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MASS + STRATEGY

About

Xinming Li

Founder
Xinming is a UK-registered architect with over a decade of experience across architecture, planning, and property development.

Before founding Mass + Strategy, he worked as a Project Manager senior professional at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in London, where he led the project coordination and was deeply engaged in the planning of several high-profile commercial schemes in central London. These projects — involving complex planning navigations, commercial considerations, and stakeholder engagement — provided him with a deep understanding of how planning strategy shapes viable development outcomes.

Following his time at SOM, Xinming joined a London developer as Design Director, managing design and planning across the company’s residential and office-led project. This experience on both the consultancy and client sides informs Mass + Strategy’s integrated approach, combining architectural design expertise with practical planning insight to help clients unlock site potential and deliver projects that are both strategic and buildable.

Xinming Li
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Architecture

Projects typically move through concept design, planning, technical design, tender, and construction. Each stage builds progressively from ideas to on-site delivery.

The principal designer manages health and safety during design stages, ensuring statutory duties are met and risks are identified before construction begins.

Contract administration manages the construction contract between client and contractor — ensuring work follows the agreed drawings, specifications, and programme. It provides quality, cost, and risk control throughout the build.

Yes. I prepare detailed drawings, specifications, and schedules for tender, and can assist in evaluating contractor bids to ensure scope, price, and capability are aligned.

Yes. We can provide site inspections, contractor coordination, and ongoing technical advice to ensure the design intent is maintained throughout construction.

We prepare detailed technical drawings and coordinate with structural and services consultants. These are submitted to building control to ensure compliance before and during construction.

Planning

Planning permission is formal approval from the local authority for development outside permitted limits. Permitted development allows certain works to proceed without full permission, subject to conditions and prior approval.

Permitted development rights depend on property type, location, and planning history. We review these factors against the General Permitted Development Order to confirm eligibility before design work begins.

Contract administration manages the construction contract between client and contractor — ensuring work follows the agreed drawings, specifications, and programme. It provides quality, cost, and risk control throughout the build.

Most local planning authorities take 8–12 weeks to decide an application, depending on complexity. We advise on realistic timelines and manage submissions to keep projects moving efficiently.

A pre-application provides early feedback from the planning officer before a formal submission. It’s useful for complex or sensitive sites where initial guidance can shape a stronger application.

We prepare detailed technical drawings and coordinate with structural and services consultants. These are submitted to building control to ensure compliance before and during construction.

If permission is refused, we will review the reasons, explore design or policy adjustments, and advise on the best next step — either resubmission or appeal through the Planning Inspectorate.

Planning enforcement occurs when development takes place without proper consent. We can assess the issue, prepare retrospective applications, or submit lawful development certificates to regularise works.

Ready to unlock your site's potential?

Whether you are a private homeowner looking for an extension, or a developer navigating complex planning applications, we are here to help.

  • 93 Lee Road, London
  • info@massandstrategy.co.uk
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