Monkmoor Home Redesign, Shrewsbury
Buddha Belly Restaurant Design, Birmingham
The Good Intent, Great Western Arcade
Reconomy Workplace Design, Telford
into workable,
buildable plans
ideas
tested
Know what you’re building before you spend serious money.
Planning an extension, conversion, or commercial fit-out involves significant investment. The decisions made at the start dictate the success of the build.
Initial Designs provides early-stage clarity so you can move forward with confidence. From measured surveys and layout options through to 3D visualisations and planning submissions, each stage is designed to answer the practical questions: Will it work? Will it get approved? Can it be built?
Initial Designs won’t push you through unnecessary stages. Every service starts with a clear fee proposal. You only pay for what your project requires — and the right sequence and prerequisites are recommended upfront to reduce rework later.
13+ years construction-aware experience
98% planning success rate since 2013
Clear fee proposal before any work begins
possibility
reality
Choose the right starting point for your project
Whether you need planning drawings, a better layout, licensing plans or early-stage design support, each service is clearly defined so you know what’s included and what happens next.
Start with a free call, then move into survey, design, planning or build-ready drawings only if your project needs it.
Selected projects
Common questions
Do you offer a free initial call?
Yes. Every project starts with a free 15-minute telephone consultation. It gives us a chance to understand what you are considering, answer initial questions and advise on the most useful next step. If you have plans, photographs or property information, sending them beforehand can help make the conversation more useful.
What happens after the free call?
We review the available information and recommend the most direct next step for your project. This might be a one-off consultation, feasibility study, site visit or measured survey. We explain what the recommended stage will provide and send you a clear fee proposal before any paid work begins.
How are fees structured?
Fees are based on the work your project requires rather than a percentage of the construction cost or a one-size-fits-all package. After the initial conversation, we recommend the most appropriate stages and provide a clear fee proposal before work begins. Services can be commissioned individually or combined where that provides a more efficient route through the project. Any additional specialist costs are identified separately where possible. You only commit to the stages you have agreed.
How long does the design process usually take?
Timescales depend on the property, the complexity of the project and the level of information required. A focused layout or feasibility study will usually take less time than a large extension, new-build or commercial project involving surveys, design development and planning. We provide an estimated programme when agreeing the scope and keep you informed as the work progresses. Timescales for planning decisions and specialist input are separate and may be outside our control.
Do I need planning permission for my project?
Not every project requires planning permission. It depends on the property, the proposed work, its location and any restrictions that may apply. We can review the available information and advise on the likely planning route before detailed design work begins. If you only need early guidance, a standalone consultation may be enough. The final decision on whether permission is required rests with the relevant local planning authority.
Do you carry out measured surveys?
Yes. Where required, we can survey the existing property and prepare accurate drawings as the basis for the design. Some projects already have suitable plans or property information, so a new survey may not always be necessary. We review what is available at the outset so you only pay for the information your project needs.
What’s included in your planning service?
The planning service develops the agreed design into the drawings and supporting information required for an application. Depending on the project and application type, this may include proposed floor plans, elevations, site and location plans, and design, access or heritage statements where required. We can also submit the application and respond to queries from the local planning authority where this forms part of the agreed service. The exact scope is confirmed before work begins. Planning approval cannot be guaranteed because the final decision rests with the relevant authority.
Do you provide building regulations drawings and structural calculations?
We can coordinate the technical information required as the project develops. Building regulations drawings and specifications can be prepared as part of the agreed service. Structural calculations are completed by an appropriately qualified structural engineer, whose input we can help arrange and coordinate with the design. Any specialist appointments, responsibilities and additional fees are explained before that stage begins.
Do you manage builders or the construction project?
Our main focus is architectural design, planning and the preparation of project information. We do not act as the main contractor or manage the complete construction project. We can provide agreed support during construction, such as responding to design queries, clarifying drawings or attending specific meetings. The appropriate level of support is discussed and clearly defined before construction begins.
Do you design new-build homes and housing developments?
Yes. We provide design and planning support for new-build homes and small-scale residential developments. At the early stage, we can explore access, site constraints, overall layout and the planning potential of the site. The preferred approach can then be developed through plans, elevations and 3D visualisations. For small developments, the service may also include site layouts, individual house types, internal layouts and coordination with relevant specialists.
Can you help with commercial projects?
Yes. We work with businesses, property owners, operators and contractors across a range of commercial projects. This can include feasibility studies, office and retail layouts, hospitality planning, refurbishments, fit-out design, licensing plans and early-stage design support for tenders and bids. The aim is to resolve important questions about layout, workflow, customer experience and buildability before significant expenditure is committed.
How quickly can licensing plans be prepared?
The standard turnaround depends on the information available and the requirements of the application. Where timescales are particularly tight, an optional 48-hour express service may be available, subject to availability, an agreed scope and receipt of all the necessary information. If you have a specific deadline, let us know when you make contact. We will confirm what is achievable before work begins.