ABOUT 44 39
44 39 is an Anglo-Italian architecture studio operating between the UK and Italy.
We help international clients create exceptional homes in Italy through architecture, design, and project management.
With teams in the Cotswolds and on Ischia, we combine international perspective with deep local expertise. We believe architecture is inseparable from place, and for each project we assemble the most appropriate local consultants, specialists, and contractors to ensure every design is shaped by its regional context.
Our network spans Italy, allowing us to deliver projects nationwide while maintaining a local sensibility. The result is a highly tailored service that creates homes of enduring quality, character, and value.
We would love to hear about your project in Italy. Please use the contact form below and we will be in touch to arrange a free, no obligation meeting.
If you don’t yet have a property in Italy, or have questions regarding mortgages and finance, legal matters or regulations and taxes we would be delighted to make an introduction to our partners at D&G Property Advice Italy.
THE START OF THE JOURNEY Designing and building in Italy can feel unfamiliar, especially if you're based overseas. Our role is to guide you through the journey with creativity, clarity and trusted local knowledge. We believe every successful project begins with understanding not just the building, but the people who will call it home.
STEP 01
Let's Meet
Every project begins with a conversation.
Where possible, we like to meet in person. We want to understand your connection to Italy, what has drawn you here, and how you imagine living in your new home. This is an opportunity to share ideas, discuss your aspirations and explain how we work.
We'll also share our own story. Having made the same journey ourselves, we understand many of the questions, uncertainties and excitement that come with creating a home in Italy.
There is no agenda, no obligation and no design work at this stage—simply the beginning of a relationship.
There is no fee for this stage.
Step 02
Understanding the Place
Before we begin designing, we believe it's important to understand both the property (or land), and its surroundings.
Together, we'll visit your property in Italy and spend time exploring how you want to live there.
Rather than discussing rooms and dimensions, we'll talk about lifestyle, family, entertaining, working, relaxing and how the house should feel throughout the seasons.
From these conversations we'll prepare a Design Brief that becomes the foundation for every creative and strategic decision that follows.
Equally important is understanding the local context. During our visit we'll begin identifying the right local professionals to support the project, including:
Geometra
Director of works
Structural engineers
Surveyors
Planning specialists
Building services engineers
Landscape designers
Specialist consultants
Contractors and craftspeople
Every project is different, and every location in Italy is different. We carefully assemble a local team based on experience, expertise and local knowledge, because successful projects in Italy are built on trusted local relationships.
We do not charge for our time at this stage. We simply ask that reasonable travel and accommodation expenses are covered where required.
STEP 03
Exploring the Potential
Once we've established the brief, we begin testing what is possible.
We will obtain quotations from a trusted local surveyor to carry out a full measured survey of the property. Once approved by you, we will manage this appointment on your behalf.
Using the survey information, we prepare a Feasibility Study that explores the potential of your property without committing to detailed design too early.
Typically this includes:
Existing and proposed plans
Three-dimensional visualisations
Precedent studies
Design principles
Initial planning considerations
Strategic recommendations
The objective is to establish a clear creative direction and ensure everyone shares the same vision before moving into the detailed design stages.
We will provide a fixed fee proposal for this stage before any work begins.
STEP 04
Building the Right Team
Once the feasibility study has been agreed, we begin assembling the delivery team that will bring the project to life.
We issue the agreed design information to carefully selected local consultants and invite fee proposals for every stage of the project through to completion.
Each proposal is reviewed not only on cost, but on experience, quality, programme and suitability for the specific project. We meet with prospective consultants to ensure appointments are made on merit and that responsibilities are clearly defined, avoiding unnecessary duplication of services.
Typically, 44 39 will act as:
Creative Architect
Interior Architect
Lead Design Consultant
Client Representative
Our local Italian team will typically provide:
Planning and building permit applications
Statutory approvals
Local consultant coordination
Site management
Contractor administration
Health and safety responsibilities
This collaborative model reflects established practice in Italy, where creative design and statutory delivery are often undertaken by different professionals.
For our clients, it provides the best of both worlds: thoughtful, design-led architecture combined with experienced local delivery. Throughout the project we remain your single point of contact, maintaining oversight of design quality, communication, programme and budget from concept through to completion.
We will provide a detailed fee proposal for our services for the remainder of the project before proceeding.
STEP 05
Bringing it all Together
With the right team in place, the focus shifts from planning to delivery.
Throughout the design development and construction phases, we remain your trusted partner, ensuring that the original vision is carried through every decision and every detail.
Working closely with our local consultants and contractors, we develop the design, coordinate specialist input and oversee the creative direction of the project. We regularly review progress, advise on key decisions and act as your representative, giving you confidence and clarity whether you are in Italy or abroad.
Our role typically includes:
Developing the architectural and interior design
Coordinating the creative input of the wider design team
Reviewing materials, finishes and bespoke details
Monitoring design quality throughout construction
Representing your interests during key project decisions
Visiting site at important stages of the build
Coordinating furniture, lighting and interior finishes where required
Supporting the final completion and handover of your home
While our trusted local consultants manage statutory approvals, contractor administration and site-based responsibilities in accordance with Italian practice, we remain responsible for protecting the integrity of the design and ensuring every element reflects the vision established at the very beginning of the journey.
For many of our clients, this continuity is invaluable. Rather than navigating multiple consultants across different countries and languages, you have one trusted studio guiding the project from the first conversation through to the day you walk through the door of your completed Italian home.
Get in Touch
If you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about your project.