How to find a freelance architect near me

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Freelance architect designing a home extension

Looking for a freelance architect near you? If you’re searching for a freelance architect near me, you’re probably looking for someone who offers a more personal service than a larger architectural practice. Freelance architects are often ideal for home projects such as extensions, renovations, loft conversions and planning applications. At Design for Me, you can… Read more »

Do you need planning permission for an extension?

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Extension architect

Good news – you usually don’t need planning permission for a modest rear extension, thanks to permitted development (PD) rights. There are important rules and exceptions though, so read on to see if your home and proposal qualify.   Extension pictured above by Oliver, architect from Wandsworth, London. Click here to see more and shortlist… Read more »

Designing for Sun and Stone: How Maltese Homes Blend Tradition with Modern Living

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Few places show the conversation between old and new architecture as clearly as Malta. On this small Mediterranean island, centuries-old limestone townhouses with colourful wooden balconies stand a few streets away from crisp contemporary apartments with glass façades and rooftop terraces. For anyone interested in home design, Malta is a fascinating case study in how… Read more »

Residential architects in Surrey

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If you’re planning a house extension, renovation or new self-build, finding the right architect can be the critical first step. We’ve compiled some of the best residential architects in Surrey to give you a starting point, and hopefully provide a little inspiration too. Surrey is brimming with talented architects and designers, so we have no doubt… Read more »

Residential architects in Sheffield and South Yorkshire

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Sheffield architect

If you’re planning a house extension, renovation or new self-build, finding the right architect can be the critical first step. We’ve compiled some of the best residential architects in Sheffield and South Yorkshire to give you a starting point, and hopefully provide a little inspiration too. Sheffield is brimming with talented architects and designers, so we… Read more »

Raised Access Flooring in Residential Design: Pros and Cons for Your Self-Build Project

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When researching construction methods for your self-build home, you might come across raised access flooring – a system traditionally used in commercial buildings. However, it’s becoming increasingly relevant in residential design, especially for tech-focused and future-proofed homes. In this guide, we explore what raised access flooring is, and weigh up the pros and cons for… Read more »

How to Build an Affordable House in the UK

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Building your own home is a dream for many, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. With thoughtful planning and the right approach, it’s entirely possible to build an affordable house in the UK that meets your needs without compromising on quality. Image above by Sam, architectural designer on Design for Me. See their full… Read more »

Designing Accessible Interiors: A Free Room Planner for UK Architects

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Want to test inclusive layouts quickly and visually? Whether you’re designing a home, rental, or workspace, accessible interior design doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, UK architects and designers can plan barrier-free spaces that meet Part M of the Building Regulations and BS 8300 standards, without needing expensive software.   In this… Read more »

Pros and cons of design and build

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Extensions designed by a design and build company (above left) and an independent architect (above right), both registered on Design for Me. Click the images to see their full profiles and shortlist them for your project.   Should I use the builder’s architect or an independent one? When looking to do an extension or home… Read more »

Planning a Glass Extension? The Summer Problem Nobody Mentions at Design Stage

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skylight

There’s a moment in almost every extension project where the glazing gets settled. How big the rooflight should be, whether the back wall becomes bi-folds or a slider, how far the glass can reasonably go. The conversation is nearly always about light and understandably so, as light is usually the whole reason people extend. What… Read more »