Architects in Ealing for Extensions, Loft Conversions & Planning

It depends on the size and location of your property. Many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development rights, meaning you can build without a full planning application. However, properties in conservation areas or those subject to Article 4 Directions may need full planning permission. We check your property's planning status before starting any design work.

Yes, most Victorian and Edwardian properties in Ealing are well suited to loft conversions. Dormer conversions are the most common type, adding a rear dormer to create a new bedroom, bathroom or home office. For semi-detached homes with hipped roofs, a hip-to-gable conversion can unlock even more usable space.

Very common. Rear dormers are one of the most popular home improvement projects across the Ealing borough. They add valuable floor space without changing the front elevation of your home, which is particularly important in conservation-sensitive streets.

Absolutely. We prepare all planning drawings, design and access statements, and supporting documents required for a householder planning application to Ealing Council. We also prepare lawful development certificates where your project falls within permitted development.

Yes. We produce detailed building regulations drawings covering structural design, insulation, drainage, ventilation and fire safety. These are required for Building Control sign-off before construction can begin, and we prepare them as part of our standard service.

Yes. Unlike many architectural practices, we have structural engineering capability in-house. This means we handle beam calculations, steelwork specifications and foundation design without you needing to hire a separate structural engineer, saving time and coordination.

Rear extensions and side return extensions are the most popular for Victorian terraces, creating open-plan kitchen-diners with bifold doors opening onto the garden. For larger properties, wraparound extensions combine side and rear to maximise space. Loft conversions suit almost all Ealing house types.

From initial consultation to a planning decision, the process typically takes 10 to 14 weeks. This includes the survey, design development, drawing preparation and the statutory planning determination period. If your project falls under permitted development, the timeline is usually shorter.

Yes. We regularly take on projects where a previous planning application has been refused by Ealing Council. We review the decision notice, identify the specific reasons for refusal and redesign the scheme to address those issues. In many cases a refusal is caused by problems with scale, massing, design detail or impact on neighbours, all of which can be resolved with a more considered design approach.

We can advise on whether your project triggers the Party Wall Act and help you understand the process. If your extension is built on or near a shared boundary, or involves work on a party wall or within certain distances of a neighbour's foundations, you may need to serve party wall notices. We design with boundary constraints in mind and can recommend experienced party wall surveyors when needed.

Absolutely. During your initial consultation we discuss your goals and your budget range. We then design a scheme that balances what you want to achieve with what is realistic for your budget. We can also provide guidance on likely construction costs based on similar projects we have worked on, so you have a clearer picture before committing to a builder or contractor.