When to call in the pros

23 Sept

Considering a home extension or a garden studio? Wondering if you need an architect or if a builder will suffice? Let's explore when an architect's expertise can truly add value to your project.

Project types and situations explored:

Home extensions and conversions
Interior alterations
Garden studios and outbuildings
Unsure where to begin?

Home extensions and conversions

When to consider an architect:

Single-storey extension
Two-storey extension
Loft conversion
Garage conversion
Basement conversion
Annex or Granny flat

Designing an extension that blends seamlessly with your home—or reconfiguring a space to better suit your needs—requires careful planning. An architect can guide you through the design process, ensuring your ideas work in practice.

Exterior changes may require planning permission. With our experience navigating local authorities and the “dark art” of planning, we can create designs that meet regulatory requirements while reflecting your vision.

Given the scale of these projects, we also recommend keeping your architect involved to secure building warrants and, if needed, support you throughout the construction phase.

Interior alterations

When to consider an architect:

Knocking down or moving walls
Adding / removing doors
Adding / removing windows
Replanning multiple rooms

For smaller renovations—like updating a kitchen or bathroom without major layout changes—a skilled builder is usually sufficient. But for more extensive alterations, an architect can help develop your ideas, uncover missed opportunities, and achieve a better overall result.

We bring expertise in optimising space, light, and flow within a home, as well as deep knowledge of building legislation. This ensures your design updates comply with regulations and protect the long-term value of your property.

Garden studios and outbuildings

When to consider an architect:

Home offices, gyms, or creative spaces
Additional accommodation
Long-term planning for adaptability

Garden studios are increasingly popular in the UK, serving as home offices, creative spaces, gyms, or extra accommodation. Meeting with an architect early ensures your vision is realistic and aligns with your long-term needs.

A garden studio is a significant investment, so we focus on planning for the future—how the space can adapt over its lifetime. We specialise in designing small, modular, and versatile spaces, from garden studios to luxury holiday units, that can evolve as your needs change.

Working with an architect can help you create a studio that does more than solve your immediate space needs—it becomes a flexible, lasting addition to your home.

Unsure where to begin?

When to consider an architect:

You have ideas, but don’t know where to start
You need guidance on planning permission
You want a concept design to visualise your end goal
You need help setting a realistic budget

A good architect can honestly advise whether your project would benefit from their input—or if you simply need a builder or other tradesperson. We always take this approach.

For projects that do require architectural guidance, we provide expert support throughout the process. For those looking to refine their ideas, we offer a feasibility study—a short, creative process exploring what’s possible within your space, brief, and budget. The result is a clear document guiding you through your options and next steps.

For a detailed breakdown of our feasibility studies and full project services, please visit our services page.