Covering Northampton
Alongside Northampton, we also cover Wellingborough (9 miles to the north-east), Towcester and Daventry.
Homes in the East Midlands
Housing in the East Midlands includes Victorian terraces, inter-war semis and newer estates, with stone-built villages in some areas where conservation controls apply.
What does architectural design and planning involve?
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.
- Design options and 3D views
- Building regulations drawings and specification
- Structural engineer’s calculations
How much should I budget for architectural design and planning?
Indicative costs for architectural design and planning. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.
| 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 |
What approvals does architectural design and planning need in England?
In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it applies.
We confirm whether your project is permitted development, needs prior approval or needs a householder application, and prepare the right submission. A lawful development certificate is the best proof that permitted development work is lawful.
What can change the price or programme?
- Pre-application advice from the council can help on sensitive sites.
- Conservation areas and listed buildings need extra design care and supporting statements.
What are the steps?
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- 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.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
Questions about architectural design and planning in Northampton
What is a lawful development certificate?
A certificate from the council confirming that work is permitted development, which is useful when you sell.
Do I need a structural engineer?
For steels, new openings, lofts and extensions, yes. We arrange the calculations.
Can you visit a house in Northampton 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
- Architectural design and planning in Wellingborough
- Architectural design and planning in Towcester
- Architectural design and planning in Daventry
- Architectural design and planning in Rushden
Learn more about architectural design and planning, or see every project we cover in Northampton.

