News Archives | Reigate Architects

22nd June 202610th August 2026

Reigate Summer Festival – Reigate Architects’ Involvement

Celebrating the Creative Heart of Reigate

A great place is about much more than its buildings. It’s the people, the community and the things that happen there that bring it to life.

That’s why we’re delighted to support Reigate Summer Festival. It’s a chance to celebrate the wealth of creative talent we have right here in Reigate – and it’s good fun too!

From New Music Fest to Reigate Summer Festival

Our connection with the festival goes back many years. Reigate Architects have long supported and sponsored New Music Nights and its annual New Music Fest, which brought original live music to venues around the town.

In 2024, New Music Nights and Reigate College took things a step further and launched Reigate Summer Festival. Today, with support from Reigate Business Guild – of which we’re long-standing members – Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, local organisations and a vast army of volunteers, the festival takes over the heart of the town for one weekend in June, each summer.

Music is still a big part of it, but there’s much more to discover. Artists, writers, performers, makers and community groups all get their moment, revealing a creative side of Reigate you may not always see.

Behind the Scenes at Reigate Summer Festival

At the festival weekend you’ll see stages, bands, performances, workshops and plenty of people enjoying themselves.

What you don’t see is everything that happens beforehand.

Months of planning go into a weekend like this. There are site layouts to consider, stages to design, permissions to obtain, performers and equipment to accommodate and, inevitably, a fair amount of problem-solving along the way.

As the weekend gets closer, a well-oiled machine of organisers and volunteers swings into action. That’s where we come in.

Reigate Architects help plan and deliver the Clocktower and Cage Yard venues, as well as designing and assisting with the delivery of the Tunnel Stage – perhaps the festival’s most unusual setting.

Designing a Stage Around Reigate Tunnel

The historic Reigate Tunnel provides a rather impressive backdrop, but it’s also a practical setting for live music.

As a pedestrian area away from the road, it creates a dedicated space where festival-goers can gather and enjoy the performances safely.

So, rather than compete with the tunnel, we designed the stage around it.

The raised platform gives local bands the experience of performing on a proper festival stage. At the same time, its position keeps the pedestrian route through the tunnel open and preserves views through this important Reigate landmark.

The scaffolding structure is practical too.

As a temporary installation within a historic structure, nothing can be fixed into or damage the tunnel. Scaffolding allows us to create the stage while working within the heritage requirements that protect it.

It may be a rather different project from the homes and buildings we usually design, but the thinking is much the same: understand the setting, work with what’s already there and consider how people will use it.

A Festival That Keeps Evolving

No two years are quite the same.

The festival continues to grow, the layout evolves and new ideas are introduced.

In turn, that creates more opportunities for local musicians, artists, performers, writers and makers to share what they do with a wider audience.

And once all the planning is finished, we don’t disappear.

During the weekend, you’ll usually find members of the Reigate Architects team at the Information Tent, helping around the stages – generally getting stuck in.

Occasionally, you’ll even find one of us (Simon) behind the DJ decks.

It’s a lot of work, but it’s also good fun.

Why We Get Involved

We’re a local architectural practice and many of the people we work with live in Reigate and the surrounding area, just as we do!

Supporting events like Reigate Summer Festival is simply part of being involved in the place where we work.

Architecture also teaches you that individual buildings don’t exist in isolation. They form part of streets, neighbourhoods and communities.

Understanding that wider context matters whether we’re designing a family extension, a new home or, occasionally, a stage in the middle of Reigate Tunnel.

We’re very happy to play our big or small part.

Discover more about Reigate Architects’ community involvement and the Tunnel Stage. Reigate Architects – Community Projects

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Reigate Summer Festival such a memorable success.

We look forward to seeing you at Reigate Summer Festival 2027.

To find out more about the festival visit https://reigatesummerfestival.co.uk/

24th October 202524th June 2026

Reigate Architects in the Community

supporting the Reigate Community

Following the success of the Reigate Summer Festival, we at Reigate Architects have been reflecting on how proud we are to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community. While our expertise lies in residential and commercial architecture, our true foundation is built on something even more important: people. At Reigate Architects, we don’t just talk about supporting our community – we live it.

