Architectural Design Services in Essex

No1 in Essex for designing home extensions and loft conversions

What is architectural design and why does it matter?

An architectural design service is the process of turning your vision for a home extension into a space you love. It involves detailed planning, creative problem-solving and technical expertise to ensure your extension works perfectly. A well-thought-out design is essential to maximise your space and avoid costly mistakes down the line. In areas like Essex and London, expert design ensures your project goes right the first time around. See what areas we cover.

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Where would you like to extend?

Detached

Semi Detached

Terrace

Bungalow

Benefits of a professional architectural design service

A professional architectural design service ensures your home extension is tailored to your requirements. We ask lots of question to try and get a firm understanding of your needs. By working with us, you’ll benefit from a design that optimises space, enhances natural light and integrates perfectly with your existing home. In areas like Essex and London, where planning permission can be complex, professional guidance can save you time and prevent expensive delays.

How good design impacts home extensions

A good architectural design service goes beyond aesthetics, it’s about functionality, efficiency and compliance. With a well-designed plan, you’ll be able to get a vision of what the property will look like and how much of an improvement it will make. On top of this, your home extension will not only look stunning but also meet local planning regulations and building standards in Essex or London. This reduces the risk of issues during construction, ensuring a smoother, stress-free build.

Don't take our word for it

See what our customers are saying on Google Reviews

Freyja
19:14 01 Feb 25
We’ve worked with residential architects before, but Jamie and his team, especially Nathan, were fantastic. Kirkwood designed plans for our double-story side extension, loft conversion, and single-story rear kitchen extension, and we knew we had to choose the right company since it involved our entire home.

Based in Brentwood, Essex, we were also introduced to builders and tradespeople through Kirkwood, and they were excellent—professional, respectful, and a pleasure to work with. If we ever take on another project, we wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.
Riley Russell
13:58 31 Jan 25
Kirkwood done a fantastic job on our architectural plans for our new single story kitchen extension in Brentwood. They gained us approval from the council and also provided the structural engineering for the project. We used their recommended builder who so far, we cannot fault one bit. Thanks again and highly recommend.
iansalsbury
10:54 24 Jan 25
The Kirkwood team were a pleasure to work with and have in our house. What can be a stressful time was made a lot easier by a team who build with quality, communicate clearly, and address and action any questions you raise....however small or large.
We now have an amazing extension, and would be happy to use the team again.
Natalie Moore
12:29 23 Jan 25
Jamie and team are always helpful and very knowledgeable. Work on our kitchen extension carried out professionally and to high standard from design to build completion. A fantastic job, and very pleased. Many thanks
Kelly Pye
08:27 22 Jan 25
Jamie has provided lots of advice on house improvements including different options for extending as well as the possibility of a loft conversion. He responds quickly to queries and is full of knowledge! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him
Boris
19:35 12 Nov 23
Kirkwood Design and Build Builders, Wickford did a fantastic job on our extension in Billericay. They helped with planning permission, design, and build. Professional company through and through. Given that we haven't done such a large project before, we were a bit nervous and had a lot of questions. Jamie and his team from Kirkwood Design and Build Builders was good putting us at ease and now that we are fully complete with all our work, we further appreciate how professional this company is. Would highly recommend.
Holly Luckin
09:29 11 Nov 23
Nothing was to much hassle and Jamie is lovely!
john rocke
11:33 09 Nov 23
Great company and very professional. Nothing was a problem, very helpful and will definitely use them again. Have already given their details to a friend of mine.
Dave Lynch
19:32 08 Nov 23
Work carried out to a very high standard, very pleased with the results.
Sharon Gormer
13:06 07 Nov 23
Very professional company, helpful and friendly staff.
Aaron Tutton
11:15 07 Nov 23
Great builders, very professional and perfectionists! Thank you for such an amazing job
Olly Tait
13:28 21 Apr 23
Jamie and his team were so profesional from start to finish and made the job a joy to watch our dream come together.
Very knowledgeable and contactable throughout the process.
Couldn't ask for a better outcome and value for money.
Will definitely be recommending and 100% will use again!
5 star!!!
Sandie
20:03 20 Jan 23
I highly recommend the Kirkwood team! Exceptional workmanship, clear communication, Jamie & his team have provided the utmost as a polite & professional team! Very satisfied customer, looking forward to planning our loft conversion this year with you guys! Many thanks!

