Client Reviews
Planning made simple. Design done right.
We’re a friendly, experienced architecture and planning practice based in Ware, working across Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire and London.
Over 600 projects later, we know how to make the process simple — whether it’s a home extension, a bespoke design, or a small development.
We combine creative design with up-to-date planning know‑how to get you the best result, and we’re proud to offer premium service that’s still affordable.
Whatever your project needs — from quick, cost‑effective plans to a fully tailored, collaborative design — we’re here to help.
Planning made simple. Design done right.
We’re a friendly, experienced architecture and planning practice based in Ware, working across Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire and London.
Over 600 projects later, we know how to make the process simple — whether it’s a home extension, a bespoke design, or a small development.
We combine creative design with up-to-date planning know‑how to get you the best result, and we’re proud to offer premium service that’s still affordable.
Whatever your project needs — from quick, cost‑effective plans to a fully tailored, collaborative design — we’re here to help.
Everything you need, all in one team
As a multi‑disciplinary practice, we bring all the expertise you need under one roof — making your project as seamless and stress‑free as possible.
Our in‑house planning consultant takes the complexity out of the process, ensuring your application is professionally prepared, fully compliant with planning policy, and supported by the right strategy from day one.
At the same time, our design team creates imaginative, practical proposals designed to impress — from sensitive heritage and conservation projects, to striking new builds, thoughtful home extensions, and multi‑unit developments. Every design is created with planning in mind, giving you the best chance of approval while realising your vision.
When you’re ready to build, our technical team delivers fully detailed construction drawings and specifications, coordinating with engineers and contractors to ensure nothing is left to chance.
Whether your project is big or small, traditional or contemporary, our co-ordinated approach means you get the right advice, the right design, and the right outcome — all from one trusted team.
Planning made simple. Design done right.
We’re a friendly, experienced architecture and planning practice based in Ware, working across Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire and London.
Over 600 projects later, we know how to make the process simple — whether it’s a home extension, a bespoke design, or a small development.
We combine creative design with up-to-date planning know‑how to get you the best result, and we’re proud to offer premium service that’s still affordable.
Whatever your project needs — from quick, cost‑effective plans to a fully tailored, collaborative design — we’re here to help.
Step One (RIBA Stage 1)
Measured Survey and Existing Information
Stage 1 begins with an on-site visit from our surveyor to carry out a full measured survey using our in-house 3D laser scanner. We capture your property and its surroundings (up to 60m) to around 3mm accuracy, producing a highly detailed point-cloud survey.
This real-world data is imported directly into our design software to create an accurate 3D model of your home. From this, we can generate plans, elevations and sections, check levels, roof geometry and existing openings, and design with confidence based on what is actually on site.
The scan can also record key external features such as tree locations and approximate heights, boundaries and surrounding context, which can influence design decisions and help reduce surprises later. Using our own survey technology minimises survey errors, avoids third-party costs and delays, and gives you a faster, more reliable starting point for the design process.
Step Zero (RIBA Stage 0)
Site Review, Briefing and Feasibility
We begin with an on-site visit to understand your goals, priorities and budget, and to talk through how you want the space or scheme to work. From there, we provide clear early guidance on the planning context, relevant local and national policy, and what is realistically achievable on your site.
Before we issue a formal quote, we carry out a detailed site and planning review using our planning software, which checks over 70 planning constraints. This helps identify any limitations or opportunities early on and ensures you’re aware of any additional requirements that may apply, such as heritage designations, flood risk, trees, highways constraints, ecology, Article 4 directions, or restrictions linked to previous consents.
We then advise what you are likely to need for:
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Planning: application route, drawings and supporting documents required
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Building Regulations: expected compliance items and the level of technical detail needed
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Consultants and surveys: what may be required and why
Where specialist input is needed, we can arrange it through our trusted network of consultants and help you obtain comparative quotes, so the full scope and cost implications are understood from the outset. The aim of Stage 0 is to remove uncertainty, reduce risk, and set the project up with a clear, informed route forward.
Step Three (RIBA Stages 3)
Planning Consultancy
At Stage 3, we prepare and submit your planning application, managing the process from start to finish. We’ll produce the full set of planning drawings and supporting information required, complete the application forms, and submit everything to the Local Planning Authority on your behalf. Throughout, we’ll guide you on what is needed for validation and help ensure the submission is clear, compliant and aligned with relevant planning policy.
