Architect Recommendation

**DimPrawn** · 26 July 2016, 09:11

You don't need an architect for an extension on the side of a 1980's semi.

You've been watching too much Grand Designs.

**FatLazyContractor** · 26 July 2016, 09:20

Originally posted by kaiser78 View Post

Can anyone recommend an architect in the SE London/Kent area - Mrs K78 wants an extension on back and side of house and so want to get some plans drawn up.

And having not done this before, are there any dos and don'ts in the engaging an architect that people have experienced ?

I'd be tempted to PM Suity. He was recently doing some work on his house.

Or MarkyMark. He is good at meeting a woman's needs.

**WTFH** · 26 July 2016, 10:06

1. Approach your local council, they should offer a pre-approval service where you describe what you are thinking and they tell you whether they think you will need planning permission or not.
2. If you need planning permission, ask them for a list of architects who have had plans approved in the last 6 months.
3. If you do not need planning, look to a building surveyor to draw up plans - they charge a lot less than architects. (they can also do the submissions to the council)
4. If there are any local issues (public footpaths/rights of way/conservation area/etc), you are better to get plans submitted to be safe
5. If the local authorities are involved (which they will be for building control) you are best to use a local architect.
6. Contact 5 of them, see who replies. Ideally you want them to come on site, review what you want to do and discuss their ideas. Choose the one who seems to understand what you want and looks like they could add a bit of flair to your thoughts.
7. Like lawyers, they will charge you for everything.

**filthy1980** · 26 July 2016, 10:08

just in the process of assessing 5 archtiects proposals, but these are midlands based

found 3 of them via Houzz app, it's a really good resource for design ideas and connects you to professionals in your area

**DimPrawn** · 26 July 2016, 10:13

To submit plans, for an extension, you just need a draughtsman.

I've done loads of extensions over the years, it's a piece of piss process. I've drawn up my own plans on a few.

**Support Monkey** · 26 July 2016, 10:16

Go on your local planning office portal and look at the plans currently put in for your area(you can normally search for address or towns or city's) they generally have the plans and paperwork shown take a look at some of the plans find the best plans with all the measurements (its not a requirement to show measurements on plans) pick a few and give them a call and get a few quotes

Architect Recommendation