Design & build in Westminster
MVV is a design and build contractor working on homes in Westminster, around SW1P and SW1H. We design and build refurbishments, restorations and extensions with one accountable team, so decisions are clear and the work is delivered to a consistent standard. The streets around Westminster Abbey and Smith Square hold some of London's finest Georgian houses, alongside mansion blocks and apartments within easy reach of Parliament and St James's Park. Homes here are often listed and always closely watched, and projects need careful handling.
Westminster homes and what they need
The residential heart of Westminster includes early Georgian terraces around Smith Square, Lord North Street and Cowley Street, together with Edwardian mansion blocks and later apartment buildings. The Georgian houses have narrow plans, fine staircases and panelled rooms, but kitchens, bathrooms and services often need complete renewal.
The challenge is to create a comfortable modern home, with better kitchens, bathrooms, storage and heating, while respecting interiors that are often of real historic importance.
Planning and listed buildings
This part of London lies within the City of Westminster and is covered by conservation areas, and many of its Georgian houses are listed. Listed building consent is required for works affecting a listed building's character, including internal alterations, and external changes are closely controlled.
We establish the consents your project needs at the start, prepare detailed drawings and specifications, and plan the work so that historic fabric is protected throughout.
The projects we take on in SW1
In Westminster we refurbish and restore period townhouses and apartments, renew services discreetly, create new kitchens and bathrooms and design bespoke joinery that suits historic rooms. Where planning allows, we also carry out rear and roof-level alterations.
Security, access and traffic restrictions near government buildings mean logistics must be planned carefully, and we agree arrangements before work begins.
Nearby work in Pimlico
Close by in Pimlico, on Balniel Gate, we designed and built a home around a new layout that merged two rooms into a single open space, creating a generous entrance, living area and separate sitting room, with herringbone flooring throughout. It shows how a thoughtful plan can transform a period home in SW1.
The MVV approach
MVV is a team of 35 designers, builders and project managers based in Chiswick. We deliver design and construction under one contract and carry £10M public and employers' liability cover.
What we do in Westminster
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need listed building consent for internal work in Westminster?
- If your home is listed, yes, for any work that affects its character, including changes to walls, staircases, joinery and fireplaces. We confirm the listing status and the consents needed before any design work is committed.
- Can you restore Georgian panelling and staircases?
- Yes. We repair and restore original joinery, panelling and staircases where possible and match new work to the original where replacement is unavoidable.
- Can I add a kitchen extension to a Georgian townhouse?
- Sometimes. It depends on the listing, the conservation area and the house itself. A carefully designed rear addition may be possible where it respects the building. We assess feasibility early.
- How do you manage building work near government buildings?
- We plan deliveries, parking and access around local restrictions and security arrangements, and agree the details with the council before work starts.
- How long does a townhouse restoration take?
- It depends on the scope, the condition of the building and the consents required. We set out a realistic programme in your proposal.