ABOUT
Thoughtful homes begin with thoughtful decisions.
I’m Carol Smyth, an Architectural Design, Planning & Retrofit Consultant with over 30 years’ experience helping homeowners across Sussex make considered decisions about their homes.
From extensions and renovations to planning and retrofit, I combine creative design with practical experience to help you understand not only what could be done but what makes sense for you, your home and the way you live.
My approach has been shaped by more than three decades of residential design, working with homeowners, local authorities, consultants and contractors across Sussex.
Over that time, I've learned that successful home design isn't simply about creating more space. It begins with understanding how people live, what isn't working and what they want their home to make possible.
I work closely with each client throughout the process, balancing creative ideas with planning requirements, buildability, budget and the long-term needs of the home.
I studied at Polytechnic South-West (now Plymouth University) and Brighton University and today work from my home design studio in Seaford, on the edge of the South Downs National Park.
MY STORY
Over 30 years of designing homes around the people who live in them.
A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
I've lived the journey too.
Hindover, my own 1930s home in Seaford, has given me the opportunity to experience many of the decisions I help my clients navigate.
Through its renovation and Fabric First Approach deep retrofit, I’ve experienced first-hand the realities of improving an existing home, from uncovering problems within the building fabric to balancing design, thermal comfort, sequencing, cost and everyday family life.
That experience has reinforced something I’ve believed throughout my career: improving a home isn't simply a construction project. It is personal. The decisions we make need to work for the people living there now, while considering how that home will perform for years to come.
MY PHILOSOPHY
A good home should work beautifully for the people who live in it.
I believe good residential design begins with understanding how a home is actually lived in.
Light, circulation, comfort, accessibility and the relationship between spaces all matter. But so do the less visible considerations: structure, drainage, buildability, thermal performance, budget and long-term value.
My role is to bring those things together, creating homes that feel considered rather than compromised and decisions that make sense not only now but, for the future.
WHY CLIENTS TRUST ME
Experience, clarity and considered guidance.
Home projects involve significant decisions, both financial and personal.
My role is to make that process feel clearer, more considered and less overwhelming.
30+ YEARS' EXPERIENCE
Residential design experience across Sussex.
100% PLANNING SUCCESS
Extensive experience navigating planning requirements and local authorities.
PRACTICAL, BUILDABLE DESIGN
Creative ideas grounded in budget, construction and the realities of your home.
PERSONAL APPROACH
Clear communication and considered guidance throughout your project.
"I've worked with Carol on a variety of architectural projects and am always impressed by her professionalism and the high quality of her work.
Carol has a brilliant way of presenting her designs with all the existing and proposed plans clearly laid out.
I would highly recommend Carol to anyone looking for a top-notch architectural designer.”
Jonathan Ings
Structural Engineer
A CLIENT’S EXPERIENCE
Designing around the way a family really lives.
“Carol listened to what we envisioned our home to be, offered her expert knowledge and helped us refine our plans.”
Jennie Whalley
Accessible family extension project