Design Advice That Helps You Make The Right Decisions Early
Architectural design services help turn an initial idea into a clear, considered proposal.
This is usually the first major design stage of a project. It allows you to explore what may be possible, review layout options and develop drawings that can be used for planning, permitted development, pre-application advice or further technical design.
At this stage, we consider more than just the size of the extension or the position of the walls. We look at how the space will be used, how people move through the property, where natural light comes from, how the design connects to the garden, where storage is needed and how the proposal may affect planning risk.
The aim is to create a design that works in real life, not just on paper.
Bad design can create problems long before construction starts.
A weak layout may waste space, reduce natural light, affect the connection to the garden, increase build costs or make planning permission harder to achieve.
Our architectural design service helps you test the right ideas early, challenge assumptions and develop a proposal that balances design quality, planning strategy, buildability and value.
We provide architectural design services for residential projects across London and surrounding areas.
We regularly work with homeowners, landlords and property developers on projects ranging from simple extensions to more complex residential schemes.
We usually begin with an in-house or on-site meeting to understand your brief, discuss your priorities and review the existing property.
This gives us the opportunity to understand how you live, what is not working, what you want to improve and what needs to be considered before design work begins.
Accuracy matters at design stage.
Where required, we use point cloud scanning technology to measure the existing building and prepare reliable existing drawings. This helps reduce the risk of design work being based on inaccurate dimensions or outdated plans.
We prepare existing and proposed drawings to explain the current property and the design options being considered.
These drawings usually form the foundation for planning applications, permitted development applications, feasibility studies or the next stage of technical design.
We can explore different ways to approach the project, especially where the layout is not obvious or there are competing priorities.
This may include testing alternative extension shapes, kitchen layouts, circulation routes, room sizes, storage positions, garden connections or development strategies.
For some projects, 3D visuals can help clients understand the scale, form and feel of the proposal before committing to a planning application.
This is an optional service and can be particularly useful for larger extensions, new homes, complex roof forms or developer-led schemes.
Following the first issue of drawings, we arrange a screen share meeting to talk through the design and make the revision process easier.
This allows us to explain the proposals clearly, answer questions and agree the next changes without relying only on long email chains.
We provide architectural design services for a wide range of residential projects.
Designing flat conversions is about more than dividing up rooms.
We consider national space standards, outlook, light, privacy, circulation, storage, noise, amenity space, access, refuse, cycle storage and the likely planning issues before developing the layout.
For developers, good design needs to balance planning success, market appeal and return on investment.
We can help test options, improve layouts, identify planning risks and create proposals that are commercially realistic without ignoring design quality.
Architectural design is one of the most important stages of a project. The decisions made early can affect planning, cost, buildability and how well the finished space works.
We have experience with a wide range of residential projects, including extensions, loft conversions, internal remodels, new dwellings, flat conversions and developer-led schemes.
This helps us bring lessons from many different project types into the design process.
We take time to understand what you want to achieve, how you use the property and what problems the design needs to solve.
Your brief matters, but we also help test whether the initial idea is the best way to achieve it.
A good design process should not simply copy the first idea.
We may challenge the size of the extension, the layout, the circulation, the relationship to the garden or the planning strategy if we think a different approach could achieve a better result.
Because planning is central to our work, we think about planning risk from the start.
This helps avoid designs that look good in isolation but are more likely to face objections, delays or refusal.
Where required, we use point cloud scanning technology to help prepare accurate existing drawings.
This gives the design stage a stronger foundation and reduces the risk of working from unreliable information.
We make design development easier through screen share meetings, clear drawings and a structured revision process.
You will usually work with the same person through the design stage, helping maintain continuity and avoid repeated explanations.
Most projects begin with 2D drawings. These are usually the clearest way to test layouts, room sizes, extension depths, roof forms and planning constraints.
For many clients, 2D drawings are enough to understand the proposal and move into planning.
For larger, more complex or more visual projects, optional 3D views can help explain the design more clearly.
3D visuals can be useful when:
We will advise whether 3D is likely to add value or whether 2D drawings are sufficient.
We start by understanding your brief, priorities and project goals.
This usually includes an initial visit to the property so we can discuss the design in context, review the existing layout and understand the key constraints.
Where required, we carry out a point cloud scan to help prepare accurate existing drawings.
