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Architectural Design for Essex Homeowners
Extensions, Lofts & New Builds from £1,500
We handle everything from your first sketch to planning approval and construction drawings. Transparent fixed fees. No surprises. Covering Essex and East London.
Previous Projects
Latest Blogs
Understanding Commercial Architectural Services in Essex
When it comes to creating or renovating a commercial space, understanding the role of commercial architectural services is essential. Whether you’re planning a new office building, retail store, or industrial facility, the right architectural expertise can make all the difference. In Essex, these services are tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses and property owners, ensuring projects run smoothly from concept to completion. In this post, I’ll walk you through what
Stephen Owen
Understanding Architectural Fees for Residential Project Fees UK
When planning to build or renovate a home in London or Essex, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: how much will the architect cost? Understanding architectural fees can feel confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. I’m here to break down the essentials of architectural fees for residential projects in the UK, so you can approach your project with confidence and clarity. Architectural fees cover the professional services an architect provides, from initial design c
Stephen Owen
Navigating Extension Planning Approval UK Made Easy
Planning an extension to your home or business premises can be an exciting project. However, the process of securing extension planning approval UK can sometimes feel overwhelming. From understanding the rules to submitting the right documents, it’s easy to get lost in the details. But don’t worry - I’m here to guide you through the process with clear, practical advice that makes everything straightforward and manageable. Whether you’re adding a new room, expanding your kitc
Stephen Owen
Frequently asked questions
General
We generally follow the RIBA Plan of Work. This takes you from Stage 0/1 (Preparation and Brief) through to Stage 3 (Developed Design/Planning) and finally Stage 4 (Technical Design).
In plain English: we start with your big ideas, turn them into planning drawings, and then produce the detailed technical packs your builder needs to actually price and build the project.
Ideally, before you’ve even finalised your budget. Involving us early allows us to conduct a feasibility study or a pre-application (Pre-app) with the local council. This identifies any potential "red flags" - like Green Belt restrictions or Conservation Area rules - before you’ve spent a penny on detailed designs.
Our fees are transparent and structured to suit the project. We typically work on a lump sum for smaller residential works, or a percentage of the total construction cost (usually between 7% and 12%) for larger projects.
We will always provide a detailed fee proposal, and we’ll be clear about what is - and isn't - subject to VAT.
Yes, we act as your Agent.
We handle the submission of Planning Applications to your local authority and liaise with Planning Officers on your behalf.
Once planning is secured, we also manage the Building Regulations application to ensure your project meets all UK safety, insulation, and structural standards.
It’s your home, not our trophy.
Our role is to translate your taste into a workable design. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary "glass box" extension or a sensitive restoration of a Listed Building, we’re here to facilitate your vision.
Once we submit a planning application, the local council typically has a statutory period of 8 weeks to reach a decision (13 weeks for major developments).
Including the initial design stages and the technical drawings that follow, you should usually allow 4 to 6 months before a spade even hits the ground.
Construction costs in the UK have been volatile recently, so we design with a "buffer" in mind.
We can also recommend a Quantity Surveyor (QS) for larger projects to provide a professional cost plan.
By specifying materials and finishes early in the technical stage, we prevent the "budget creep" that often happens when decisions are made mid-build.
We are Architectural Designers, not builders.
However, we offer a Contract Administration service. This means we help you tend the project out to our trusted contractors, review their quotes, and then visit the site regularly to ensure the work is being carried out to the specified standard and the agreed price.
As much as you’d like.
We’ll need you for the "milestone" decisions - approving the layout, picking materials, and signing off on the budget.
Most of our communication happens via email and scheduled site or studio meetings, so you can leave the day-to-day technical headaches to us.
You don't need a finished brief, but a rough idea of your maximum budget and a list of "problem areas" in your current home is a great start.
If you have any Title Deeds or a Land Registry plan, bring those along, as well as a link to a Pinterest board or a few magazine clippings of designs you admire.
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