How to Choose the Right Architectural Team for Your Home Extension

Choosing the right architectural team isn’t just about comparing quotes — it’s about choosing a team who will support you through every step of your project, help you avoid costly mistakes, and make the process feel as smooth as possible.

At Plan It UK, we’ve worked on over 1,300 residential projects across London, Kent, Essex and the surrounding areas. We offer a complete package — from early planning advice to structural engineering and building regulations drawings. All delivered by a skilled in-house team who know the ropes.

Here are 10 key questions to ask yourself before making your decision:

“Does this fee include everything I’ll need — including structural design and building regulations?”

Some companies provide planning drawings only — leaving you to source and coordinate your own structural engineer, then pay separately for building regulations drawings later. At Plan It, all of this is included in your package from the start, giving you continuity and peace of mind.

“Have I seen examples of their drawings — and do they look clear and detailed?”

Not all architectural plans are created equal. If the drawings lack detail or clarity, that can lead to costly mistakes, confusion on site, or delays during construction. Saving a few hundred on your drawings can lead to mistakes that cost thousands to rectify during the build. 

Ask to see real examples so you know what you’re getting — our plans are designed to keep your build on track and under control. Click here to see examples.

“Have they carried out planning research specific to my property?”

A good design team will always look at your local planning history, any nearby approvals, and potential constraints (like Conservation Areas, Greenbelt and National Landscapes) before offering advice. If they haven’t done this groundwork, they might be guessing — and that can lead to refusals or redesigns.

“Do they have a clear planning strategy — and does it sound realistic?”

Whether your project goes through a full application, permitted development, or prior approval, your architectural designer should explain why they’re recommending that route and what risks are involved. Overly confident or vague answers might be a sign that they’re not thinking far enough ahead.

“Have they explained all the other costs I should be budgeting for?”

Planning fees, surveys, ecology reports, drainage checks — whoever you choose should be upfront about the full picture, not just their own fee. We always outline the other costs you’re likely to encounter, so you can plan with confidence.

“Have they worked on similar projects — especially in my local area?”

Teams with local experience are more likely to know what your council will and won’t support. We’ve completed over 1300 applications across the South and Southeast, and we often draw on nearby approvals to strengthen your case.

“Will I have a whole team supporting me — or just one person?”

Working with one-man-bands can mean delays or gaps in communication. With us, you get a whole team behind you — from planning specialists to technical leads and project coordinators — so nothing slips through the cracks.

“Do they understand the build — not just the design?”

It’s easy to come up with nice-looking drawings. But a great architectural designer plans with construction in mind. We work closely with structural engineers, builders, and other consultants to make sure everything on paper works just as well on site.

“What happens if something needs to change or goes wrong?”

No one likes surprises — especially when it comes to planning or building control. Your team should be open about risk and flexible in their approach. Whether that means switching to a householder application or submitting a pre-app first, we’ll always help you adjust course if needed.

“Do I feel confident that this team will guide me from start to finish?”

Ultimately, this isn’t just about drawings — it’s about trust. You need a team who’ll explain things clearly, take your goals seriously, and help you make decisions that will hold up both on paper and on site. 

Final thoughts

Before you choose who to work with, ask yourself:

• Have they explained why they’re recommending a certain approach?

• Have they shown me what their work actually looks like?

• Are they open about potential risks and future costs?

• Do they seem genuinely invested in helping me get it right?

At Plan It UK, we’re here to help you do just that — with a joined-up service that takes you from concept to construction. If you’re ready to get started or want a second opinion, get in touch for a free consultation.