Richmond architects specialising in house extensions, loft conversions, planning applications and structural design — from concept to completion across Richmond upon Thames, London.
Richmond upon Thames is one of London’s most desirable boroughs, prized for its leafy streets, period architecture and proximity to Richmond Park. From the elegant Georgian and Victorian townhouses lining Richmond Hill to the Edwardian semis of East Sheen and the characterful terrace conversions around Kew, homeowners here live in properties with genuine architectural heritage. As families grow and lifestyles evolve, extending and converting existing homes is often the smartest way to gain the extra space you need without leaving a borough that offers outstanding schools, green spaces and excellent transport links.
Whether you are planning a house extension in Richmond to open up your kitchen-diner, a loft conversion in Richmond to add a master suite, or a full side-return extension in Richmond to reconfigure your ground floor, getting the design right from the outset is essential. A kitchen extension in Richmond can transform the way your family uses the home, while a rear extension in Richmond often adds significant value to period properties. With 85 conservation areas across the borough, many Richmond properties are subject to tighter planning controls that demand careful, experience-led design work. Our team of Richmond architects understands the local streetscape, Richmond Council’s expectations and the structural realities of the housing stock in Twickenham, Hampton, Teddington and Barnes.
As experienced architects in Richmond, London, we provide full architectural drawing packages, handle your planning permission in Richmond application and deliver the building regulation documents your contractor needs to build with confidence. We also act as your structural engineer in Richmond, providing in-house structural calculations and beam designs so you deal with one team from concept to completion. For a detailed guide to costs and planning rules, read our guide to house extensions in Richmond. Every project begins with a detailed 3D measured survey and ends with a set of drawings tailored to your property and your ambitions — whether you are in TW9, TW10, TW1 or SW14.
Richmond upon Thames has 85 designated conservation areas — more than almost any other London borough. If your property falls within a conservation area in Richmond, your permitted development rights may be reduced or removed entirely, and even minor external changes can require a full planning application. Understanding how conservation area restrictions in Richmond affect your project is essential before you begin.
Richmond Council also applies Article 4 Directions across many conservation areas in Richmond, which can restrict changes to windows, materials and boundary walls. Permitted development in Richmond is therefore more limited than in many other boroughs, so checking your rights early is critical. Properties outside conservation areas still face scrutiny — the council expects proposals to respect the character of the street, the scale of neighbouring buildings and the impact on daylight and privacy.
For period homes — Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian — design proposals need to complement the existing architecture. A listed building in Richmond requires even more specialist knowledge, as listed building consent must be obtained alongside any planning permission in Richmond. Generic or off-the-shelf plans that ignore these constraints are more likely to face objections, conditions or outright refusal.
This is why choosing an architect in Richmond with local experience matters. We understand common Richmond planning considerations and design with these constraints in mind from day one — whether your project involves a house extension in Richmond, a loft conversion or a complete refurbishment.
Open-plan kitchen-diners, garden rooms and ground-floor living spaces designed around your lifestyle.
Learn More →Dormers, hip-to-gables and roof extensions across Richmond — adding bedrooms, offices and bathrooms.
Learn More →Side returns, single-storey and multi-room layouts to transform your existing footprint.
Learn More →Rear and side combined for maximum internal space — ideal for open-plan kitchens and family rooms.
Learn More →Two-floor extensions for growing families — maximising space from your available footprint.
Learn More →Create the open-plan kitchen-diner Richmond families need. We design rear and wraparound kitchen extensions that bring in natural light and connect seamlessly to your garden, whether you live in a terraced cottage near Kew or a detached home in Teddington.
Reclaim the narrow passage running alongside your Richmond terrace or semi. A side return extension can transform a cramped kitchen into a spacious, light-filled living area without reducing your rear garden, ideal for Victorian properties across Barnes and East Sheen.
Convert your under-used garage into a home office, playroom or annexe. Many properties in Hampton, Twickenham and Teddington have integral or attached garages that can be converted under permitted development, adding valuable habitable space at a fraction of the cost of a new build.
Unlock hidden space beneath your Richmond home. Basement conversions are increasingly popular in the borough's premium areas, providing cinema rooms, gyms or additional bedrooms while preserving the streetscape that Richmond Council's conservation policies protect.
Full householder applications, lawful development certificates and appeals — submitted to Richmond Council on your behalf.
Learn More →Detailed technical drawings for Building Control sign-off, covering structure, insulation, drainage and fire safety.
Learn More →Beam calculations, steelwork specifications and structural engineering — all handled in-house by our team.
Learn More →A loft conversion in Richmond is one of the most popular home improvements in the borough, and for good reason. Many homes across Richmond upon Thames sit beneath generously pitched roofs that are ideally suited to conversion. Whether your property is a Victorian terrace in Barnes, an Edwardian semi in East Sheen or a 1930s detached house in Hampton, a loft conversion in Richmond upon Thames is one of the most cost-effective ways to add a bedroom, home office or bathroom without sacrificing garden space.
