Home
Projects
About
Journal
Build

News

Architecture for London
3-5 Bleeding Heart Yard
London EC1N 8SJ

mail@architectureforlondon.com
020 3637 4236

10th Oct 2020

Planning Use Classes update in 2023 Readmore

The Use Classes Order places uses of land and buildings into various categories called ‘Use Classes’. The following list indicates types of use which may fall within each use class. Some changes of use of a building or land do require planning approval, but often a change of use of a building or land does not need planning permission where the proposed use is similar to the existing…

3rd Oct 2020

Hiring: Planning Consultant Readmore

Architecture for London is seeking a planning consultant to join its London-based team. We work on a range of projects across central London, with a focus on private homes. Environmental impact is a key consideration in our work. We work toward Passivhaus standards of comfort and low energy, creating sustainable homes. The ideal candidate should […]

23rd Aug 2020

Offsite manufacturing & modular construction Readmore

OSM and modular construction are approaches to building where components are manufactured off-site, then delivered and assembled on site. Components typically include wall, roof or floor panels or even complete rooms. Whilst these construction methods have historically been used widely on larger scale projects, OSM processes and technologies have now developed and are becoming cost-effective, therefore being suitable for use on smaller developments and even single home residential schemes…

20th Jul 2020

The cost of a planning application in 2023 Readmore

Planning application costs can vary substantially depending on the nature of the consent sought. This article explains the costs of each type of application and also outlines project-specific consultant fees…

16th Jul 2020

Listed Building Consent in London 2023 Readmore

A ‘listed building’ is a building or structure that is of national importance due to its architectural or historic interest. It is included on a special register: the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest…

12th Apr 2020

EnerPHit refurbishment: how to make a London house energy efficient Readmore

Our existing housing stock poses a challenge as we nationally aim towards the ‘2050 net-zero’ carbon emissions target, which aims to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees. The buildings we refurbish now are not likely to be refurbished again before 2050, so they must achieve net zero standards now. This net zero goal can be […]

7th Feb 2020

Kensington and Chelsea architects Readmore

Architecture for London has completed a number of bespoke homes in Kensington and Chelsea. Our architects have expertise in the particular planning requirements of the borough, of which 70 per cent is protected…

5th Feb 2020

What is a Construction Phase Plan? Readmore

A construction phase plan (CPP) is part of the process of mitigating risk and issues that may arise in construction projects. It helps the contractor prepare for correct health and safety procedures to be followed on site. View our projects page to see our recent work, or contact us on 020 3637 4236 to discuss your project. By […]

25th Nov 2019

Net zero: sustainability in the construction industry Readmore

Architects, engineers, builders and other professionals within the built environment have been working under the banner of progressive sustainability for some time now – but we have done just that: sustained and maintained the status quo. The construction industry now desperately needs to achieve net zero. To remain on the current trajectory, where lip-service is […]

30th Aug 2019

How to start a cohousing group in 2023 Readmore

This article discusses how to start a cohousing group, from deciding your values and community type at the outset, to assessing the funding available and finding land. Cohousing is a method of creating new homes based on values determined by the future residents to establish a certain way of life. By focusing on the specific […]

15th Aug 2019

Planning performance agreements in 2023 Readmore

A planning performance agreement (PPA) is a tool used by the local planning authority (LPA) to help manage planning applications. They are typically used for major applications, which are larger scale or more complex projects, although they may also be suitable for simpler projects in some cases. The PPA is a formal framework agreement between […]

25th Jun 2019

Architect’s Services Readmore

Architect’s services can vary significantly depending on the size and type of project and the specific requirements of the client. This article outlines all of the architectural services provided by Architecture for London. For private residential work such as house extensions, an architect’s role can cover all areas of the project, from briefing to contract […]

14th May 2019

North London House in Domus and DMI awards Readmore

Our maisonette extension and refurbishment in north London has been featured in several blogs and exhibitions this month, including Domus, Leibal, Afasia and the Don’t Move Improve 2019 awards. The project was for boutique stationer Neil and graphic designer Mark. The property was reconfigured and extended, and a rear toilet block demolished to create a series […]

5th May 2019

Permitted development for house extensions in 2023 Readmore

When extending your home its often assumed that you will need planning consent. However, not all development requires planning permission. In some instances, extensions are allowed under national permitted development rights. This article discusses the benefits of designing a house extension that complies with permitted development (PD) legislation, as an alternative to seeking planning consent. Rather […]

27th Apr 2019

Basement extensions: an architect’s advice in 2023 Readmore

This article highlights the key considerations when undertaking a basement extension project, from appointing an architect to designing the spaces and gaining planning consents. A basement extension can create new rooms with unique qualities. From an architectural perspective, subterranean spaces may not be perfect for a kitchen or dining room due to reduced natural light and views. […]

