How can I check the quality of an architectural designer’s work?

Ask to view a portfolio of completed projects, ideally ones similar to your own. If possible, arrange to visit past works in person to see finishes and layouts. Read independent client reviews to gauge professionalism, and check if they belong to bodies like __CIAT or the ARB__. Both design examples and verified credentials show that an architectural designer can deliver.

Are architectural designers required to have insurance?

Yes. Most local architectural designers carry professional indemnity insurance to cover design errors and public liability insurance for accidents during site work. These policies protect both you and them. Always ask for proof before hiring. Reputable designers should provide documentation without hesitation.

Do local architectural designers charge a consultation fee?

Some offer free introductory meetings to discuss ideas, while others charge for site visits, sketches, and detailed advice. Fees are more common for complex or large projects, and often include valuable early planning guidance. Confirm costs in advance so you know exactly what’s included.

What qualifications should an architectural designer have?

Many have formal training in architecture, building design, or construction management. Membership in recognised bodies such as __CIAT or RIBA__ demonstrates professional commitment and adherence to industry standards.

What’s the difference between an architect and an architectural designer?

Architects are ARB-registered and legally recognised, often specialising in complex or bespoke builds. Architectural designers may offer similar services for __extensions, remodels, and residential work__ but without the registration requirement, which can sometimes reduce costs.

How can I make sure architectural designs meet local regulations?

Ask how they handle planning permission and building regulations. Architectural designers should know local requirements, prepare compliant drawings, and handle applications on your behalf to avoid delays.

