Concept Zero Architects — RIBA Chartered Practice — Market Harborough
We work with business owners, developers and homeowners on projects that matter — where the decisions are complex, the stakes are real, and getting it right is worth paying for.
The work demands it. Every project gets our full attention, from the first conversation to the last site visit. That's not possible with a full roster of small jobs.
The clients who get the best results are the ones who arrive with a real problem, not a preconceived solution.
We're chartered architects with over twenty years of practice. We work on extensions, conversions, new builds, and commercial developments where there's genuine complexity to navigate — planning, heritage, operational constraints, tight budgets with high expectations.
"We have a significant building project and need someone who can actually lead it."
Not manage paperwork. Not produce drawings to someone else's brief. Lead — from understanding the problem through to a finished building that works. That's what we do.
"We need to expand our operation but the constraints are complex."
Planning risk, operational continuity, budget pressure, phasing around a live business. These are exactly the projects we take on. Complexity is where good architects earn their fee.
"We've been given conflicting advice and don't know what's actually possible."
Builders, planners, and well-meaning advisors all have their own interests. An independent architect with no stake in the outcome is the most valuable person in the room at this stage.
"This is a substantial investment. We can't afford to get it wrong."
The clients we work best with are the ones who understand that the architect's fee is the cheapest insurance they'll buy on a major project. We work with people who think that way.
"We want design quality — but we're smart with money, not extravagant."
Good design isn't about spending more. It's about spending correctly. We've never lost a client because we suggested a cheaper solution that worked better. That's the job.
As a RIBA Chartered Practice, we structure our work around the RIBA Plan of Work. Your appointment can cover the complete process or the particular stages your project needs—with responsibilities, fees and next steps agreed clearly from the outset.
We establish what you need the project to achieve, examine the site or existing building, and identify the principal opportunities, constraints, budget and programme. Early feasibility work helps you make informed decisions before committing to a design direction.
We explore the architectural approach, layout, scale and character of the project. Ideas are tested against your brief, the site and likely planning considerations so that a coherent preferred design can emerge.
The design is developed and coordinated with the wider consultant team. Where required, we prepare and manage the planning application, respond to consultation matters and guide the scheme through the decision-making process.
We turn the approved design into coordinated technical information suitable for Building Regulations, pricing and construction. This includes working with engineers and specialist designers and, where appointed, undertaking Principal Designer duties under the Building Regulations and CDM Regulations.
We prepare the tender information, invite and assess competitive returns, clarify exclusions and qualifications, and help you select the right contractor on a properly understood basis—not simply the lowest headline figure.
During construction, we can administer the building contract, make periodic site visits, respond to technical queries and assess payments and changes. We remain involved through completion, handover and the defects period, helping protect the quality and intent of the design.
Complex listed building consent alongside new-build visitor infrastructure on a working rural estate. Planning strategy, heritage negotiation, full technical design and contract administration. Project value £350k+.
Full redesign of an underperforming residential asset into a high-specification apartment scheme. Planning, building regulations, full service through to completion. Project value £300k+.
Change of use and extension to a live commercial operation, designed around minimal disruption to the business. Phased construction strategy, planning consent obtained. Project value £250k+.
We don't publish client names or addresses without permission. If you'd like to discuss specific project references, we're happy to do that in conversation.
Explore project case studiesExtensions, refurbishments, new builds, heritage properties. We help homeowners understand what their space could be — and find the most direct, cost-effective route to getting there. Especially where planning is complex.
Expansion, change of use, new facilities, operational efficiency. We work with business owners and developers who need a clear-headed view of what's viable — and a practice that understands the commercial reality behind every decision.
Pubs, restaurants, hotels, listed buildings, farm diversification. Projects where design has to satisfy licensing, planning, and commercial return simultaneously. We've done it enough times to know where the risks are.
Concept Zero is led by Jonathan Oxley, a chartered architect based in Market Harborough with over twenty years of practice across residential, commercial, and heritage work in the East Midlands.
We deliberately limit the number of projects we take on. Not as a selling point — because the work requires it. The clients who suit us best are experienced decision-makers who want clear thinking and straight answers, not a practice that tells them what they want to hear.
"We don't take on every project we're asked to quote. If we think the fit isn't right, we'll say so — and point you somewhere that is."
About Jonathan and the practiceStart the conversation
Whether you have a clear brief or are still exploring what might be possible, tell us a little about the project. An initial conversation will help establish the right next step.