I’m Rosie
I’m a RIBA‑chartered architect based in London, specialising in transforming historic houses into calm, characterful, and uniquely personal homes.
I offer a complete architecture and interior architecture service, working directly with discerning homeowners ready to reshape their lives. Whether for a growing family, a relocation, or the realisation of a long-held creative dream, I work with clients undertaking significant transformations of historic and listed homes from London townhouses to Georgian country manors. Through major extensions, remodelling and carefully crafted interiors, I eschew pastiche to create refined contemporary designs that honour a building’s past while supporting the way you want to live today.
Your Story… beautifully built.
Heritage homes have great bones and fascinating quirks, but this richness comes with complexity. Planning restrictions can feel daunting, budgets uncertain and these buildings need treating gently. I understand the desire to get it right. Supported by a trusted network of professionals and craftspeople who share my values, I navigate planning, conservation, design, and construction with calm authority to help unlock the potential of your historic home.
Every project I take on is a personal collaboration between us: My role is part architect, part curator. I listen closely, distil what matters, and weave together architectural heritage with your story and lifestyle. By taking on a limited number of projects each year, I allow space for careful thinking, close collaboration, and a high level of care throughout the process.
Home as a refuge
Your home should feel calm, intuitive and function effortlessly - a refuge from the demands of the world:
Space to cook, gather and live generously
Warmth, comfort and a sense of ease throughout
Beautifully integrated storage to restore calm and order
Light filled layouts that flow naturally
A strong relationship between house and its surrounding landscape
Materials chosen for longevity, tactility and crafted luxury
Thoughtful details that feel timeless
Testimonials
My clients will always say it better. Explore my portfolio of built projects here.
“The beautiful photographs really highlight the wonderful job you and the building team did, the attention to detail, the craftsmanship, the very beautiful melding of the old and new.”
In her own words.
Nina Leeming, Hillside client in conversation with Country Living Magazine.
Expertise and Experience
Rosie C McLaren - BArch DipARCH ARB RIBA
I bring 20 years of high-end heritage residential experience to every project. I trained at Chris Dyson Architects, SODA , Takero Shimazaki Architects and Tasou Associates, grounding my practice in conservation principles and luxury living.
Formative projects include the RIBA award winning Leicester Print Workshop, Soho House at 76 Dean Street and Venice Takeaway at the Venice Biennale. I have also led the restoration and transformation of numerous listed buildings.
My work has been featured in Country Living, Livingetc and the architectural press - recognised for its clarity, creativity, and contextual sensitivity.
Continuity and Care
Growing up near Wightwick Manor, a landmark Arts and Crafts property and within a Huguenot family of artists, set painters and clockmakers, I developed a lifelong love of craftsmanship and appreciation for the patina of time.
Weekends spent helping my mother hang wallpaper, polish silver, or seeing her meticulously look after her original timber windows taught me the power of care and attention to detail - values that guide every design decision I make. Now, as a mother of three and one of five siblings, I bring a lived understanding of how essential good design is to everyday life.
“Rosie’s genuine enthusiasm for our house project made her the obvious choice for us. From the outset, she understood what we were dreaming of and managed to articulate it into the design. Opening up ideas that were totally true to us with blue-sky thinking and a constantly positive energy. ”
-
Choosing an architect is an important decision. You should feel understood, supported, and confident that we share the same ambitions for your home.
My service is best suited to clients making a significant, long-term investment in a property. Projects often involve complex buildings, planning considerations, and careful coordination through design and construction.
My clients value thoughtful design, clear communication, and a considered process. They understand that buildings with character require patience, expertise, and collaboration to achieve the best outcome.
-
I help clients invest wisely from the outset. The process begins by understanding how you want to live, not just how your building looks, and shaping every design decision around that.
Good value comes from clarity and following a structured approach. Every design stage is checked against your budget, working with a Quantity Surveyor or trusted builder where needed. I draw on experience and industry knowledge to plan and manage the works, minimising the risk of redesigns, planning issues, or costly surprises.
-
I work collaboratively, but I take responsibility for managing the complexity of the process. Clients are most involved at key decision points, where their instincts are essential, rather than in the day-to-day detail.
My role is to guide decisions clearly, gradually allowing the design to solidify. I filter out options and explain implications, so the process remains focused and manageable. As projects of this nature involve careful deliberation and investment over time, this allows clients to stay engaged without the project becoming overwhelming or intrusive.
Getting Started
I take on a limited number of projects each year so I can personally lead every stage. This is how I ensure working with me feels calm, purposeful, and well held. How I ensure decisions align with your priorities from the first conversation through to the finished home.
If you’re considering extending, restoring, or reimagining a historic home and want an architect to personally and gently guide you through the process, let’s talk.
Get in touch via the contact page or please click the link above to schedule a discovery call.