Creating Spaces with Purpose

Architecture is about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about shaping environments that uplift and connect. That’s why, over the years, we have become passionate advocates for community-driven design and local collaboration. Whether we are helping revitalise a charity’s space or lending our expertise to local festivals, our mission is always the same: to create better places for people to live, gather, and thrive.

how we support our Local Community

Here are just a few ways we have been involved across Reigate and beyond.

Reigate Summer Festival: a celebration of Reigate town’s creativity, a weekend of mainly free entertainment for the local community and beyond. The festival pulls together the town’s abundance of creative and cultural talent into one event.

Reigate Architects has been involved since it’s inception in 2024, having designed the Tunnel Stage, supported site layout, sponsored the Tunnel Stage, and even helped behind the scenes as volunteers and DJ.

New Music Nights: a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers in the interests of discovering and encouraging creativity and talent. We are proud long-term sponsors of this non-profit platform for emerging local music talent.

YMCA East Surrey: a vibrant, local charity that helps vulnerable children, young people and adults to belong, contribute and thrive. We have provided ongoing support through design contributions and active participation in events.

Crisis: a national charity for people experiencing homelessness. Every Christmas Reigate Architects makes a generous donation to this charity instead of sending out Christmas cards. We feel this has more impact than a card and postage stamp.

Cow Pie Country Show: Run by The Surrey County Federation of Young Farmers Club it provides a venue for their Outdoor Competitions Day, to raise money to run the Surrey Young Farmers Charity. Since 2022 Reigate Architects has been providing site plans for free to help this fun event run smoothly.

Public Space Enhancements: From The Wall House Surgery to Nutley Lane Community Space Project, we have advised, provided design concepts and delivered practical improvements that benefit everyday users.

Sporting & Community Spaces: At both Somers Hall & the Old Reigatians Rugby Football Club we have designed spaces that have improved facilities for local organisations.

Sustainable Spaces: We provided renovation and insulation work at Bucklands Reading Room and St Philip’s Church Hall to preserve vital community hubs.

Sustainable Initiatives and Environmental Support: Alongside our architectural work, we have introduced a sustainability initiative in partnership with JUSTONE Tree, a non-profit dedicated to global reforestation. For every free initial consultation we offer, we ask clients to donate £20 to the charity – helping plant one tree for every pound received. Through this small but impactful gesture, we’re not only designing for a better built environment, but also contributing to a healthier planet.

Why Reigate Architects Prioritise Community Impact

We live here. We work here. We care. Community engagement isn’t a campaign, it’s part of who we are. We believe good architecture creates more than great spaces; it builds connection, pride, and hope.

This summer is just the beginning. We’re excited to keep collaborating, supporting and giving back, reinforcing our mission to design not just homes and buildings, but better places to live in every sense.

2nd February 202521st October 2025

Enhance your home with a kitchen extension

There’s a reason why people end up in the kitchen at parties – apart from easier access to food and drink!

Kitchens have evolved from being merely a functional space for preparing meals. A kitchen is now the most frequently used room in a house, serving as a hub for socialising, dining, and family gatherings.

A kitchen extension can come in many shapes and sizes, depending on your needs and available space. Whether you choose to extend to the side, rear, or ‘wrap around’ your property, Reigate Architects will help you make the most of your available space.

Natural daylight plays a crucial role in making a kitchen feel inviting and spacious. Our architects can incorporate skylights and large glazed windows and doors into your extension design, seamlessly connecting your kitchen to the outdoors. This creates a bright and airy ambiance, regardless of the extension’s size.

In today’s modern homes, flexibility is key. We can help you create multifunctional open-plan living spaces that can adapt to your family’s evolving needs. Your kitchen extension could accommodate additional rooms such as a utility room, a downstairs WC/wet room, an office space, or a cosy living/snug area where the whole family can relax and enjoy quality time together.

Some kitchen extensions are designed to modernise existing spaces while also providing much-needed storage solutions. Our architects can work with you to optimise your kitchen’s layout and storage capacity, ensuring a clutter-free and organised environment.

