About Us

HAPA Architects

We are an award winning, dynamic and experienced, design-led Brighton based architecture studio. We have a passion for low-energy, sustainable architecture, and create buildings inspired by and engaging with nature. 

The Team.

Stuart Paine

RIBA Architect, Director

Dan Harding

Director

Chris Chan

ARB Architect

Alex Wood

Senior Interior and Architectural Designer

Rosie Paine

Publicity Manager

Testimonials.

From the onset Stuart Paine listened and understood my brief. We collaborated fully from feasibility design, through to completion of the house including project management. He incorporated my initial thoughts whilst adding design details I hadn’t even contemplated which enhanced my ideas and made the best possible use of the plot and surrounding area. Throughout this process he listened to any concerns I had and sought to find a solution that satisfied me as a client, the budget and the builder, whilst keeping an integrity of design, not always easy.   Throughout this process he navigated problems out of our control, for example covid, calmly and practically. In terms of quality of work, timeliness and cost management I could not recommend him more highly. Unforeseen circumstances have always been mitigated by innovative solutions which have demonstrated his architectural design competence. I am absolutely delighted with the outcome.

Louise
Client - Black Timber

Stuart Paine worked on a much needed renovation and extension of my Grade II listed house in Firle. The village is part of the Firle Estate who own most of the houses in the village (and who have a covenant to approve any planning approvals on the house) and it is in a Conservation area. Getting the planning for a much needed extension was always going to be difficult and Stuart’s modern but complementary design completely satisfied myself, the Estate, Conservation officers and the South Downs National Park Authority. The complete renovation of the house itself proved difficult as there had been a previous renovation done on the house and they had not replaced and installed the battens behind the tiles correctly. This meant they had slipped considerably and needed sorting out, the tiles were very old and many had broken, they were hard to replicate and Stuart and the contractor diligently found similar replacement tiles, which I was delighted with. Stuart navigated the listed building consent and the outcome has enhanced the original integrity of the house which sits in a very visible position in the middle of the village. Stuart’s management of this protracted project has been seamless and his attention to detail has resulted in a really beautiful marriage of old and new.

Angela
Client - Black Tile

I wanted to tell you how very happy I am – Although it is only a few weeks since I moved in I feel very comfortable and the house flows very well.   It is extremely easy living and being able to wander outside whenever the weather is suitable is lovely.   The light which floods into the back of the house is fabulous and I’m really looking forward to the summer. Thank you for a great design and for helping every step of the way through the process of planning and building.  Every visitor has admired the house very much and locals have commented on the transformation of the bungalow. 

Maureen
Client - Courtyard House

We used HAPA Architects for a redesign of an existing house for which they showed great input with both practical application and design flair. We have also used them for a technical design and site overseeing on a 3 house scheme. HAPA proved t be adept at liaising with contractors and subcontractors and all other stakeholders. We wouldn’t hesitate in using them again.

James
Client - The Chamfer Houses

Awards & Publications.

Black Tile House

Listed Property Awards Shortlisted

Black Tile House was shortlisted for the Listed Property Awards 2024.

Black Timber House

AJ Awards Shortlisted

We are excited to announce that Black Timber House has been shortlisted for the @architectsjournal Awards, project under £500K category.

RIBA Winner South East Black Timber house
Black Timber House

RIBA South East Award Winner 2023

Black Timber House won 2 Awards at the RIBA South East Awards: ‘Regional Award’ and ‘Small Project of the Year Award’

Black Timber House

Sussex Heritage awards 2022

Small scale residential awards ‘highly commended’.

Lace House

House builder awards 2018

Small scale residential awards ‘highly commended’.

Features

Black Timber House
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Black Tile House
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Courtyard House