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Architecture for London
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5th Jan 2019

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…

20th Dec 2018

The cost of a planning application 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…

26th Nov 2018

How much does a side return extension cost in London? 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…

14th Nov 2018

Paragraph 79: The Modern Country House Readmore

Since its inclusion in the National Planning Policy Framework, Paragraph 79 (previously paragraph 55 / PPS7 / PPG7) actively dissuades local authorities from approving any development on unbuilt land in a rural setting. Importantly though, there are a number of exceptions within the policy detail. The most interesting exception for clients dreaming of a self-build country house is…

4th Nov 2018

The RIBA Plan of Work 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….

10th Jul 2018

Planning Use Classes 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…

14th May 2018

How much does it cost to build a house? Readmore

This article explores the cost of building a house in London and the south east. The various relevant design and construction factors are discussed, along with the associated expenses that a potential self builder will need to plan for. Despite high build costs in London due to constrained sites and higher labour costs, there are a number of opportunities for savings. The available tax incentives are also explored, these are significant and may therefore be a key consideration when determining a total budget…

18th Apr 2018

Architects fees in the UK Readmore

This article illustrates architects fees for various types and sizes of project, with a focus on private homes. As there are no longer standard or even recommended fees in the UK, they are a matter for negotiation between an architect and the client. They will be determined by the size and location of the architectural practice, the size and type of the project and level of service required. Projects are usually defined by comparative difficulty levels with categories one to five, each having a complexity greater than the previous category…

23rd Mar 2018

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…