R&D Tax Relief for Architecture Firms
Architecture frequently involves genuine R&D qualifying activities under HMRC guidelines. Projects that resolve technological uncertainties such as novel structural solutions, advanced building physics, sustainable integrations, or heritage restorations, can advance science/technology fields like engineering and materials science. This often qualifies for R&D tax relief, even if the work feels like 'standard' design to many firms.
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Bespoke & Complex Structural Design
Developing novel load paths, non-standard geometries, or integration solutions for challenging sites (e.g., unstable ground or heritage constraints) that require advanced modelling and iteration to overcome technical uncertainties.
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Sustainable & Energy-Efficient Innovations
Designing systems for net-zero performance, novel insulation/thermal strategies, or renewable integrations (e.g., solar/geothermal embedding) where existing methods fall short, involving building physics analysis and performance testing.
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Advanced Façade & Envelope Systems
Creating or improving building envelopes for superior thermal, acoustic, moisture, or durability outcomes, often through material testing, condensation risk modelling, and iterative design when standard details are inadequate.
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Heritage & Listed Building Restoration R&D
Pioneering forensic and reverse-engineering techniques to restore protected structures to their original state without blueprints or traditional methods, using digital surveying, material science, and compatible modern interventions.
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Materials & Construction Technique Advancements
Researching and prototyping new or adapted materials (e.g., low-carbon alternatives, bio-based composites) and methods to meet performance, regulatory, or site-specific goals, including durability and compatibility trials.
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Digital & Modeling Technologies
Implementing or customising advanced BIM, computational analysis, 3D printing, or simulation tools to resolve uncertainties in design accuracy, energy modelling, or constructibility.
How we partner with you
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Discuss to understand which government incentives are applicable today, and could be applicable in future.
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Identify the relevant periods available for a claim and discuss the relevant projects in detail to understand where the technical uncertainty and subsequent advancements is.
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Create a compliant technical narrative justifying how the project(s) meet the eligible criteria and associate the relevant qualifying expenditure to the relevant project(s)
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Given our expertise in understanding the ever-evolving R&D legislation, we offer a enquiry defence service. Where we will comprehensively review the claim in dispute, the case HMRC have put forward and if viable, defend the claim in question.
