Expert architect advice by George Omalianakis for Which magazine

Where to start with a home extension: advice from a builder and an architect

We’ve asked a builder and an architect for their advice on getting a renovation project off the ground, and what to look out for when hiring a professional

Article by Rachel Christie and Adam Snook, Which? magazine researchers & writers
Architect expert advice by George Omalianakis, RIBA Architect

“There are two key institutions that support the architecture profession in the UK: the Architects Registration Board (ARB), which is the regulatory body for architects in the UK, and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), a chartered body dedicated to promoting excellence in architecture.

Both maintain registers of qualified professionals that you can use to find an architect to work with. See architects-register.org.uk and find-an-architect.architecture.com.

We spoke to George Omalianakis from GOAStudio for his expert advice on working with an architect, and the key questions to ask before you start working with them.”

Read the full article: Where to start with a home extension: advice from a builder and an architect for answers and advice including to the following questions:

• Do I need an architect for an extension?
• What should I look out for when hiring an architect?
• Will the architect sort out planning permission?
• How much does an architect cost?
• How long will the process take?
• What about my neighbours?
• Any other things to consider?
• What about a structural engineer?
• Do I need a party wall surveyor?
• What about architectural technologists?

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.

Barnet architects | Planning and design homeowner guide, Camden residential architect and planning guide, Enfield residential architect and planning guide, Hackney residential architect and planning guide, Hammersmith Fulham residential architect and planning guide, Haringey architects | Planning and design homeowner guide and planning guide, Islington residential architect and planning guide, Kensington and Chelsea Conservation architects, residential and planning guide,  Lambeth residential architect and planning guide, Lewisham residential architect and planning guide, Newham residential architect and planning guide, Tower Hamlets residential architect and planning guide, Waltham Forest residential architect and planning guide, Wandsworth residential architect and planning guide, Westminster residential architect and planning guide

We provide architectural services for residential projects in the following London Boroughs:

Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster

Home design residential guides

• Side return extensions
• Rear extensions
• Kitchen extensions
• Roof extensions
• Residential renovations
• Mansard roof extensions
• Contemporary extensions
• Flat extensions
• Garden flat extensions
• House extensions

We specialise in

• Greener homes
• Retrofit and energy efficiency for older and traditional buildings
• Conservation areas
• Listed Buildings
• Homeowner architectural services
• Property developments architectural services