Ambitious Yet Grounded — Architecture That Fits N2
East Finchley sits in that rare sweet spot between character and convenience. With Highgate to the south, Hampstead Garden Suburb to the west, and Muswell Hill to the east, it’s a neighbourhood full of potential — and full of clients who value thoughtful, practical design.
We know this part of London well. Whether you’re extending a semi on Church Lane, reworking a period terrace off the High Road, or seeking permission for a discreet new-build on a backland plot, DOR Architects provides the clarity, strategy and design quality to take your vision from brief to build.
This is what we do: intelligent, elegant architecture, finely tuned to planning policy — and to real family life.
“The brief in East Finchley? ‘We need a proper kitchen. And a better life.’ That’s what most projects are really about.”
Where We Work in East Finchley
We work across all areas of N2, including:
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Church Lane, The Bishops Avenue & East End Road: Side returns, rear extensions and loft conversions
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Fortis Green, Long Lane & Huntingdon Road: Smart reconfigurations, full refurbishments and developer-led conversions
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Durham Road & the High Road fringe: Permitted development schemes and small-scale intensification
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Backland & mews plots: Planning support and concept design for new dwellings in underused spaces
We understand the character of East Finchley housing stock — from Edwardian villas to 40s-60s semis — and how to bring each one up to modern standards without losing its charm.
Planning in East Finchley: What You Should Know
East Finchley falls under Barnet Council, one of London’s more policy-focused planning authorities. Depending on your location and scope, you may be affected by:
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Volume and depth limits for rear and roof extensions
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Permitted development rules (which can be helpful when used smartly)
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Infill and subdivision restrictions for new dwellings and conversions
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Neighbour daylight and privacy policies
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Contextual design expectations, especially on prominent or corner plots
We help our clients design with confidence — and submit applications that are well-argued, well-evidenced, and well-received.
Why Choose DOR Architects for Your East Finchley Project?
Because design is only half the story — execution, planning strategy and detailing make the difference.
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Planning-savvy design aligned with Barnet policy and precedent
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Refined architecture that suits East Finchley’s varied street types
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3D BIM workflows for design clarity and construction coordination
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Cost-aware solutions for both owner-occupiers and developers
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End-to-end service, from early advice to on-site support
We’re not here to impose a look. We’re here to create spaces that work — for families, for planning officers, and for builders.
Our Process
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Feasibility & Planning Advice
We assess what’s viable, what adds value, and how best to deliver it. -
Design & Application
We create fully coordinated drawing sets, 3D visuals and statements — ready for Barnet planning approval. -
Detailed Design
From structure and services to joinery and lighting — everything fully considered, not bolted on. -
Construction Support
We remain engaged through the build, protecting the design and assisting the team as needed.
Let’s Talk About Your Camden Project
Whether it’s a quiet reinvention of your home in NW5, or a high-value infill project off Camden Road, we’d love to help.
Tell us about your goals — we’ll help you shape them into architecture that matters.
FAQs – East Finchley Architecture & Planning
Possibly — Barnet allows certain rear, side and loft extensions under PD rights. We’ll assess your property and advise clearly.
In some cases, yes. We’ve helped clients unlock backland or side plots through clever design and well-supported planning applications.
Yes — layout, joinery, lighting and finishes are all part of our service, particularly where flow and usability matter.
Absolutely. We’ve helped small developers design, gain permission and deliver multi-unit projects across North West London.