Frequently asked questions

Not always. For very small or straightforward projects, such as a basic box extension or minor alterations, you may be able to work directly with a builder or a lesser qualified designer.

However, an architect brings far more than drawings. We consider everything from site constraints, planning policies, Building Regulations, and structural requirements, to light, flow of space, sustainability, and long-term value. This holistic approach helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures your project works both practically and beautifully.

While architects’ fees are a cost, they represent only a small percentage of the overall project budget. In many cases, the value added through smarter design, reduced running costs, and avoiding errors on site often save more — than the fee itself. A well-designed project will also increase your property’s long-term value.

In short: you may not legally need an architect, but if you want to unlock the full potential of your project and enjoy peace of mind along the way, working with an architect is a wise investment.

Architects’ fees vary depending on the location, the complexity of the project, and the level of service you require. Some architects calculate their charges as a percentage of the total project cost, while others prefer to agree a fixed lump sum or work on a time-charge basis.

Like all professional services, architectural fees are not cheap. However, it’s often more helpful to see the fee as an investment rather than simply a cost. In the context of the overall construction budget, the architect’s fee is usually a small proportion — yet their involvement almost always adds significant value. Good design can make a home more efficient, more enjoyable to live in, and more valuable when it comes to resale.

Our own fees vary depending on the scope of work and what you hope to achieve. Once we’ve spoken with you, and where appropriate visited your property, we will prepare a tailored fee proposal for your consideration. We usually present this as a set of options so that you can choose the level of involvement and value you’d like us to provide. These options are specific to your project and give you flexibility in deciding how much professional input you want.

A typical proposal will cover all stages of the project, from the initial design concepts through to monitoring works on site. We break our fees down into the RIBA work stages, which means you can select all or part of our services depending on your needs. To give you certainty, our fees for each stage are usually presented as lump sums, rather than open-ended percentages.

As a guide, depending on the scope of work, our fee is often in the range of 4–12% of the construction cost. Where your project sits within that range will depend on its size, complexity, and the level of service you select.

It’s worth remembering that you’re not just paying for drawings. You’re investing in skills, creativity, and expertise — and in a team that is motivated to engage with you to create the best outcome for your needs, your property, and your budget. 

To find out more about how we charge please click the link below

Every project is unique, but our typical programme runs for around 12–14 months from the first meeting through to completion on site.

Here’s how the stages usually break down:

Stage 1 – Measured survey & concept design (Month 1–2):

We begin with a site survey, followed by the first design concepts. These are developed with you into a preferred option that balances your needs, budget, and site constraints.

Stage 2 – Planning & approvals (Month 3–5):

Once a design is agreed, we prepare the planning application. The local authority process usually takes 8–10 weeks.

Stage 3 – Detailed design & Building Control (Month 6–8):

After planning approval, we prepare detailed technical drawings, specifications, and submit to Building Control. At this stage, tender documents are also prepared so contractors can price the project accurately.

Stage 4 – Tender & contractor appointment (Month 9–10):

Contractors are invited to tender, we help you review and compare prices, and a builder is appointed. This stage typically lasts 6–8 weeks.

Stage 5 – Construction (Month 11–16/17):

Work begins on site. We monitor progress, quality, and deal with any issues that arise. The stage ends with snagging (final checks) and handover.

Key point: As a rule of thumb, you should allow around 6 months from the start of design work to the start of construction on site. This covers the survey, design, planning approvals, technical drawings, and tendering.

Example timeline for a £150k extension:

Month 1–2: Measured survey & concept design

Month 3–5: Planning application & approval

Month 6–8: Detailed design, Building Control, tender prep

Month 9–10: Tender process & contractor appointment

Month 11–16/17: Construction, snagging & handover

So, from your first survey through to moving back into your completed space, a typical project lasts just over a year. Timings do vary depending on planning decisions, contractor availability, and the complexity of your project — but we’ll guide you through each stage and keep you updated along the way.

We are based in Stamford Lincolnshire, and most of our work is within Lincolnshire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire or Cambridgeshire. We have also completed projects further afield in London,Yorkshire and Wales. 

We are happy to travel further if the project is large enough to warrant the extra travelling time.

You’ll generally need permission if you are:

Building a new house or major extension

Making significant changes to the external appearance of your property

Changing the use of a building (e.g., from residential to commercial)

Developing in protected areas (e.g., conservation areas, national parks, listed buildings)

You don’t legally need professional help, but planning rules can be complicated and vary depending on your property, location, and local council policies. We can review your project and quickly confirm whether it falls under Permitted Development or needs a full application. We can also advise on how to maximise your chances of approval and prepare clear drawings to keep the process smooth, helping you avoid costly mistakes or delays.

Project management usually means organising and purchasing materials, scheduling and managing sub-contractors, and overseeing the day-to-day running of the site. This is typically the builders contractor’s responsibility.

What we offer instead is contract administration. In this role, we don’t manage the site directly, but we act on your behalf to make sure the builder is delivering the work correctly. This includes carrying out regular site visits, checking progress against the contract, issuing site reports with actions and instructions, and certifying payments. In short, while the builder manages the build, we oversee the process for you, ensuring it meets the agreed design and standards.

We work on projects ranging from £50,000 up to £2M

We work on a wide range of domestic and commercial projects, from smaller home alterations and extensions through to full new-build houses. On smaller projects, we can only offer a more limited service tailored to what you need. Our preferred niche, however, is projects in the £150,000–£1m range, where our full range of services and expertise can add the most value.