The most common loft conversion options in Richmond include rear dormers, hip-to-gable conversions on semi-detached and detached properties, and L-shaped dormers for maximum floor area. In many cases a loft conversion in Richmond can be carried out under permitted development rights, meaning no formal planning application is needed. However, properties within one of Richmond’s 85 conservation areas or those affected by Article 4 Directions may have their permitted development rights removed, requiring a full householder planning application. Mansard-style conversions, which alter the roof profile, almost always need planning consent in this borough.
As specialist loft conversion architects in Richmond, our designers understand the borough’s rooflines intimately and will advise you on the best conversion type for your home, maximise head height and natural light, and navigate Richmond Council’s requirements. Every loft conversion project includes structural engineering and full building regulation compliance.
Richmond's Victorian terraces and Edwardian villas require designs that respect original proportions, sash window rhythms and decorative detailing found throughout Kew and Barnes.
Rear extensions in Richmond benefit from the borough's generous garden depths, allowing open-plan kitchen-diners that frame views towards mature planting and, in some locations, glimpses of Richmond Park.
With 85 conservation areas borough-wide, including Barnes Green and Richmond Hill, our designs satisfy Richmond Council's heightened scrutiny on materials, scale and street-scene impact.
Richmond attracts families drawn to its outstanding schools and green spaces. We design extensions that add utility rooms, larger kitchens and flexible living areas suited to modern family life in Twickenham, Hampton and Teddington.
Many Victorian and Edwardian terraces across Richmond have narrow side returns that can be incorporated into the main living space, transforming cramped galley kitchens into bright, open-plan rooms.
In Richmond's premium property market a well-designed extension or loft conversion can add significant value, often exceeding the build cost and making your investment work harder in one of London's strongest housing markets.
Navigating the planning system in Richmond upon Thames requires local knowledge and experience. Securing planning permission in Richmond can be complex — the borough has 85 conservation areas, more than almost any other London authority, and many streets are also covered by Article 4 Directions that remove permitted development rights for certain types of alteration. If your property sits within one of these zones, even a rear dormer or replacement windows may need a full householder planning application rather than a simple lawful development certificate.
Richmond Council assesses applications through their online planning portal and typically aims to determine straightforward householder cases within eight weeks. Our planning-led design and build approach in Richmond means we design your extension or conversion with the council’s policies in mind from day one, reducing the risk of objections or refusal. We prepare a complete submission package including site plans, existing and proposed elevations, floor plans and a supporting design statement where required.
Whether you need advice on permitted development limits for a rear extension in Teddington, guidance on conservation area restrictions in Barnes, or a full planning permission strategy for a more ambitious new build in Richmond, our team will manage the entire process on your behalf and respond to any council queries at no extra cost. From house extensions in Richmond to loft conversions and kitchen extensions in Richmond, every project benefits from our planning-first approach. We also serve homeowners across neighbouring boroughs — see our pages for architects in Wimbledon, architects in Kingston, architects in Wandsworth, architects in Putney and architects in Sutton.
An appointed surveyor will carry out a full measured survey of your property, noting down all your desired requirements for your proposal.
Your project is allocated to one of our architectural designers who will design it from the ground up, taking into account all your needs.
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.
Your plans will be submitted strategically for swift council approval. Expect a decision in 6–8 weeks. We handle any required changes for free.
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.
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 ConsultationWe work extensively across Richmond upon Thames, understanding conservation areas, Article 4 Directions and local planning expectations.
No need to hire a separate structural engineer. We handle beam calculations, steelwork and load-bearing assessments internally.
Clear pricing from the start with no hidden costs or hourly surprises. You know exactly what you are paying for.
From design through to build — our in-house construction team delivers your project without the need for a separate contractor.
See your extension or loft conversion in 3D before a single brick is laid. Included in every design package.
A dedicated designer manages your Richmond project from start to finish, so nothing falls through the cracks.
We believe in transparent pricing from the start. Below are our starting prices for the most common Richmond extension and loft conversion projects. Your final fixed-fee quote is confirmed after we understand your property, scope and council requirements.
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.
The borough centre with a mix of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian properties. Conservation area coverage is extensive, and most projects require full planning applications.
Popular for loft conversions and rear extensions. Many Edwardian semis with strong potential for side returns and dormers.
A mix of period and post-war homes. Rear and wraparound extensions are common, with careful attention needed for properties near the river.
Large Victorian and Edwardian properties with scope for double-storey and wraparound extensions. Parts fall within conservation areas.
Close to the Royal Botanic Gardens with strict heritage constraints. Sensitive design is essential for planning success here.
A village feel with strong conservation area protections. Loft conversions and rear extensions are popular among homeowners.
More affordable entry points into the borough. House extensions and loft conversions offer excellent value for growing families.
