# Christopher James Architecture

Christopher James Architecture is an architect in Reading. Rated 5.0/5 from 21 public reviews across 1 review source. This is the MyTrustedTraders public-evidence profile for this trader, with independent reviews, credentials and registry data from named public sources, no ads, and no paid placement.

Trust Score: 36 out of 100 (building a public record). The score rests on rated 5.0 from 21 reviews.

They state they've been established since 2015, but the earliest independent source we can find is 2021. Worth asking them about the gap.

## Summary
This practice provides design services for commercial, residential and educational projects, ranging from small-scale home extensions to large one-off dwellings. They are committed to delivering quality and sustainable design while working closely with clients to stay within budget. ([Houzz](https://www.houzz.co.uk/professionals/architects-and-architectural-designers/christopher-james-architecture-pfvwgb-pf~884723449), [Their website](http://christopherjamesarchitecture.co.uk))

Chris is a fully Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists with over 16 years of professional experience. The practice has been in continuous operation for 7 years. ([Trust scorecard](https://mytrustedtraders.com/traders/christopher-james-architecture-2#trust-scorecard))

_From public sources, July 2026._

## About
The Practice offers a wide range of design services for the commercial, residential and educational sectors across the RIBA work stages. Chris is a fully Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists with over 16 years professional experience. During the 16 years, he has provided the full scope of architectural services on a diverse range of commercial, conservation, residential and educational projects. CJA can offer full or partial services, tailored to your project needs from inception to completion. Project types previously undertaken vary from highly successful small-scale home extensions through to large scale one-off residential dwellings. This includes works to Listed Properties as well as extension and refurbishment works at schools. CJA work closely with all Clients to realise their aspirations on time, within budget and are committed to delivering quality and sustainable design on all projects. Each project is unique, so please contact us for a no obligation discussion and/or to arrange a meeting to establish the feasibility of your proposal.

## Public review evidence (by source)
| Source | Average rating | Reviews |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Houzz | 5.0/5 | 21 |

Rated 5.0, above the local average for architects in Reading. Across 28 architects in Reading, the typical rating is 4.7 out of 5. We compare against the same businesses a homeowner would find searching for this trade locally.

## Trades
Architect, Builder

## Services they list
_Listed on public sources or the business's own website; check directly that they cover your job before you book:_
- Accessible Design
- Architectural Design
- Architectural Drawings
- Basement Design
- Building Conservation
- Building Design
- Design Consultation
- Floor Plans
- Heritage Consultancy
- Home Renovation
- House Extensions
- House Plans

## Awards & recognition
- 5× Best of Houzz winner (2026, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021)

## What we checked, and when
_What MyTrustedTraders independently checked for this business (verified items only):_
- Review volume: MyTrustedTraders shows 21 public reviews on this profile. (via MyTrustedTraders public listing)
- Public listing spread: MyTrustedTraders shows 1 public listing for this trader. (via MyTrustedTraders public listing)
- Business identity: MyTrustedTraders shows public business identity data with operating status unknown. (via MyTrustedTraders public listing)
- Contact phone: MyTrustedTraders shows a public phone contact on this profile. (via MyTrustedTraders public listing)
- Website: MyTrustedTraders shows a public website for this trader. (via MyTrustedTraders public listing)

Full verification checklist: https://mytrustedtraders.com/traders/christopher-james-architecture-2/checks

## Credentials & sources
- Credentials shown: 1 (none currently verifiable)
- Companies House status: Unknown
- Website online since 2015 (verified via public domain registry)
- Evidence held from: Houzz, Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists
- Public evidence last checked May 2026

## What this business says about itself
_Self-declared on the trader's own website, not independently verified:_
- Established: 2015 (11 years in business)

## Before you hire an architect
_What to check when choosing this kind of trade (general guidance, not a claim about this business):_
- Only someone on the Architects Registration Board (ARB) register may legally call themselves an 'architect' in the UK. Ask for their ARB number and check it free at arb.org.uk. An 'architectural designer' or 'technologist' is a different, unregistered role (often capable, but not the same protection).
- Agree how they charge before any work starts (a percentage of the build cost, a fixed fee, or an hourly rate) and exactly which stages it covers (concept design, planning application, building-regulations drawings, work on site), so there are no surprises later.
- Confirm what they will actually handle versus what is excluded (the planning application, the building-control drawings, and whether they will administer the builder's contract on site), and get it, and a portfolio of similar projects, in writing.
- Ask to see a portfolio of completed work like yours, plus recent references you can contact.
- Check the credentials and registrations that matter for this work, and that they are current.

## Contact
- Phone: 07736 039224
- Website: http://christopherjamesarchitecture.co.uk

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Source: MyTrustedTraders, https://mytrustedtraders.com/traders/christopher-james-architecture-2
Real public evidence only: every figure traces to a named source and is cross-checked. If a source does not carry a field, it is not shown.