Marraum | RIBA Chartered | Architects Cornwall

Welcome to Marraum - a chartered architectural practice you can trust

From the glimmer of an idea to the stroke of a pencil, the first turn of a door handle to the flickering of a smile across a face, we are Marraum, a RIBA chartered architectural practice that brings more to your space – and take your story beyond its walls.

And we begin with you. Because at the heart of each architecture project – studio spaces, commercial builds, barn conversions or building that dream home – are the people who use it.

They’re the yawns that stretch to eye-widening views in the morning. They’re the feet feeling cool concrete underfoot. They’re the eyes looking for inspiration at their desks. And the shoulders that hunker down in the evening. These are the people whose surroundings bring more to each and every experience.

With years of architecture and design experience in both Cornwall and further afield – paired with aesthetic drive, strong ethics and constant curiosity – we know how to make space work harder for you. So from beginning, middle and end – discover how you can bring your own story of space to life.

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Contact us today

Integrating virtual reality into architecture

Want to see what your future home will look like? Let us show you round. We're the first architects in Cornwall to embrace this cutting-edge virtual-reality (VR) technology as standard on every project.

Transporting you into the heart of your design, VR lets you experience first-hand how your new home looks, from the sizing of rooms and the heights of ceilings to how light affects the space. Sharpening your vision, testing how your new design works for you and removing uncertainties before you build.

We’re embracing the unique possibilities of the latest technology so that you’re getting more from your new space. And living the life you want to in it.

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Find out more about Virtual Reality

Sustainable design in homes and spaces across Cornwall

Every project begins with understanding how you live. Our designs focus not only on how a building looks, but how it functions day-to-day, creating spaces that feel natural, comfortable and tailored to your lifestyle.

Balancing people and planet lies at the heart of everything we do. Seeking out design solutions that result in energy-efficient buildings is part of our DNA. And our minds are always on how we can minimise waste during builds.

Why? Because we want to make sure you have the information you need to make informed choices about your future home and its impact.

From the layout of your space to the materials and energy choices, we help you make informed decisions about your home and its long-term impact. This might include recommending local builders, more sustainable materials and design strategies that reduce heat and energy loss.

The result is architecture that is thoughtfully designed, environmentally conscious, and completely bespoke to the way you want to live.

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Creating your new story of space

No two projects are the same. Whether you have the glimmer of an idea, or your plans are already underway, we’re happy to flex. Whatever the project, whatever the stage of architectural planning you need, we’re ready to help.

Strategic definition (RIBA Stage 0)

Discovering what you need from your space

Preparation and brief (RIBA Stage 1)

Bringing life into ideas

Concept design (RIBA Stage 2)

Blending our vision

Spatial design (RIBA Stage 3)

Talking it through

Technical design (RIBA Stage 4)

Putting ideas into action

Construction (RIBA Stage 5+)

Building a team

Our architectural design process

Site capture (3D point cloud scanning)

Instead of relying purely on flat drawings, we use 3D point-cloud scanning to capture your property in precise detail. This records real-world conditions such as uneven walls, dropped roof lines, and structural quirks, giving us an accurate foundation for design.

Concept design

We develop multiple design concepts that carefully consider light, views, flow of space, and how you live in your home. This stage explores different possibilities before moving forward.

VR design review

Your preferred concept is then brought into virtual reality, allowing you to walk through the space before construction begins. This helps identify potential issues early and refine the design before any building work starts.

Planning and approval

We prepare and submit the planning application, drawing on experience from 600+ projects and over 99% approval rate.

Technical design and build support

Once approved, we produce detailed technical drawings and support the project through construction to ensure the design is delivered as intended.

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Find out more about our process

Why work with a RIBA chartered architect?

Working with a RIBA chartered architect ensures your project is guided by qualified professionals who meet the highest standards of design, professionalism and ethical practice.

RIBA accreditation means the practice has been independently assessed for its expertise, processes and commitment to quality, giving you confidence that your project will be carefully designed and professionally managed from concept through to construction.

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Start your architectural journey

Seeing more than what’s put before us. Giving space the respect it deserves. Making the very best of what we’ve got to work with. Our vision is always centred around how we can give more to the people that matter – our clients – while being conscious of the world around us.

From drawing to designing, engineering to enhancing all of the possibilities that a space opens up, at Marraum we’re building our business from layers of knowledge and an appetite for always being better. It’s what gets us out of bed in the morning, and drives our clients’ projects – so that the outcome is always more than they were expecting.

With an eye on the detail, and a reputation for integrity grown through years of thoughtful and expansive architecture in Cornwall and further afield, we're pushing a different way of working – where our clients are valued as much as their spaces. Where creative flair is measured with a realistic approach that drives the best of both.

Sharing our thinking and working with you so we can be as effective as possible. This is what makes working with Marraum's Cornwall-based architects distinctive; it’s what ensures every project has the opportunity to push its potential further. So you see the value in your space and the benefit of working with a flexible, energetic team that understands what a ‘living space’ really means.

Discuss your project with our team and take the first step towards bringing your vision to life.

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Start the conversation

Why do I need an architect?

Does your space work for you? Do you get a sense that you need to add more or switch things around? That’s where an architect comes in.

Starting with you and your space, we consider how you use your home as well as how you want to grow with it. Then we’ll suggest a solution for a future home you can be proud of. A space that works. And we might even surprise you with a solution no one else has thought of.

We can help with the whole process from the initial survey through to your project’s completion. At the design stage we’ll walk you right into your new home before anything is built using the latest virtual reality (VR) technology. We can also handle things like planning permission and project management, creating you a space where you truly feel at home.

What happens at the initial consultation?

Your free initial consultation with Marraum is where we’ll go over what you want and how we can help.

Introduce us to your space. Let us in on what you want to achieve. Share your ideas, your wants and your needs. At this point everything is flexible and nothing is off the table. Dare to dream.

We’ll get to know each other in this meeting too – and you’ll get a feel for our creative process. We’ll explore how we can kindle a new sense of purpose for your property and make it work for you.

Can you help with planning permission?

Yes, that’s part of our service. The planning process governs what you can and can’t do when it comes to new builds, big alterations and protecting the local environment and heritage. Using our knowledge of what gets approved and what doesn’t, we’ll have the conversations, tweak the designs and fill in the forms to give your project the best chance of getting approval.

Find out more about how the planning process works and how we work for you to make your build happen.

How much does an architect cost?

This varies greatly depending on the amount of work that’s needed. It’s also different from architect to architect. We may not be the cheapest quote you’ll see upfront, but we find that we save clients money throughout the process. How? We use the latest VR technology to show you your space, making sure it works before you even start the build. This has shown up so many things we’ve been able to change to meet individual client’s needs. We’ll also save you money by being smart and thorough about your design, your build and the way they link together.

At Marraum, your initial consultation is free and during this we’ll listen to what you need and give you an initial idea of total project costs. We’ll then provide a full breakdown of our fees for the different stages of the process.

Are you sustainable?

Yes - we hold a strong focus on sustainability. From energy efficiency to sustainable material options, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need to make informed choices about your project and its impact on the planet.

Do you have any testimonials? We are always looking to build on our positive reputation and provide the best service possible. To achieve this, it is important for us to ask for feedback and learn from our existing clients. Feel free to view our testimonials page to hear what others are saying.