Founder & Managing Director
Carl John William Higgs
BA (Hons) Arch, Dip Arch
“The best development decisions are made long before a line is ever drawn.”
For more than 37 years, I have advised clients on one simple question: What is the best way forward?
Sometimes the answer is planning permission. Sometimes it is a different design approach. Sometimes it is an appeal, a negotiation, a heritage strategy or even the advice not to proceed.
That independence of thought has defined my career and remains the philosophy behind CJZ Consulting.
I founded the practice with a clear purpose: to provide strategic advice that gives clients confidence. In an increasingly complex planning environment, technical knowledge alone is no longer enough. Clients need an adviser who understands planning, architecture, development, commercial risk and the wider picture surrounding every decision.
That is the role I have dedicated my career to.
Educated at the Birmingham School of Architecture, I hold a BA (Hons) in Architecture and a Diploma in Architecture. During my career I have advised on projects ranging from individual homes and listed buildings to commercial developments, strategic land promotion, Green Belt proposals, planning appeals, enforcement matters and complex regeneration opportunities.
While every project is different, the questions I ask are always the same.
What are the opportunities?What are the risks?What is the planning strategy?What will create the greatest long-term value?
Only once those questions have been answered do we begin to consider the design solution.
That strategic approach allows clients to make informed decisions before significant time and money are committed, reducing uncertainty and improving the likelihood of achieving successful planning and commercial outcomes.
CJZ Consulting was established to be different from a conventional architectural practice.
We are not driven by the number of drawings we produce or applications we submit. We are driven by the quality of the advice we give.
Every commission is personally led by me, ensuring continuity, accountability and direct access to senior professional experience throughout the life of the project. Clients deal with one trusted adviser who understands not only the technical aspects of development, but also the commercial realities that influence every important decision.
Over the years I have had the privilege of working with homeowners, landowners, developers, investors, commercial businesses, charities and professional organisations on projects that vary enormously in scale and complexity. What they all have in common is a desire for clear thinking, honest advice and solutions that are practical, commercially sound and professionally robust.
Much of our work comes from repeat appointments and personal recommendation. I regard that as the strongest measure of success.
Professional credentials
Experience that informs every decision.
Specialist expertise
One integrated view of development.
Strategic Planning ConsultancyDevelopment ConsultancyPlanning StrategyArchitectural DesignDevelopment FeasibilityMasterplanningPlanning ApplicationsPlanning AppealsPlanning EnforcementHeritage & Listed BuildingsGreen Belt DevelopmentRural DiversificationStrategic Land PromotionResidential DevelopmentCommercial Development
Guiding principle
“My role is not simply to help clients obtain planning permission. My responsibility is to help them make the right decisions—balancing opportunity, design, planning policy, commercial realities and long-term value. When those elements come together, exceptional developments follow.”Discuss your project