A well-thought-out kitchen extension is not just about creating more space; it’s an investment in your home’s value and your lifestyle. It can transform the entire feel of your house, making it a more comfortable and enjoyable place to live.

Whether you are planning to make adaptations to your current property or embark on a brand new home build, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process. We aim to create spaces that reflect your unique style and meet your practical needs.

Take a look at our extensions & alterations projects.

For further information or to talk to a member of our team about your project, please contact us.

14th January 202523rd January 2025

Possible Planning Application Fees Increase from 1 April 2025

Key Proposed Changes to Householder Applications Fees:

At Reigate Architects, we believe it is important to share our knowledge and that means keeping you informed of considerations you may need when planning your home or commercial renovations, expansions, and new builds. Staying ahead of regulatory changes is key to avoiding surprises.

On 14 January 2025, the Government laid a draft statutory instrument before Parliament which, if approved, will increase planning application fees in England. If approved, these adjustments will take effect on 1 April 2025.

For those considering property improvements or embarking on a new project, submitting applications before this date could help you avoid potential increased fees. If your timeline extends beyond April, it is wise to factor these changes into your budget to ensure smooth planning.

By being aware of these potential adjustments now, you can plan effectively and explore your options with confidence.
Starting discussions with an architect early can help you navigate these changes and keep your project on track.

Householder Application Key Proposed Changes (Inclusive of VAT but not the Planning Portal fee):

Single Dwellinghouse Alterations : Proposed fee increase from £258 to £528 for applications involving the enlargement, improvement, or other alterations of a single dwellinghouse.
Two or More Dwellinghouses: Proposed fee increase from £509 to £1,043 for similar applications involving two or more dwellinghouses.
Small-Scale Operations: Fees for minor developments within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse, such as small garden structures, will remain at £258.

Click here if you would like to read the The Government Statutory Instrument for Planning

Ready to Start Your Project?

Whether you are just exploring ideas or ready to move forward, our Free initial consultation is the perfect way for you to begin.

31st December 20247th January 2025

Reigate Architects: Highlights that made 2024 special

Welcome 2025: A Look Back and a Step Forward with Reigate Architects

As we step into a promising new year, we at Reigate Architects want to take a moment to reflect on some of our highlights of 2024 and extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who make our journey possible. To our clients, collaborators, friends, family, and the local community we are proud to call home — thank you for your trust and support.

A Year of Meaningful Achievements:

Over the past year, we have had the privilege of working on a range of exciting projects that reflect our passion for innovative, sustainable, and thoughtful design. Here are some of the highlights that made 2024 so special:

Sustainable New Build - Dorking:

We completed an energy-efficient family home in Dorking that blends natural elements with contemporary design. This project underscores our commitment to creating beautiful spaces that are as kind to the environment as they are inspiring to live in.

Planning Permission Successes:

Achieving a higher than the national average planning approval success rate in 2024 was a proud moment for our team. Highlights include securing approval for a large extension to a grand manor house within Surrey’s Green Belt, a project that blends modern functionality with historic preservation.

Showcasing Expertise: London Build Expo 2024

At the London Build Expo 2024, we proudly exhibited our family Passivhaus design, that is nestled into the North Downs within the Metropolitan Green Belt and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Integrated into the hillside to minimise impact, the home features an open-plan, inverted layout with breathtaking views, serene terraces, and advanced insulation and ventilation systems. This event offered us the opportunity to share our expertise in sustainable architecture alongside some of the industry’s leading innovators.

Reigate Summer Fair: Designing the Tunnel Stage

We were honoured to design and oversee the construction of the Tunnel Stage, a center-piece of the event. This structure celebrated Reigate’s rich heritage, with the town’s iconic tunnel arches serving as a stunning backdrop.

Supporting Local Education:

Giving back to the community is a cornerstone of our values. This year, we provided careers advice, interview support, and guidance to local schools and colleges, helping to inspire the next generation of architects and designers.