A range of housing stock from Victorian terraces to 1930s semis. Rear extensions, side returns and loft conversions are all common project types.
We are here to help with your Richmond extension, loft conversion or planning query.
It depends on the size and your property's location. Many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development, but if your home is in one of Richmond's conservation areas or subject to an Article 4 Direction, you will likely need full planning permission. We check your property's specific planning status before starting any design work, so there are no surprises.
As a guide, construction costs for a single-storey rear extension sit around £2,000–£3,000 per square metre, plus professional fees for architectural drawings, structural engineering and the planning application. A double storey extension costs roughly 50–60% more than a single storey. We give you a clearer estimate once we have seen your property and understood the specification.
We handle the full design process — from initial feasibility through to planning drawings (if required), building regulation drawings and structural coordination. We assess whether your roof structure suits a dormer, hip-to-gable or mansard conversion, and design a layout that meets headroom, fire escape and insulation requirements.
In most cases, yes. A wraparound incorporates the side return passage — space that is otherwise unused — and combines it with the rear extension to create a noticeably wider room. The additional build cost is relatively modest compared to the extra floor area you gain. It is particularly effective on Victorian and Edwardian terraced homes.
Expect 6–8 weeks for the design and planning stage, around 8 weeks for the planning decision, and 16–24 weeks for construction depending on the size and complexity. We provide a clear programme at the outset so you can plan around it.
A local architect understands the specific planning policies, conservation area boundaries and council expectations that apply to your property. We have worked across the borough — from Kew and Barnes to Twickenham and Teddington — so we know the practical realities of getting projects approved and built in this area.
An Article 4 Direction removes certain permitted development rights, meaning alterations that would normally be allowed without planning permission require a formal application instead. Several areas in Richmond upon Thames are covered by Article 4 Directions, particularly around conservation zones in Barnes, Kew and Richmond Hill. If your property is affected, we will identify this at the outset and prepare a planning application that satisfies the council's requirements.
In most cases a garage conversion in Richmond can be carried out under permitted development, provided it does not involve enlarging the building or significantly altering the front elevation. Properties in conservation areas or those with specific planning conditions may need consent. We assess your specific situation, prepare the necessary drawings and handle any applications so the conversion is fully compliant with building regulations.
If your proposed extension in Richmond involves building on or near a shared boundary wall, or excavating within three to six metres of a neighbouring foundation, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies. You must serve formal notice on your neighbours before work begins. We can advise on whether a party wall agreement is needed and refer you to a trusted party wall surveyor who works regularly across the borough.
In many of Richmond's 85 conservation areas, permitted development rights for roof alterations are restricted. This means rear dormers, hip-to-gable extensions and changes to roof materials may require a planning application rather than a lawful development certificate. Our team designs loft conversions that respect the streetscape and roofline character that Richmond Council seeks to preserve, increasing the likelihood of approval.
Most extensions and loft conversions require structural engineering calculations to size steel beams, specify foundations and ensure the existing structure can support the new loads. Richmond's housing stock includes properties with varying soil conditions and older construction methods that need careful assessment. Our in-house structural engineers produce full calculations and details as part of your building regulations package, ensuring your contractor can build safely and to code.
Book a free consultation and let us show you what is possible with your home.
Rear Extension
Single-storey rear extension with bi-fold doors and contemporary kitchen design.
Rear Extension
Elegant rear extensions with big bifold doors, apex windows and skylights, flooding the space with maximum natural light.
rear Extension
Modern rear wraparound extension to a victorian property creating seamless indoor-outdoor living with floor-to-ceiling glazing.
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!
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.
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?
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!
Double Storey Extension
Grand double-storey rear extension with integrated garage and a full internal remodel of the entire home.
DOUBLE STOREY EXTENSION
Grand double storey rear extension with open-plan kitchen-diner and master suite above.
Loft Conversion
Hip-to-gable dormer loft conversion/extension to accomodate a master suite with a walk-in wardrobe and a modern ensuite.
Loft Conversion
Front cottage dormers and a large rear box dormer extension/conversion with Juliet balcony and vaulted ceiling bedrooms. This was pure luxury.
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.
Flat Conversion
Victorian end of terrace mixed use properties converted into a luxury two-bedroom flats with modern amenities.
Flat Conversion
Property subdivisions into modern self-contained apartments.
Flat Conversion
Full house-to-flats conversion with multiple large extensions and comprehensive planning and building regulations approval.
New Build
Contemporary new-build family homes with open-plan living and sustainable design features.
New Build
Bespoke new-build bungalow development designed from foundation to completion.
New Build
Multi-unit new-build project with distinctive architectural detailing and landscaping.
Speak with Salstan about your planning, architecture, structural engineering or building regulations project. We’ll help you understand the next steps and provide a clear, no-obligation quote.
We are a full-service, turnkey firm specialising in Architecture, Planning Permission, Building Regulations, Structural Design, Civil Engineering and Construction.
