News
New Planning Appeal Rules 2026: Why Your First Submission Now Matters More Than Ever
The rules around planning appeals in England changed on 1 April. The short version: if…
Read Blog
Meet the Team
Seán McAlister
Since founding the business in 2012, Seán has led Pencil and Brick, designing both modest and front-page home improvement projects across London. Since 2018 he’s also been leading our construction company bringing design and build together under one roof.
Seán is a vocal advocate for mandatory builder licensing and stronger consumer protection in the UK. His commitment to raising the bar earned him a seat on the FMB London Board, and the FMB National Standards Committee, where he campaigns for better standards, accountability and trust in construction.
Originally from Northern Ireland, he now lives in Walthamstow with his wife and two kids, in a home he renovated and extended inhouse (forgive the pun) – he walks the talk. When he’s not thinking about houses, you’ll find him singing or playing a competitive game of table tennis.
ARB Registration Number : 083888H
More about Seán
Unexpected hobby or side obsession:
Singing bass in small ensembles, especially for renaissance and baroque choral music
Secret talent totally unrelated to work:
Quick moves on the Table Tennis table
My brain runs on…
OCD Juice
Current favourite building material or tool:
Smoked Portuguese Cork
Design trend you’ll never tire of:
John Soane’s Lumière Mystérieuse
Playlist/album I have on repeat at work:
In Colour by Jamie XX
Blogs from Seán
Building
What We Found Under the Floor: A Victorian Retrofit Story
A Victorian terrace in Lower Clapton, a broken sewer, and rotten floor joists nobody had…
Read Blog
Home Design & Build
As Featured in Build It Magazine: Our expert advice on renovating a Victorian house
Victorian house renovation is one of the projects we’re asked about most. With beautiful bay…
Read Blog
Property Development
Extending your home? Here’s how to tell neighbours about building work
You’ve decided to extend. But how do you tell the neighbours? Here’s what to say,…
Read Blog
Home Design & Build
Why Your Renovation Needs “X-Ray Vision” Before You Start Designing
Successful renovation projects start with good information. Discover how drone surveys and thermal imaging surveys…
Read Blog
Press
Using technology to make every client meeting count
We spoke to Master Builder Magazine about using technology to drive productive client meetings and…
Read BlogLooking to renovate your London home?
As both architects and a construction practice under one roof, we can manage every stage of your project from initial concept to final completion with clear budgets, realistic timelines, and seamless collaboration. Whether you’re planning a sustainable retrofit, a beautiful extension, or a full home refurbishment, we make the process straightforward, stress-free, and tailored to how you want to live.
About us
Get to know us
We’re known for bringing a fresh, sometimes quirky approach to reimagining period homes, blending contemporary flair with a deep respect for original character. Our work strikes a careful balance between old and new: thoughtful, playful, and never afraid of statement colour or bold design details.
We don’t follow design trends for their own sake. Instead, we approach each home on its own terms, creating spaces that feel naturally light and open, or calm and atmospheric, depending on what suits it best.
Our Ethos and Values
Our philosophy is simple: great design and great delivery should always go hand in hand.
Learn more
Our Process
Our process helps you navigate planning, budgeting, and design making home renovations feel more joyful.
Learn more
What we do
We offer architectural design or full design and build services, bringing creative thinking and hands-on expertise to both.
Learn more
Awards and Recognition
We’re RIBA Chartered and proud to be recognised by the Federation of Master Builders and Best of Houzz. Our work…
Learn more
