co-dhealbh /ˌkəʊˈdʒelb (co-yalav) / noun
01. (act of) constructing
02. (act of) jointly designing
Etymology: From co- (“together”) + dealbh (“form, image, shape”), something formed or imagined in collaboration.
Design-led residential development across Scotland, delivering carefully considered small-scale housing schemes.
WHAT WE DO :
At KOAV Developments we focus on carefully selected small-scale sites, combining architectural thinking with a rigourous delivery strategy to create housing that is proportionate and contextually grounded.
As an independent developer, KOAV takes a bespoke approach to identifying sites and opportunities that benefit landowners and maintains sensitive growth to sustainable housing across Scotland.
Our approach prioritises build quality, sustainability, and long-term value, while working collaboratively with landowners and local stakeholders to unlock sites responsibly.
If you own a vacant site or an individual property and are curious about its potential for development, or are considering your options for the future, we offer bespoke solutions that mutally benefit you.
WHO WE ARE :
KOAV Developments is founded by Michael Perkins, a qualified architect with nearly 20 years’ experience in practice. The company brings a design-led and delivery-aware approach to residential development across Scotland and localised parts of the UK.
Having worked professionally in London and Edinburgh, Michael now leads an independent architectural practice, KOAV Studio. Throughout this experience he has supported other developers in unlocking a wide range of sites and typologies and now gives a great understanding of how projects succeed, and where they commonly fall short.
After being based in Scotland for the last 8 years, the move into development represents a deliberate step from advising on projects to shaping them directly. KOAV aspires to have greater control over projects that reflect care, clarity and professional accountability.
Founder Michael on site in Sussex
“Enduring space making is shaped through thoughtful design and a collaborative intent.”
WHY WORK WITH US :
Land and property are often held for years without their full value being realised. Many landowners are unaware what options are available to them to extract this.
Every site and owner’s circumstance is unique. KOAV Developments aims to collaborate with your objectives and structure opportunities to get the results you’re after.
With the right strategy equity could be released in your site to:
Reduce financial uncertainty.
Secure a more comfortable and flexible retirement.
Help your children or grandchildren take their next step in life.
Fund the renovations projects.
Turn a long-held asset into something that works for you.
PROJECTS :
SELECTED PAST PROJECTS :
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![A detailed landscape design plan showing various buildings, trees, pathways, and a waterway bordering the site.]()
High Weald Cabins
Architecture & Development:
Secured land and planning permission for a series of five, bespoke eco-cabins in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex. Designed whilst working with Built.Works and Architects Holiday. -
![A young woman with long hair looking out from an elevated black wooden balcony of a modern building with an angular design, surrounded by leafless trees and a clear sky.]()
High Weald Cabins
Architecture & Developement:
Bather’s Cabin
designed by Built.Works -
![A wooden cabin with a metal roof is situated next to a small body of water in a forest during sunset. The trees are mostly leafless, and the water has a misty appearance.]()
High Weald Cabins
Architecture & Development:
Yogi’s Cabin
designed by Built.Works -
![People walking and standing in a busy outdoor square in front of a historic building with a balcony and glass-roofed structures on top, under a partly cloudy sky.]()
Covent Garden
Architecture:
Secured planning permission and oversaw the construction for the renovation of The Opera Terrace, which spans the Eastern Façade of the Grade II* listed Covent Garden Market Building set in the Heart of London’s West End.
Designed whilst working with Eric Parry Architects. -
![People sitting at an outdoor cafe with columns, flowers, and a glass greenhouse structure above, located next to a stone building.]()
Covent Garden
Architecture:
designed by Eric Parry Architects. -
![Diagram of a community landscape with retained trees, new planting, proposed dwellings, and ecological preservation, highlighting green pathways and neighborhood separation.]()
The Ridgeway
Architecture:
Secured planning for a landscape led development for 6 new homes in Cuffley, a green belt village near Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The design prioritised a well-considered soft and hard landscaping plans. Designed whilst working with HÛT. -
![Modern residential neighborhood with brick houses, trees, and a paved pathway. Two women, one with a bicycle and another carrying luggage, are visible.]()
The Ridgeway
Architecture:
designed by HÛT. -
![A rendered aerial view of a residential neighborhood with houses surrounded by trees, greenery, and a winding road.]()
The Ridgeway
Architecture:
designed by HÛT. -
![A 3D map of a residential area with a plot outlined in red, showing several yellow-colored buildings within the boundaries. The plot is surrounded by trees and neighboring houses. The plot has labels noting No. 14, No. 16, and No. 16A on the boundary lines.]()
Hope Terrace
Architecture:
Secured planning for the developement of two large Victorian villas within Edinburgh’s Grange Conservation Area, into three independent executive homes.
Designed whilst working with Morgan Architects. -
![Modern interior with wooden staircase, black metal railing, glass partition, following with a hallway and doors, light-colored walls, subway tile floor visible in adjoining room.]()
Hope Terrace
No 14 Hope Terrace
designed by Morgan Architects -
![A modern multi-story house with large glass windows and white exterior, surrounded by greenery and set against a partly cloudy sky.]()
Hope Terrace
Architecture:
16a Hope Terrace
designed by Morgan Architects -
![A 3D architectural diagram of a multi-story urban building with outlined black and red borders, surrounded by trees and neighboring buildings, with blue arrows indicating directions and a red dotted line marking a path around the building.]()
Arthur Street
Architecture:
Developed a complex inner city site with the creation of a multi residential scheme of 33 units. Designed whilst working with Morgan Architects. -
![A modern multi-story residential building with a brick facade and black accents on the upper floors. Several people are walking on the sidewalk in front of the building, and a few individuals are on the balconies and rooftop.]()
Arthur Street
Architecture:
Proposed street view of multi residential proposals.
designed by Morgan Architects
LAND BEING SECURED :
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![Abstract geometric design with white chevron shapes on a beige background.]()
Coming Soon
with new and exciting development opportunities.
CURRENT PLANNING APPS :
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![A logo with three stacked, tilted white arrows pointing downward on a beige background.]()
Applications TBA
In progress applications coming soon.
DESIGN :
At KOAV Developments the impact of design is considered at the conception of a project — it informs every stage of the development process, from initial site appraisal through to construction.
Each scheme begins with a careful analysis of context, orientation, topography and surrounding character. Rather than imposing a formula, layouts are developed to respond to site conditions while maintaining clear internal logic and spatial quality.
Spatial Quality :
We prioritise well-proportioned rooms, efficient circulation and natural light. Layouts are tested rigorously to ensure they function in everyday use, not just on paper. Where necessary, density is moderated to maintain fundamental standards of space and liveability.
Construction & Materials :
Material selection is guided by longevity, robustness and sensitivity to place. Durable, well-detailed construction reduces lifecycle cost and environmental impact. Buildability and contractor collaboration are considered early to ensure that design intent is deliverable in practice.
Sustainability :
Sustainability is approached holistically. Energy performance is important, but it is only one part of a broader responsibility.
We consider embodied carbon, material lifespan, biodiversity impact and long-term building performance alongside operational efficiency. The aim is to create homes that perform responsibly over decades and not simply meet minimum compliance targets.
Collaboration :
Design quality is strengthened through early engagement with landowners, local authorities and relevant stakeholders. Listening and refining proposals at the outset helps secure planning outcomes that are commercially viable and contextually appropriate.
CONTACT :
EMAIL / MESSAGE / CALL :
ENQUIRY FORM :
If you are exploring the development potential of your land, we would be pleased to review your site. If you are a landowner, agent or potential partner with a suitable site, please get in touch to discuss how we may be able to assist.