Architects in Kingston upon Thames for Extensions, Loft Conversions & Planning
From planning applications to structural design — we help Kingston homeowners extend, convert and improve their homes.
Architectural Services in Kingston upon Thames
Kingston upon Thames combines the best of suburban London living with a rich architectural heritage. From the Edwardian and Victorian properties around Surbiton and Norbiton to the 1930s suburban homes in New Malden and Chessington, the Royal Borough offers a wide variety of housing styles — each with its own opportunities and constraints when it comes to extending and converting.
Whether you are planning a house extension in Kingston to create a modern open-plan living space, a kitchen extension in Kingston to transform your ground floor, a loft conversion to add an extra bedroom without sacrificing garden space, or a double storey extension on a detached property, getting the architectural design right from the outset saves time, money and planning risk.
We provide full architectural drawing packages, handle your planning permission application and deliver the building regulation documents your contractor needs to build with confidence. Every project begins with a detailed 3D measured survey and ends with a set of drawings tailored to your property and your ambitions. We also provide in-house structural engineering in Kingston, delivering beam calculations and structural designs so you deal with one team — your Kingston architects — from concept to completion.
Why Kingston Projects Need Careful Planning
The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames has around 25 conservation areas in Kingston, concentrated in Kingston Old Town, Surbiton Hill and the areas surrounding the historic market place. If your property falls within one, your permitted development in Kingston may be restricted or removed, and even minor external changes can require a full planning application.
Kingston Council also applies Article 4 Directions in several conservation areas, restricting changes to front elevations, windows, doors and boundary treatments. Outside conservation areas, the council expects proposals to respect the character of the street, the scale of neighbouring buildings and the impact on daylight and privacy.
The borough has a varied housing stock — from Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Surbiton and Norbiton, to inter-war semis in New Malden and Chessington. Each area has its own planning characteristics, and designs that work well in one neighbourhood may face objections in another.
This is why choosing an architect with local experience matters. We understand Kingston Council’s expectations and design with these constraints in mind from day one.
What We Design
Rear Extension
Open-plan kitchen-diners, garden rooms and ground-floor living spaces designed around your lifestyle.
Learn More →Loft Conversion
Dormers, hip-to-gables and roof extensions across Kingston — adding bedrooms, offices and bathrooms.
Learn More →House Extension
Side returns, single-storey and multi-room layouts to transform your existing footprint.
Learn More →Wraparound Extension
Rear and side combined for maximum internal space — ideal for open-plan kitchens and family rooms.
Learn More →Double Storey Extension
Two-floor extensions for growing families — maximising space from your available footprint.
Learn More →Planning Applications
Full householder applications, lawful development certificates and appeals — submitted to Kingston Council on your behalf.
Learn More →Building Regulation Drawings
Detailed technical drawings for Building Control sign-off, covering structure, insulation, drainage and fire safety.
Learn More →Structural Design
Beam calculations, steelwork specifications and structural engineering — all handled in-house by our team.
Learn More →Our Featured Works
Loft Conversions and Dormer Designs in Kingston
A loft conversion in Kingston is a popular choice across the Royal Borough, particularly on the 1930s and Edwardian semi-detached homes that characterise areas like Surbiton, New Malden and Norbiton. A hip-to-gable conversion combined with a rear dormer is typically the most effective approach on these properties, creating a full-width loft room with usable space from wall to wall.
Rear box dormers are well suited to Victorian and Edwardian terraces, adding a bedroom and en suite without changing the front elevation. For properties with more complex roof geometries, we design bespoke dormer configurations that maximise headroom and natural light while complying with building regulations.
Most rear dormer conversions in Kingston fall within permitted development rights, meaning no planning application is required. However, properties in conservation areas — such as Kingston Town Centre, Surbiton Hill and parts of New Malden — may face additional restrictions. As specialist loft conversion architects in Kingston, we assess your property’s planning status at the outset and handle all necessary applications.
Period Home Extensions in Kingston
Rear Extensions on Edwardian Semis
Single and double storey rear extensions on the Edwardian semi-detached homes common across Surbiton and Norbiton, with bifold doors opening onto the garden.
Side Return Extensions
Reclaiming the side passage on Victorian terraces around Kingston town centre and Norbiton to create wider, open-plan kitchen-living spaces.
Wraparound Extensions
Combining side and rear extensions to maximise floor area on corner plots and wider-fronted properties across the borough.
Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversions
Converting hipped roofs to vertical gable walls on 1930s semis in New Malden and Chessington to unlock full-width loft bedrooms.
Double Storey Extensions
Adding ground and first floor space simultaneously, popular on the larger detached homes in Coombe and Kingston Hill.
Garage Conversions
Converting integral or attached garages into habitable rooms — a cost-effective option on the suburban properties common across the borough.