Giving Back:

Thanks to generous donations from prospective clients, we are delighted to have raised over £5,000 for JUSTONE Tree, surpassing our fundraising target. Supporting charities focused on sustainability and community wellbeing is important to us. Instead of sending Christmas cards this year, we have again donated to Crisis at Christmas (Crisis UK) to support those facing homelessness.

Looking Ahead to 2025:

As we welcome 2025, we are filled with excitement for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Our mission remains clear: to design thoughtful, functional and sustainable properties that enhance lives and communities.

We look forward to designing more inspiring spaces and shared successes in 2025 – bringing more visions to life.

We wish you a happy, healthy, and inspiring 2025! From all of us at Reigate Architects.

1st November 20247th January 2025

Reigate Architects | Making a Difference in Our Reigate Community

Committed to supporting our Reigate Community

At Reigate Architects, we are committed to supporting our local community. On Tuesday, 12th November 2024, we proudly participated in initiatives at two local schools, helping students prepare for the next steps in their education.

Apprenticeships Evening Reigate Grammar School

Lauren and Claire represented Reigate Architects at the Reigate Grammar School Apprenticeship Evening, where they highlighted the benefits of degree apprenticeships and addressed common misconceptions. The event also featured RGS alumni who shared their first-hand experiences of apprenticeships at leading companies such as UBS, Deloitte and Dyson, as well as a local engineering firm. This was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how apprenticeships offer a rewarding career path that combines practical experience with academic success. Attended by students from Reigate Grammar and other local schools, the evening highlighted the wide variety of apprenticeship options available and the significant benefits they offer both to students and businesses.

Mock Interviews at Moon Hall School

Simon volunteered at Moon Hall School, joining other volunteers to conduct mock interviews for students. These sessions were designed to alleviate the anxiety often associated with preparing for interviews, whether for further education or a first job. By providing practical advice and delivering constructive feedback, the aim was to build the students’ confidence and minimise their anxieties so they feel more equipped to handle face-to-face interviews. Parents have responded overwhelmingly positively, noting how these sessions have significantly enhanced their children’s confidence for future interviews.

Supporting Holmesdale Community Infant School

Reigate Architects proudly sponsored a Christmas Tree Decoration Stall at Holmesdale Community Infant School’s Christmas Fair on Saturday 16th November, in addition to being an annual sponsor of the school’s PSA. It is always a delight to see the enthusiasm and creativity of young minds at work. Their beautiful decorations will be displayed in our office window from Tuesday 3rd December, and at the Reigate Methodist Church during the Christmas Tree Fair, running from Thursday 27th November to Sunday 1st December. This initiative is just one of the many ways we aim to get involved with the local community.

Our Commitment to Local Communities

At Reigate Architects, we believe in the power of community. Whether through supporting local schools or creating opportunities for young people, we remain dedicated to giving back to the area we proudly call home.

2nd October 202425th February 2025

What drives the passion of an Architect?

A Passion for Architecture and a Vision for the Future

At Reigate Architects, we see architecture as more than designing buildings—it is about creating sustainable and meaningful spaces that can enrich daily life.

An introduction to Simon Walter – Founder of Reigate Architects

Behind this approach is Simon Walter, founder and director of Reigate Architects, whose inspiring career was recently profiled by Reigate and Banstead Works, a platform championing local Surrey businesses and career journeys within the borough.

Simon’s story is one of passion, dedication, and innovation. From sketching the house he grew up in as a child to leading transformative projects like the iconic Bluewater shopping centre, his journey reflects a deep love of architecture.

Over his 38-year career, Simon has remained committed to improving lives through thoughtful architecture that enhances its surroundings, whether it is a modest home extension or a complex commercial development.

Evolving Nature of Architecture

One of the themes of Simon’s interview is the evolving nature of architecture. He reflects on the industry’s transformation—from traditional drawing boards to cutting-edge digital tools—while emphasising that creativity and problem-solving remain at the heart of great design.

Despite technological advances, Simon believes the foundation of great design still begins with pen-and-paper sketches and creative solutions to spatial challenges.

