What we're doing
Britain is full of overlooked sites that could become beautiful places to live. When architects lead - and when communities of self-builders are involved - those sites unlock real value: better streets, stronger roots, and homes that feel like they belong.
LivedIn exists to make that happen.
Our pilot brings together a small group of architects with a connection to a site and an enthusiastic landowner to do something new: a programme that funds and supports the riskiest stage - Permission in Principle (PiP) - while giving architects mentoring, peer exchange, and access to tools and experts.
This isn't a consultancy or a service you buy; it's a platform for architects to take on sites they couldn't otherwise, and to prove that small, architect-led projects can change how housing is done in the UK.
You bring a site. We back the first step - Permission in Principle - and help you turn an idea into a live opportunity. If PiP is granted, the land gains value, the project can move forward, and you're part of a growing network of architects showing what's possible.
How it works
We're selecting around ten architects to form our first cohort. Sites must be less than 1 hectare with up to 9 dwellings. This is self-build and community-led housing only. After PiP is granted, the landowner sells plots to individuals or a community group. You're the architect. You lead the vision and potentially the delivery.
What happens after PiP is up to you and the landowner. You can work with us to install infrastructure and take it through detailed design, or take it forward yourselves. Either way, you'll have a peer network and ongoing support from the cohort.
If things go well, there will be more sites - and this will be the start of a new way of doing housing in the UK.
What you get
- We take the planning risk.The landowner pays nothing upfront. Our fee is only due if PiP is granted - reflecting our shared commitment to make these sites work.
- Free mentoring and support.Access experienced practitioners and peer mentors who've navigated the planning system, structured sales for multi-plot sites, and delivered some of the most successful community-led schemes in the country.
- AI-enhanced planning tools.You'll be among the first to trial LivedIn's planning tools - designed to make applications faster, clearer, and less painful.
- Peer learning.Talks, guest speakers, shared experience - this is a pilot, and we want to learn from each other and refine as we go.
- A network that lasts.You're not just doing a project. You're joining a movement of architects rebuilding the link between design and delivery - taking back ground from planning consultants, land agents and developers, and shaping the future of housing.
Why LivedIn
Architects rarely get to lead the early stages of housing. Most multi-plot sites are locked up by land agents or developers long before design is on the table. LivedIn changes that.
We de-risk the step that stops most architects - the uncertain, time-consuming, and expensive process of establishing the principle of planning - so you can build your portfolio, gain experience at scale, and lead housing from inception to completion.
We want to help architects:
- Win projects that would otherwise be too risky
- Grow their multi-plot housing portfolio quickly
- Prove that architect-led, community housing is viable
- Be involved from first sketch to self-build delivery
Livedin has been working on multi-plot self-build sites for over a decade, building tools, experience, hard learning and a string of successful projects. Rather than keeping this to ourselves we are keen to share this with motivated architects, to make a real impact in housing.
What we're looking for
We care about three things: the site, your motivation, and the landowner relationship.
The site: It should be challenging but winnable. We're not looking for easy sites that would get planning anyway, or impossible ones. We want sites where there's genuine uncertainty - where planning risk is real, but potential is high if someone takes it seriously.
You: You might be running your own practice, thinking about starting one, or just finished university. We don't care about your CV. We care about whether you're serious, a good designer, and want to be part of changing UK housing.
The landowner: They need to understand what they're signing up to. This isn't a guaranteed windfall - it's a partnership where we take the planning risk and, if we succeed, they pay a fair success fee and commit to self-build or community-led outcomes. They'll likely make more than selling to a developer, and they'll enable homes people care about. This is ideal for landowners that care about their community and want to use their land for something good.
How to apply
This is an application process. We're keeping it simple but selective. Here's what to do:
- Identify a site and a landowner.less than 1 hectare, up to 9 dwellings. Draw a red line boundary around it.
- Talk to the landowner.Make sure they understand the model and are open to it.
- Tell us about your practice.Share your website or show your work.
- Write ~200 words on why you want to do this.What draws you to this kind of work? What are you hoping to build or learn?
- Write ~100 words about the landowner relationship.We want teams with the best chance of success.
We'll review applications on a rolling basis. If the project and team look promising, we'll invite you and the landowner to a conversation. Informal, but important. This only works if everyone's aligned.
After that, we'll all decide whether to move forward. No hard feelings if it's not the right fit.
What happens during the cohort
Pre PiP submission: Three working sessions - online or in person - where we develop PiP applications together. Feedback from peers and mentors, shared tools, and practical learning.
After submission: The cohort reconvenes monthly while your projects are on the drawing board and throughout the build to share results, lessons, and next steps. Guest speakers, ongoing exchange, and a growing network that keeps learning and building.
