“We love pushing the envelope, but we do it with careful reasoning,” says Tania. “That’s how we’ve achieved a 100% approval rate across London boroughs — Tania
At Redfox Builders, we know that every great build begins long before the first brick is laid. It starts with a vision — and a well-chosen architect who knows how to bring that vision to life within the unique challenges of London’s architectural landscape. In our ongoing Architect Insight Series, we speak to architects who share our commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and building homes that stand the test of time.
This time, we’re sitting down with Tania Udaondo Bernau, founder of TUB Architects — a studio known for its thoughtful designs, deep understanding of planning processes, and a rare talent for transforming London homes into something truly special. Tania’s practice is rooted in creating functional, beautiful, and timeless spaces, with a deep respect for both clients’ wishes and the architectural fabric of the city. TUB Architects stands as a successful example of what small, passionate firms can achieve in the capital.
We asked Tania to share her insights into the process of designing, planning, and executing a successful build in London. Here’s what she had to say.
Designing for London – What Every Client Needs to Know
We started by asking Tania about the most important factor clients should consider when budgeting for a new build, renovation, or extension in London.
“The key,” Tania explains, “is understanding that costs go far beyond materials and labour. Clients often forget to budget for consultants — from measured surveys to structural engineers and even asbestos surveys. Regulatory costs, such as building control fees, are also the homeowner’s responsibility.”
In other words, a realistic budget means seeing the full picture — not just the obvious costs but the quieter ones lurking behind the scenes. And crucially, always allow for a contingency fund to absorb the unexpected. In London, surprises are practically guaranteed.
Pre-Application and Planning – A Tale of Two Boroughs
London is many things, but simple isn’t one of them — and the planning process reflects that. We asked whether planning and pre-application costs vary across the city.
“The fees themselves are fairly consistent,” says Tania. “But the ease of obtaining permission? That’s where boroughs differ wildly.”
Some councils insist on pre-application advice, adding time and cost, while others move more swiftly. The timing of your project is critical, particularly if you need to rent alternative accommodation while works are underway. Delays to planning can quickly translate into spiralling costs if you’ve locked in contractors too early.
The smart move? Use the waiting time wisely — get technical drawings, party wall agreements, and tender packages in motion, so the project can hit the ground running once permission lands.
Conservation and Listed Buildings – Respecting the Past, Building for the Future
Tania’s practice works extensively on homes in conservation areas and listed buildings — a process filled with complexity, but also opportunity.
“In conservation areas, every material and detail matters,” she explains. “It’s not just about preserving the look — it’s about respecting the story of the building itself.”
This means sourcing materials that match the original construction, ensuring modern extensions complement rather than clash, and often engaging in lengthy consultations with conservation officers and sometimes the public.
Clients sometimes underestimate the time, cost, and sheer patience required. Common pitfalls include ignoring local policies, submitting incomplete heritage reports, or assuming they can “negotiate” once work has begun — a surefire way to trigger expensive delays or refusals.
The TUB Architects Approach - Realism Meets Creativity
What sets TUB Architects apart? It’s a question of balance — between creative ambition and practical realism.
“We love pushing the envelope, but we do it with careful reasoning,” says Tania. “That’s how we’ve achieved a 100% approval rate across London boroughs — by presenting bold ideas, but always backed with strong arguments and realistic proposals.”
Every project begins with the client’s lifestyle and dreams at the heart. From optimising storage in a compact terrace to flooding a period property with natural light, TUB’s designs don’t just look good — they work beautifully for modern life.
Greening London’s Homes – Sustainable by Design
With sustainability moving from a ‘nice-to-have’ to a core requirement, we asked how TUB Architects brings eco-conscious thinking into urban extensions and renovations.
“It’s a balance between preserving heritage and improving performance,” says Tania.
This can mean adding insulation when converting a loft, upgrading windows to double or triple glazing, and embracing renewable technologies like heat pumps and underfloor heating. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) help reuse rainwater, and smart home tech ensures heating and lighting are as efficient as possible.
Even in the trickiest period homes, there’s always room for small, meaningful improvements that reduce environmental impact without compromising the building’s soul.
The Role of Small Architectural Studios in London’s Future
As we reviewed the insights shared by Tania Udaondo Bernao, one thought kept surfacing — what does the future hold for small, family-run architectural studios in a city increasingly dominated by larger firms and the race for speed and scale?
At Redfox Builders, we’ve always believed that small practices bring something invaluable to the table:
Personal service tailored to the homeowner, not just the project. Creative flexibility to explore unique ideas, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all template. Deep local knowledge, understanding not just planning rules, but the character and spirit of each London neighbourhood.
As digital tools and AI transform how designs are drafted and projects are managed, these technologies will certainly enhance efficiency. But the human touch — the ability to read between the lines of a client’s brief, understand how a family lives, and design spaces that truly work for them — that’s something technology cannot replace.
The future belongs to practices that blend technology with empathy, combining modern tools with timeless design instincts. For homeowners who want more than just a well-executed build — who want a home with personality, history, and a touch of magic — small architectural studios will remain indispensable.
At Redfox Builders, this philosophy resonates deeply. The best homes are born from collaboration — builder, architect, and client, working as a team, respecting both the craft of building and the art of living. It’s why we’re proud to champion the work of practices like TUB Architects — and why we look forward to building many more beautiful, practical, and personal homes together.
Explore More from TUB Architects
To see Tania’s work and discover how TUB Architects approaches each project with creativity, care, and a keen understanding of London’s unique challenges, visit:
👉 https://www.tubarchitects.com
