Architectural design and planning in the Lothians

Covering The Lothians

Our architectural design and planning service in the Lothians covers Livingston, Musselburgh, Bathgate and Bonnyrigg and more.

Homes in the Lothians

In Scotland many families extend bungalows and semis, while tenement flats bring shared ownership of roofs and walls that needs agreeing early.

What is included in architectural design and planning in the Lothians?

Architectural design and planning covers everything before building starts: a measured survey of the house, design options, planning or permitted development drawings, the application itself, building regulations drawings and structural calculations. We offer it on its own or as part of a design-and-build project.

Building warrant application and completion certificate
Submission and liaison with the planning officer
Building regulations drawings and specification

How much does architectural design and planning cost in the Lothians?

Guide prices for architectural design and planning, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.

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

Planning and building rules in the Lothians

Scottish projects follow a different process from England: the council issues a building warrant before work starts and accepts a completion certificate at the end, alongside any planning permission needed. We prepare both applications.

We prepare planning applications where needed and the building warrant application, which must be approved before work starts in Scotland.

What should I think about before starting?

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 happens after I enquire?

Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

Your questions answered

Can I use your drawings with another builder?

Yes. If you buy drawings on their own, they are yours to use.

How long does planning take?

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

Who deals with the council for a project in the Lothians?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Other towns nearby

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