Working With an Architect in London: What to Expect From Day One
If you’re planning an extension, loft conversion or full renovation, hiring one of the many architects in London can feel like a leap into the unknown. What will they ask you? How long will it take? What will it cost?
Here is what actually happens, from your first phone call to the day you pick up the keys.
Quick Answer: What Happens on Day One?
On day one, a good architect listens more than they talk. You’ll usually have an initial conversation or site visit where they:
- Learn how you live and what isn’t working in your home
- Discuss your budget and timeline
- Look at the property, its structure and its surroundings
- Flag early planning issues, such as conservation areas or listed status
You won’t get finished drawings on day one. You’ll get clarity, and clarity saves a lot of money later.
1. The First Conversation: It’s About You, Not Drawings
Many people expect to be shown sketches straight away. In reality, the first meeting is a conversation about your life:
- Do you work from home?
- Do you cook for a big family on weekends?
- Are you planning to stay for 5 years or 25?
Be honest about your budget at this stage. An architect can’t design well without knowing the real number, and most would rather work with a realistic figure than discover halfway through that the dream design is unaffordable.
2. The Site Visit: Why London Properties Are Different
London homes come with quirks that a good architect spots quickly:
- Terraced and semi-detached houses often have narrow plots, so every square metre matters.
- Conservation areas can restrict what you can change, especially at the front.
- Listed buildings need specialist consent on top of normal planning.
- Party walls are common, which means you may need to notify neighbours under the Party Wall Act.
- Older structures may hide surprises like uneven foundations or old drainage.
This is why local experience matters. Architects who work in your borough already understand how the council tends to think.
3. Fees and Agreements: What You’ll Be Asked to Sign
Before any design work starts, expect a written fee proposal and appointment agreement. It should clearly state:
- What services are included (concept design, planning, technical drawings, site support)
- How fees are calculated, whether fixed, hourly, or a percentage of construction cost
- What counts as an extra
- Payment stages
Fees for full architectural services are commonly a percentage of the build cost, but this varies, so always compare like for like. If something in the proposal is unclear, ask. A good architect will happily explain it.
4. The Design Process: Stage by Stage
Most UK architects follow the RIBA Plan of Work. In plain English, a typical residential project looks like this:
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Briefing and survey | Your needs are defined; the existing property is measured |
| Concept design | Early layouts and ideas are shared for feedback |
| Developed design | The preferred option is refined, materials considered |
| Planning | Drawings are submitted to the council (if needed) |
| Technical design | Detailed drawings for Building Regulations and builders |
| Tender | Builders price the job |
| On site | Construction begins, with architect support if agreed |
Expect to review ideas, change your mind once or twice, and refine. That’s normal and healthy.
5. Planning Permission: How Long Does It Take?
Not every project needs full planning permission. Some extensions fall under permitted development, though not in conservation areas or on flats. Where permission is needed, councils typically aim to decide householder applications within about eight weeks, though it can run longer. Your architect should tell you early which route applies to you.
6. How to Be a Great Client
The best projects come from good partnerships. A few tips:
- Gather inspiration, such as photos and sketches of what you love (and hate).
- Be decisive when you can. Delays in decisions are the number one cause of slow projects.
- Ask questions freely. There are no silly ones.
- Keep a contingency, usually 10-15% of your budget, for surprises.
- Trust the process. Early designs are rarely perfect, and that’s the point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I contact an architect?
As early as possible, ideally before you buy a property or finalise your budget. Early advice can prevent expensive mistakes.
Do I need an architect for a small extension?
Not legally, but an architect can add real value through smarter use of space, better light and smoother planning applications.
How long does an architect-led project take?
Design and planning often take 3-6 months. Construction depends on the scale, from a few months for a loft to a year or more for major works.
Can an architect manage the builders?
Many offer contract administration or site visits as an optional service. Confirm this in your agreement.
What should I prepare for my first meeting?
A rough budget, your wish list, photos of your home and any documents you have, such as a survey or title plan.
Conclusion
Working with architects in London doesn’t have to be intimidating. Day one is simply about conversation, understanding your home, and setting realistic expectations. From there, the process becomes a series of clear, manageable steps toward a space that fits the way you live.
If you’re thinking about growing your home, a specialist team like Extension Architecture can guide you from that first conversation through design, planning and beyond, so you always know what comes next.
