FAQs

  • The architectural process is typically broken down into four key stages before construction begins: Brief and Preparation, Concept Design, Developed Design, and Technical Design. Each stage helps shape your project from initial ideas to detailed construction drawings.

    To learn more, visit our Services page.

  • Sustainable architecture is the design and construction of buildings that reduce environmental impact. This includes using energy-efficient systems, natural or recycled materials, and reducing waste throughout the building’s lifecycle. The goal is to create healthy, long-lasting homes that work in harmony with their surroundings.

  • Planning permission is a formal request to your local authority for consent to carry out building work or change how land or buildings are used. It ensures your proposal meets local planning policies. The application involves submitting drawings, documents, and often undergoing a period of consultation.

  • In most cases, a decision on planning permission takes around 8 weeks from the date of validation. For larger or more complex proposals, the process may take up to 13 weeks.

  • Option appraisals are early-stage studies that explore multiple design solutions, allowing you to compare layouts, materials, and building forms before committing to a final scheme. These can include:

    • Floor Plan Iterations – Different layouts responding to your brief and site context

    • Material Studies – 3D visualisations or facade sketches using a variety of materials

    • Massing Models – Simple models that test form, scale, and how your building relates to its surroundings

  • Building Regulations Approval ensures your project meets UK safety, health, accessibility, and energy efficiency standards. This is separate from planning permission and involves detailed construction drawings and regular inspections during the build.

  • Throughout your project, we’ll work closely with key consultants to ensure your home is safe, well-designed, and compliant. These include:

    • Planning Officers – We engage with planners to secure approval

    • Structural Engineers – To ensure safe and buildable structures

    • Building Control Inspectors – To ensure the build complies with UK building regulations

  • A topographical and measured building survey provides accurate drawings of your existing site and home. A surveyor will visit the site and use scanning equipment to capture data, which is then converted into .dwg drawings including floor plans, elevations, sections, and a site plan.

  • You may be able to extend your home without applying for planning permission by using Permitted Development Rights (PDR) – a national set of rules allowing certain types of building work. However, these rights can be restricted or removed in some areas (such as Conservation Areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or for listed buildings), so it’s always best to check with your local planning authority or seek professional advice before starting work.

    Here are the typical PDR limits in England:

    Single-storey rear extensions

    • Detached houses: Up to 4 metres deep

    • Semi-detached and terraced houses: Up to 3 metres deep

    • These limits can be increased to 6 metres (semi/terraced) or 8 metres (detached) under the Neighbour Consultation Scheme

    • Maximum height: 4 metres

    • Must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than the above limits

    Two-storey rear extensions

    • Up to 3 metres deep

    • Must be at least 7 metres from the rear boundary

    • Roof pitch must match the existing house as far as practicable

    • Not permitted in Conservation Areas

    Side extensions

    • Single-storey only

    • Maximum height: 4 metres

    • Must be no wider than half the width of the original house

    • Must be no higher than the highest part of the existing roof

    General rules for all extensions

    • No more than 50% of the land around the original house can be covered by extensions or other buildings (e.g. sheds, garages)

    • Materials must be similar in appearance to the existing house (unless it’s a conservatory)

    Even if your project qualifies under PDR, you may still need Building Regulations approval, and in many cases it’s wise to obtain a Lawful Development Certificate as formal confirmation.

  • While it’s not a legal requirement, working with an architect can help unlock your home’s potential, avoid costly mistakes, and navigate planning and building control more smoothly.

  • Fees vary depending on the scope and complexity of your project. For example, technical design for a single home extension typically starts from around £1,600. We’re always happy to provide a tailored quote following an initial consultation.

  • Yes – we offer full architectural services remotely. Through online consultations and digital tools, we can support clients throughout the UK and internationally.

  • We can help you explore strategies like improved insulation, airtightness, triple glazing, passive solar design, and renewable energy systems such as solar panels and MVHR systems.