Planning Permission Support in Kingston
The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames manages planning across a borough that ranges from the historic town centre to quieter suburban neighbourhoods. With approximately 25 conservation areas — including Kingston Town Centre, Surbiton Hill Park and parts of Coombe — many properties face additional restrictions on what can be built without formal planning approval.
Kingston Council pays particular attention to the impact of extensions on neighbouring properties, including daylight, privacy and outlook. The council also has specific design guidance for different parts of the borough, reflecting the varied character of areas like the Victorian streets around Norbiton, the Edwardian avenues of Surbiton and the more suburban feel of Chessington and Tolworth.
We prepare all planning drawings, design and access statements and supporting documents required for a householder planning application to Kingston Council. Where your project falls within permitted development, we prepare lawful development certificates to provide formal confirmation that the works are compliant. Whether you need a design and build service in Kingston or drawings for a new build in Kingston, our architects manage the process from start to finish. We also serve homeowners across neighbouring boroughs — see our pages for architects in Richmond, architects in Wimbledon, architects in Sutton, architects in Wandsworth and architects in Putney.
Our Kingston Design and Planning Process
Your 3D Site Survey
An appointed surveyor will carry out a full measured survey of your property, noting down all your desired requirements for your proposal.
Drawings Initiated
Your project is allocated to one of our architectural designers who will design it from the ground up, taking into account all your needs.
You Review It
Your first draft is typically ready in 7 working days, and within 10 at the latest. Review the designs, send us any changes, and we’ll finalise your drawings for submission.
Submission & Decision
Your plans will be submitted strategically for swift council approval. Expect a decision in 6–8 weeks. We handle any required changes for free.
Technical Design
Once plans are approved, our Structural Engineers and Architects will manage the Structural Design and Building Regulations compliance. You can also get construction quotes from us to compare.
Construction
If you decide to build with us, we arrange a detailed consultation to finalise your requirements and ensure everything aligns perfectly with your vision.
Ready to start your project?
Get a Free ConsultationWhy Kingston Homeowners Choose Salstan
Kingston Planning Knowledge
We work extensively across the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, understanding conservation areas in Surbiton and the town centre, and the design expectations for the borough's mix of Victorian, Edwardian and suburban housing.
Structural Design In-House
No need to hire a separate structural engineer. We handle beam calculations, steelwork and load-bearing assessments internally.
Fixed-Fee Pricing
Clear pricing from the start with no hidden costs or hourly surprises. You know exactly what you are paying for.
Construction Services
From design through to build — our in-house construction team delivers your project without the need for a separate contractor.
3D Visuals Included
See your extension or loft conversion in 3D before a single brick is laid. Included in every design package.
One Point of Contact
A dedicated designer manages your Kingston project from start to finish, so nothing falls through the cracks.
How Much Does an Extension or Loft Conversion Cost in Kingston?
We believe in transparent pricing from the start. Below are our starting prices for the most common Kingston extension and loft conversion projects. Your final fixed-fee quote is confirmed after we understand your property, scope and council requirements.
- Full 3D measured survey
- Architectural drawings
- Unlimited revisions
- Planning submission
- Full 3D measured survey
- Architectural drawings
- Unlimited revisions
- Planning submission
- Full 3D measured survey
- Architectural drawings
- Unlimited revisions
- Planning submission
Your final price depends on property size, planning route, conservation area status and structural complexity. We discuss all of this during your free initial consultation before you commit to anything.
Areas We Cover in Kingston Borough
The historic heart of the borough with a mix of period buildings and modern development. The Old Town conservation area brings additional planning requirements. Rear extensions and loft conversions on terraced properties are the most common project types.
Known for its Victorian and Edwardian housing stock, particularly the grand villas near Surbiton Hill. High demand for loft conversions, rear extensions and side returns. Several conservation areas apply, including Surbiton Hill and St Mark's.
A mix of inter-war semis and post-war housing with good scope for double-storey side extensions and rear extensions. Properties typically have wider plots than inner London, allowing more ambitious designs.
Victorian and Edwardian terraces close to Kingston town centre. Popular for rear extensions, loft conversions and open-plan ground-floor layouts. Some properties fall within or near conservation area boundaries.
Larger detached and semi-detached properties set in generous plots. Projects here tend to be more substantial — double-storey extensions, basement conversions and whole-house refurbishments. Heritage sensitivity is high near Richmond Park.
1930s semi-detached housing with consistent scope for side and rear extensions. A popular area for families looking to add bedrooms and living space without the conservation area constraints found closer to the town centre.
Predominantly post-war housing with straightforward planning in most areas. Rear extensions, loft conversions and garage conversions are common. Larger plots give more flexibility for double-storey and wraparound designs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Architects in Kingston
We are here to help with your Kingston extension, loft conversion or planning query.
