The Northern Mark
Architecture for complex sites and projects.
Design is the easy bit. Complexity is where we add value.
We help landowners and homeowners navigate complex planning constraints to create one-off homes that genuinely belong to their site.
The biggest risk to a project isn’t design - it’s planning refusal.
When your site is complicated, generic advice isn’t enough
Most of our clients come to us with clear ambition but real uncertainty and a fear of project failure.
You may already own a site or property, but face constraints such as strict planning policy, heritage or conservation rules, or a history of refusals. Other local architects or builders can’t confidently explain what’s realistic, or how to approach the planning process without costly guesswork.
13 years of experience where it matters
With over 13 years’ experience working on sensitive and difficult sites, The Northern Mark specialises in securing approval where the margin for error is small.
ARB registered and experienced in navigating complex policy environments. Bringing a level of rigour and professionalism that complex residential projects demand.
Paragraph 84 and sensitive settings
We focus on projects where planning policy, context and site-specific challenges shape the outcome.
Paragraph 84 homes and similar
Barn and agricultural conversions
Sensitive extensions to listed and period properties
Before a line is drawn, we work to understand what the site can support, how planners are likely to respond, and how design can be used strategically rather than speculatively.
Because on complex sites, confidence comes from clarity.
A process you can trust, designed to reduce risk on your project
Step 1: Strategy
We meet to understand the constraints, identify genuine risks, and assess what’s realistically achievable before you commit to design.
Step 2: Planning
We develop a proposal that aligns your ambition with planning policy. Northern Mark leads the dialogue with the local authority throughout the process.
Step 3: Build
Once approved, we produce the detailed technical information your builder needs to deliver the project as intended.
Book a feasability consultation
If you’re considering a complex home project and want to understand what’s realistically achievable before committing serious resources, a feasibility consultation is the right place to start.