27th Apr 2019

Holland Park House Readmore

This house lies on a mid-century modern estate in Holland Park by celebrated architects Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew. Built in 1966, the estate features red brick terraces with integrated garages and generous communal gardens. View Architecture for London’s portfolio of recent residential projects. The project included a rear extension in matching brick, internal refurbishment […]

22nd Apr 2019

Architects near me Readmore

When trying to find a suitable design firm, many people search online for ‘architects near me’ to find a practice that is close to their property or site. A location-based search may be a sensible approach for smaller projects where the design requirements are relatively straightforward. Such projects might include a modest extension to an […]

1st Apr 2019

Basement Costs in London 2023 Readmore

Are you considering building a basement in London but unsure if it’s worth the disruption and financial investment? In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive analysis and breakdown of factors that affect basement costs in London. The limitations on above-ground extensions in many conservation areas and sensitive locations in London mean that […]

26th Feb 2019

Hackney Terrace Readmore

Hackney Terrace is a proposal for the Peabody Trust, with a series of dwellings in East London conceived as a ‘miniature terrace’. The site is a narrow strip of land behind a Victorian terrace, currently occupied by garages. View Architecture for London’s portfolio of recent residential projects. The front elevation of each proposed house is […]

20th Feb 2019

London architecture firms Readmore

The mix of culture, heritage, rules and regulations in London’s built environment makes our city one of the most challenging locations to purchase the right property, obtain planning permission and build your dream home. This article highlights the benefits of using London architecture firms and explains the importance of looking for local experience when selecting […]

15th Jan 2019

Conservation areas: achieving planning consent Readmore

Conservation areas are places that are deemed to be of special architectural or historic interest, and they require management to protect their specific character. Every local authority in England has at least one conservation area….

8th Jan 2019

New cohousing scheme in Aylesbury Readmore

Architecture for London has been appointed to design a cohousing scheme in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. The development will create ten sustainable new homes with a carbon-negative cross laminated timber structure, built to passivhaus standards. Our architectural approach is inspired by George Devey, an architect working in Aylesbury in the Victorian period. Devey favoured a romantic style, […]

6th Jan 2019

Kitchen extensions in 2023 – a complete guide Readmore

Kitchen extensions are a valuable way to improve your home, both for you and your family’s enjoyment and for potential resale in future. Current lifestyles generally call for more open plan living, connections to outdoor spaces and a greater feeling of space and light…

5th Jan 2019

Loft conversion costs calculator for 2023 Readmore

Loft conversions create additional habitable rooms in your home. These can be ideal for a new bedroom, playroom, home cinema or bathroom. This article discusses loft conversion costs in London and highlights the various design options available. Many properties in the UK are suitable for loft conversions. Often the changes do not require planning permission as […]

23rd Dec 2018

Small architecture firms Readmore

Large or small? If you are looking for an architect, you may be wondering which direction to take. There are many different sizes of firms, each catering to different types or sizes of project. So how do you know which option is for you…

26th Nov 2018

How much does a side return extension cost in London 2023? Readmore

Many of London’s 19th and early 20th century properties have an original brick ‘extension’ to the rear. These are particularly common on terraced and semi-detached properties. A side return extension infills the space to the side of the original ‘extension’ and is one of the most popular ways of improving and extending your home…

12th Nov 2018

What is a feasibility study? Readmore

If challenges are found early, they don’t remain challenging for long. Through a process of mapping options, risks, challenges and opportunities – developers can ensure that a scheme is viable and appealing to the market. The feasibility study is a key part of this process. This article provides an overview of feasibility studies and their […]

4th Nov 2018

The RIBA Plan of Work 2020 Readmore

The RIBA Plan of Work is a document that outlines all stages in a building project, from conception to realisation in built form. The plan is written for, and used by architects. As a consequence, it may not be easily digestible for all clients. This introductory guide to the stages of work will help you navigate the document. It aims to explain the involvement…

18th Sep 2018

Find an architect Readmore

Finding a list of potential architects is often the first step in the journey of a building project. This journey can be a long one, with a relationship that will last for a year or more, and will involve significant cost. Taking time to find the right practice is, therefore, a worthwhile investment. Various approaches are available to help you find an architect, these include…

14th Sep 2018

House extension ideas in London Readmore

This article explores house extension ideas for London properties. The chosen approach will very much depend on your aspirations, your style and the design of the existing house. Many of the options are explored below, with illustrated examples from Architecture for London’s house extension projects. As a first step, it is a good idea to create your own mood board of house extension ideas using sites like Pinterest….