Architectural design and planning in Derry

Covering Derry

We work in Derry (BT47) and the places around it, including Strabane, Limavady and Coleraine.

Homes in County Londonderry

Housing in Northern Ireland mixes terraces in Belfast and Derry with detached houses and bungalows in towns and rural areas, many with room to extend.

What is architectural design and planning?

Designing and building under one roof means the drawings are priced as they are drawn, so there are fewer surprises when the quote arrives. If you only need drawings and a planning application, we can do that and you are free to use any builder.

Measured survey of the existing house
Design options and 3D views
Structural engineer’s calculations

What is the guide price for architectural design and planning in Derry?

Use these ranges to budget for architectural design and planning; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.

Architectural design and planning	Guide price incl. VAT
Measured survey and existing drawings	£500 to £1,200
Planning drawings and application	£1,200 to £3,000
Building regulations drawings and specification	£1,000 to £2,500
Structural calculations	£500 to £2,000

How is architectural design and planning approved in Derry?

Projects in Northern Ireland need planning clearance from one of the eleven councils and building control approval, also from the council. The Party Wall etc. Act does not extend to Northern Ireland, so work near neighbours is agreed directly and documented carefully.

We prepare planning applications to the council and building control submissions for Northern Ireland projects.

What can change the price or programme?

Planning and building regulations are separate approvals; most projects need building regulations even when planning is not needed.
Conservation areas and listed buildings need extra design care and supporting statements.

What are the steps?

Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

Architectural design and planning: common questions

How long does planning take?

Councils aim to decide householder applications within eight weeks of validation.

Do I need a structural engineer?

For steels, new openings, lofts and extensions, yes. We arrange the calculations.

Can you visit a house in Derry to quote?

Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.

Architectural design and planning in nearby towns

Learn more about architectural design and planning, or see every project we cover in Derry.