Articles & Guidance for Homeowners Planning Extensions, Renovations or New Builds
This section brings together clear, practical guidance on architecture, design, and the realities of construction. The articles here are written to introduce the things clients are rarely told at the outset, and to help you ask better questions — of architects, consultants, and yourself — as your ideas begin to take shape. They’re intended as reference pieces you can dip into at any stage, whether you’re just exploring options or preparing to move forward.
To read an article, select the title or use the link in the description.
Introduces ‘The Needs to Know’ — a short guide designed to help prospective clients understand how architectural projects work, and the kinds of decisions and considerations that often go unexplained at the outset.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Looks at why time and thought spent early in the design process have the biggest impact on cost, programme, and quality. Explains how early decisions reduce risk and avoid expensive changes later on.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Introduces three key questions that reveal how an architect really works beyond their portfolio. Designed to help clients assess approach, judgement, and suitability before making an appointment.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Explains how projects actually move through design, approvals, and construction, and why timelines often feel longer than expected. Helps set realistic expectations around programme and progress.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Explains the architect’s role beyond producing drawings, including decision-making, coordination, and managing risk throughout a project. Helps clarify where value is added and why much of it is invisible.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Sets out practical ways clients can understand responsibility, ask better questions, and challenge decisions constructively, strengthening collaboration rather than undermining it.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Explores whether extending is the right move in the first place, helping homeowners weigh feasibility, cost, planning constraints and long‑term impact so decisions are made with confidence before committing.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes