(Service) Claygate
Architectural design in Claygate
Architectural design in Claygate often means adding space without losing what makes the house special. Our ARB-registered architect, Ioanna, surveys the house, explores options with you, and prepares planning, structural and building regulations drawings for extensions, lofts and internal reconfigurations. In the conservation areas, she designs extensions that suit the original materials and roof forms. Working with our interior designer and project manager, she plans the new space around the rooms you actually want. The process starts with a measured survey and a check of the conservation area and planning history. We then develop options with you, agree a preferred scheme, and prepare the drawings for planning or a lawful development certificate, plus structural and building regulations information. We can also advise when a remodel inside the existing footprint would serve you better than adding space.
Local homes
Homes in Claygate
The Foley Estate's large roofs and decorative elevations need extensions that are subordinate and well detailed, usually to the rear. Village cottages can be small and low, so a well-placed single-storey addition can transform them. Later family houses often suit a straightforward kitchen extension or loft conversion. Matching brick, tile hanging and roof tiles can take time to source, so we specify them early. In the conservation areas, rear roof lights are often an easier route to a brighter loft than a dormer.
Local knowledge
Planning and local notes
Claygate is in Elmbridge and has two conservation areas: Claygate Village and the Claygate Foley Estate. In those areas, changes to roofs, windows, boundaries and front elevations are more closely controlled, and detail such as tile hanging and timber framing matters. Outside them, many rear extensions and lofts may fall under permitted development, depending on what has already been built. We check the position for your house first.
Scope
What's included
- Measured survey and existing drawings
- Layout reconfigurations
- Rear extensions and side returns
- Changes to front elevations
- Loft and roof alterations
- Planning application drawings
- Building regulations and technical drawings
- Structural plans, with our structural engineer
FAQs
Questions we're asked
Can I build a loft conversion in the Claygate conservation areas?
Sometimes, but dormers and roof changes visible from the street are tightly controlled. Rear roof lights or a carefully designed rear dormer are more likely to be approved. We advise case by case.
Will my extension need to match the existing house?
It needs to respect it. That might mean matching brick and tiles, or a clearly modern addition that is well proportioned. We discuss both approaches with you.
Do I need an architect for an extension?
For work that changes your home's layout, adds an extension or alters the front elevation, you need drawings: for the planning application, for building regulations, and for a builder to price and build from. That's what this service is. Our lead architect, Ioanna, is ARB-registered and has worked on UK homes since 2006.
Do I need planning permission for a rear extension?
It depends on the size of the extension, whether the house is in a conservation area, and whether permitted development rights still apply. Private estate covenants can add a separate layer on top. We check the planning position alongside the deeds and any estate requirements before we draw anything.
Enquire
Tell us about your home
A few details and Mariliz will be in touch to arrange a first conversation.
Let's talk about your home
Tell us what you'd like to change. Mariliz will arrange a first conversation, at your home or on a call.