Initial Consultation

The first step involves an initial consultation, during which our team will meet with you to gather information about your architectural project goals and preferences. 

Feasibility Assessment

We will ask you questions to determine what you hope to achieve and discuss the options available to you. This session is intended to encourage your active participation and provide an opportunity for you to share your lifestyle and ideas while receiving feedback on proposed solutions.

After discussing your project goals, our team will conduct a feasibility assessment to determine the potential implications of various design options. This assessment will consider factors such as the site location, planning regulations, and budget constraints.

Measured Site Survey

Once we have established the feasibility of your project, we will conduct a site survey to obtain precise measurements of your property. This will involve a detailed examination of your property to ensure that we have accurate information to develop your design.

Preliminary Design

Following the site survey, our team will commence the first preliminary design phase. We will take the information gathered from the initial consultation and site survey to create a design concept that meets your project goals and preferences.

Review and Feedback

After completing the preliminary design phase, we will present our design concept to you for review and feedback. We will use your feedback to refine the design concept and ensure that it meets your expectations.

Final Design and Planning Application

Once the design concept has been finalized, we will prepare the final design and planning application documents. We will work with the local authority to ensure that your planning application is processed efficiently and successfully.

In the UK, planning permission refers to the legal authorisation required for changes to the appearance or use of buildings, specifically for domestic properties. This could include changes such as extending a house, fenestration changes, or converting a house into flats. 

It is important to note that planning permission should not be confused with building regulations, which are a separate set of requirements.

When considering making changes to your home, it is essential to consider the planning permission process from the outset, as it is a necessary hurdle to clear. However, there may be cases where your project can be done within the guidelines of permitted development, which means that planning permission may not be required, but architectural drawings are required to recieve a permitted development certificate.

It is always best to consult with a qualified professional to determine if your project requires planning permission or if it falls within the permitted development guidelines.

A common misconception is that because other houses in the street have done the same proposed works, this automatically means that planning permission will be granted.

However, each planning application in the UK is considered on a case-by-case basis, and approval is based on a range of factors, including the specific location and circumstances of the proposed development.

While previous approvals in your neighborhood can be taken into account, it does not guarantee that your application will be approved automatically, as planning policy does change over time.

Therefore, the decision will depend on a range of factors, including the planning policies of the local authority, any objections from neighbors, and whether your proposal meets the necessary criteria for approval.

Permitted development in the UK refers to certain types of minor home improvements or alterations that can be done without the need for planning permission.

These types of works, such as adding a small extension to your home, converting your loft, converting your garage, or installing solar panels, are considered to have a low impact on the surrounding area and can be carried out under the permitted development rights granted by the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015.

However, it is important to note that there are limitations on the size and location of the works that can be done, and not all properties have permitted development rights. For small extensions and alterations that fall within the permitted development guidelines, planning permission may not be necessary, but it is advisable to apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development to confirm this. 

The application for a Certificate of Lawful Development must be supported by suitable architectural drawings. 

Before carrying out any works, it is always recommended to check with your local planning authority to confirm whether your proposed development falls within the permitted development guidelines.

Listed buildings are those that have been identified as having special architectural or historic interest and are therefore protected under UK law. Planning rules for a listed building in the UK are much stricter than for other properties, and any works that could affect the character or appearance of the building must be approved by the local planning authority.

In general, any works that involve altering the character or appearance of a listed building will require planning permission. This includes both internal and external works such as changing the layout of rooms, replacing windows or doors, or making alterations to the roof. Planning permission for listed buildings is often granted subject to specific conditions that aim to protect the historic fabric of the building.

Before carrying out any works on a listed building, it is important to consult with the local planning authority and obtain the necessary approvals. It is also advisable to seek advice from a specialist conservation architect who can help to ensure that any proposed works are sympathetic to the historic character of the building. Failure to obtain the necessary approvals before carrying out works on a listed building can result in enforcement action, including fines and the requirement to undo any works that have been carried out.

Conservation areas in the UK are designated by local authorities to protect the historic or architectural character of an area. Planning rules for a conservation area in the UK are designed to preserve and enhance the special character of the area and ensure that any development is sympathetic to its surroundings.

In a conservation area, planning permission is required for any demolition of buildings or structures, even if they are not listed. Other works that may require planning permission include changes to the external appearance of buildings, such as replacing windows or doors, or installing new satellite dishes or solar panels. The local authority will consider whether the proposed works would harm the character or appearance of the area before deciding whether to grant planning permission.

In addition to planning permission, certain types of minor development in a conservation area may require Conservation Area Consent. This includes works such as the cutting down of trees, the removal of boundary walls or the installation of satellite dishes or other external fixtures.

