Architectural design and planning in the Scottish Borders

Covering The Scottish Borders

Our coverage across the Scottish Borders includes Hawick, Galashiels, Peebles and Kelso.

Because the Scottish Borders covers a wide area, we confirm availability after the first call and include any travel costs in the written quote rather than adding them later.

Homes in the Scottish Borders

Housing in Scotland includes tenements in the cities, sandstone villas, inter-war and post-war semis and a large number of bungalows, which often suit dormer and upward extensions.

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.

Building warrant application and completion certificate
Submission and liaison with the planning officer
Structural engineer’s calculations

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

What architectural design and planning typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.

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

Do you need permission for architectural design and planning in the Scottish Borders?

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?

Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
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.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

What people ask before starting

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 Scottish Borders?

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

Architectural design and planning in nearby towns

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