You need an architect. You’re not sure where to start. You probably don’t know the difference between a good one and a mediocre one. That’s normal. Most people don’t hire architects regularly.
Let’s break this down into something manageable.
Figure Out What Problem You’re Actually Trying to Solve
The first step isn’t finding an architect. It’s understanding what you need.
Are you adding space? Fixing structural issues? Dealing with a cramped kitchen? Converting your loft? These are different problems. They need different expertise.
Once you know what you’re solving for, you can find someone who’s solved it before. An architect in london who’s done fifty loft conversions is better for your loft conversion than someone who’s done one extension.
Be specific. Don’t just say you want “renovation.” Say you want a kitchen extension. Or a bathroom redesign. Or a second bedroom. Specificity helps you find the right person.
Where to Actually Look
This isn’t complicated. Google works. You’ll find architecture firms. Look at their websites. Look at their portfolios. Do projects appeal to you?
Reviews matter but take them with a grain of salt. One bad review might be a client who had unrealistic expectations. Multiple complaints about communication? That’s a pattern.
The RIBA directory is legitimate. If someone’s listed, they’ve met professional standards. That’s a baseline assurance.
But honestly, Instagram is useful too. You can see what architects actually produce. Not their best work on their website. Their actual work shown visually.
Local Experience Is Worth More Than You Think
London has different rules in different areas. Westminster isn’t Hackney. Wandsworth isn’t Islington. Each borough has different planning committees. Different rules about conservation areas.
An architect who works in your area already knows this. They don’t waste time learning. They know what the planning committee is likely to approve. They know the local building control officers. They know what speeds things up and what bogs things down.
This isn’t just convenience. It saves months. Planning permission alone can take 8 to 12 weeks. If your architect doesn’t know the system, it takes longer.
They also know local architects and suppliers. That matters when your project actually builds.
Understanding Your Neighborhood’s Context
London neighborhoods are completely different from each other. Victorian terraces. Edwardian semis. Modern flats. Brutalist estates.
Your architect should understand the context. Not just design something that works. Design something that belongs in your neighborhood.
This shows up in material choices. Brick colors. Window styles. How the extension connects to the existing building. These details matter.
A good architect makes your new work feel intentional. Like it was always supposed to be there. Not like someone added something random.
The Conversation That Matters
Before you hire anyone, actually talk to them. Here’s what you need to know:
Have you done this exact type of project? With how many clients? In the last year? Not five years ago. Recently.
How do you like to work with clients? Do they listen? Do they explain things in ways you understand? This matters because you’ll be working together for months.
What’s a realistic timeline? Someone promising to design and get planning permission in six weeks is either lying or doesn’t understand London. Eight to twelve weeks for planning is realistic.
How do you handle problems when they come up? And they will come up. Does the architect panic or have they dealt with this before?
The Money Conversation
Architects charge differently. Some hourly. Some percentage of construction cost. Some flat fee.
On average, architecture fees run 10 to 15 percent of construction cost. So a 50,000 project might cost 5,000 to 7,500 in fees.
These fees aren’t overhead. Good design increases your property value way more than what you pay the architect. A well designed extension or renovation sells for significantly more than a poorly designed one.
Don’t cheap out. A cheap architect often means cheap thinking. You’ll regret it.
What You’re Actually Paying For
Understand what services you’re getting. Some architects do concept design and planning permission only. Some manage construction from start to finish.
Know which you need. Know what’s included. A good architect explains this clearly before you sign anything.
Making Your Decision
Picking an architect is picking a partner for your project. You want someone who listens. Who understands London. Who’s done this work before. Who communicates clearly.
Trust your gut. If someone rubs you wrong in a conversation, keep looking. You’re working with this person for months. Personality matters.
Extension Architecture ticks these boxes. They listen. They know London. They’ve done hundreds of projects. They communicate straight.
