If you’re buying a house to renovate in the UK, one of the most important steps is knowing when to bring in an architect. Many people wait until after completion, but getting architectural input earlier can save time, money and stress. Alongside your survey, an impartial architect-led pre-purchase appraisal—can help you understand feasibility, planning risk… Read more »
Posts By: Emily Barnes
Want an architect to review a floor plan before buying a house?
Buying a house is a huge step – and you want to be sure it’s the right one. Maybe the floor plan looks good on paper, but you’re wondering: Could we knock through to create an open-plan kitchen? Is there space for a downstairs toilet? Could we squeeze in an extra bedroom or bathroom? If… Read more »
Fire Rated Cladding for Home Extensions: What UK Homeowners and Their Architects Need to Know
One question that often arises when homeowners are planning an extension with timber cladding is whether the cladding needs to be fire rated. There is no single answer that applies to every extension. The requirements will depend on the particular building, its location, the proposed wall construction, and the regulations and approvals applying to the… Read more »
Get the look: the Miami Beach trend
We are huge fans of the Miami Beach trend that has emerged in the UK over the past couple of years. The vibrant pastel colours and glamorous holiday vibes bring sheer joy. This trend combines bold, glitzy, and colourful elements with natural materials such as rattan, bamboo, teak, and wicker. As a result, you can… Read more »
Can I knock down this wall? How to know before you buy a house
Finding the perfect property often comes with a vision of potential – reimagining spaces, enhancing light and modernising layouts. If that vision includes removing internal walls, it’s essential to understand the structural and planning implications before you proceed – ideally before you commit to buy. Alongside your survey, an impartial, architect-led pre-purchase appraisal – for… Read more »
Surveyor Found Damp – Should I Get a Second Opinion from an Architect?
Discovering damp in your survey report can feel like a major problem, especially if you’re buying your dream home. Before you panic or pull out, take a breath and dig a little deeper. The key question is: what does “damp” mean in this context, and what should you do next? Alongside your survey, an impartial,… Read more »
Do I Need an Architect if the Survey Mentions Subsidence?
You’ve had your home survey done… and the word subsidence jumps off the page. Now what? If you’re considering buying a property or planning renovations to your current home, spotting potential subsidence in the survey can feel like a big red flag. Before you panic, it’s important to understand what it actually means, and who… Read more »
How to Fit Religious and Cultural Items into a Modern Renovation
Image: Unsplash A modern renovation often means clean lines, a quiet colour scheme, and a few personal details added in. Religious and cultural items can be part of that mix, offering a stronger sense of identity. These pieces can sit comfortably within contemporary interiors when they’re chosen and arranged with care. Choosing pieces The… Read more »
Survey says there’s a crack – should I still buy the house?
Buying a home is exciting (and a bit nerve-wracking). You’ve found the one – great location, charming features, loads of potential. Then the survey flags a crack. Now what? First things first: don’t panic. A crack isn’t automatically a deal-breaker, but it is a cue to investigate before you commit. Alongside your survey, an impartial,… Read more »
10 Questions to Ask an Architect in an Interview
Interviewing an architect is a crucial step in hiring the right professional for your home project. To ensure you find the perfect fit, it’s important to know what questions to ask an architect during the interview process. This article gives 10 of the most common questions that will help you evaluate an architect’s qualifications, experience,… Read more »
