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.
Architectural practice talks to itself in acronyms and stage gates. Here's what actually happens when you work with us — in plain English.
We look at your building, your constraints, and your brief — and tell you honestly what's possible. This is where most of the value is. A feasibility review often changes the direction of the project entirely, and usually saves more than it costs.
Sometimes that's a full design and planning application. Sometimes it's a targeted intervention that transforms how the space works. We'll always tell you which, and why, before you commit anything.
If the project proceeds, you deal directly with me throughout. Not a junior. Not a project manager. The person who understood the problem from the start is the one who sees it through to the end.
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.
Extensions, 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."
Start the conversation
We're selective about what we take on. A short conversation will quickly establish whether we're the right fit — for both of us.