For more complex schemes with increased policy requirements, we can involve our town planning consultant to lead the planning strategy. This includes providing tailored policy advice, preparing robust planning statements and supporting documents, and responding to any planning queries during the determination period. This ensures larger or more sensitive projects are properly supported and presented in the strongest possible way.
Step Two (RIBA Stage 2-3)
Architectural Design
With your property accurately captured and modelled in 3D, our design team works with you to develop a proposal that meets your brief, your budget, and the specific constraints of your site. We’ll explore layout options, create imaginative yet practical designs, and present clear plans and 3D visuals so you can see exactly how your new space will look and feel.
Once you’re happy with the design, we move straight into the planning stage. Our in‑house chartered planning consultant reviews your proposal against current planning policy, legislation, and any local constraints to ensure it’s robust and stands the best chance of approval. We then prepare and submit the planning application on your behalf, manage all communication with the local authority, and keep you updated every step of the way. Decisions from the council typically take around 8 weeks.
With our coordinated design and planning approach, you can be confident your application is well‑designed, well‑presented, and fully supported from day one.
Step Two (RIBA Stage 2-3)
Architectural Design
With your property accurately captured and modelled in 3D, our design team works with you to develop a proposal that meets your brief, your budget, and the specific constraints of your site. We’ll explore layout options, create imaginative yet practical designs, and present clear plans and 3D visuals so you can see exactly how your new space will look and feel.
Once you’re happy with the design, we move straight into the planning stage. Our in‑house chartered planning consultant reviews your proposal against current planning policy, legislation, and any local constraints to ensure it’s robust and stands the best chance of approval. We then prepare and submit the planning application on your behalf, manage all communication with the local authority, and keep you updated every step of the way. Decisions from the council typically take around 8 weeks.
With our coordinated design and planning approach, you can be confident your application is well‑designed, well‑presented, and fully supported from day one.
Step Four (RIBA Stages 4-5)
Construction Drawings
Once planning permission is secured, we develop your design into a fully detailed technical package — ready for construction and building control approval.
Our technical team prepares precise, coordinated drawings and specifications that set out every structural and construction detail. We liaise with trusted structural engineers to incorporate their calculations and ensure the design meets all relevant building regulations and technical standards.
We then submit the full package to Building Control for approval, minimising risks on site and ensuring compliance before work begins. This stage is crucial for getting accurate contractor quotes and for delivering a smooth construction process — with no costly surprises.
With everything carefully planned, coordinated, and signed off, your project is ready to build with confidence. We are also happy to provide ongoing support on-site to builders where needed.
Step Four (RIBA Stages 4-5)
Construction Drawings
Once planning permission is secured, we develop your design into a fully detailed technical package — ready for construction and building control approval.
Our technical team prepares precise, coordinated drawings and specifications that set out every structural and construction detail. We liaise with trusted structural engineers to incorporate their calculations and ensure the design meets all relevant building regulations and technical standards.
We then submit the full package to Building Control for approval, minimising risks on site and ensuring compliance before work begins. This stage is crucial for getting accurate contractor quotes and for delivering a smooth construction process — with no costly surprises.
With everything carefully planned, coordinated, and signed off, your project is ready to build with confidence. We are also happy to provide ongoing support on-site to builders where needed.
Step Three (RIBA Stages 3)
Planning Consultancy
At Stage 3, we prepare and submit your planning application, managing the process from start to finish. We’ll produce the full set of planning drawings and supporting information required, complete the application forms, and submit everything to the Local Planning Authority on your behalf. Throughout, we’ll guide you on what is needed for validation and help ensure the submission is clear, compliant and aligned with relevant planning policy.
For more complex schemes with increased policy requirements, we can involve our town planning consultant to lead the planning strategy. This includes providing tailored policy advice, preparing robust planning statements and supporting documents, and responding to any planning queries during the determination period. This ensures larger or more sensitive projects are properly supported and presented in the strongest possible way.
Step Inside Your Future Home
Using advanced CGI software, we offer immersive walk-throughs that let you experience the true sense of space and layout within your future home. Whether you're in our office viewing it on a large-screen TV or joining us remotely via video call, you’ll be able to explore every room, understand proportions, and get a real feel for the design.
We also offer high-quality photorealistic CGI services to bring your design to life with stunning visuals. These images are ideal for showcasing your project, visualising finishes, and gaining a clear understanding of how everything will come together.