew is an architect with experience delivering bespoke homes across the South and East of England. Before relocating to Cambridge, he was part of the award-winning team at AR Design Studio in Winchester, where he worked on high-quality projects tailored to complex briefs and sensitive sites. He then developed his expertise at MCW Architects, focusing on modern construction methods, digital tools, and sustainable design principles.
Matt
Non-Executive Director
Matt helps clients create homes that feel warm, sustainable and grounded in their surroundings. His approach balances natural light, characterful materials and long-term performance, drawing on Passivhaus principles to deliver buildings that are comfortable to live in every day.
Within House Form, Matt supports the team as the practice grows, offering mentoring, strategic guidance and a sounding board for design thinking. He values open collaboration and works closely with colleagues and consultants to solve problems collectively, believing that the strongest outcomes emerge from clear dialogue and shared responsibility.
Before joining House Form, Matt ran Cocoon Architects for nine years, specialising in sustainable new build homes and sensitive extensions across East Anglia. Based in Ely, he continues to stay engaged with the architectural process when time allows, helping clients develop early ideas into homes that feel personal, well crafted and enduring.