Apprenticeships: Nurturing Talent and Building Futures

Simon also shares his enthusiasm for mentoring the next generation of architects, highlighting the value of apprenticeships in nurturing fresh talent. His experience with our first apprentice, Lauren, at Reigate Architects revealed how hands-on learning can shape future professionals while giving back to the field he’s so passionate about.

Transforming Spaces to Improve Lives

Whether discussing the artistry of design or the practicalities of construction, Simon’s insights offer inspiration to aspiring architects and anyone curious about the profession.

Explore Simon Walter’s Full Story

To delve deeper into his story and career advice, explore his full interview with Reigate and Banstead Works today.

4th July 20247th January 2025

How Reigate Architects can Enhance Outdoor Connectivity in Your Home

Embracing Outdoor Elements Indoors:
When discussing homeowners’ preferences for their home improvements, there’s often a desire to explore creative methods of integrating outdoor elements indoors, a design trend expected to last.

Whether you’re considering an extension, renovation, or a complete overhaul of your home, incorporating features that strengthen this bond with nature can significantly enhance both aesthetics, functionality, and your well-being.

At Reigate Architects we use many design elements that integrate outdoor elements into indoor spaces. Whether we are designing an extension for a dimly-lit Victorian terrace, renovating a period home, or designing a new contemporary and light-filled property – there are many ideas that can be incorporated into the design concept, which can include the following;

Expansive Windows: Introducing expansive windows to frame captivating views of your garden is a timeless approach to bringing the outside in. By installing expansive walls of glazing maximises views and enhances natural light flow while minimising the visual barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces. Bifold doors and sliding glass panels offer flexibility and creates an uninterrupted transition between the interior and exterior.
Project – Passivhaus – North Downs House

Enhance natural light from above: Capturing natural light from above is equally important and sometime overlooked. By incorporating skylights, roof lights, lantern or clerestory windows infuses your interiors with an abundance of daylight and can create captivating overhead views. This custom single-story extension in Virginia Water introduces a pitched skylight as the focal point of the new extension, infusing a modern touch and elevating the extension’s spaciousness and brightness with natural illumination.
Project – Single-storey rear and side extensions – Virginia Water

Balconies: Adding a balcony to your master suite or any other suitable area of your home provides an elevated vantage point to appreciate the surrounding landscape. Whether it’s for enjoying a morning coffee, or simply unwinding amidst nature, a well-designed balcony can become a cherished retreat.
Project – extension and extensive renovation West Reigate

Biophilic Design: Embrace the principles of biophilic design to foster a deeper connection with nature within your home. Incorporate elements such as indoor plants, green roofs, living walls, and natural materials to promote a sense of well-being and tranquillity.

Through-views and courtyards: By strategically designing your home’s layout to incorporate through-views that extend from one space to another, can integrate indoor and outdoor environments.

Utilising architectural features such as courtyards, glass walls, and open-plan layouts can enhance visual connectivity and spatial flow.

Reigate Architects integrated an internal courtyard into this home’s layout to introduce natural light and ventilation into otherwise an enclosed space. Courtyards also serve as private outdoor retreats and provide opportunities for greenery and natural elements within your home. This internal central courtyard in our Godalming, Surrey provides sky views, fostering a deeper connection with nature and acts as a communal focal point, around which other living areas are arranged.
Project – Extensive renovation and extension – Summerhouse Close

Loft Spaces: Transforming lofts into light-filled spaces by strategically positioning windows and skylights that capture scenic views and daylight, can create a sense of connection to the outdoors.

Frame Views: A windows can become a canvas and frame outdoor vistas. By strategically placing windows we can highlight picturesque landscapes, architectural or lush greenery, to enhance the visual appeal of your interiors.

Extending aesthetics: Crittal windows and doors have a geometric, thin frame design that adds aesthetic appeal, fitting both classical and modern designs. While making a space feel open and spacious, they also allow natural light to flow, as well as having a practical benefit, increasing security and energy-efficiency due to their steel frames.
Project – Extension and alterations – Oak Way

Colour Schemes: Interior architecture is equally important to enhance the design concept. By incorporating earthy colour palettes inspired by the natural surroundings evoke a sense of warmth and tranquillity within your home.
To read more – visit Country Living Colour Tren ds 2024

Whether you’re embarking on a new build, renovation, or extension project, by incorporating these innovative ideas into your home design, Reigate Architects can elevate your living experience and foster a deeper connection with the natural world and improved sense of well-being.

