Ian Abrams Architect Ltd

30/05/2026

We are thrilled to have been the “architect of choice” for this incredible barn conversion. Witnessing this once-derelict building transform into a stunning and functional home has been a true privilege. Our talented late colleague, Chloe Horsfield, led the initial design, and we know she would be delighted with the outcome.

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We spent £2.1m transforming a derelict Essex barn into our dream home

With no mains water, drainage or internet, every element of the countryside property had to be built from scratch

29/05/2026

Completed earlier this year, this detached self-contained annexe provides a welcome addition to a large, detached home just outside Saffron Walden. Designed to complement its setting, the building is finished in a mix of facing brickwork and black timber boarding, all beneath a natural slate roof, allowing it to sit comfortably within the landscaped grounds. A practical and attractive addition, the annexe enhances both the functionality and character of the property.

13/05/2026

We’re pleased to share that planning permission and Listed Building Consent were granted in May 2025 for the renovation of the Grade II listed Almshouses in Churchyard, Thaxted, Saffron Walden, Essex.
The approved works include:

New insulation to the external walls, roof and attic voids
Lime render externally with lime plaster internally
Replacement external doors and windows with slimline double glazing
Retention of the north gable end windows with secondary glazing
Repairs to the existing chimney stack brickwork
New mechanical ventilation to the kitchens and shower rooms

Works are currently anticipated to begin on site in Spring 2027.

09/05/2026

I was proud to be one of the sponsors supporting Bishop’s Stortford Women’s Rugby Team on their recent tour to Majorca.

The players returned home winners of the Women’s Vets Cup and also reached the quarter-finals of the Women’s Cup, the club’s highest-ever finish at the Majorca Beach Rugby Tournament.

This is an incredible achievement and a brilliant way to round off what has been an amazing season.

Congratulations to everyone involved — your trophies were well deserved and thoroughly earned. 👏🏉

08/05/2026

This beautiful Grade II listed cottage has been brought back to life.
Once declared uninhabitable, the property had just a sitting room, kitchen and two bedrooms — with no bathroom. Today, it has been carefully transformed into a warm and much-loved family home, with a large kitchen, three bedrooms, two spacious reception rooms, a bathroom and a shower room.

A key part of the project was preserving the integrity of the well-preserved thatched roof, dating from around 1670. To make the extension work without compromising the historic roofline, the ground level on one side of the cottage was lowered so the new addition could sit neatly beneath the thatch.

The refurbishment included underpinning, reshaping the staircase, reinstating the inglenook fireplace, installing underfloor heating, adding oak floors and doors, and creating new bathrooms and kitchen spaces. More recent updates include a new brick garden path and a detached garden room/home office.

A rewarding project that balanced conservation, craftsmanship and family living.

05/05/2026

Completed summer 2024: three detached homes replacing a bungalow and pool near Saffron Walden, Essex—designed in a contemporary village vernacular with render, timber boarding and red brick, under steep plain-tile roofs. A great moment seeing the hand-drawn sketches become the finished build.

Thinking about a new-build or sensitive redevelopment? Message Ian Abrams Architect Ltd to chat through your project.

30/04/2026

Exciting progress this month on the alterations and extensions to a modern detached home in Bishop’s Stortford.

Great progress on site this month! The tented scaffolding is now down, the tiled roof is nearing completion, and most of the first and second floors are ready for plastering following completion of the 1st fix mechanical and electrical works. Replacement windows are due to arrive in the next couple of weeks—looking forward to seeing everything really start to come together.

I’ll share more updates over the coming months.

17/04/2026

This Grade II listed 16th‑century home in Saffron Walden has been carefully extended and reworked to suit modern living while respecting its historic character.
Unsympathetic later additions were removed and replaced with new extensions that reference local materials and craftsmanship, alongside contemporary details that celebrate the building’s evolution.
A great example of how sensitive design can enhance heritage buildings for everyday life.

10/04/2026

Another project completed in Saffron Walden!

We’ve recently finished designing a new replacement home on a corner plot in Saffron Walden, Essex. The existing bungalow has made way for a carefully considered new family home that sits comfortably within the neighbourhood.

We paid special attention to the protected tree on the site and designed the home to avoid any impact on its roots. The positioning of the first‑floor windows was also planned to make sure neighbouring gardens stay private.

Inside, the ground floor offers a bright and flexible layout with two living spaces, a kitchen/breakfast room, utility and a study/bedroom. The first floor, set within the attic, provides four bedrooms, two en‑suites, a family bathroom and a dressing room.

The exterior blends painted timber boarding with a brick plinth and a steep clay‑tiled roof, complete with five characterful dormers.

A lovely project to be part of — and a fantastic result for the clients!

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27/03/2026

We’re excited to share our latest transformation of a beautiful Grade II Listed cottage near Great Dunmow! The old layout felt disconnected, so we redesigned the home to create a much more open and logical flow.
The new extension includes a bright, modern kitchen and dining/breakfast space with a stunning glazed gable opening onto the garden. On the other side of the house, we added a new boot room, cloakroom, and utility area—making everyday living more practical while staying true to the cottage’s historic charm.