Planning-led architectural design in Cornwall
forma provides planning-focused residential design for homeowners across Cornwall and beyond. We specialise in early-stage feasibility, concept design, and producing clear, well-presented planning application drawings to help you move from first ideas to a confident submission.
We work following the RIBA Plan of Work, giving you a structured process with clear deliverables at each stage. You can start with us from the very beginning, or join partway through if you already have surveys, sketches, or an outline idea.
If you’re searching for architects in Cornwall, you’re in the right place – forma is a professional architectural design studio in Cornwall providing planning-focused design support with a collaborative, client-led approach.
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How We Can Help
We tailor each package to the scale of your project. Services commonly include:
• Feasibility studies & early-stage appraisals
• Concept design & layout options
• 2D drawings and 3D modelling/visualisations
• Planning drawings (plans, elevations, sections, site context)
• Planning application drawings and submission support
• Design & Access Statements (where required)
• Support navigating planning permission in Cornwall and the rest of the UK
• Guidance using the online planning system, the planning register, and the Planning Portal
• Building Regulations / technical drawing packs (optional)
• Concept design & layout options
• 2D drawings and 3D modelling/visualisations
• Planning drawings (plans, elevations, sections, site context)
• Planning application drawings and submission support
• Design & Access Statements (where required)
• Support navigating planning permission in Cornwall and the rest of the UK
• Guidance using the online planning system, the planning register, and the Planning Portal
• Building Regulations / technical drawing packs (optional)
Browse our testimonials to see how we’ve helped others bring their home vision to life.
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Design Stages, explained
(RIBA-aligned):
RIBA Stage 1: Preparation and Brief
☑ We meet via video to discuss your ideas and create a clear brief
☑ We review how you use your current spaces and identify improvements
☑ We produce initial drawings of the site and existing buildings
☑ You’ll need to arrange a topographical and building survey
☑ These drawings form the foundation for the next design stages
☑ We review how you use your current spaces and identify improvements
☑ We produce initial drawings of the site and existing buildings
☑ You’ll need to arrange a topographical and building survey
☑ These drawings form the foundation for the next design stages
RIBA Stage 2: Conceptual Design
☑ We use your brief to explore options and set the project’s direction
☑ Initial sketches focus on context, orientation, layout, form, and scale
☑ Sketches are developed into 3D models to help you visualise the design
☑ Video meetings keep you involved to review and guide the concept
☑ Initial sketches focus on context, orientation, layout, form, and scale
☑ Sketches are developed into 3D models to help you visualise the design
☑ Video meetings keep you involved to review and guide the concept
RIBA Stage 3: Spatial Coordination/Planning Permission
☑ We finalise the design based on your feedback from earlier stages
☑ We submit a planning application to your Local Planning Authority
☑ We submit a planning application to your Local Planning Authority
☑ After submission, the application is made available for public comment
☑ The submission includes drawings and a Design & Access Statement
☑ Once approved, the drawings can be sent to builders for accurate quotes
☑ The submission includes drawings and a Design & Access Statement
☑ Once approved, the drawings can be sent to builders for accurate quotes
RIBA Stage 4: Technical Design/Building Regulations
☑ We prepare detailed technical drawings for building regulations approval
☑ The drawings ensure safety, energy, and construction standards are met
☑ A structural engineer is appointed to review the structure
☑ Drawings are submitted to Building Control for approval
☑ Once approved, drawings can be sent to builders for accurate quotes
☑ The drawings ensure safety, energy, and construction standards are met
☑ A structural engineer is appointed to review the structure
☑ Drawings are submitted to Building Control for approval
☑ Once approved, drawings can be sent to builders for accurate quotes
Not sure where to start?
If you’re early in the process and just want clarity, a feasibility-first approach often saves time and money. We can review your site, goals, and constraints and suggest the most sensible route to planning permission in Cornwall and beyond.
Have a question? Book a free consultation, and we’ll talk through options.