Property and HMO Development Architects
About AURA Architecture
AURA Architecture helps developers, investors and landowners turn sites into commercially successful schemes. We combine planning-led design with a genuine understanding of development finance, so every project is shaped around value, buildability and a clear route to approval.
Our Founder
Development experience behind the architecture.
AURA was founded by Ben Richards, whose background includes working alongside architects, engineers and the Berkeley Group, one of the largest developers in the South East. In that role, Ben contributed tens of millions of pounds in added value to major schemes across South West London.
Ben also jointly owns XP Property (www.XPproperty.co.uk), giving AURA direct experience of every stage of development, from funding and planning through to construction and sales. His network of contractors, agents, lenders and consultants is a real advantage for our clients. On one occasion, Ben secured £270,000 of funding to support a developer client’s project.
Developers Designing for Developers
We approach every scheme as if it were our own investment.
Many of our architects, designers and technicians run their own property projects and have worked in-house for developers, preparing feasibility studies and financial appraisals.
What We Do
Architecture shaped around development potential.
We work on apartment schemes, residential conversions, mixed-use buildings, extensions, new-build homes and HMO developments across London, Surrey and the wider UK. Our services cover feasibility studies, planning strategy, planning applications, technical design and project coordination. As specialist HMO architects, we create efficient, compliant layouts that maximise rental yield and long-term value.
Development Feasibility
Assess development potential before key decisions are fixed.
Planning Strategy
Planning-led design with a clear route towards approval.
HMO Architecture
Efficient, compliant layouts shaped around long-term value.
Why Choose AURA
Design quality with commercial awareness.
Our schemes are designed to look exceptional, maximise floor area, stay practical to build and move quickly through each stage. Our work has been featured in BUILD Magazine (2019) and recognised as Commercial Conversion of the Year 2026.
Talk to Us About Your Site
Move your development forward with confidence.
Whether you are assessing a site before purchase or preparing to build, we can help you move forward with confidence.