No, I’m not an architect, I am an architectural draftsman or CAD technician. I learnt to draw to scale by hand on an architectural drawing board, before studying CAD (Computer Aided Design) and then worked in the architectural studio of a design & build firm in London for several years.

If you are building a new house or an innovative extension with modern/new materials then yes, you will need an architect. However, if you are doing a simple extension (one or two storey) or remodelling your existing home, you may only need an architectural draftsman, which can work out at a fraction of the cost.

Up to the stage of achieving planning, there is little to no difference. This is because the planners only need the drawings to help them see how the proposals will appear in relation to the existing property and its surroundings, so that they can assess whether there is any potential negative impact on the house/street scene/conservation area. An architectural practice may well use a draftsman to draw up the planning drawings. However, once planning is granted, an architect would take these planning drawings and add a further level of detail to them to include all structural elements plus the specification of materials etc. These are called ‘working drawings’ and are far more technical than planning drawings. For a simple, single storey extension or when remodelling a property, this second level of detailed drawing is not always required as an experienced builder can work from the planning drawings, alongside a structural engineer’s calculations (for beams sizes etc.)

Yes indeed. I have 15 years of experience in submitting planning applications and 100% success rate in acquiring planning, including listed building consents.

I will be able to advise you on my initial site visit. In summary, extensions to the side or front usually require planning, as do any extensions above the first floor. However, single storey rear extensions from the original part of the house (not a previous extension) may be covered under permitted development rights if they extend no further than 4m for a detached house or 3m for a semi-detached or terraced.

I don’t have a set price list as every job is different, but I do offer a free initial visit where I can assess the amount of work involved and then I will send you a no-obligation quote. To give a rough idea though, it is usually hundreds of pounds as opposed to thousands with an architect. I often get asked if I can estimate the cost of the project, but this is for the builders to quote - they will require drawings in order to calculate costs, and if any structural work is to be done, they will also require the Structural Engineer’s calculations.

Once appointed, we will book in a date for measuring up. After the survey I aim to complete the first draft of drawings within 2-3 weeks. If planning is required, it takes approximately 8 weeks for the Council to make their decision.