A HOW-TO GUIDE

WHEN YOU SEARCH ONLINE ARCHITECTS FOR YOUR HOME PROJECT

“find architects near me”
“find an RIBA architect near me”
“architect firms near me”
“residential architects near me”
“architects for extensions near me”
“interior architects near me”

We are often asked what architects do, how to find an architect, how we work and who we work with.

We have already prepared a guide about KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR ARCHITECT that we hope offers answers and advice on the appointment of your architect.

Below we have added a few questions and answers for when you search to find an architect.

This includes advice what to search for, and how to go about finding a residential, interior or RIBA architect for extensions for your home project.

For an explanation of applications, assessment and timescales, read our guide to how planning permission works in London.

Architect designed garden flat extension Kilburn Brent NW2 Kitchen worktop detail 400x284 Find interior residential RIBA architects for extensions near me

Muswell Hill Haringey N10 Side kitchen extension by GOAStudio architects Through views 400x284 Find interior residential RIBA architects for extensions near me

Hampstead architects flats amalgamation Kitchen views to the garden 400x284 Find interior residential RIBA architects for extensions near me

Highgate conservation extensions renovation works to a family home by GOAStudio architects Kitchen area and garden 400x284 Find interior residential RIBA architects for extensions near me

How can I find architects near me? Or rather, should I go for “find an RIBA architect near me”?

You can start with an online search for “architects near me” or for “architects + your location”.

An online search is probably the quickest way to find an architect’s website, their contact details and information about their expertise and previous projects.

However not all architectural designers are architects.

If you want to work with a chartered architect you need to make sure that the professional you look to appoint is registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

“Chartered” means they are a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects i.e. RIBA.

ARB keep a register of architects near you and they have prepared a guide about how to work with an architect and what to ask them before you appoint them for your home project: ARB – Working with an architect

Most architects are also members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). If you want to make sure your architect is registered you need to search online for “an RIBA architect near me” or for “an RIBA architect + your location”.

You can find an RIBA architect if you visit the RIBA website and you will get matched with the right architect for your project.

RIBA will help you find the right architect from the RIBA’s membership of more than 4,100 accredited Chartered Practices.

RIBA practices are professional and quality‑assured with a world‑class reputation for excellence.

This is what they say:

“Tell us about your project and what you need. Get matched with RIBA accredited Chartered Practices. Receive replies from interested practices. Don’t worry we won’t share your contact details. Make your selection and start your project!”

If you are in the London area we will be able to assist with your project.

You can contact us here Find London architects for a chat about your project requirements.

When you need planning application support GOAStudio’s architectural planning service can take it from early design and local-policy review through to submission and council liaison.

Should I search for “architect firms near me” or for “residential architects near me”? What is the difference?

Architects can do all sorts of things.

They specialise in sectors as diverse as office design, educational buildings, institutional buildings, public buildings, art galleries, exhibition spaces, and commercial spaces.

If you search for an “architect firm near me” the search results will represent all these architect specialisations and distinct expertise.

If your project is domestic in nature and it involves house extensions, renovations, and refurbishments then you should look for “residential architects near me”.

Your online search will find architects that specialise in residential architecture and in obtaining planning and other approvals for your home project.

Residential architects will have a wealth of experience and knowledge of house typologies and they will be able to offer you a variety of design solutions to choose from depending on your requirements, budget and the planning restrictions in your area.

You might get lucky when you search of “architect firms near me” and come up with architectural practices that also specialise in residential architecture. It is not uncommon for architect firms to have experience in a number of sectors.

In this case you will need to look into more depth the background of these architect firms to make sure they have sufficient experience in residential design and in domestic projects like yours.

You want to appoint an architect who is fluent in the design language of your own house and who can effortlessly understand its potential and be able to communicate it to you during the design development process.

I have found search results for “architects for extensions near me” and I have also found search results for “interior architects near me”, what is the difference?

Residential architects can probably do both but there is a difference in focus and probably in skillsets too between the two search results.

If you search for “architects for extensions near me” you are likely to find architects and architectural practices that specialise in extensions to residential buildings including extensions to houses and flats.

An architect for extensions near you will be able to advise on a range of issues in regards to the design of the extension and the approvals you will need to obtain for it.

Often enough such an architect will be able to assist with the design of the interiors of your home and typically an architect for residential extensions will be able to offer a full service.

When it comes to “interior architects near me” search results the chances are that the designers you will come across might or might not be architects.

The term “interior architects” tends to refer to both architects that specialise in interiors and also to interior designers that are incorrectly included in the “interior architects near me” online search results.

If you are looking for an architect near you then you need to focus on “architects + your location”. If your focus are on interiors then you should rather search for “interior designers near me” or search for “interior designers + your location”.

The British Institute of Interior Designers (BIID) is the UK’s only professional institute for Interior Designers. They offer a Find an Interior Designer service to members of the public.

You can find more information if you follow the link below:
https://biid.org.uk/find-interior-designer

If you are not looking for “architects for extensions” or for “interior architects” but you need an interior designer instead then you can use the BIID’s Client’s Guide to Working with an Interior Designer and Choosing an Interior Designer Checklist to help guide your decision.

Request a free Feasibility Review

If you're not quite sure what’s possible, or whether now’s the right time, we can help you make an informed start.

Send over your address, a few photos, and a short outline of what you're hoping to achieve.

We’ll take a look at your site context, planning history, and potential constraints and respond with early advice tailored to your home and circumstances.

Email us with the subject “Feasibility Review” or send us your information through our Contact us page.

Hackney N16 Kitchen extension and house renovation by GOAStudio London architects Garden scaled Find interior residential RIBA architects for extensions near me

Book a Home Consultation

It is the ideal first step if you are planning works to your home or if you are in the middle of purchasing a property in need of renovation.

George will visit the property to understand its character, how you use the space day to day, and offer advice on all relevant design and other matters.

You will come away with a clear sense of your next steps and greater confidence to make informed decisions. The consultation (2hrs, £250 +VAT) is a standalone service with no obligation to proceed.

Visit our Contact us page to book.

GOAStudio London residential architecture media opinion publications 2 Find interior residential RIBA architects for extensions near me

Not sure where to start with your renovation or extension?

Read this before you meet an architect, speak to a builder or spend money on drawings.

This free, architect-prepared guide walks you through the 15 essential questions every homeowner should ask before starting a project.

"Should we renovate, extend… or walk away?

15 Questions every London homeowner must ask before starting a project to include homes in Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings."

Whether you're planning a modest rear extension or major alterations to a listed home, it will help you avoid expensive mistakes and give you clarity on what’s possible for your property. Includes guidance on:

Planning approvals. Conservation areas.
Timelines and costs. Appointments you need to make.
Design and sustainability options.
When to press ahead and when to walk away

Download our guide

GOAStudio London residential architecture and interior design is an award-winning practice, specialising in offering architectural services for residential projects across London.

As your local residential architect our team aims to provide a friendly and professional service for your home project.

Our approach is based on carefully considering the particular aspects of each scheme before coming up with a creative way for you to instil your unique stamp on what we do and how we do it.

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Architects Registration Board (ARB).

HOME DESIGN – Find ideas for your project.

ARCHITECT SERVICES – See what we can do for you.

BOROUGH SPECIFIC ARCHITECT AND PLANNING GUIDES FOR YOUR HOME PROJECT

Your local Council will have in place design and planning requirements for your home project and you will need to obtain planning approval for a wide range of extensions and alterations to your property.

When you get in touch we will offer you detailed advice about what is likely that your Council will approve and in the meantime we have prepared the following architectural and planning guides that include extracts of the relevant planning policy and examples of our projects in our Borough.