Host is a professional, friendly, family-run architecture studio based in London focused on working closely with clients at a personal level to deliver exceptional quality, sustainable architecture at all budgets.

Host was born from a simple idea: to create quality, thoughtful architecture that not only meets but exceeds our clients’ expectations. We work across all sectors and believe in open, honest communication every step of the way. No jargon here—just plain English and a pragmatic approach to design. To make sure everyone is on the same page, we work in 3D on nearly every project, bringing our ideas to life for all involved.

Our studio is based in Wandsworth, where founder and principal architect James Gunn lives with his family. Host is a team effort, drawing on James’ extensive architectural experience and his wife Chloe’s expertise in graphic and interior design.

James launched Host in 2021 after honing his skills at LTS Architects and Wilkinson Eyre, where he rose to Associate level. Over the years, he’s worked across a wide range of sectors on projects from £100,000 to £65 million. James also completed several private residential projects, giving him a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver truly personal and bespoke designs.

Expertise

At Host, we’re deeply committed to addressing the climate emergency, which means environmental impact is always front and centre in everything we do. We’re passionate about making the most of what’s already there, advocating for the reuse of materials wherever possible to help reduce embodied carbon in our projects.

James has completed AECB-accredited training in Passivhaus principles, which allows him to offer early-stage advice on how designs can be shaped to achieve carbon-neutral—or even carbon-negative—outcomes.

Alongside our environmental commitments, conservation plays a key role in Host’s ethos. James has undertaken SPAB-accredited RIBA conservation training and has extensive experience working on listed buildings in collaboration with specialist heritage architects and advisors. This knowledge ensures we can sensitively and thoughtfully work on or near listed buildings, respecting their history while shaping their future.

Minimal interior with natural materials

Location

Host is based in south west London but has projects across the south of the UK. At present we have projects in the following areas;

London · Surrey · Hampshire · Devon · Sussex · Hertfordshire · Cambridgeshire

Instagram

Starting on site next month a full reconfiguration, refurbishment and retrofit of a Victorian office building in #wimbledonvillage This image shows the new reception space which faces onto the High Street. The project includes the conversion of the
As we head into the festive break, we want to wish all our friends, clients, supporters, and collaborators a happy and relaxing holiday. 2024 has been an incredible year for Host. We’ve been so lucky to work on some amazing projects, celebrati
We’re pretty excited about this one… circulation space for a new commercial unit. More to come as the project develops. On site 2025. Rendered in @chaosvray @dinesen floor texture #modernarchitecture #sw19 #officedesign #cgi #archv
A few interior detail shots of our Ridgway Mews Clinic in #wimbledonvillage from @snookphotograph This series was of the main stair where rooflights above allow natural light to flood the double-height space. #architecturalphotography #professiona
We recently spent a day at Ridgway Mews with the talented @snookphotograph who captured some fantastic photographs of our newly completed project for our wonderful client @thefamilytreatmentservice. This set includes a few shots showing the external
Another great planning success for Host in Wimbledon Village, this time in a prominent location on the High Street for @peacockcosolicitors We have been working hard with the wonderful Peacock & Co team to work up proposals for a full office re
We are so pleased to have had our proposals for a new stables and commercial space in Wimbledon Village approved by the London Borough of Merton. The site is within the Wimbledon West Conservation Area and the existing buildings, along with the neigh
Iterate, iterate, iterate… Emerging concepts for a car port design inspired by Georgian verandahs/canopies. Next to figure out how to get it to stand up! #canopy #cantilever #metalwork #structuralengineering #skyhook ? #architecturalmetalwo
So happy to have received #planningpermission for this contemporary extension within a conservation area in #eastherts It has been a pleasure working with a helpful and pragmatic planning officer and having a wonderful, patient client! The scheme
Such a pleasure as always working with PMC and HSDC, this time on refurbishment proposals for a new Space Technologies Suite at the college’s Alton campus. A variety of new spaces are to be provided with a central exhibit/presentation space le
Section from our early stage work on a new commercial project in #wimbledonvillage The project focuses on enhancing the staff and visitor experience with more flexible work and meeting spaces as well as better connectivity throughout the building.