PLANNING-LED DESIGN,
WITHOUT LETTING PLANNING KILL THE DESIGN.

STILL DRAWING. STILL CURIOUS.

I am Pete Tonks. I have spent around 40 years in the building and design world and have run PJT Design independently since 2003. I design homes by hand because it is still the quickest route between an idea and a piece of paper.

Technology comes afterwards, but the thinking starts at the drawing board.

I do not have a signature house style. I do not particularly want one.

Every site is different. Every client is different.

 

Some houses should be contemporary. Others should be traditional. Some should make a statement. Others should almost disappear into their landscape.

MY JOB IS TO WORK OUT WHAT YOUR HOUSE SHOULD BE.

YOUR HOME. YOUR WAY OF LIVING.

Commissioning a one-off home is a rare opportunity. It should reflect the way you want to live, the character of the land and what matters to you.

Whether you are replacing an existing house, creating a countryside home or starting with an empty plot, I bring design thinking and planning judgement together from the outset.

Ambition matters. So do proportion, buildability, budget and a clear route through the planning process.

I have been doing this for a long time and I still get ridiculously excited when somebody sends me a new project.

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TALK. LOOK. THINK. DRAW.

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No enormous design manifesto.  No predetermined architectural style.

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I establish what you want, understand the site and its constraints, explore the planning strategy and then develop the architecture with you.

You will see ideas taking shape through sketches and conversations.
 

The process will be collaborative, transparent and enjoyable.

At the early stages, I can also help you understand whether a site has realistic potential before you commit to a full design appointment.