Find Local Architectural Designers Near Me

Some of our top rated architectural designers

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ArchiWest Ltd
Rating: 5 out of 5
At ArchiWest we specialise in works to older properties, including listed buildings, country houses and barn conversions across the West Country. We also offer Heritage statements as a standalone service and general consultation for heritage buildings.
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Latest review:
Architecture- 5 Nov 2019
Excellent service. Luke was very friend, professional and easy to approach. He was very quick and efficient. He was good with helping making decisions and choices. Luke took the worry and stress out of planning applications. I would highly recommend him.
CO CREATE LTD
Rating: 5 out of 5
We are a local architecture practice operating in across the Southwest region. Co Create specialise in unlocking the true potential of homes to create beautiful, modern and inspiring living spaces. Co Create pride themselves on their unique approach and bespoke designs. Our young and ambitious team of designers will endeavour to ensure every project is treated with the same care and detailed attention regardless of size or budget.
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Latest review:
Great first meeting. Listened to all my ideas for my extension and just seemed positive and exciting as I was about the job. The price was very great for the amount of work that needs to be done. Due to c-19 the job is on hold but will definitely get the ball rolling again as soon as it is all over
John Hennel
Rating: 5 out of 5
I am a architectural surveyor. I draw plans for houses, extensions, loft conversions and submit the applications for planning and building regulations. I am Chartered and carry professional indemnity insurance
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Latest review:
Architecture- 30 Dec 2018
I found John to be very professional and understanding of our needs for the extension and listened to what we wanted and drew the plans to how we wanted it and i have no hesitation in recommending him
RJ Farinha Architectural Services Ltd
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
RJF Architecture is a Company specializing in residential architecture. We prime ourselves for behind a business with a face, we like to meet our clients and get involved rather than producing some drawings and forget about you. Both the Design and Site experiences accumulated in the last 10 years working in projects ranging between the 30k and the 180M assure the confidence to achieve the success of your project.
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Latest review:
Architecture- 19 Aug 2022
I do need to talk to the architect more,
Room-by-Room (UK) Ltd
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
If you are considering extending, converting or refurbishing your home & would like a free no obligation consultation we can help. Room-by-Room (UK) Ltd created in 1999 has the sole aim of providing homeowners with expert advice in matters relating to design, planning, party walls, building regulations and construction. We work closely with local structural engineers, arboricultural consultants and other building professionals offering our customers a complete design and build solution.
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Latest review:
Architecture- 20 Jan 2019
Andrew was superb with his advice and guidance on this matter..... even willing to help when I selected a family member to do my drawings Andrew didn’t need to help but continued to offer support even though I used another architect Professional throughout If I was to do more work I’d definitely used andrew
ARCRO LTD
Rating: 5 out of 5
We specialise in residential developments. ARB & RIBA chartered qualified architects with 20+ years experience. Along with home renovations, we also take on commercial projects across Surrey & South London. We’ll deliver your projects' ambition at an affordable rate (with price visibility, no adds-on and not hidden uplift margin...). We are new to MyBuilder but with plenty of experience "under our belt" :) Many thanks.
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Latest review:
CAD / Drawings- 16 Jan 2021
Roberto works quickly and to high standard. He is flexible in the way he approaches his projects, has good ideas and listens to his customers needs. He is also competitive on price. I would definitely recommend hiring Roberto for you design / planning jobs.
Altmore Architecture Limited
Rating: 5 out of 5
Qualified Registered Architects. Altmore Architecture is an architecture and design studio based in London. Our expertise lie in the residential sector working on refurbishment, conversions and new build projects of various scales. Our approach ensures we deliver carefully considered, designed and detailed projects tailored to our client needs and aspirations. We enjoy working on a variety of projects in close collaboration with our clients, consultants and statutory authorities.
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Latest review:
Architecture- 9 May 2019
Overall experience was good. Job well done, i m really impressed with the level of professionalism and skills Salman and his support on step by step process in preparation of drawings and approval. I would strongly recommend him to others
Tomasz Kulhawik
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
TMASA limited Listed Buildings Heritage Restoration Flood Restoration Renovations Media Walls Gardens & Patios Pergola Shed Shed Base Painting & Decorating Flooring Doors All wood work New Build We work with Building Control Conservation officials Structural Engineering We don’t take no shortcuts We provide the best service possible to our clients
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Latest review:
Decking- 14 Sep 2025
We gave Thomasz a bit of a challenge to make good our composite decking that had moved about and created big gaps between boards. He did a fabulous job of relaying the boards to make sure they were aligned and the whole thing is much better than it was when first laid. Thankyou so much.
Richard Bonny Architectural Design
Rating: 5 out of 5
Hi I'm Richard Bonny, I specialise in designing houses, home extn's, loft convn's & Refurbs. I have many years experience and can act as PD under the new CDM 2015 regs. Also with planning, building regulations, structural design, party walls etc. + help with builders - to get your project under way.
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Latest review:
We asked Richard to prepare the building regs for our house extension and garage. He suggested some design alterations that very useful i.e. alter the internal garage stairs position and suggestions to alter the design/levels etc. which would make the house more attractive to sell which we agreed were actual real improvement for use also. He prepared the building regs, submitted them and ensured they were processed and passed which we are now pleased with the results of our extension.
Freedom Homes Services Limited
Rating: 5 out of 5
Freedom Homes provide an all encompassing design and planning approval service who handle your every need from design to commencement of construction. Our extremely detailed 3D designs and outstanding customer service set us aside from the competition and result in a large number of repeat business and customer referrals.
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Latest review:
Architecture- 12 Jan 2023
Finally completed our extension after much back and forth. Freedom were good at revising plans and helping us along on our journey. There were a couple of errors in the original measurements which we didn't pick up until shovels went into the ground, but in fairness, they were quick to remediate. They updated them and got the structural engineers to recalculate promptly. Overall, good value and we felt they showed partnership & commitment considering the time it took from planning to completion.
F&R STUDIO LTD
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Working closely with our clients, I provide personalised Architectural & Interior Design and 3D Visualisation. If you are thinking of renovating an interior, extending or converting your house or apartment, we can help you with both Architectural and Interior Design. I also work on commercial properties and office Cat A and Cat B fit-out. I deal with all the Planning Applications & Building Control paperwork. I have 21 years of experience in Architectural and Interior Design.
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Latest review:
Architecture- 27 Aug 2021
Fausto is easy to work with and very prompt in delivering the works required. Highly recommended.
MAAD Studio
Rating: 5 out of 5
At MAAD Studio we believe that the success of any building project comes down to the knowledge and understanding of what is involved. From planning drawings to fully specified construction details, MAAD provides expert knowledge and technical assistance to get any project off the ground.
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Latest review:
Architecture- 8 Jun 2020
I’ve found Moi to be incredibly helpful in guiding me through the whole process of planning and building our single storey extension. There is much more to his work than just the required drawings. • Within a few days Moi had established that we required planning permission due to our proximity to Network Rail, providing comprehensive details regarding the rules of building close to the railway line, something we had no idea about. • Help to find suitable builders for the job. • Took the time to explain the whole process, and always available to answer questions. • Clear price plan for his work, including other costs (like Council planning permission, structural engineers etc). • Very diligent and professional in his approach to the job. All this and the builders are not even on site yet. Mark
The Jounetsu Creator Limited
Rating: 5 out of 5
led by Japanese Architectural Designer Haruhito Tomi or known simply as: 'Haru', who has been based in London for over 18 years. Haru's passion lies in "RETROFIT" i.e. turning the derelict/neglected existing into a new delight, in "EXCITEMENT" that tailor-made designs can bring to quality of space and client's lives. Haru thrives on incorporating sustainable methods, circular economy ethos through each project, while paying full attentions to their life-cycle emissions and values.
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Latest review:
Architecture- 15 Jan 2017
Haru designed our loft, managed the hiring of the contractor and then handled the project management of the build. He brought a fresh and impressive vision to the project which he backed up with extremely detailed plans and an attention to detail that was second to none. The finished loft is amazing, and we have no doubt that we could not have achieved such an impressive result without Haru. We cannot recommend him highly enough.
The Victor Farrar Partnership- Architects
Rating: 5 out of 5
ARCHITECTS 4 EXTENSIONS ARCHITECTS 4 LISTED BUILDINGS E mail your brief, phone number and address. The perfect, friendly and professional team of registered Arb Architects (RIBA), surveyors and structural engineers for your house extensions, alterations, loft, garage conversions, barn conversions and new house. If you're looking for an amazing Architect who can visualise your dream and design it to your budget, Laurane Bubbins will create the ideal space you're looking for.
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Latest review:
Laurane was professional, friendly and efficient in all her dealings with us. She spent a lot of time discussing our ideas for 2 separate extensions to our home including internal changes to the existing house and she produced some excellent plans. She was happy to revise these plans several times and then submitted them for planning permission. The building work is now complete and we have had many many compliments on the design and finish achieved. We are very happy with the service that Laurane provided.
HOPE DESIGN STUDIO LIMITED
Rating: 5 out of 5
By choosing Hope Design Studio, you are choosing incredible design, great communication, amazing visualizations and great value. Offering 2d & 3D building design services to allow clients to fully view projects. With more than 25 years experience in the construction, our team deals with projects ranging from a few thousand pounds on the residential side to more than £30m on the commercial side. We take great pride in what we offer & listen to clients needs to help exceed their expectations.
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Latest review:
Architecture- 28 Jan 2019
Danny know his craft and helps customer according to their needs. Highly recommended
Oakman Architecture Ltd
Rating: 5 out of 5
Oakman Architecture is a small architectural consultancy that focuses on providing excellent local professional services to a variety of clients within the residential and commercial sectors. We work directly with homeowners and Developers while also acting as consultants to numerous design & property companies. Please contact us either by email or telephone for some free initial advice
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Latest review:
Architecture- 8 Feb 2016
Good service and reasonable pricing from Oakman, would recommend.