Designing your Home
Who can design my house?
Traditionally, architects design houses. Local practices specific to your needs and budget can be found through the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Fees aren't fixed, but range from between 7-10% of your build budget for a new house, though expect to pay more for smaller projects, such as extensions. One-off fees can also be negotiated.
An alternative is an architectural technologist, whose expertise leans more to the practical aspects of design. Find one through the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.
Other options are chartered surveyors or, if the design you have in mind is relatively simple and conventional, a local draughtsman, perhaps allied to a contractor you plan to employ.
Design and build package companies usually offer a range of standard house designs, which will be adapted to your particular plot and requirements by an in-house designer or design department.
Your designer will prepare a full set of plans and scale drawings to be submitted to the local authority responsible for your plot.
Often, though not always, the designer will obtain the various planning consents.
Read our guide How to Get Planning Permission