General questions
What does an architectural designer do?
As architectural designers, we provide design, planning and building regulations drawings for extensions, loft conversions, new builds and commercial projects.
Which areas do you cover?
We cover Hampshire within a radius of around 40 miles of our office in Whiteley, plus Chichester, and we also take on projects in London.
Do you handle the planning application?
Yes. We handle all planning for our clients, from preparing the drawings to submitting the application and liaising with the council.
How much do extension plans cost?
Every project is different, so we provide a quote once we understand what you would like to do. Call us or send an enquiry for a free quote. Our guide to planning drawings cost explains what affects the price.
House extension plans
Do I need planning permission for a single storey extension?
Not always. Many single storey rear extensions fall under permitted development, subject to size, height and material limits. We will check your property and advise whether a planning application, a lawful development certificate or the prior approval process is the right route.
How long does it take to get extension plans drawn?
Timescales depend on the size of the project and how quickly design decisions are made. After the survey, we will give you a realistic timeline for the design stage, and householder planning applications are normally decided by the council within eight weeks of validation.
Can you help me find a builder?
Our role is the design and drawings. Our building regulations drawings are prepared so that builders can price accurately and like for like, which makes comparing quotes much easier.
Can you design an extension and a garage conversion together?
Yes. Combining them in one set of drawings often makes sense, because the planning position, structure and building regulations can be considered together rather than in two separate applications.
Will my builder be able to price from your drawings?
That is the aim of the building regulations package. It sets out the construction, structure and specification so different builders can price the same thing.
Loft conversion plans
What head height do I need for a loft conversion?
We would normally look for at least 2.4m of head height within the existing loft, although we have worked with lower heights where appropriate.
Does a loft conversion need planning permission?
Many do not, as they fall under permitted development. Planning is usually needed for front facing dormers, flats, conservation areas or where permitted development rights have been removed.
Do I need a party wall agreement?
If the conversion involves work to a shared wall, such as inserting steel beams into it, the Party Wall Act is likely to apply. We will flag this during the design so you can serve notices in good time.
Do you handle the planning side of a loft conversion?
Yes. We confirm whether the loft can go ahead under permitted development or needs planning permission, and we prepare and submit the application or lawful development certificate for you.
Can a loft conversion be combined with an extension?
Yes. We have designed projects that combine rear extensions with a loft conversion and dormer, so the whole house is planned together.
New build plans
Can I build a house in my garden?
Sometimes. It depends on plot size, access, the impact on neighbours and local policy. We can carry out an initial review of the site to give you a realistic view before you commit to a full design.
What is nitrate neutrality?
In much of south Hampshire, new homes must show they will not add nitrates to the Solent. This usually means buying credits or providing mitigation. We will flag it early so it can be budgeted for.
Do you design replacement dwellings?
Yes. Replacing an existing house or bungalow with a new home on the same plot is one of the routes we can design and take through planning.
Can you show us what the new house will look like?
Yes. Rendered elevations and internal 3D visuals can be added so you, your neighbours and the council can see the design clearly.
Do you prepare construction drawings?
For larger projects we can prepare construction drawings in addition to the planning and building regulations drawings.
Planning applications
How long does a planning application take?
Householder applications have a statutory target of eight weeks from validation. Larger or more complex applications can take longer.
What happens if planning is refused?
We will review the reasons for refusal with you. Often a revised scheme can address the concerns, or in some cases an appeal may be appropriate.
What drawings are in a planning application?
Typically a location plan, a site plan, existing and proposed floor plans and elevations, and roof plans or sections where the design needs them.
Can you apply for a lawful development certificate instead?
Yes. If the work falls within permitted development, a lawful development certificate confirms that formally, and we can prepare and submit it.
Building regulations drawings
Do I need building regulations if I do not need planning?
Yes, in most cases. Permitted development removes the need for planning permission but almost all extensions, loft conversions and structural alterations still need building regulations approval.
Do you provide structural calculations?
We coordinate structural design so that the calculations and the drawings match. See our structural drawings service for more detail.
Do I need building regulations drawings if I have planning permission?
Yes. Planning permission and building regulations approval are separate. Almost every extension, loft conversion or garage conversion needs building regulations approval.
Do you include structural calculations?
We coordinate the structural calculations so they match the building regulations drawings.
Structural Calculations & Drawings
Do I need structural drawings to remove a wall?
If the wall is load bearing, yes. Building control will need calculations and details showing how the loads will be supported.
Can structural drawings be done without full building regulations drawings?
For small jobs such as a single wall removal, yes. For extensions and lofts they are best prepared alongside the full building regulations package.
What are structural calculations for?
They show building control that beams, lintels and foundations are correctly sized for the loads they carry, and they tell your builder what to order.
Do structural calculations need to match the drawings?
Yes. We coordinate them with the building regulations drawings so the sizes and positions agree.
Will I need calculations for a knock-through?
Usually, if the wall is load bearing. A beam and its supports will need to be sized and shown on the drawings.
Measured site surveys
How long does a measured survey take?
Most houses can be surveyed in a single visit. Larger or more complex buildings may take longer.
Can I just have a survey without further drawings?
Yes. Measured surveys are available as a standalone service.
Why do I need a measured survey?
Every design and planning drawing is based on it. An accurate survey avoids surprises when building starts.
Do you measure the roof space too?
Yes, where the project involves the loft, we record the roof structure and heights.
Plans and elevations
What scale are the drawings?
Floor plans and elevations are typically produced at 1:50 or 1:100, with site and location plans at appropriate scales for planning.
What is the difference between a plan and an elevation?
A plan is a view from above showing the layout of a floor. An elevation is a view of one side of the building from the outside.
Do I need existing drawings as well as proposed?
For a planning application, yes. The council compares existing and proposed drawings to understand the change.
Can you produce rendered elevations?
Yes. Rendered elevations show materials and colours and can help with planning and design choices.
Commercial projects
Do you work on commercial projects outside Hampshire?
Our main area is Hampshire and a radius of around 40 miles from Whiteley, and we also take on projects in London. Get in touch to discuss your project.
Care homes and care villages
Do you design care homes and care villages?
Yes. We provide architectural design for care homes and care villages, including planning applications and building regulations drawings. The scope is agreed around the site, proposed use and client brief.
Can you design an extension to an existing care home?
Yes. We can prepare designs and drawings for care home extensions, considering how the new space connects to the existing layout and the planning and technical requirements of the proposal.
Do you work on assisted living and retirement schemes?
Yes. Assisted living and retirement schemes are included in this sector. We discuss the proposed accommodation and support arrangements before developing the design.
Can you prepare the planning application?
Yes. We prepare planning applications and drawings for care proposals. The application route and any supporting specialist information depend on the site and proposed development; approval is a decision for the local planning authority.
What should I provide when making an enquiry?
Please share the site address, the existing and proposed use, your intended changes and any available plans or planning history. We start with a free on-site consultation with no-obligation quotation to discuss the work needed.