Architecture London – Residential & Commercial Design with Technical Delivery

Yes. Under the Building Safety Act 2022 dutyholder framework, clients must ensure a competent designer is appointed to manage compliance with Building Regulations during the design stage.

For domestic projects in London, this means someone must take responsibility for coordinating the technical design before and during construction. Simply relying on a builder to “work it out on site” does not satisfy the dutyholder requirements.

When formally appointed, we plan, manage and monitor compliance throughout design and construction in accordance with the legislation.

In London, rear extensions frequently require planning permission, particularly where properties are flats, maisonettes, listed buildings or located within conservation areas. Permitted Development rights generally apply only to single dwelling houses and are often restricted in dense urban settings.

Even where Permitted Development rights do apply, strict size limits, height restrictions and neighbour impact criteria must be met. Larger rear extensions may require prior approval, and borough planning policies can vary significantly across London.

As part of our architecture London service, we review the planning status of your property, confirm whether Permitted Development rights are available and advise on the most appropriate route before progressing drawings. Where planning permission is required, we prepare and manage the full application process to ensure proposals are policy-compliant and professionally presented.

Regardless of the planning route, Building Regulations approval will still be required before construction begins.

Yes. We prepare full Building Regulations drawings in London following planning approval.

These include detailed construction information covering structure, insulation, fire safety, drainage, and compliance with current Building Regulations. This ensures your house extension or loft conversion is technically resolved before work begins.

Yes. For most home extensions, renovations and new builds in London, properly prepared planning drawings and detailed Building Regulations information should be in place before construction pricing begins.

Under the Building Safety Act 2022 dutyholder regime, domestic clients must appoint a competent Principal Designer to plan, manage and monitor Building Regulations compliance. Without coordinated technical design and formal compliance oversight, cost uncertainty and avoidable variations are far more likely during construction.

At Carter Designs, we prepare detailed planning drawings and Building Regulations packages in London and, when formally appointed, act as Principal Designer — planning, managing and monitoring compliance throughout design and construction.

Yes. We can act as Contract Administrator under a JCT contract for residential and commercial projects across London.

Acting as Contract Administrator means we manage the construction phase in accordance with the terms of the building contract. This includes administering payments, issuing instructions, assessing variations, reviewing progress, monitoring quality and helping to ensure the contractor delivers the works in line with the approved drawings and specification.

For many London projects, particularly extensions, refurbishments and commercial conversions, appointing a Contract Administrator provides structure and clarity during construction. It reduces ambiguity, supports fair valuation of works and helps prevent informal cost increases that can arise where no formal contract administration is in place.

As part of our architecture London service, we can provide full contract administration or a defined level of site involvement, depending on the complexity and value of the project.