We prepare the first set of existing and proposed drawings, usually around 3 weeks after the site visit for typical residential projects.
The first issue is intended to give you a clear design direction and a basis for discussion.
Depending on the project, this may include one main proposal or multiple options for consideration.
After the first issue, we arrange a screen share meeting to review the drawings together.
This makes the revision process easier and allows us to explain the design, answer questions and agree the next changes.
We include unlimited reasonable revisions within 6 months of the first issue, so the design can be developed properly before moving to the next stage.
Once the design has been agreed, we prepare the drawings for the next stage.
This may be a planning application, permitted development application, Lawful Development Certificate, pre-application enquiry, feasibility report or building regulations stage.
We will advise on the most suitable route depending on the project, planning risk and your goals.
Once the design has been agreed, the next stage depends on the project.
For many residential projects, the next step is a planning application or Lawful Development Certificate.
For higher-risk proposals, a feasibility study or pre-application enquiry may be recommended before a full planning submission.
Once planning is approved, the project usually moves into the building regulations and technical design stage.
At each stage, we will advise what is needed and what the likely route should be.
If you are planning an extension, loft conversion, internal remodel, new home or residential development, we can help turn your ideas into a clear design proposal.
Send us your address, a short description of the project and any drawings, estate agent plans or inspiration images you already have.
We will review the project and advise on the most suitable next step.
Architectural design focuses on the layout, structure, form and planning strategy of the building.
This includes matters such as extensions, loft conversions, internal layouts, room arrangements, circulation, light, outlook, roof forms, external appearance and how the proposal may progress through planning.
Interior design usually focuses more on finishes, furniture, colours, materials, styling and the detailed look and feel of the internal spaces.
The two can overlap, but our service is primarily architectural design, planning strategy and technical coordination rather than interior styling.
Our fee depends on the project type, size, complexity and level of design work required.
A simple internal alteration or small extension will usually cost less than a full home remodel, new dwelling, flat conversion or developer-led scheme.
We will confirm our fee following your enquiry once we understand the property, brief and likely planning route.
For typical residential projects, we usually aim to issue the first set of design drawings around 3 weeks after the site visit.
This can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, whether point cloud processing is required and how much information is available at the start.
We will confirm the expected timescale before the design stage begins.
Where appropriate, yes.
Some projects benefit from multiple options, especially where there are different layout strategies or planning routes to consider.
For simpler projects, it may be more efficient to develop one strong proposal rather than create unnecessary variations.
We will advise the best approach depending on the brief and project complexity.
Yes. We include unlimited reasonable revisions within 6 months of the first design issue.
This gives clients time to review the drawings, discuss ideas and develop the design properly before moving to the next stage.
Revisions must remain within the agreed project scope. A completely new brief, major change in project direction or additional design package may require a separate fee.
Yes. Where required, we prepare existing drawings as part of the design stage.
This usually follows a site visit and measured survey.
For many projects, accurate existing drawings are essential before proposed design work can begin.
Yes. We use point cloud scanning technology where appropriate to help measure the existing property and prepare accurate drawings.
This is particularly useful for extensions, loft conversions, existing buildings with irregular layouts and projects where accuracy is important.
Estate agent plans can be useful for an initial discussion, but they are not normally accurate enough for design, planning or technical work.
Before preparing proper architectural drawings, we usually need a measured survey or point cloud scan.
Yes. Many clients already have sketches, inspiration images or a clear idea of what they want.
We can review your ideas, test whether they are practical and develop them into proper architectural drawings.
Where needed, we may challenge or adjust the idea to improve layout, planning prospects, buildability or long-term value.
Yes. We regularly work with developers and landlords where layout efficiency, planning risk and return on investment are important.
This may include new dwellings, flat conversions, commercial-to-residential projects, extensions or refurbishment opportunities.
Yes, 3D visuals can be provided as an optional service.
They are not always necessary, but they can be helpful for understanding massing, external appearance, roof forms and how the design may feel.
Once the design is agreed, we advise on the next stage.
This may be a planning application, Lawful Development Certificate, pre-application enquiry, feasibility study or building regulations package.
The right route depends on the project, planning risk and your goals.
Yes. Detailed Planning carries professional indemnity insurance.
This is important when appointing a consultant to prepare drawings and provide professional advice.