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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.

Some of the Tunnel Stage crew following Reigate Summer Festival after helping deliver three days of live music and community events in Reigate.

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.

The completed Tunnel Stage at Reigate Summer Festival, designed by Reigate Architects using the historic Reigate Tunnel as the backdrop.

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.

Live music performance on the Tunnel Stage during Reigate Summer Festival, celebrating local musicians, creativity and community in Reigate.

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/

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Reigate Architects Wins LABC Building Excellence Award 2023

We are delighted to announce that Reigate Architects is the south-east regional winner of the LABC Building Excellence Award 2023 for the Best Partnership with a Local Authority Building Control Team. Alongside our colleagues at Southern Building Control Partnership this award recognises the efficiency of our collaboration and the strength of our partnership. This has enabled us to create imaginative, efficient, designs that are fully compliant with the UK Building Regulations.

One of the most notable achievements of this partnership has been the successful construction of a Passivhaus within the Green Belt and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Throughout our collaborative journey, Southern Building Control Partnership has consistently provided us with invaluable advice and guidance. Their dedicated officers have been instrumental in offering professional insights and practical solutions, contributing significantly to the success of our projects.

If you’re embarking on a new building project or considering an extension, we invite you to talk to a member of our dedicated team to learn more about how we can bring your vision to life.

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Transforming load-bearing elements into design assets

At Reigate Architects we take pride in our ability to envisage and implement creative ideas, such as changing a structural requirement, for example, a load-bearing column into a design asset.
Here are a few examples of what we mean;

A U-shaped steel support column transformed into a stylish bookshelf:
In our Windmill Cottage project an open-plan extension presented an opportunity for creativity. Here we asked the structural engineer to design a U-shaped steel column so that we could clad this and use the support as a bookcase. This harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics exemplifies our commitment to unique design solutions. 

Nature-inspired living room with a circular oak column:
Rather than using an ordinary steel column we specified  a circular oak column for our North Reigate project, to support the first floor.  Unlike steelwork, timber structural elements do not always need applied fire protection. 

Columns that provide functional shelving and highlight a change in floor level:
Our Eversfield Road project in Reigate, incorporated two columns not only to highlight a change in floor level but also to provide functional shelving. These columns serve both structural and decorative purposes, maximising the use of available space while adding visual interest to the interior. 

Industrial-themed kitchen with a black steel column:
At our Higher Drive project, we took the opportunity to integrate a black steel column into our client’s kitchen layout. This structural necessity became an integral part of the kitchen’s design,  complementing the overall industrial theme. 

If you are thinking about expanding your current property or embarking on a new build, contact Reigate Architects to discover how we transform your living spaces into stunning design assets.

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Celebrating Over 2000 Appointments

2000 Appointments Accomplished – We are very happy to announce a remarkable milestone in our journey at Reigate Architects, having successfully completed over two thousand projects in and around Surrey. We are privileged to have been entrusted with the dreams and aspirations of so many clients.

Our extensive portfolio spans a diverse range of projects, including extensions, alterations, remodelling, and new build developments. We take pride in our ability to cater to all types of budgets and locations, be it within town centres, Conservation Areas, Green Belt zones, or rural landscapes.

The strategic location of our practice in Reigate, Surrey has proven to be a significant advantage for our clients. Through years of experience we understand the planning and building regulation requirements of Surrey’s Local Authorities. Because of this we can anticipate and navigate potential challenges so that your project runs as smoothly as possible.

Moreover, our established network of trusted local suppliers, tradesmen, and contractors allows us to provide our clients with the resources needed to execute their projects with precision and efficiency. This invaluable network has been cultivated over years of collaboration, ensuring that we can deliver on our promises of quality and reliability.

We owe this remarkable achievement only to the dedication and expertise of our talented team of architects, technicians, administrators and support staff who consistently go ‘above and beyond’. Each project, no matter how big or small, has been an opportunity for us to demonstrate our passion for design and commitment to excellence.

To all of our clients, past and present, we extend our heartfelt thanks for entrusting us with your project. Your support has been the driving force behind our success, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.

Thank you to all our past and current clients for being a part of our legacy.

Whether you are thinking about expanding your current property or embarking on a new build, talk to Reigate Architects to discover how we can bring your vision to life.

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Embracing the Future: Supporting Architectural Apprentices 

In July 2022, Reigate Architects embarked on an exciting journey by welcoming our inaugural Architectural Apprentice, Lauren, into our team. As we continue to shape the architectural landscape, we recognise the invaluable role apprenticeships play in nurturing future talent and driving innovation within our industry.

We are committed to mentoring Lauren and providing her with the experience and knowledge she requires on her journey to becoming a Part 1 qualified architect, after completing her four-year, architectural degree course at London South Bank University.

Lauren is very much part of our team and is immersed in every facet of our practice, gaining first-hand insights that complement her academic foundation.

At Reigate Architects, we firmly believe in the power of apprenticeships to shape the future of our profession. By integrating apprentices into our practice, we not only enrich their educational journey but also invigorate our own perspectives with fresh ideas and boundless enthusiasm.

As we continue to nurture Lauren’s growth, we are excited about the possibilities she brings to our firm and the broader architectural community. Her progress reaffirms our commitment to supporting apprenticeships and shaping the next generation of architects.

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Adding Sustainable Features to your Design – Green Roofs

Green Roofs – Sustainable Benefits:
As energy efficiency and concerns for the environment become important design considerations, Reigate Architects are keen to incorporate features to create greener, more environmentally friendly buildings. One such feature is Sedum roofs.

Green roofs – A natural solution:
Sedum roofs, also known as green roofs or living roofs, offer many advantages over traditional roofing solutions. These reduce your carbon footprint and also lower energy bills, in an attractive manner.
Here’s why:

1. Thermal Performance: Sedum roofs enhance the thermal performance of your building, reducing the need for heating and cooling. This translates into substantial long-term energy savings.

2. Biodiversity and Conservation: Green roofs provide a habitat for wildlife and support pollinators, contributing to the preservation of local ecosystems.

3. Rainwater Management: Acting as a natural filter, sedum roofs purify rainwater and reduce stormwater runoff, alleviating the strain on urban drainage systems.

4. Urban Heat Island Mitigation: Green roofs play a vital role in countering the urban heat island effect, helping lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

5. Aesthetic Beauty: Green rooftops can enrich and enhance urban and rural landscapes, fostering a sense of well-being and tranquillity and promoting integration between man-made structures and the natural world. They can be the perfect partner for a garden office or for a flat roof extension that is overlooked from an upstairs windows.

Our Old School Mews, North Downs house, West Reigate projects demonstrate how sedum roofs were incorporated into our designs.

6. Low Maintenance: Sedum plants are naturally drought-tolerant, requiring minimal upkeep, cutting or pruning; they thrive independently.

7. Air Quality Improvement: Like all plants, sedum contributes to reducing CO2 levels in the atmosphere, enhancing air quality and aiding in greenhouse gas reduction.

8. Wildlife Support: By attracting bees, butterflies, and other essential insects, sedum roofs support wildlife in city environments.

If you’re looking to make sustainable adaptations to your property or considering undertaking a sustainable and/or passivhaus project, talk to Reigate Architects who can bring your vision to life.