Why choose our architectural design services?

Our core company value is honesty. Thats why we provide you with expected home extension build costs upfront. We know this may deter some customers as often, they are unaware of how much things cost. We dont look at that as a failure, we look at that as a success. Our first job is to help, and if a job comes from that, then it’s a bonus. Our architectural design service covers all areas in Essex, including Brentwood, Chelmsford, Billericay, Rayleigh, Leigh-on-sea, Southend, Thurrock, Hornchurch, Maldon, Colchester, Benfleet, Wickford, Basildon, and the list goes on. Contact us today for more information and prices.

Expert architectural design service for loft conversions in Essex by Kirkwood Architects, creating bespoke and functional living spaces.

Decades of industry experience

Our teams combined experience technically makes us ancient. We should be in a museum, not providing a home architectural design service in Essex. This is good news for you because it means we’ve already made every mistake under the sun. We see ourselves now as a company setting the standards for other companies to follow. Through honesty and transparency, we lead the way.

 

Customised Solutions for Every Home

No two jobs are the same, in fact they’re much like fingerprints. Our first job is to listen to the customers needs and seen what is possible with the property we can advise on the type of house extension that would best suit and most likely be approved by the local authorities.

 

 

Comprehensive Design to Build Support

Once we have the design done, submitted and to your satisfaction, we don’t stop there. We like to know our architectural design service customers move into safe hands so we have a few reliable builders we can pass you to. We can support you with all the questions in the world, just pick up the phone and drop us a call.

Our Architectural Design Process

In our eyes, there is only one way to do each job and thats the right way. We treat projects as if they were our own. If we can think of ways to save you money and hassle we will advise and try to steer you in the direction that will get you to where you’ve told us you need to be. An architectural design service can be a fun and exciting experience. 

Initial Consultation and Site Visit

If you have received a quote from us already you’ll know how competitive we are. To save on costs we can provide you 90% of the answers before making a site visit. We do this by researching your property and viewing it on google earth. We can see what neighbouring properties have had done which gives us good insight into planning oportuities.

 

 

Concept Development and Drafting

Once youve gave us the green light, we start the survey. This is where we measure every nook and cranny so we can first draw the existing. Once thats done we can then start playing with some design ideas for the proposed work. We won’t stop designing until we have something you love. This is usually achieved in the first draft or sometimes the second.

 

Planning Permission and Regulations

With regulations constantly changing in Essex, its worth working with a company that has its ear to the ground. We make sure every project complies and always gain some form of approval from the council just to make sure. Although not always required, we can offer building regulation drawings. If you’re not willing to risk leaving it to your builder how to construct your home extension, let us do it for you. An architectural design service should not just end there. We can help with structural calculations too.

Preferred choice for architectural design service in Essex

We ask every customer to leave us a honest review. Not everyone gets round to it but the ones that do we thank you. Not because they are all 5 star but because it helps future customers navigate their way through this sometimes tricky industry. We live in a busy world but if you do get time, all we ask is for a honest feedback.

Modern rear extension in Braintree, Essex, designed by Kirkwood Architects, featuring an open-plan layout with large windows and a seamless connection to the garden.

Frequently asked questions

  • Do I need an architect for my house extension?

    While it’s not a legal requirement, using an architect like Kirkwood ensures your house extension is well-designed, fully compliant, and practical to build. We help you avoid costly mistakes, manage planning and structural stages, and bring ideas to life with professional drawings.

  • How much do architectural plans cost for a house extension?

    Architectural plans typically range from £1,500 to £2,200 depending on the size and complexity of the extension. At Kirkwood, we’ll give you an exact quote after a free consultation and ensure your drawings are planning-ready and buildable.

  • What’s included in Kirkwood’s architectural design service?

    Our architectural design service covers everything from initial concept drawings to planning submission, building regulations, and structural design. We take care of the full design process so you don’t have to deal with multiple companies.

  • How long does it take to get architectural drawings for a house extension?

    At Kirkwood, we typically deliver your architectural drawings within 2–3 weeks after the initial survey and design call. The exact timing depends on the scale of the project, but we always work to keep your extension moving forward without delays.

Areas We Cover in Essex

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