find an architect uk

Find an Architect in the UK: Homeowner’s Guide (Free Tool)

Find an architect in the UK – where to start

Choosing the right residential architect in the UK can feel daunting. You want a professional who understands your aims, respects your budget and can navigate (the often baffling) planning and building regulations. This guide explains the process in plain English, shows you where costs typically sit, and introduces a simple way to attract interested and available architects so you can compare strong options with confidence.

Image above – by Patrick, Architect in London on Design for Me ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10+ five star reviews from past users of Design for Me). See more top rated architects in London here and shortlist Partick for your project.

 

Try it now: Post your project on Design for Me and we will match you with great architects and designers in your area. It is free for homeowners and only takes a few minutes. Get matched with an architect

 


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Here at Design for Me, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners all over the UK to find the best architect or interior designer for their project.

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Step 1: Define your project clearly

Before you approach any practices, take a short pause to define the kind of project you want to undertake and why. Are you planning a single storey extension for more kitchen space, a loft conversion for an extra bedroom, a full renovation to rationalise the layout, or a self build with specific environmental performance targets. Write down your wish list, the problems you want to solve and a budget range that feels realistic. This clarity helps architects respond with thoughtful ideas and accurate fee proposals.

 

Step 2: Understand how architect fees work in the UK

Architects usually charge a percentage of build cost, a fixed fee for defined tasks, an hourly rate, or a blend of these across the RIBA stages. A sensible approach is to compare like for like proposals against an identical scope so you can focus on value rather than headline numbers. Remember to think about build costs and contingencies at the same time so the whole project picture hangs together.

 

Step 3: Build a focused shortlist of architects near you

Aim for a shortlist of three to five practices that are a good fit for your budget, style and timeline. Looking only at websites can be misleading because it does not reveal availability or interest. A better route is to invite interest from relevant local practices and then compare responses, portfolios and approaches side by side. The links below show the breadth of our UK coverage and are a good way to see local residential experience.

Browse architects by region and city

If you do not see your town listed – don’t worry – this don’t necessarily reflect our full coverage. You can still post your project and we will match you with architects who work locally to you. Our network is UK wide and many practices cover neighbouring counties.

 

Step 4: Invite interest so architects apply to you

Cold emailing practices and waiting for replies can be slow, and you may not hear back from busy firms. When you post your project on Design for Me, our matching system sends it to suitable architects and designers across the UK. Interested professionals can reply straight away, which means your shortlist contains people who are both relevant to your brief and available for your timeline. You can then compare proposals, portfolios and messages in one place and book calls when you are ready.

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Step 5: Compare like for like and choose with confidence

Plan to meet at least two or three shortlisted practices. Share the same information with each, ask the same core questions and request that fees are based on the same scope. This makes it easier to compare approaches and value. Pay attention to communication style, ideas that respond to your brief and the way risks and approvals will be managed. Good chemistry and clear processes are just as important as beautiful images.

 

Planning and permissions: what to consider early

Understanding the likely planning route at the outset helps you set expectations on time and design constraints. Some works fall under permitted development while others will require a full application or listed building consent. An early chat about planning strategy with an architect can save time and avoid redesigns later.

 

Budget and contingencies: set a realistic framework

Before you request detailed proposals, sense check the likely build cost for your project type and location. Add a sensible contingency to cover unknowns and small scope changes. When budgets are realistic from the start, design decisions and planning strategy can be aligned to avoid surprises later in the programme.

 

Why homeowners choose Design for Me

  • Architects and designers apply to you, so you spend less time chasing and more time comparing quality options
  • UK wide network focused on residential work, from small extensions to full renovations and self builds
  • Free for homeowners, with simple messaging and shortlisting so you can move forward quickly

Get matched with an architect

 

Recent projects

Here are a few examples that show how matching the right designer to the right brief leads to better outcomes.

 

FAQs

Do I need an architect for a small extension

In many cases yes, or at least an experienced architectural designer. Even on small schemes, good design can unlock space, reduce planning risk and avoid build stage surprises. If you are unsure what level of service you need, post your project and we can match you with professionals who will advise on the right scope for your budget. See: Do I need an architect for a small extension in the UK

How much do architects charge in the UK

Fees vary by scope, region and procurement route. Many homeowners prefer a fixed fee for early concept work and a percentage based fee as the design develops, but there is no single correct model. The key is to compare like for like against the same tasks and outputs. See: Architects hourly rates and try our architect cost calculator.

What questions should I ask an architect

Ask about relevant project experience, an outline approach and programme, how fees are structured, and how they will manage planning risk and cost control. Use the same core questions with each practice so comparisons are fair. See: 10 questions to ask an architect.

Do I need planning permission for my project

Some works fall under permitted development while others need full permission or listed building consent. Early advice avoids redesign later and helps set a realistic timeline. See: Guide to permitted development rules.

 

Further resources


 

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Emily Barnes

About the Author

Emily Barnes

Emily is the founder of Design for Me and a qualified residential architect with over 20 years of experience in home design and construction. Having worked closely with homeowners on renovations, extensions, and new builds, Emily set up Design for Me to connect people with the right home design professional for their project.

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