- Free initial consultation
- Kingston Council planning experts
- In-house structural engineers
- Fixed-fee pricing guarantee
It depends on the size, position and your property's location. Many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development, but properties in conservation areas such as Kingston Town Centre or Surbiton Hill may need full planning permission. We check your specific planning status before starting any design work.
Construction costs for a single-storey rear extension typically sit around £2,000–£3,000 per square metre, plus professional fees. Costs vary depending on specification, access and ground conditions. We provide clearer estimates once we have surveyed your property.
Yes. The 1930s semi-detached homes found across New Malden, Chessington and Tolworth are well suited to hip-to-gable and rear dormer conversions. This combination typically creates the most usable loft space, adding a full bedroom and en suite.
Rear extensions are the most popular, creating open-plan kitchen-diners with bifold doors to the garden. Side return extensions work well on terraced properties around Norbiton. For larger Edwardian semis, wraparound extensions combine side and rear to maximise space.
Yes. Our in-house structural engineers handle beam calculations, steelwork specifications and foundation design. This saves you the time and cost of hiring a separate structural engineer and avoids coordination delays.
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. Permitted development projects are usually faster.
Yes, but permitted development rights may be restricted. Extensions in conservation areas often require a full planning application, and Kingston Council will assess how well the design respects the character of the area. We design proposals that balance your needs with the local context.
If your extension involves building on or near a shared boundary wall, or excavating near a neighbour's foundation, the Party Wall Act applies. We advise on whether a party wall agreement is needed and can recommend experienced party wall surveyors who work across the borough.
Building regulations drawings cover structural design, insulation, drainage, ventilation and fire safety. They are required for Building Control sign-off before construction begins. We produce these as part of our standard service.
Yes. We review the decision notice, identify the reasons for refusal and redesign the scheme to address those issues. In many cases a refusal relates to scale, design detail or neighbour impact — all issues that can be resolved with a more considered approach.
Yes. Our in-house construction team can build your project from start to finish, ensuring design quality is maintained throughout the build process with a single point of contact.
Ready to Start Your Kingston Project?
Book a free consultation and let us show you what is possible with your home.
Our Portfolio
Rainham, London
Rear Extension
Single-storey rear extension with bi-fold doors and contemporary kitchen design.
Gerrards Cross
Rear Extension
Elegant rear extensions with big bifold doors, apex windows and skylights, flooding the space with maximum natural light.
Ilford, London
rear Extension
Modern rear wraparound extension to a victorian property creating seamless indoor-outdoor living with floor-to-ceiling glazing.
Croydon, London
Wraparound Extension
L-shaped wraparound extension maximising ground floor living and dining space. On this project we actually completed the loft dormer extension, double storey side and partial first floor rear extensions too!
Kensal Rise, London
Wraparound Extension
Side and rear wraparound extension with modern kitchen and open-plan family area. Featuring big crittal doors and large skylights on the sloping roof.
Wandsworth, London
Wraparound Extension
Full wraparound extension with panoramic glazing and premium specification. Can you spot the overall balance with the L-shape loft dormer extension we also designed for this client?
Bromley, London
Double Storey Extension
Two-storey side extension with matching brickwork, extra bedrooms and bathrooms. In fact we also re-designed the entire loft space and had major approvals for an approx 6m by 14m ground floor wraparound extension!
Windsor
Double Storey Extension
Grand double-storey rear extension with integrated garage and a full internal remodel of the entire home.
Richmond, London
DOUBLE STOREY EXTENSION
Grand double storey rear extension with open-plan kitchen-diner and master suite above.
Merton, London
Loft Conversion
Hip-to-gable dormer loft conversion/extension to accomodate a master suite with a walk-in wardrobe and a modern ensuite.
Purley, London
Loft Conversion
Front cottage dormers and a large rear box dormer extension/conversion with Juliet balcony and vaulted ceiling bedrooms. This was pure luxury.
Thames Ditton, Surrey
Loft Conversion
Hip-to-gable loft dormer conversion/extension with premium finish. We had to design something different as opposed to the standard dormer extension so it can blend in with the rest of the extensions we designed for this house.
East London
Flat Conversion
Victorian end of terrace mixed use properties converted into a luxury two-bedroom flats with modern amenities.
Crystal Palace, London
Flat Conversion
Property subdivisions into modern self-contained apartments.
Barnet, London
Flat Conversion
Full house-to-flats conversion with multiple large extensions and comprehensive planning and building regulations approval.
Wembley, London
New Build
Contemporary new-build family homes with open-plan living and sustainable design features.
Surrey
New Build
Bespoke new-build bungalow development designed from foundation to completion.
Harrow, London
New Build
Multi-unit new-build project with distinctive architectural detailing and landscaping.
