Design Services
Support for home extensions, conversions and internal alterations.
GP Surveys Ltd assists clients in creating sensible layouts tailored to their site and budget. Our project journey spans from initial measured building surveys through to obtaining planning consent and technical drawings, with a bespoke scope of services established for every individual homeowner requirement.
Our range of support
We adapt our support to your specific property and project status. Our team delivers precise architectural details to help owners evaluate their possibilities and advance through the necessary residential development stages.
01 Detailed surveys and existing plans
Our experts visit your site to capture dimensions and produce plans of the current layout and elevations. Utilising 3D laser scanning technology, we generate incredibly accurate records for your proposed renovation work.
02 Design concepts
We craft functional architectural options that maximize your current space while reflecting your specific living goals.
03 Planning sets and applications
If your project needs specific permissions, we handle the production of required drawings and manage the submission process to the local authority within our defined contract.
04 Building Control drawings
We translate approved concepts into technical construction data for Building Regulations compliance and manage the integration of details from other professional consultants.
Common home renovations
We provide architectural expertise for a variety of property upgrades across Greater London and the Southeast of England areas.
Side and rear extensions
Loft conversions
Renovating interiors
Architectural plans for expanding your home, including new kitchens and side extensions, designed to blend the old structure seamlessly with your new living space.
Precise survey data and plans for roof conversions, including skylights and dormers, ensuring proper access and viable new rooms.
Expert drawings for structural openings and layout reconfigurations designed to maximize the utility of your home.
Our architecture process
While every home is unique, our architectural workflow generally follows these sequential phases.
01 Initial consult
02 Site visit
03 Design options
04 Planning phase
05 Technical detail
We analyze your home, your vision, and what stage you are at to determine the best way forward.
We conduct a thorough property inspection to capture all necessary measurements of the structure.
We produce preliminary concepts for review, refining the best layout before finalizing the plans.
We finalize the documentation for your planning application and manage the process with the council.
The final plans are updated with technical specifications for Building Regulations, including structural input.
Functional space use
We create layouts centered around your daily life and how you inhabit the home.
Precise documentation
Professional plans and detailed elevations delivered specifically for your project.
Respect for existing fabric
New ideas developed with a deep understanding of your building's current architecture.
Managed project flow
Comprehensive management of all required permissions and third-party data within our agreed service scope.
Permissions
Planning and Building Control
Additional project information
Planning permission and Building Regulations are independent legal requirements. While some works fit under Permitted Development, others need a full application. Technical regulations usually always apply regardless. We clarify which path your project appears to require at the start. Please note that the final verdict belongs to the local council or inspectors, and positive outcomes cannot be fully promised.
Specific projects may require detailed input from engineers, drainage experts, or party wall professionals. We can assist in identifying these needs and coordinating their technical documentation within our professional mandate to ensure a smooth project flow.
Common project questions
Is planning permission needed
What happens during a site survey
This varies by property type and scope. Many minor changes use Permitted Development rights, yet others require formal consent. We can advise on the probable path, though the local planning department makes the official ruling on your specific proposal.
We tailor the survey extent to your project goals. It involving recording all physical aspects and dimensions of the building necessary to create the accurate baseline plan for your renovation.
Planning vs Building Regulations
Is a structural engineer needed
Many renovations need technical calculations from a structural specialist. We flag this early and integrate their work into our sets. Note that engineering fees are typically a separate cost outside of our architectural fee structure.
No. Planning focuses on the project's visual impact and suitability for the area. Building Regulations focus on safety and technical standards. Most substantial projects must satisfy both.
Will you handle the paperwork
How long until the plans are done
We can manage your submittals if specified in our quote. Please note that council submission fees are separate costs unless we have explicitly stated otherwise in our agreement.
Timelines vary based on complexity, how quickly you approve designs, and local council response times. We provide an estimated schedule once we have reviewed your specific aspirations and property details.
Total project intelligence
Great renovations must be both beautiful and functional within the existing structure. Our method prioritizes how you move through the space, how the new build integrates with the old, and what technical steps are required to ensure a successful construction phase.
We strive to deliver precise, balanced documentation that assists homeowners, councils, and builders in understanding every aspect of the project.
Discuss a project
Provide the project location, project type, current stage, proposed facility and anticipated reporting requirements. We will review the initial information and propose an appropriate monitoring scope.