It is important to note that planning rules for conservation areas are more restrictive than for other areas and that failure to obtain the necessary permissions can result in enforcement action, including fines and the requirement to undo any works that have been carried out. Before carrying out any works in a conservation area, it is always advisable to consult with the local planning authority and obtain the necessary approvals.

In order to make a planning application in the UK, you will typically need the following:

Completed application form: You will need to complete the application form provided by your local planning authority. This will typically require details of the proposed development, including its location, scale, and purpose.

Site plan: You will need to provide a site plan showing the location of the proposed development in relation to neighbouring properties and features such as roads, footpaths, and trees. The plan should be to scale and show the direction of north.

Elevations and floor plans: You will need to provide detailed drawings of the proposed development, including floor plans and elevations. These should show the existing and proposed layouts of the building, as well as details of materials, finishes, and the height of the proposed development.

Design and access statement: For more complex proposals, you may need to provide a design and access statement explaining the design principles and justifying the proposal. This will typically include a description of the proposed development, an analysis of the site and its context, and an explanation of how the design has been informed by relevant policy and guidance.

Fee: There is usually a fee payable to the local planning authority for making a planning application. The fee will vary depending on the nature and scale of the proposed development.

Additional information: Depending on the nature of the proposed development, additional information may be required, such as flood risk assessments, ecological surveys, or heritage impact assessments.

It is important to ensure that your planning application is complete and accurate, as incomplete or inaccurate applications can lead to delays or even rejection of the application. It is always advisable to seek professional advice and assistance when making a planning application.

Building regulations in the UK are a set of standards and guidelines that ensure buildings are constructed to a safe and healthy standard.

The regulations cover various aspects of building design and construction, including structural safety, fire safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility. 

They are designed to ensure that new buildings and major refurbishments meet minimum standards of safety, accessibility, and sustainability. 

Building regulations are enforced by local authorities or approved inspectors, who inspect buildings during construction and upon completion to ensure they comply with the regulations. 

Compliance with building regulations is mandatory in the UK for most types of building work.

To apply for Building Regulations approval in the UK, you will need to follow these steps:

Determine if your project requires approval: Most building work will require approval, but there are some exceptions. Check with your local authority to see if your project requires approval.

Choose an approved inspector: You can choose to work with either the local authority building control department or an approved inspector. An approved inspector is a private company that is licensed to provide building control services.

Submit your application: You will need to submit a full plans application or a building notice to your chosen approved inspector or local authority. A full plans application includes detailed plans and specifications, while a building notice is a simpler application that can be submitted for smaller projects.

Wait for approval: Your application will be reviewed by the building control department, and they may request additional information or clarification. Once your application is approved, you will receive a notice of approval.

Start work: Once you have received approval, you can begin work on your project. Building control will carry out inspections throughout the construction process to ensure that the work is being carried out to the approved plans and that it complies with building regulations.

Obtain a completion certificate: Once the work is completed, you will need to obtain a completion certificate from your approved inspector or local authority. This certificate verifies that the work has been carried out in compliance with building regulations.

The building notice method is a type of application for building regulations approval in the UK. It is typically used for smaller, less complex building projects, such as domestic extensions or alterations.

With the building notice method, instead of submitting detailed plans and specifications for approval before work begins, the builder or homeowner simply gives notice to the local authority that work is about to start. The local authority will then carry out inspections throughout the construction process to ensure that the work is being carried out in compliance with building regulations.

One advantage of the building notice method is that it can save time and money, as there is no need to pay for detailed plans to be drawn up and approved. However, it can also be risky, as there is no guarantee that the work will meet building regulations, and the local authority may require costly changes or even order the work to be taken down if it does not comply. 

As a result, the building notice method is generally only recommended for smaller, less complex projects where the risk is relatively low.

The full plans method is a type of application for building regulations approval in the UK. It involves submitting detailed plans and specifications for approval before work begins on a building project.

Under the full plans method, the builder or homeowner submits detailed drawings and specifications of the proposed work to the local authority. The local authority will then review the plans and either approve them, request changes, or reject them outright. Once the plans have been approved, work can begin on the project.

One advantage of the full plans method is that it provides a higher level of certainty and control over the project. By having the plans approved in advance, the builder or homeowner can be confident that the work will meet building regulations and avoid costly delays or changes later in the project. Additionally, the local authority can provide guidance and advice during the approval process, helping to ensure that the project is carried out to a high standard.

The full plans method is typically used for larger or more complex building projects, such as commercial buildings, major renovations, or new construction. It may also be required for certain types of work, such as installing a new heating system or making changes to a fire escape route.