Architectural design and planning in Southampton

Covering Southampton

We work in Southampton (SO15) and the places around it, including Totton, Eastleigh and Fareham.

Homes in the South East

Housing across the South East mixes inter-war semis, post-war estates and older cottages in villages and market towns, so rear and side extensions, hip-to-gable lofts and garage conversions all come up regularly.

What do you get with architectural design and planning?

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.

Measured survey of the existing house
Building regulations drawings and specification
Structural engineer’s calculations

What will architectural design and planning cost?

Typical ranges for architectural design and planning. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.

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 Southampton?

Projects in England go through two separate checks. Planning (or confirmation that the work is permitted development) comes from the district, borough or unitary council, and building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control team or a registered building control approver. Where work touches a shared wall or digs near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies.

We confirm whether your project is permitted development, needs prior approval or needs a householder application, and prepare the right submission.

What can affect architectural design and planning?

Pre-application advice from the council can help on sensitive sites.
Conservation areas and listed buildings need extra design care and supporting statements.

What happens after I enquire?

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
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.

What people ask before starting

How much do extension plans cost?

Typically £3,000 to £7,000 including VAT from measured survey to building regulations drawings, plus council fees.

Do I need a structural engineer?

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

Do you work in Southampton?

Yes. Southampton is within our coverage for architectural design and planning, along with nearby Totton and Eastleigh.

Other towns nearby

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