Extensions, loft conversions and garage conversions. It starts with a free home visit.
Across Maidenhead, Reading, Wokingham, Windsor and High Wycombe.
- Free 30-minute visit, in person
- Fixed-price quote for your project
- Planning guarantee
Booking opens my calendar, so you can pick the day and time that suits you.
What are you planning?
Pick one to see the usual route and what I check on the visit.
Usual route
Many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development. Larger or two-storey schemes need a householder planning application.
What I check on the visit
The original rear wall, distance to each boundary, ground levels, drain runs and the neighbours’ windows.
What you receive
A 3D model and rendered images, planning or lawful development drawings, then Building Regulations drawings.
- 30 years
- designing homes
- Almost 2,000
- residential projects in the last 15 years
- 1 week
- to your first draft
- Unlimited
- revisions up to planning submission
You can’t assess a house from a Zoom call
That’s why every project starts with a free 30-minute visit to your home from me, Carl Collins, in person.
I look at your boundaries, levels, drainage and neighbouring properties, talk through the planning constraints on your site, and tell you what is realistic before you commit to anything.
Book a free home visit- BoundariesHow close you can build, and what that means for the size of the extension.
- LevelsSteps and slopes between the house and garden that change the design and the cost.
- DrainageWhere the drains run and whether the new work sits over them.
- NeighboursWindows and gardens next door that planners will take into account.
- PlanningWhether permitted development applies or a planning application is needed.
The visit matters for permitted development too
Permitted development is not automatic. Whether your project qualifies depends on facts that can only be confirmed at the house, so I visit before drawing anything, including for a Lawful Development Certificate.
- Limits are measured from the original house. Earlier extensions and roof additions use up your allowance.
- Height limits tighten near a boundary. They are measured from the ground level beside the building, so slopes matter.
- Some homes have restricted rights. A planning condition, an Article 4 direction or a conservation area can limit what is allowed.
- A drawing that is slightly out is not lawful. Getting the measurements right on site means the council can confirm it first time.
What you get
A planning guarantee
If planning is refused, I redraft and resubmit at no extra fee, or refund 50% of my fee.
A fixed price with unlimited revisions
Unlimited revisions up to planning submission, where many firms stop at three.
Your design in 3D
Every project is modelled in 3D, with photo-real rendered images so you can see your design before it is built.
Flexible ways to pay
All major cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted at no extra cost. Klarna available.
Help finding a builder
I can introduce you to suitable builders from my extensive network of local contractors, so you are not left searching on your own.
How this compares
The speed of a national digital firm, with the designer at your door.
| Residential Architecture | A typical online design firm | |
|---|---|---|
| First meeting | At your home, in person, with the designer, Carl | A phone or video call |
| Who draws it | Carl, on every project | Frequently passed to junior drafters |
| Revisions before planning | Unlimited | Frequently capped at three |
| If planning is refused | Free redraft and resubmission, or a 50% refund | Frequently additional fees to continue |
| Finding a builder | Free introductions to local contractors | Frequently a charge for the tender process |
How a project runs
Planning drawings, permitted development and Building Regulations, from first sketch to builder-ready pack.
- Free home visitThirty minutes at your home to look at the site and talk through what you want.
- Fixed-price quoteOne price for the drawings, agreed before any work starts.
- First draft in 1 weekDetailed floor plans and elevations, with a 3D model and rendered images of your design.
- RevisionsAs many rounds as it takes before the planning submission.
- Planning and Building RegulationsI submit the application, then prepare the builder-ready technical drawings.
3D renders
Every project is modelled in 3D, with photo-real rendered images, so you can see your design before it is built.
One designer, start to finish
Residential Architecture is a Maidenhead-based practice led by Principal Architectural Designer Carl Collins BSc (Hons).
Unlike high-volume “design factories” where projects are often passed to junior drafters, every project is personally led by Carl. No juniors, no outsourcing.
- Experience
- 30 years in practice
- Projects
- Almost 2,000 residential extensions and loft conversions in the last 15 years
- Background
- Former Resi Senior Designer & Project Lead
- Education
- First Class Honours degree in Architecture
- Planning
- Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Greater London and the wider Home Counties
Questions people ask
Is the home visit really free?
Yes. It is 30 minutes at your home with me, and there is no obligation to go ahead afterwards.
Do I still need a visit if my project is permitted development?
Yes. Permitted development limits are measured from the original house, the boundary and the ground levels, and earlier extensions use up your allowance. Those can only be confirmed on site.
Do I need planning permission?
It depends on the house and the design. Many single-storey rear extensions, loft conversions and garage conversions can be done under permitted development. I will tell you which route applies at the visit.
How much do the drawings cost?
You get one fixed price after the visit, before any work starts. It includes unlimited revisions up to planning submission.
How do I pay?
A 50% deposit when you instruct me, and the balance with your first draft. You can pay online by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, or by bank transfer. Klarna available.
What happens if planning is refused?
I redraft and resubmit at no extra fee, or refund 50% of my fee.
Can you help me find a builder?
Yes. I can introduce you to suitable builders from my network of local contractors.
Areas covered
- Maidenhead
- Bray and Cookham
- Windsor and Eton
- Ascot
- Marlow
- Bourne End
- Reading
- Caversham
- Woodley
- Earley
- Tilehurst
- Twyford and Wargrave
- Henley-on-Thames
- Pangbourne and Goring
- Wokingham
- Winnersh
- Bracknell
- Crowthorne
- Sandhurst and Yateley
- High Wycombe
- Beaconsfield
- Gerrards Cross
Book your free home visit
Pick a time online and I will come to you. Or message me on WhatsApp or email with your address and a line about what you would like to build.