FAQ's

How do you differ from a typical architect's practice?

At The Affordable Architect, we set out to make high-quality architectural design more accessible and transparent. Unlike many traditional practices, we offer fixed-price service packages with clear upfront costs, meaning no hourly billing surprises. Our entire process is streamlined and primarily online, allowing us to serve clients efficiently. While we're built for accessibility, our team comprises ARB-registered architects with over 10 years of experience, ensuring professional, high-quality designs tailored to your budget and ambitions. Plus, we bring your vision to life with a 3D interactive model of your home from the concept stage, helping you clearly visualise your complete design.

Can you provide planning permission, permitted development or building control drawings?

Yes, absolutely! We specialise in preparing and submitting all necessary drawings and documentation for Planning Permission, Permitted Development applications, and Building Control approval. Once you're happy with your concept design, you can choose one of our detailed design packages that includes these services, taking your project right through to submission and compliance.

How do you draw up the existing without seeing the property?

For the initial concept design stage, we leverage publicly available data like Rightmove listings, Google Maps, and existing planning applications. This is typically sufficient for developing accurate concept sketches, though we might occasionally request a few photos or measurements from you for clarity. If you opt to proceed with one of our detailed design packages, we'll then require accurate existing drawings. We offer a couple of convenient options for obtaining these.

Why do you charge by house size?

Quite simply, the bigger the house, the more work it takes for us to draw it up. We need to understand the the whole house to help us understand the structural layout and bathroom services as these may affect any design proposals.

How quickly can I receive my concept designs?

We have three options for shipping available:

15 working days - FREE

10 working days - £99

3 working days - £250

What is the timeframe for full design package?

Each project is unique and it isn't possible to have a standard timeframe. However, we aim to provide a timeframe for each client upon instruction setting our key points in the timeline. Typically we suggest 1-2 months per design stage.

I'm not sure what we want, can I see different options for my concept design?

The intial part of our design service includes a small client survey to help us understand your budget and ambitions for the project to help guide us with your bespoke concept proposal.

We then offer one free revision if the changes are within the scope of the original budget and ambitions.

If you are wanting two side my side options then we offer an additional design service. This can be purchased at a discounted rate and is included in our bundle deals.

What is included in my one free revision?

We offer on free revision with every concept design.

Your free revision allows you to make changes to the design within the scope of your initial budget and ambition review. This might include but is not limited to, kitchen alterations, moving windows and doors.

If you wanted to make changes beyond the initial budget and ambitions such as a new layout, larger/smaller extension, add another room, this would fall under our alternative design service.

If we are dealing with your detailed design we will provide as many revisions as needed to ensure you are happy with the project. This is conducted through three rounds of changes with unlimited changes within these sessions.

What information do I need to provide to get started?

To begin, we'll ask you to complete a brief client survey about your project, including your budget, key ambitions, and any specific requirements. We'll also ask for your full property address, and any existing photos or plans you might have.

Do your fees include council application fees or other specialist consultant costs (e.g., structural engineer)?

No, our quoted package fees cover our architectural design services and the preparation of drawings for submission. They do not include local authority planning application fees, building control fees, or the fees for other specialist consultants such as structural engineers, party wall surveyors, or energy assessors. We can however advise you on when these additional costs will be required.

Are you insured?

Yes, we carry comprehensive professional indemnity insurance to protect both our practice and our clients. Most of our staff are also registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

What are the options for obtaining a measured survey?

For the accuracy required for detailed design, planning, and building control submissions, we require an accurate measured survey of your existing property. We offer two convenient options to obtain this:

Our Self-Survey Kit: We can issue you a comprehensive Self-Survey Kit for a refundable fee of £150. This kit includes all the tools and a detailed, easy-to-follow guide you'll need to conduct an accurate measured survey of your own home. Once you return the kit to our office using the provided pre-paid postal label, your £150 fee will be fully refunded to you.
Professional Outsourced Survey: For clients who prefer a hands-off approach, we work with a trusted national survey company to arrange professional measured surveys across the country. One of our partners from their team will directly reach out to you to schedule and conduct the survey at your property on our behalf. This option incurs an additional fee which is priced based on the size of your existing property.