Recommendations for In-expensive Architect or Alternative? Post Reply

[3BoysinBalham]

Hi nappyvalley,

My husband and I are in the middle of buying a house in balham that needs full renovation - in particular we want to do a kitchen side return and loft conversion. We're looking for recommendations of local architects, who dont cost the earth and have a good understanding of wandsworth planning laws.

We have a pretty clear idea of what we want so if there is a cheaper alternative to an architect too then please let me have any recommendations!

Thanks in advance

Emily

[becs.3]

Hi Emily,

We have just been through planning for a double mansard loft conversion. We have used an independent guy who came recommended. He's been super thorough, very accommodating and most of all patient. He has both listened to our suggestions whilst making sensible ones of his own and has experience with other properties in the area (Balham/ Mitcham/ Tooting). I’ve recommended on here before and believe a few have used him and have found him to be more reasonable than most - his email signature below.

Good luck with your project!

Michael Langley BSc, Pg.Dip
Director

e m.langley@mla-architecture.co.uk
w www.mla-architecture.co.uk
m 07952 940184
t 01234 262462

MLA Architecture Ltd

[Sstars84]

Hi Emily,

We recently completed a similar project in Tooting Bec and used the Brixton based architects Model Projects. https://www.modelprojects.co.uk

The team there came up with a great design and had set prices for the various stages of the project - of which there was a lot of optionality based on how involved you want them to be. For us they did the planning application and ran part of the build for us. Overall we were really impressed. Good luck, I hope it goes well.

-Samantha

[3BoysinBalham]

Thanks Both - I have contacted both your recommendations.

[CosimaAliceLouise]

Hi Emily,

My husband is a very experienced Architect, who has just started his own practise Lewis Stroud Architects with a partner. As they have only recently launched, they are able to provide a very competitive package.

Lewis Stroud Architects are based in Balham and offer a full service from concept design and planning through to appointing a contractor and over seeing the project on site. They are RIBA chartered and have a portfolio of well designed, completed projects which they can share with you, if interested.

Below are their details:

Lewis Stroud Architects

Christopher Sempill-Lewis
chris@lewisstroud.com
07809765434

Hope that helps!

Cosima x

[Annbir]

Hi Emily,
How exciting!
We did a rear extension and loft conversion in Balham last year and used Decimus design www.decimusdesign.co.uk after a recommendation from a colleague and were happy. They were good at staying on the builder’s back (which unfortunately seems to be necessary) and worked with our ideas.
Good luck!

[SophieCS]

Hi Emily,

Another biased recommendation I'm afraid , but my husband Christophe Spiers has done lots of work in Balham and is very familiar with Wandsworth planning laws. His firm is Thomas & Spiers Architects.

Here’s some examples of their work:

http://www.thomasandspiers.com/projects ... se-balham/
http://www.thomasandspiers.com/projects ... r-clapham/
http://www.thomasandspiers.com/projects ... rick-wall/

Hope this is helpful.

Sophie

[Hickmanz]

Hi Emily,

I can highly recommend Studio Werc, they are a small local company and have done an amazing job with many of my friends/ their friends houses. 10 out of 10! They are very efficient when coming back to you with quotes and meeting dates.

http://www.studiowerc.com/

[LWade]

Hi Emily

My houses in Tooting have all had refurbishments, side returns and loft extensions as I buy them to then subsequently rent them out.

I have completed over 15 projects like this and have used Aarx design who are the company that my builders use. I have to be quite budget conscious and they have always been very good on price. The build team have also recently recommended fastplansuk. I’m afraid I haven’t got their contact details but you could call Clive - my build manager and they can pass them to you. His number is 07966 476862. My building contractors are fab and they can also suggest party wall companies if you are going to need them. They may be able to give you a rough guide price too so that you get a ball park figure on costs.

It’s importamt that you get the plans and also structural calculations included in your price.
Hope that all helps.

[AVC]

Hi,
I am the owner and director of a small architecture and interior design practice. My business; Studio AVC is currently based in my home studio in Tooting and in our office space in Blackfriars. I do residential work similar to yours and would be happy to help you if you like.

I would be more than happy to meet you or talk over the phone when you are available.

Best,

Ayça Vural-Cutts
Director

StudioAVC
T +44 (0) 20 8767 3663
E info@studioavc.com
www.studioavc.com

[mikaelp87]

Hi Emily,

We have previously used PedersenSmith Architect to great success on several occasions . They are a young and innovative practice with a biased style towards a modern Scandinavian style based in Putney with works in Wimbledon, Battersea and Balham.

Very affordable on both occasions.

Www.pedersensmith.com

[Gabriela Celi]

Hi!

I'd highly recommend Linear London. They are in Balham, they are really great! helpful, explain me everything, they have a lot of patience and a large range of materials so it's easy to find what you're looking for.
Here you have their telephone number 0208 675 3605. I hope this helps.
Have a nice day

[mileybebe]

I would personally recommend Armstrong Simmonds Architects (www.as-architects.co.uk) in Clapham London. Tonnes of experience not just with design & drawing up plans but liasing with the council and building control afterwards. Basically, the service and communication was 10 out of 10 from start to finish...no pressure on my part as they dealt with it all! Professionals with experience and aftercare. 10 out of 10!