A few things to know
Why we're doing this
Housing doesn't have to be the way it is. Architects shouldn't be sidelined while volume builders dominate. Communities shouldn't be shut out. Landowners shouldn't have to choose between doing nothing or selling to the highest bidder.
There's a better model: architects leading, communities benefiting, and networks proving it can be done - repeatedly, accessibly, and beautifully.
If that sounds like something you want to be part of, we want to hear from you.
Ready to apply?
Spring 2026 deadline: 23 February 2026.
We're reviewing applications on a rolling basis. The sooner you apply, the better. Places are limited and will be filled as we find the right projects.
A practice can submit as many sites as they like. We prefer applications where the landowner has been consulted, but if you'd like to discuss a site with us first please send an email to info@livedin.co.uk.
Questions? Email us at info@livedin.co.uk. We're happy to talk.
Questions & Answers
Yes. We're looking for architects who have identified a specific site and have a relationship with the landowner. The site should be less than 1 hectare with potential for up to 9 dwellings.
You need to have studied architecture, but you could be Part I or Part II qualified. If you're not yet fully qualified (Part III), we'll match you with a suitably qualified architect to ensure the project meets regulatory requirements.
Nothing upfront. The landowner only pays a success fee (£5k–£30k per plot) if PiP is granted. All mentoring, tools, and support are provided free to cohort members.
We take that risk. The landowner pays nothing. You'll still have gained experience, built relationships in the cohort, and been part of something worthwhile.
Yes. A practice can submit as many sites as they like. Each will be reviewed on its merits.
No. After PiP is granted, what happens next is up to you and the landowner. You can work with us on infrastructure and detailed design, or take it forward yourselves, and this could happen in lots of different ways. The cohort network remains available either way.
We prefer applications where the landowner has been consulted and is interested, but if you'd like to discuss a site with us first, use the consultation form and we can help you approach them.
Pre-submission: three working sessions (online or in person) to develop your PiP application. Post-submission: monthly cohort meetings to share progress and learn from each other. It's designed to fit around your practice.
We'll offer both online and in-person options. In-person sessions will be held in Stroud, Gloucestershire, though if there are clusters of architects around the country these could happen regionally.
No. Whether you're running an established practice, thinking about starting one, or recently qualified - what matters is your commitment to good design and making better housing happen.
Right now, we're focusing solely on self-build applications using the Permission in Principle (PiP) route. That means sites should generally fit within these guide rails:
- Less than 1 hectare (they can be part of a larger holding)
- Ideally on the edge of a settlement or a well-located infill plot
- Brownfield is great; greenfield is fine if it feels connected
- Close to services — not remote or isolated
- Naturally enclosed or adjacent to other development often helps
If you've got something that fits most of the above, run it through our site assessment tool and request a detailed review — we usually return feedback within 48 hours.
Many architects already have leads hidden in plain sight. Try looking here:
- Old prospects you turned down because the risk felt too high
- Past projects that fell at planning or stalled for lack of backing
- Existing clients who own other bits of land and trust you
- Friends and family — a spare paddock, a large garden, a local contact
- Your social channels or newsletter — you might be surprised who replies
- Institutional landowners — estates, charities, councils (though slower to move)
In short: start with people you know and places that intrigue you. The right sites are often nearby.
You already speak to clients all the time. This is a similar conversation — but instead of offering a service, you're offering a way to unlock the potential of their land. Here are a few ways to frame it:
- Self-build brings planning gain: councils must meet registered demand, and government policy (NPPF para. 73) supports it.
- It leads to better homes — designed and built by the people who'll live in them, with lasting quality and care.
- It supports local trades and keeps value in the community.
- Selling plots direct to self-builders is selling retail, not wholesale — they achieve full value, not a developer discount.
If they'd like to go deeper, we can share our "Case for Self-Build" document to help explain the opportunity.
Once the principle of housing is established, there are many ways to take a site forward. We've seen several models emerging already — each valid, each reflecting different ambitions:
You help bring together a small group of self-builders who want to create a place together. They take an Option Agreement (we have templates) once PiP is granted, commission you for design and technical stages, then purchase the plots. You stay involved through infrastructure, build-out, and delivery.
You agree the PiP stage and success fee. Once PiP is granted, the landowner retains you for detailed design and infrastructure. Plots are then sold to self-builders — we can help with hosting sales and connecting buyers.
You take a share of risk and reward — entering a promotion agreement to secure planning, install infrastructure, and sell plots. Typical models might include a 25% share of the uplift on sale. LivedIn can support with precedent documents and finance connections.
You collaborate with an aligned partner to take the site forward through PiP, infrastructure, and sales — potentially offering custom-build packages tailored by you.
There's no single right route. The goal is to get good projects built, and we'll help you find the pathway that fits your practice, capacity, and ambition. Funding options exist for viable schemes, and we're happy to explore them with you.