Thames Design & Build
Thames Design & Build Ltd is a design and construction company based in Thames Ditton, Surrey, specialising in home extensions, loft conversions, renovations, and bespoke architectural projects. With a focus on delivering high-quality craftsmanship and practical design solutions, Thames Design & Build combines planning, design, and construction services to help homeowners achieve their ideal spaces. As featured in the press — Thames Design & Build’s Rob Allison on making the most of an underused garage.
Thames Design & Build works across Thames Ditton, Esher, Cobham, Weybridge, and the surrounding Surrey area, providing tailored solutions for both small and large-scale projects.
Thames Design & Build
Thames Design & Build was founded by Rob Allison in 2011 while he was studying Architectural Technology & Construction Project Management at Northumbria University. Rob began his career in construction as an apprentice carpenter in 2005, earning his City & Guilds qualification before progressing into project management and architectural design.
Rob’s vision was to create a company that combined architectural expertise with hands-on building experience, eliminating the traditional separation between design and construction. Over the past 15 years, Thames Design & Build has grown into a trusted name in Surrey, with a team of experienced RIBA chartered architects, site managers, and tradespeople delivering projects from initial concept through to final completion.
We offer both architectural services and full construction, so your project runs smoothly from concept to completion.
Our team brings together qualified tradespeople, Gas Safe registered plumbers and ECA registered electricians, managed by experienced site and project leads.
Rob founded Thames Design & Build in 2011 while studying Architectural Technology & Construction Project Management at Northumbria University. In his final year, he travelled between London and Newcastle on days off to keep the business running before going full-time after graduation…
Nick trained at London Southbank University and Kingston University before spending several years at leading architectural practices across London and Surrey, where he developed his expertise in high-end residential design. Now heading up TDB’s design team, Nick is known for…
Ryan was with TDB from the very beginning before briefly running his own building business. He rejoined the team in 2018 and has been a key part of TDB’s management team ever since. A qualified plasterer by trade, Ryan has over 15 years of experience in site management…
Marlon joined TDB in 2020, bringing years of construction experience and a reputation for delivering projects on time without compromising on quality. A trained carpenter, Marlon brings strong technical knowledge and an exceptional eye for detail to every project. He’s particularly skilled at…
Saema originally worked with TDB in the early years before stepping away to start a family. She returned to the team in 2020 and now plays a vital role in keeping projects running smoothly. Before joining TDB, Saema worked in construction in New Zealand, helping with rebuilding efforts…
Mikael joined TDB in 2023, bringing 15 years of estimating experience from another Surrey design and build practice. He holds a degree in Construction Management from Oxford Brookes University, giving him a strong technical foundation that underpins the accuracy and detail…
Thames Design & Build
Thames Design & Build is based in Thames Ditton and regularly deliver home extensions, conversions and refurbishments across South West London and Surrey, in areas including Kingston, Thames Ditton, Esher, Molesey, Walton-on-Thames, Cobham, Oxshott, Wimbledon, Richmond, Epsom, Leatherhead, Twickenham, Sheen, Kew, Dorking and Guildford.
Whether we are working from your architect’s drawings or preparing new architectural plans and planning applications from scratch, our aim is the same: to provide a reliable, well-managed service and help you achieve a home that works better for the way you live.
Tell us about your plans for your home. Our design and build team will guide you from first ideas through planning, approvals and construction.
Rob founded Thames Design & Build in 2011 while studying Architectural Technology & Construction Project Management at Northumbria University. In his final year, he travelled between London and Newcastle on days off to keep the business running before going full-time after graduation.
Over the past 15 years, Rob has built TDB into an integrated design and build company, bringing architecture and construction under one roof to give clients a single point of contact and fixed-price certainty from concept through to completion.
These days, Rob focuses on the operational side of the business – developing systems, managing commercial performance, and supporting the team internally to ensure projects run smoothly from planning through to handover. He oversees TDB’s architects and site managers while keeping everything coordinated behind the scenes.
Outside of work, Rob lives locally in Thames Ditton with his family. When he’s not working, you’ll find him on the tennis court, watching football, or learning Spanish.
Nick trained at London Southbank University and Kingston University before spending several years at leading architectural practices across London and Surrey, where he developed his expertise in high-end residential design.
Now heading up TDB’s design team, Nick is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create light-filled spaces that reflect how clients actually live. He believes great architecture should enhance its surroundings while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of both design and functionality.
At TDB, Nick ensures the design vision translates seamlessly through to the build, working hand-in-hand with the construction team to deliver homes that look stunning and work perfectly.
Outside of work, you’ll find Nick with his family, at the race track, or on the golf course.
Ryan was with TDB from the very beginning before briefly running his own building business. He rejoined the team in 2018 and has been a key part of TDB’s management team ever since.
A qualified plasterer by trade, Ryan has over 15 years of experience in site management. He combines hands-on construction knowledge with strong organizational skills, making him particularly effective at coordinating trades and keeping projects running smoothly.
Ryan’s strength lies in his ability to build rapport with clients while solving the inevitable challenges that arise on site. His experience means he can anticipate issues before they become problems, and his calm approach keeps projects on track from groundworks through to final finishes.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys cooking, camping with his family, and working on cars.
Marlon joined TDB in 2020, bringing years of construction experience and a reputation for delivering projects on time without compromising on quality.
A trained carpenter, Marlon brings strong technical knowledge and an exceptional eye for detail to every project. He’s particularly skilled at managing timelines and keeping builds on schedule, while maintaining the high-quality finishes TDB is known for.
Clients appreciate Marlon’s clear communication and his ability to make the construction process feel straightforward and stress-free. His hands-on experience means he understands every stage of the build, from initial groundworks through to the final decorative touches.
Outside of work, Marlon is a keen cyclist, enjoys art, and is a long-suffering Arsenal supporter.
Saema originally worked with TDB in the early years before stepping away to start a family. She returned to the team in 2020 and now plays a vital role in keeping projects running smoothly.
Before joining TDB, Saema worked in construction in New Zealand, helping with rebuilding efforts following the Christchurch earthquakes. This experience gave her a deep understanding of how construction projects work and the importance of clear communication.
As Client Liaison, Saema is the main point of contact throughout your project. She guides clients through the process, connects them with suppliers, coordinates selections and decisions, and ensures everything stays on track. Her calm, organized approach means clients always know what’s happening next and feel supported every step of the way.
Outside of work, Saema enjoys theatre and travel.
Mikael joined TDB in 2023, bringing 15 years of estimating experience from another Surrey design and build practice. He holds a degree in Construction Management from Oxford Brookes University, giving him a strong technical foundation that underpins the accuracy and detail clients rely on when reviewing a TDB quote.
As Estimator, Mikael works closely with TDB’s architects during the design phase, providing cost advice that helps clients make informed decisions before anything is fixed. Once the design is complete, he takes the lead on producing detailed, fixed-price quotations and guides clients through the pre-contract stage to make sure the scope and pricing are exactly right before work begins.
Outside of work, Mikael can be found restoring vintage cars or out on the water sailing.
