What is a set of architectural drawings?
Architectural design turns your ideas into drawings that a council and a builder can work from. It starts with a measured survey of the house, then design options, planning drawings and, once approved, detailed building regulations drawings and specifications.
Drawings are prepared by the architectural technicians we work with, with structural calculations from a chartered engineer where required. You can use them for a build with us or take them elsewhere.
What we handle
- Measured survey of the existing house
- Design options and sketch layouts
- Planning drawings: plans, elevations, site and location plans
- Building regulations drawings and specification
- Structural calculations coordinated
- Party wall drawings where needed
- 3D views on request
- Tender-ready drawing pack
Options to consider
Planning drawings only
To get permission before choosing a builder.
Full design package
Planning and building regulations drawings with calculations.
Design and build
Drawings as part of a build contract with us.
3D visuals
Help you and your neighbours picture the design.
How much does a set of architectural drawings cost?
A set of architectural drawings typically costs £1,500–£4,500 for planning and building regulations drawings for a typical extension across the UK, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Allow 2 to 6 weeks for drawings, depending on complexity. Council application fees are extra.
| Region | Guide range (for planning and building regulations drawings for a typical extension) |
|---|---|
| London | £2,000–£5,750 |
| South East | £1,750–£5,000 |
| East of England | £1,500–£4,750 |
| South West | £1,500–£4,500 |
| West Midlands | £1,500–£4,250 |
| East Midlands | £1,500–£4,250 |
| North West | £1,500–£4,250 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £1,500–£4,250 |
| North East | £1,250–£4,000 |
| Wales | £1,500–£4,250 |
| Scotland | £1,500–£4,250 |
| Northern Ireland | £1,250–£3,750 |
What changes the price:
- Project size and complexity
- Number of design options
- Planning or building regulations stage
- Structural engineer’s fees
- Measured survey complexity
- 3D visuals
Use the guide price tool for a figure based on your measurements, or see all guide prices.
Do I need planning permission?
England
In England drawings are prepared to suit the local planning authority’s validation list and, later, building control.
Wales
In Wales drawings are prepared to suit the council’s validation requirements and Welsh building regulations.
Scotland
In Scotland drawings are prepared for the planning application and the building warrant, which must be granted before work starts.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland drawings are prepared for the council’s planning service and building control.
Even when planning permission is not needed, building regulations approval (a building warrant in Scotland) usually is. We make the applications and book the inspections.
How long does it take?
Allow 2 to 6 weeks for drawings, depending on complexity.
How it works
- 01
Measured survey
We visit and measure the house so the drawings start from accurate information.
- 02
Design options
Sketch layouts to agree the approach before detailed drawing starts.
- 03
Application drawings
Plans, elevations and documents prepared for the council and building control.
- 04
Submission and follow-up
We submit the application and deal with questions until a decision.
Architectural design and drawings: questions and answers
Do I need an architect?
Not necessarily. For extensions and lofts, an architectural technician’s drawings are common. For complex or sensitive sites, an architect may be better.
What drawings are needed for planning?
Usually existing and proposed floor plans and elevations, a block plan and a location plan. Some councils need more.
What are building regulations drawings?
More detailed drawings and specifications showing structure, insulation, fire safety, drainage and ventilation, used for building control approval and pricing.
How long do drawings take?
Typically 2 to 6 weeks from survey, depending on revisions.
Can I use the drawings with another builder?
Yes. Drawings you pay for are yours to use for the project.
Do you prepare structural calculations?
We coordinate a chartered structural engineer for calculations and beam designs.