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.
Residential Architectural Design
Most of our architectural work is for homeowners who want more space, or a layout that works better, from the house they already have. That ranges from single-storey rear extensions and loft conversions to garage conversions, reworked ground floors and, occasionally, a replacement home. Commercial projects, including conversions and change-of-use applications, are taken on too.
Leicester
Rear space conversion
Earlier extensions brought together into one connected layout, with structural steelwork and Building Regulations approval. Photographed after completion.
Blaby
Two-storey side and rear extension
A two-storey side extension combined with a single-storey rear extension, developed from a survey and 3D model of the house.
Thurmaston
Garage conversion
A garage converted into living space, designed with structural calculations and a new pitched roof to replace the flat roof at the front.
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, Blaby
Brett & 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.
Our Architectural Services
House Extensions & Conversions
Rear, side and wraparound extensions, loft and garage conversions, and reworked layouts, from the first design to approved drawings.
Planning Applications
Householder and full planning applications, and applications under permitted development, prepared and followed through with the council.
Building Regulations
Technical drawings, specifications and a schedule of works for the Building Regulations application, with liaison with building control.
Structural Calculations
Calculations for new openings, steel beams, loft floors and extensions, coordinated alongside the Building Regulations drawings.
How a Project Usually Runs
Every project is different, and not every project needs every stage: whether planning permission, Building Regulations approval or structural calculations apply depends on the work involved. Most projects follow a similar sequence.
01
Initial discussion
What you want from the space, how the house is used now and anything already known about it, such as earlier extensions.
02
Survey
A measured survey records the existing property, giving accurate drawings to design from.
03
Design
We develop the layout and appearance, often with a 3D model, so you can see the proposal before anything is submitted.
04
Planning
We establish whether the work needs planning permission or can go ahead under permitted development, then prepare the drawings and deal with the council.
05
Building Regulations
Planning drawings show what the building will look like; Building Regulations drawings show how it will be built. We prepare these and coordinate structural calculations where needed.
06
Quotes and construction
Technical drawings and a schedule of works help builders price the same work. The work itself is carried out by your builder.
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.
It depends on the property, the work involved and whether the project needs planning drawings only or Building Regulations drawings and structural calculations as well. Our Pricing page gives typical fees for the main application types, and we can confirm a quote once we know more about the project.
Architectural Design Across the Midlands
Get in Touch
If you’re planning an extension, conversion or alterations anywhere in Leicestershire or the Midlands, send us the address and a short description of what you have in mind. We’ll arrange a time to talk through the project and the approvals it’s likely to need. Typical fees are on our pricing page.