When Do You Need an Architect

While hiring an architect firm isn’t a legal requirement for renovations or extension works, there’s a reason why many homeowners and businesses hire the services of one. A qualified architect can have a significant impact on the project; in some cases, they can make the impossible possible. So what are those kinds of projects where a good architect can practically pay for themselves?

What Does an Architect Do?

The main role of an architect is to design a building, whether a home extension or a brand new university building, that is in line with planning and building regulations. But architects can do so much more, including:

• Project feasibility – Survey sites and properties to determine the potential for development.
• Coordination – We can oversee specialist designers, surveys, contractors, and inspectors to support the delivery of the project.
• Local authority applications – An architect can manage your building control, planning permission, and listed building consent, improving your chances of approval.
• Accessibility design and wayfinding – An accessibility architect can advise you on how to change a space to be more accommodating or traversible.
• Client Advisory Services – Whether you are undertaking a self-build project or procuring works through a multi-million pound design-and-build contract, independent professional advice can provide valuable oversight and reassurance throughout the development process. We offer client-side support, helping you navigate key decisions, manage risks, and maintain project objectives from inception to completion.
• Principal Designer Services – The Building Safety Act 2022 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 place significant legal duties on clients, designers, and contractors throughout the lifecycle of a project. JDP can act as both Principal Designer and Designer, delivering the expertise needed to manage these responsibilities and coordinate compliance across the wider project team. We also advise clients on their statutory obligations and support all duty holders in meeting legislative requirements, helping to ensure a safe, compliant, and well-managed project from inception through to completion

Upstairs at our Bridgnorth office.

How Much Does it Cost for an Architect to Draw Plans?

Every project brings its own scale, complexities, challenges and required involvement. This makes pricing a project without proper investigation difficult. At Johnson Design Partnership Ltd our Shropshire architects prefer to meet with you and explore your ideas in more detail before providing a quote.

Contact us today to learn more

Can You Do Your Own Architect Drawings?

For simple improvements or home extensions, some homeowners choose to prepare and submit their own drawings. In certain cases, these may be sufficient for planning applications or building control submissions.

However, as projects become more complex, professional architectural input can add significant value, not only by providing peace of mind, but also by enhancing the property’s long-term value. Extensions, renovations, and new-build projects often involve planning policy considerations, building regulations, structural requirements, site constraints, and coordination with specialist consultants. Professionally prepared drawings help ensure proposals are accurately represented, compliant with relevant regulations, and clearly communicated to local authorities and contractors.

At Johnson Design Partnership, we guide clients through every stage of the design and approval process, producing detailed drawings and tailored design solutions that maximise the potential of each project while reducing the risk of delays, revisions, or unforeseen issues during construction.

Is it Worth Getting an Architect for a Renovation?

For both residential and commercial renovation projects, appointing an architect can provide value well beyond the production of drawings. Renovations often involve balancing existing building constraints with new requirements, while navigating listed buildings, planning policy, building regulations, technical design considerations and project budgets.

Beyond technical compliance, our Shropshire architects can often identify opportunities that may not be immediately apparent to an untrained eye. Through careful consideration of layout, natural light, circulation, proportions, views, and the relationship between existing and proposed spaces, a well-designed scheme can significantly improve how a property functions and feels. Our architectural team helps clients maximise the potential of their property by identifying opportunities to enhance functionality, appearance, sustainability, and long-term value. Through thoughtful design development and early problem-solving, potential challenges can often be resolved before they impact the project programme or construction costs. These considered design decisions can unlock additional usable space, strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor areas, improve energy performance, and create a more cohesive and attractive home, adding value that extends far beyond the additional square footage alone.

At Johnson Design Partnership, we work with homeowners, businesses, developers, and property owners to deliver renovation projects that respond to the unique characteristics of each building while meeting the client’s objectives. From initial feasibility studies through to technical design and construction support, we provide the expertise needed to help projects progress efficiently and achieve successful outcomes.

Speak to our team today