Contemporary kitchen design

An architect’s guide to reconfiguring your home

Most homeowners are looking for more space, and believe an extension is the way to make this happen. But as architects, we are trained to look at the existing space first to see if it is being used to its full potential - and in most cases, more could be done to utilise the space!
Rear contemporary extension

How to Get Planning Permission in a Conservation Area

Planning permission is more tightly regulated in conservation areas to ensure that any changes or developments respect the character of the area. This means even relatively minor alterations that might not require permission elsewhere and could be achieved under permitted development rights, such as changing windows, adding a porch, or demolishing part of a building, could require consent here.

Protecting your budget when planning a house build

Building a house is a dream for many, but it's also one of the most significant financial undertakings you'll ever encounter. With building costs currently coming in at over £4000 per square metre, how do you protect your budget and avoid the common pitfalls that often turn a dream project into a financial nightmare?

Transforming a bungalow into your dream home

Purchasing a bungalow for renovation, extension or even the intention of turning it into a house is an exciting and rewarding venture. With their single-story charm and potential for renovation, bungalows provide a unique opportunity for homeowners to create a space tailored to their lifestyle and needs.
New double garage built

Garage conversions: What are the benefits?

Whether you want an open plan living space with a spacious family kitchen, or an area of the home that offers more privacy for a home office, gym, or even an annex for a growing family, a garage conversion could provide the perfect solution.

Understanding the Stages of Planning Permission

So you’ve finalised your drawings and you are ready to submit your planning permission application. What happens next? In this blog post, we unravel the mysteries of the planning permission process, breaking it down into stages so you know exactly what to expect. First things first, you must formally submit your application.

Understanding Planning Permission Vs Building Regulations An Architect’s Guide

If you are about to embark on a renovation or home build project, you’ll no doubt be aware of planning permission and building regulations. However, these two terms often cause confusion. While they both regulate construction activities, they serve different purposes and are governed by distinct sets of rules.

How to design and build your own home An architect’s guide

There’s no doubt that the process can be complex and demanding, but with careful planning and execution, and working with the right professionals, your dream home could become a reality.
Ogivilly Square

Home Renovation Trends for 2024

Once again we are challenging ourselves to predict the home design trends that are set to be big for 2024. A big theme for this year is going to be sustainability. It’s all about making our homes more energy efficient, and building with more sustainable materials.

Introducing Energy Audits UK

We have something a little different for our blog this month. A message from our Lead Architect, Mike Taylor, to announce the launch of Energy Audits UK. Read on to find out more:

Backlands planning permission - How to build in your back garden

There are a number of advantages to building in your garden. More and more families are looking at ways to support elderly relatives and a growing family, or maybe you'd like to secure a rental income. Even if you don’t actually build the house, gaining planning permission for your land will significantly increase the total value of your property if you come to sell it in the future.

Permitted Development

If you’re planning an extension or alteration to your home, you may have heard about permitted development rights. In this blog post, we talk you through the idea of permitted development rights and give you some ideas of what can be achieved.

5 common home extension mistakes to avoid

Making the decision to renovate or extend your home is incredibly exciting. In most cases the results are well worth the investment, but it can be a complex process, especially for those embarking on this journey for the first time. Here we list some of the common home extension mistakes that homeowners make, along with our advice on how to avoid them!
Extension to 1960s detached house

Types of home extension - an Architect’s Guide

Extending your property can unlock the potential in your home, enabling you to create a space that works for you and your family. It also has the potential to add value to your property should you ever come to sell it. But with housing prices remaining so high, more and more homeowners are looking at ways to extend or reconfigure their homes to get the extra space they need - don’t move, improve!
Listed building renovation

Can you renovate a Grade II Listed House?

Listed buildings offer homeowners a wonderful opportunity to purchase their very own piece of history. For those who love the charm and character that comes with an older property, it’s an attractive proposition. Listed buildings often include period features, traditional craftsmanship, and plenty of curb appeal.But before purchasing a listed building it’s important to understand that it comes with a number of responsibilities and some restrictions.
Class Q Barn Conversion

Class Q Barn Conversions Explained

Taking on a Class Q project presents an incredibly exciting opportunity, and with the right design it is possible to achieve some truly stunning results. However, there are a few points to consider before getting stuck in - the main one being that this policy really does focus on converting what’s already there, not replacing or extending a building.

2023 Top Trends in Commercial Architecture

Over the last two to three years, we’ve witnessed so much change in business - and at such an accelerated rate. Our commercial architecture work has always included office refurbs and extensions, restaurant roll outs for large brands, and fairly niche projects
Family kitchen

5 Top design tips to plan the perfect family kitchen

If you’re looking at ways to unlock the potential in your home, there’s no better place to start than the family kitchen because the demand for an open plan kitchen diner isn’t going anywhere.

Do I need an architect for an extension?

If you are about to embark on a home renovation or house design project, this is one of the first (of many!) decisions that you’ll need to make. In this post we’ll explain a little bit more about what an architect actually does so you can start to understand if you’ll need one to help with your home renovation plans.

Home Renovation trends for 2023

Welcome to 2023! The new year often forces us to look at our priorities for the year, and for many it will be to crack on with that renovation or home extension project. So what are the home renovation trends likely to be for 2023?