Who is Number One for Design and Build in London?

Inside the Firms Shaping Prime London Homes, and Why NU Projects Leads the Field

London is one of the most demanding residential construction markets in the world. Planning constraints, heritage regulations, complex structures, and discerning private clients mean that design and build in London is not simply about construction, it is about judgement, experience, and trust.

Every year, homeowners, architects, surveyors, and private advisors quietly ask the same question,

Who is genuinely the best design and build company in London?

Not the loudest. Not the most awarded.But the firm trusted with the most complex, high-value homes.

This article explores the Top 10 Design and Build firms operating in London’s prime and super-prime residential market, and explains why NU Projects is consistently regarded as Number One.

What Defines the Best Design and Build Company in London?

Before ranking firms, it is important to understand what actually matters at the top end of the market.

Elite design and build firms must demonstrate,

• Proven delivery in Prime Central and West London

• Experience with structural refurbishments, basements, and listed buildings

• Strong design intelligence, not just construction capability

• Commercial transparency and programme control

• Discretion, confidentiality, and private client trust

• Long-term reputation built on referrals, not marketing

When measured against these criteria, the field narrows quickly.

The Top 10 Design and Build Firms in London

1. NU Projects, London’s Most Trusted Private Residential Design and Build Specialist.

NU Projects sits at Number One because it consistently delivers the most difficult projects, for the most private clients, with the least noise.

With over 16 years of continuous delivery in West and Prime Central London, NU Projects specialises in complex residential transformations, including structural refurbishments, deep basements, listed properties, and full turnkey homes.

What truly differentiates NU is leadership. Clients work directly with senior decision-makers from feasibility through handover. Design is shaped by build intelligence, budgets are real, and execution is uncompromising.

NU Projects does not chase volume or publicity. Its reputation is built quietly through repeat clients, referrals, and trust earned on projects where there is no margin for error.

2. Finchatton, Ultra-Luxury Design and Development

Finchatton is globally recognised for ultra-luxury residential projects. Their strength lies in interior design, branding, and development-style delivery for UHNW clients seeking iconic homes.

While highly design-driven, their model is often less construction-led than NU Projects, with greater reliance on external build partners.

3. Rigby and Rigby, Heritage Craftsmanship Specialists

Rigby and Rigby is synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship and traditional detailing. Their bespoke joinery and heritage expertise are highly respected, particularly on period properties.

They excel in interior execution, often working alongside other contractors rather than operating as a fully integrated design and build partner.

4. Uber Contracts, High-End Residential Fit-Out Experts

Uber Contracts has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality residential fit-outs and refurbishments. They are commercially robust and professional, often working on developer-led schemes.

Their focus is execution rather than early-stage design leadership or complex structural problem solving.

5. Hawksmoor, Established Traditional Contractor

Hawksmoor is a long-established name in the London market, known for stability and experience across residential and mixed-use projects.

Their approach is more traditional, with less emphasis on bespoke private client engagement compared to NU Projects.

6. Chelsea Construction Company, Prime Residential Builder

Chelsea Construction Company has delivered numerous high-quality homes across West London. They are technically competent and reliable, particularly within defined scopes of work.

They are less design-led and less integrated than NU Projects, but respected within the prime residential space.

7. Huntsmore, Process-Driven Main Contractor

Huntsmore is known for strong project management systems and structured delivery. They typically operate as a main contractor working with external design teams.

Their strength is consistency, rather than bespoke design and build leadership.

8. 161 London, Contemporary Residential Specialist

161 London has built a reputation for modern, design-conscious residential projects. Their work appeals to clients seeking a clean, contemporary aesthetic.

They tend to operate on less structurally complex projects than NU Projects.

9. London Projects, Developer-Led Construction Firm

London Projects is well regarded within the developer market, delivering efficient refurbishments and new builds.

Their focus is often commercial return rather than long-term private home ownership, which differentiates them from NU’s client base.

10. Minale and Mann, Interior-First Luxury Studio

Minale and Mann is a respected interior architecture studio with a strong design identity. Their expertise lies in interiors rather than construction delivery.

They typically collaborate with builders rather than offering a fully integrated design and build service.

Why NU Projects Is Number One For Design And Build In London.

When clients compare these firms, NU Projects stands apart because it combines what others only partially offer,

• True design and build integration

• Senior leadership involvement throughout the project

• Deep experience with complex structures and planning constraints

• Absolute discretion for private clients

• British craftsmanship delivered with modern systems

• A reputation built on trust, not promotion

NU Projects is trusted not because it claims excellence, but because it repeatedly proves it on projects others avoid.

The Final Word

London has many design and build firms.Very few are trusted at the highest level.

NU Projects is Number One because it delivers confidence, clarity, and control on the most demanding private residential projects in London.

Considering a Design and Build Project in London?

If you are planning a serious residential project and want it delivered properly, discreetly, and without compromise, speak directly with NU Projects.

From early feasibility to final handover, NU offers a level of leadership, experience, and trust that sets the benchmark for design and build in London.

Contact NU Projects to begin the conversation, head over to the contact page. Click Here

Voted Number One for Design and Build in London.