We approach every architectural design project with open communication, developing designs around your ideas, requirements and the practical needs of the project. Working across Leicestershire and the Midlands, our experience covers residential and commercial projects, including extensions, conversions and new builds, as well as planning applications, Building Regulations and structural calculations.
Architecture Portfolio
Our architecture portfolio includes residential extensions, conversions and new-build properties, alongside commercial projects. Here are some of our latest projects from across the Midlands:
- Barn Conversion & Hobby Farm Planning – Wigston Parva, BlabyBrett & Aimee Naylor got in touch to ask for help in getting a unique development idea through to planning… Read more: Barn Conversion & Hobby Farm Planning – Wigston Parva, Blaby
- Bungalow Extension & Windmill Planning – Stoke Golding, LeicestershireJulian and Lynn wanted us to design a side extension for their bungalow. We designed a large area split into… Read more: Bungalow Extension & Windmill Planning – Stoke Golding, Leicestershire
- New Build House Design & Planning – Sandiacre, DerbyshireThe Design Social worked on the redevelopment of a 1920s bungalow in Sandiacre, Derbyshire, developing the concept for a new… Read more: New Build House Design & Planning – Sandiacre, Derbyshire
- Joe North – Planning & Building Regs for Second Storey Extension – Long Lawford, RugbyJoe North was looking to get an extension to the first floor of his property, expanding the internal space over… Read more: Joe North – Planning & Building Regs for Second Storey Extension – Long Lawford, Rugby
- Matt Hall – Side Extension & Garage Conversion – Nuneaton, WarwickshireMatt Hall was looking to convert a space to the side of his property into a simple, single-storey side extension,… Read more: Matt Hall – Side Extension & Garage Conversion – Nuneaton, Warwickshire
- Garage Conversion & Extension in Markfield, LeicesterCharlotte Spencer and her partner Keian Poli were looking to renovate their existing bungalow in Markfield, Leicester, including converting and… Read more: Garage Conversion & Extension in Markfield, Leicester
- Rear Extension Planning & Building Regulations in Barwell, LeicesterRob Alger approached The Design Social for help with a large rear extension to his property in Barwell, Leicester. The… Read more: Rear Extension Planning & Building Regulations in Barwell, Leicester
- Planning Application for a Listed Property in Wall Heath, KingswinfordAnn Moran approached The Design Social for help with proposed alterations to her 300-year-old cottage in Wall Heath, Kingswinford. The… Read more: Planning Application for a Listed Property in Wall Heath, Kingswinford
- Loft Conversion & Rear Extension in Sapcote, LeicesterKasia Olejarczyk approached The Design Social to explore ways of creating more space within her semi-detached property in Sapcote, Leicester.… Read more: Loft Conversion & Rear Extension in Sapcote, Leicester
- Rear Extension Planning & Building Regulations in Bilton, RugbyJeremy Gibbs was looking to rework their ground floor space, both by renovating the existing spaces as well as by… Read more: Rear Extension Planning & Building Regulations in Bilton, Rugby
- Structural Calculations & Building Regulations for a Conversion in LeicesterMrs Lad approached The Design Social for help with reorganising the rear of her property in Leicester. The house had… Read more: Structural Calculations & Building Regulations for a Conversion in Leicester
- Loft Conversion & Rear Extension in Hinckley, LeicestershireBini Babu approached The Design Social for help with a loft conversion and rear extension to a property in Hinckley.… Read more: Loft Conversion & Rear Extension in Hinckley, Leicestershire
- Two-Storey Side Extension in Binley, CoventryAbraham was looking for a quote and design layout for a multi-storey side extension, so they came to us for… Read more: Two-Storey Side Extension in Binley, Coventry
- Structural Alterations & Building Regulations in Melton MowbrayWhen Hannah Webbe approached us with their project, we knew immediately it was an important job that would need fixing… Read more: Structural Alterations & Building Regulations in Melton Mowbray
- Two-Storey Rear Extension & Conservatory Conversion in BarwellJohn Thompson approached The Design Social with plans for substantial alterations to his property in Barwell. The proposals included a… Read more: Two-Storey Rear Extension & Conservatory Conversion in Barwell
What We Do In Architecture
Our experience in architectural design helps clients develop their initial ideas into practical proposals for their property or building project. We work through the design with you, considering how the space needs to work as well as the planning, structural and Building Regulations requirements that may apply.
Where a project requires planning permission, we can prepare the relevant drawings and information for the application and liaise with the local planning authority as it progresses. We also work with builders, contractors and other specialists where required, helping to coordinate the technical information needed as the project moves forward.
For projects progressing to the Building Regulations stage, we can develop the technical drawings and coordinate structural calculations and other information required for the application.
FAQs about Architectural Design
Not every project requires planning permission, as this depends on the type of work, the property and what is being proposed. We can help establish what may be required and, where a planning application is needed, prepare the drawings and information for submission to the local planning authority.
Planning permission considers the proposed development and how it affects the property and surrounding area. Building Regulations deal with the technical requirements of the work, including areas such as structure, safety, insulation and ventilation. A project may require one, both or neither depending on the work involved.
Yes. We can develop the initial architectural design and, where required, prepare the more detailed drawings and information needed as the project progresses through planning and Building Regulations.
Structural calculations may be needed where proposed work affects the structure of a building, such as creating new openings, removing load-bearing walls, extending a property or altering a roof as part of a loft conversion. We can coordinate the calculations alongside the architectural and Building Regulations drawings.
A Party Wall notice may be required where an extension involves work on or close to a boundary, or where a loft conversion involves work to a shared or party wall. This is separate from planning permission and Building Regulations, so obtaining those approvals does not remove any responsibilities that may apply under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. The Design Social can advise on Party Wall requirements as part of the wider project.
Our architectural work includes residential extensions, loft and garage conversions, alterations to existing properties and new builds, alongside commercial projects. We work across Leicestershire and the wider Midlands.
Architectural Services
- Architectural Design
- Planning Applications
- Party Wall Surveying
- Utility Surveys
Get in touch
We would be happy to have a conversation about your architectural project, from an extension, conversion or new build to a planning application, Building Regulations or structural calculations. Get in touch using the details below and tell us what you have in mind.














