Grit, Character and Real Architectural Opportunity
Archway is more than a transport hub. It’s a neighbourhood in motion — where Victorian terraces meet concrete towers, backland mews meet hidden gardens, and a new generation of clients is quietly transforming how homes and spaces are imagined.
At DOR Architects, we bring structure and clarity to that transformation. Whether you’re refurbishing a home off Holloway Road, converting a shopfront on Junction Road, or exploring a backland site near Archway Park, we guide clients through planning, design and delivery with intelligence and care.
This isn’t about statements. It’s about spaces that make sense — and last.
“In Archway, the brief is often unspoken: ‘We want something better — but we want it to feel like it’s always belonged here.’ That’s the kind of project we love.”
Where We Work in Archway
We cover all parts of N19 and its surrounding context, including:
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St John’s Way, Harberton Road & Giesbach Road: Rear and side extensions, lofts and full refurbishments
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Hazellville Road & Whitehall Park Area: Conservation-sensitive designs and internal reconfigurations
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Tollington Way & Junction Road: Flat conversions and shopfront-to-resi change of use
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Backland & infill sites around Archway Park and Hornsey Lane: Strategic feasibility and new-build design
We know the quirks of Islington planning and the potential of Archway’s layered architecture — and how to unlock both with thoughtful design.
Planning in Archway: What You Should Know
Archway sits firmly within Islington Council’s jurisdiction — one of London’s most rigorous planning departments, especially when it comes to heritage, design quality and housing policy.
Key issues in Archway include:
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Article 4 Directions limiting permitted development in key streets
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Conservation Areas such as Whitehall Park requiring context-led design
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Flat conversions and subdivisions governed by minimum space and amenity standards
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Roofline constraints and daylight/sunlight impact tests
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Infill/backland sites scrutinised for privacy, access and scale
We help clients navigate these with confidence — through evidence-based design, realistic advice, and well-prepared applications.
Why Choose DOR Architects in Archway?
Because we know how to create value — without compromising character, planning strategy or quality.
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Experienced with Islington planning and Conservation Area constraints
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Design-led but policy-savvy, ensuring smoother approvals and stronger builds
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3D BIM workflows for clarity, efficiency and coordination
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Feasibility-first support for small developer projects
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Interior and spatial design for modern living within historical envelopes
Whether you’re redesigning a home or reimagining a disused plot, we’ll help you build something that belongs — and improves what came before.
Our Process
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Feasibility & Planning Strategy
We help you understand your options early — before any time or money is wasted. -
Design & Planning Application
From concepts to full applications, we lead the process clearly and proactively — tailoring each submission to Islington’s expectations. -
Technical Design & Interiors
Our detailing includes structure, sustainability, storage, lighting and joinery — all ready for construction. -
Construction Support
We remain hands-on throughout the build, ensuring the quality and intent are protected until the final handover.
Let’s Design Something That Belongs in Archway
Whether you’re a homeowner upgrading for long-term living or a developer exploring new potential in N19, we’re here to make it happen — intelligently, beautifully, and legally.
Design that respects Archway’s fabric — and adds quietly to its future.
FAQs – Archway Planning & Architecture
It depends. Some streets are under Article 4 Directions, which remove PD rights. We’ll review your property and advise early.
In some cases, yes — especially under Class MA rules. But prior approval is still required, and Islington has strict standards. We help navigate it all.
Possibly. Islington is open to infill development where access, amenity and scale are properly addressed. We’ve delivered similar schemes.
Yes. Our architecture integrates spatial flow, joinery design, lighting and material choices — all coordinated from the outset.