London architecture firms

Glass box house extension design in London with a suspended wood burning stove

Finding a London architecture firm that understands the challenges of local planning and construction may be instrumental to the success of your project.

The extensive conservation and planning policies in London’s built environment make our city one of the most challenging locations 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 architects.

Architecture for London is an RIBA Chartered Practice. View our project portfolio, or if you would like to discuss improvements to your property, please contact us.

Why choose a London architecture firm?

A London architecture firm will be able to understand your brief and how it is informed or limited by the location of the property. They should be able to distil the various policies, opportunities and constraints of each borough to achieve the desired size and design of your extension or refurbishment. A local architect can, therefore, maximise the value of every last square metre of your project.

Typical planning issues in London include permitted development rights, conservation area constraints, and the sensitive nature of dealing with our heritage building stock.

listed building architect islington, design for a modern stone and concrete rear extension to a Georgian building — Our house extension to a listed building in Islington

The importance of local experience

Understanding what it takes to obtain planning consent and to successfully build in London’s 32 boroughs relies on the right experience. Using a local, London architecture firm is a great way to ensure that you are guided by a professional who knows where the opportunities may lie.

AFL has experience in obtaining planning consent in nearly all of London’s boroughs. This knowledge proves invaluable for decision-making at each step of the process, enabling us to effectively advise clients on the following:

what might be possible in terms of scale, massing and external materials
whether to apply for pre-app advice
what can be achieved within the limitations of conservation areas
whether there is an Article 4 Direction in place and, if so, which permitted development rights are restricted? For example, homeowners often retain the right to replace windows, even in conservation areas with an Article 4 direction.
specific basement policies and whether basement impact assessments (and the associated extra consultants’ fees) are required with a planning application. This varies widely between the boroughs.
the time typically taken by each local authority for a planning application
how best to negotiate with the local authority during the determination period
deciding when to proceed with an appeal
listed building issues, as these vary widely from borough to borough. For example, Islington has very specific policies on the length of an extension to a listed building.

During the early development of a project, your architect will also research the specific site planning history and immediate context. This will help to determine what may be permissible, further informing the design process.

Dartmouth Park house extension architects — Our extension to a Victorian house in Dartmouth Park

Finding architects near me

Regional design awards can help you to find leading London architecture firms with aspirations that align with your own. We have been recognised for our work through several awards, including the ‘London Construction Awards’ and the ‘New London Architecture Don’t Move Improve Award’. More information can be found on our about page.

Looking out for local signboards on similar properties is another great way to find local architects with the right experience.

Selecting other local consultants

On most domestic projects, the architect is the lead consultant. An architect will help guide you through the whole project, from determining your brief, through the planning process and construction stage, to the finished project. For more details on what an architect’s responsibilities typically include, see our posts on The RIBA Plan of Work and Architect’s Fees in the UK.

In addition to architects, most projects will require significant other specialist design and construction skills. Architecture for London has a broad network of local consultants, fabricators and craftspeople across the city that have the right experience with London properties. These help us to deliver the highest quality projects on time and on budget.

The consultant team required will depend on the size and scope of the project. As a minimum, you will need an architect, usually a structural engineer and an approved inspector. We typically recommend that a cost consultant be appointed to help manage your budget. The role of each key member of the consultant team is explained below.

Structural Engineer

The structural engineer is responsible for ensuring the proposed design of your property will be able to withstand the required loads, including from occupants, furniture, wind and snow.

Their services include:

site appraisal and survey
commissioning geotechnical and geological investigations
structural design and detailing of foundations, retaining walls, walls, roofs, balconies, etc.
building regulations submissions
preparation of tender documentation, including drawings, specification and design calculations
assessing the contractor’s proposals for contractor design items
on-site inspections and testing
defect assessments and specifying remedial work as required

Quantity Surveyor

The quantity surveyor (sometimes called the cost consultant) will provide estimates and advice regarding the cost of construction works.

Their services might include:

benchmarking costs against similar projects
assessing and comparing different options
helping develop the project budget as decisions are made about the design
preparing cost plans, estimates and cash flow projections
advising on procurement strategy
preparing tender pricing documents
collating and issuing tender documentation
assessing tender returns
assessing the cost of variations
preparing valuations for the contract administrator to use for interim certificates
preparing cost reports as required
compiling the final account

Approved inspector

An approved inspector ensures that all proposals comply with the building regulations. Approved inspectors have to be registered and verified, as the work that they do is critical in ensuring compliance.

Approved inspectors will assess initial design proposals and highlight any potential issues of concern. The approved inspector will also visit the site during construction and issue a final certificate at the end of the works.

Architecture for London is an RIBA Chartered Practice. View our project portfolio, or if you would like to discuss improvements to your property, please contact us.