Des is a chartered architect with a passion for designing beautiful homes. After spending five years honing his craft in private practice, he made the bold decision to transition into building. Over this period, he immersed himself in every aspect of construction, taking on roles that included project management, building, and labouring on three bespoke houses. Responsible for ordering every screw and ensuring flawless delivery and installation, Des gained an unparalleled understanding of homes from the ground up.
Today, Des leads his own architectural practice specialising in the design and creation of luxury homes. His distinctive style, an elegant blend of contemporary and classical influences, has captured the imagination of discerning clients. Alongside his talented team, Des has amassed extensive experience in building and renovating high-end residential properties, achieving exceptional standards of detailed design and finish.
Des’s expertise and charisma have also earned him a place in the spotlight, notably as 'Head Judge' alongside Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on BBC One NI's House of the Year.
For over 20 years Des Ewing Residential Architects, compiled of a dedicated team of architects, designers, and technicians collaborates to produce award-winning homes. From initial proposals and tailored design through to planning permission, detailed execution, site management, and the final completion of each project, the firm ensures that building a dream home is as rewarding for clients as possible. They strive to create elegant homes that clients love to live in, combining skilled design, sustainable detailing, and an unparalleled knowledge of superior home building.
Supported by a network of specialist consultants, the practice ensures excellence in every detail. Based in Holywood, Co. Down, Des Ewing Residential Architects delivers high-end residential properties across the UK and Ireland.
Extensions, Architecture
"Des Ewing Residential Architects’ style can be described as a harmonious blend of contemporary elegance and classical sophistication. Their designs emphasise timeless aesthetics, characterised by clean lines, balanced proportions, and a meticulous attention to detail. Each home reflects an understanding of both traditional architectural principles and modern functionality, creating spaces that feel luxurious, yet comfortable and liveable."
"Our recently completed re-imagined Victorian Dwelling creates a timeless blend between old and new. The contemporary extension is in a clear contrasting style to the original Victorian villa, the divide between old and new is facilitated by a glass link. The extension features large vertical windows which echo the proportions of the vertical sash windows of the original house. Although modern in architectural language the extension effortlessly compliments the original house through the continuous use of clay facing red brick, natural slate further to this the Green/grey aluminium windows match the colour of the timber sliding sash windows. The dramatic double height glazing, kitchen living space with spiral staircase to mezzanine is flooded by natural light from the double height windows. The home showcases other design features such as frameless glazed rooflight over attic stair and secret roof terrace. At first floor level a bridge connects the original home and contemporary extension displaying fully the double height exposed brick wall within the glass link. This is arguably the defining feature of the project and clearly explains the design intent.
The project consisted of the renovation of the existing dwelling and a two-storey rear extension with garage, the renovation works included the addition of two storey replica bay window to gable. This tired Victorian red brick villa, formerly used as a nursing home, needed rejuvenation. The house was badly in need of refurbishment following poorly designed additions over the years, which required demolition."
