FAQs
Architectural Process & Design
How does the architectural process work?
The architectural process can be broken down into four key design stages before construction: Brief and Preparation, Concept Design, Developed Design, and Technical Design. To learn more about how we work, please visit our About page.
What is the RIBA Plan of Work?
The RIBA Plan of Work is a framework created by RIBA (the Royal Institute of British Architects), the professional body for architects in the UK. It outlines the stages of an architectural project, from initial concept through to completion, helping ensure a clear, organised, and efficient process.
How long does the architectural process take?
The timeline depends on the scale and complexity of your project. Small residential projects may take a few weeks from initial brief to developed drawings, while larger or more complex projects can take several months. We provide a clear schedule at the start of every project so you know what to expect.
How much do architectural services cost?
Our fees depend on the type, size, and complexity of your project. Rather than offering a fixed price, we provide a personalised quote tailored to your requirements, ensuring transparency and clarity from the outset.
How involved will I be in the design process?
You are encouraged to be as involved as you like! Feedback can be given via email, annotated drawings, or video calls. We incorporate your ideas and preferences while guiding the project with professional design insight.
Planning & Regulations
What is a planning permission application?
A planning application is a formal request to the local authority for approval to carry out building works or change the use of land or buildings. It ensures proposed developments comply with local planning policies. The process typically involves submitting drawings and supporting documents, followed by a consultation and review period before a decision is made.
Do I need planning permission for my project?
It depends on the type of work and its location. Some small extensions or alterations may fall under Permitted Development Rights and not require planning permission. For other projects, a formal application to your local authority is needed. We can advise on what applies to your project and help with the application process if required.
What is Building Regulations approval?
Building Regulations approval ensures your design meets the standards for safety, health, energy efficiency, and accessibility. To obtain approval, a set of detailed technical drawings is produced showing foundations, floors, walls, roofs, and junctions. These are submitted to Building Control for review and approval before construction begins.
What is the difference between planning permission and building regulations approval?
Planning permission ensures your design complies with local planning policies, including appearance, use, and impact on the surrounding area.
Building Regulations approval ensures your design meets technical standards for safety, structure, energy efficiency, and accessibility. Both approvals are often required for a project.
Building Regulations approval ensures your design meets technical standards for safety, structure, energy efficiency, and accessibility. Both approvals are often required for a project.
What size extension can I build without planning permission?
It’s always best to seek professional advice before construction. Under the current Permitted Development Rights in England, the following generally apply:
Single-storey rear extensions:
• Detached houses – up to 4m from the original rear wall.
• Terraced and semi-detached houses – up to 3m.
• Must not cover more than 50% of the garden.
• Two-storey rear extensions:
• Up to 3m from the original rear wall.
• Detached houses – up to 4m from the original rear wall.
• Terraced and semi-detached houses – up to 3m.
• Must not cover more than 50% of the garden.
• Two-storey rear extensions:
• Up to 3m from the original rear wall.
Side extensions:
• Single-storey only.
• Maximum height 4m.
• Width must not exceed half the original house.
• Must not extend beyond the principal (front) elevation.
• Single-storey only.
• Maximum height 4m.
• Width must not exceed half the original house.
• Must not extend beyond the principal (front) elevation.
Site & Survey
Do I need a survey before starting the design?
Yes. A topographical and building survey provides an accurate record of your site and existing property. This acts as a foundation for design, planning applications, and technical drawings, helping avoid costly errors later.
What is a topographical and building survey?
A topographical and building survey provides a detailed, accurate record of your home and site. A surveyor will visit your property to collect data using scanners and cameras, which is then compiled into a digital (.dwg) drawing package, typically including a site plan, floor plans, elevations, and sections.
Design Considerations & Options
What is sustainable architecture?
Sustainable architecture is the practice of designing and constructing buildings that minimise environmental impact through energy efficiency, responsible material selection, and waste reduction – during construction, use, and eventual deconstruction. It aims to create healthy, durable, and resource-efficient spaces that respond sensitively to their surroundings.
Can you help with sustainable or energy-efficient design?
Absolutely. We consider insulation, orientation, natural light, and material selection to create a high-performance home. While we focus on practical, comfortable, and well-performing designs, sustainability is integrated wherever possible.
What are option appraisals?
Option appraisals are a valuable decision-making tool if uncertainty arises in your project. They explore multiple design possibilities to guide discussions and inspire creative thinking. Examples include:
• Floor plan iterations: Exploring layouts that respond to sunlight, views, and site context.
• Material studies: 3D models or façade studies comparing different finishes or materials.
• Massing models: Simplified 3D models exploring form, scale, and the building’s relationship to its surroundings.
• Material studies: 3D models or façade studies comparing different finishes or materials.
• Massing models: Simplified 3D models exploring form, scale, and the building’s relationship to its surroundings.
What if I want to make changes during the design process?
Changes are part of the process. Early stages are ideal for exploring options, and we can accommodate adjustments to layouts, materials, or design details as your ideas evolve. We’ll guide you through the implications of each change to maintain quality and compliance.
Consultants & Collaboration
What is consultant collaboration?
Throughout the process, we collaborate with various consultants to ensure your project runs smoothly. The following are typically involved:
• Planning Officer: We liaise with the local planning officer and respond to their feedback to help secure planning approval.
• Engineer: We coordinate with a structural engineer to ensure the design meets safety and compliance requirements.
• Building Control: We work closely with Building Control to address feedback and ensure the project satisfies Building Regulations.
• Engineer: We coordinate with a structural engineer to ensure the design meets safety and compliance requirements.
• Building Control: We work closely with Building Control to address feedback and ensure the project satisfies Building Regulations.
Do I need other consultants for my project?
Some projects require additional specialists. Common consultants include structural engineers, surveyors, and, in some cases, mechanical or landscape consultants. We coordinate with all relevant professionals to ensure your project meets standards and flows smoothly from concept to construction.
Working Remotely
Can you work remotely or internationally?
Yes! We regularly work with clients across the UK and internationally. We can share drawings, models, and visualisations digitally, and conduct video consultations to review designs and provide guidance.
Thinking about a project or just have a question? We'd love to hear from you! Please feel free to get in touch via our contact page below.