22nd June 20241st October 2024

Reigate Architects Design The Tunnel Stage at Reigate Summer Festival

Supporting the first Reigate Summer Festival:

Reigate Architects is delighted to have played a significant role in the inaugural Reigate Summer Festival, a vibrant three-day event that highlighted local creativity. We were honoured to design the Tunnel Stage, one of the festival’s main features, providing a unique space for performers.

Supporting Local Arts: From New Music Nights to the Reigate Summer Festival

The Reigate Summer Festival originated from the New Music Nights initiative, launched in 2013. From the start, Reigate Architects have supported this event, which has become a vital platform for live music and a fundraiser for YMCA East Surrey. By 2023, the festival had grown significantly, drawing over 1,000 attendees and highlighting the need for a central venue to host its expanding program.

The Iconic Reigate Tunnel: A Perfect Stage for Creativity

When asked to help relocate the festival to the heart of Reigate, we immediately identified the iconic Reigate Tunnel as the ideal location for the main stage. For us, the tunnel is more than a historic landmark—it’s a symbol of the town’s identity. By using this underutilised space, we were able to blend Reigate’s rich heritage with its thriving creative and cultural scene.

Our design for the Tunnel Stage was inspired by the tunnel’s unique architectural features, with the stage framed by its arches to create a visually striking backdrop for the music artists. Alongside the aesthetic appeal, we ensured the stage met all safety and regulatory standards while maintaining pedestrian access through the tunnel. We also collaborated with local authorities to secure a Temporary Events Notice (TEN) to ensure the smooth running of the festival.

A Resounding Success: Reigate Community Embraces the Tunnel Stage

The response from the local community was overwhelmingly positive. Performers from choirs, dance troupes, poets, comedians, and more embraced the opportunity to showcase their talents in various venues within Reigate. The Tunnel Stage became a central feature of the festival, reaffirming our belief in the potential of this historic space.

Reflecting on this year’s Reigate Summer Festival, we feel immense pride in how the event brought the town together to showcase its artistic and cultural heritage.

At Reigate Architects, we believe that great design not only shapes spaces but also strengthens communities.

8th March 202430th September 2024

Reigate Architects Support Renewed Hope Charity

Reigate Architects Forego Christmas Lunch to Support Renewed Hope Charity

At Reigate Architects, our dedication to the local community goes beyond our architectural projects. This year, we made a heartfelt decision to forgo our annual belated Christmas lunch and instead attend the Renewed Hope Spring Business charity event, a decision that reflects our values and commitment to supporting meaningful causes.

Instead of spending on dinner and drinks, we chose to redirect funds towards supporting Renewed Hope, a local charity dedicated to assisting the homeless and vulnerable in our community. Renewed Hope’s impact is immense. Last year alone, they helped 279 local individuals and served over 5,000 meals. These impressive figures highlight the critical role they play in supporting those in need year after year.

Attending the event gave us a first-hand look at the incredible work being done by the team at Renewed Hope. The evening was filled with thought-provoking discussions, inspiring stories, and the warmth of community spirit. We were humbled by the dedicated volunteers, who served delicious, donated food to attendees.

Reigate Architects’ Commitment to Community Support

Our decision to participate in Renewed Hope’s event wasn’t just about attending. It was about actively engaging with a cause that makes a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate. By forgoing our Christmas celebration, we were able to offer support where it truly mattered, helping Renewed Hope continue their essential work of providing shelter, meals, and resources to those in need.

As a firm, we believe that building stronger communities is just as important as building beautiful spaces. We are proud to support local charities and are committed to giving back to the community we serve where and when we can.

We extend our deepest thanks to Hugh and the Renewed Hope volunteers for an enlightening and inspiring evening.

To find out more about Renewed Hope click here