Drawing Up Plans.

This might be a bit dry, but I’ve been thinking about how best to divide up my services for the online shop I mentioned last week. RIBA work stages are a pretty standard framework in architecture, and breaking down my offerings to fit these stages seems logical.

The value of design and architectural consultancy is a tricky one. I get a reasonably regular call that goes something like this:

“Hi, I want to extend my house. How much do you charge to draw up some plans?”
“What sort of house and extension are you thinking of?” I ask, resisting the “How long is a piece of string?” response.
“It’s a terrace house, and I’d like to extend on the back about three metres.”
“Just on the ground floor?”
“Yes.”

I then briefly explain my process and services, including measured surveys, design options, permitted development, and building regulations applications.

“…and for this I charge £2500.”

Questions about whether it includes the council’s fees are usually asked. And that’s the end of it. I don’t think I’ve ever heard back from one of these enquiries. It’s not surprising it’s a short conversation. Who’d commit to spending that kind of money based on a five-minute call? Projects I win involve putting in some time, on both sides, upfront.

In most cases, there is much more to it than just needing ‘plans’. There is design and drawings, but there is also risk management and compliance—things people don’t always see or value upfront.

The online shop is a chance to package these services more clearly. I’ll offer different levels of service, from simple concept sketches to complete technical design and site inspections, and clients can pick what they need.

Some people know they want an extension or open-plan kitchen, but they often don’t realise how much detail goes into ensuring it all works—legally, structurally, and aesthetically. Others want to bypass the design process and go straight to a builder. And that’s fine, but design and planning are there for a reason. After all, for many homeowners, their house is their most significant financial asset. It’s worth getting it right.

Getting it right involves managing risk and assurance, ensuring that what is built is safe, functional, and compliant with all the necessary regulations. I’ll structure the shop around RIBA’s work stages, which guide a project from concept to construction, breaking the process into manageable chunks.

Stage 1 gathers information—measured surveys, client briefs, and basic sketches to outline the project’s direction. Stage 2 moves to concept design, where ideas are refined and spatial arrangements are developed. By Stage 3, we’ve got a solid design to submit for planning consent. Once planning is sorted, Stage 4 gets into the technical details, working with structural engineers and contractors to finalise everything for construction.

At the end, there’s Stage 5, when the builders come in. My role then is to inspect the work, answer questions, and ensure everything goes according to plan from start to finish.

The online shop is my attempt to offer more clarity and options for those looking to improve their homes. Whether it’s a full project or just some tweaks, it aims to keep it all simple and transparent.

And who knows, it might cut down on the ‘How much for some plans?’ calls. But, what it won’t do is replace an initial meeting with a potential client, where I listen and start to advise what’s needed to bring dreams and plans to reality. Which, in a way, is where a brick-and-mortar shop would be nice. Maybe one day.

This week’s web links include expensive bread, crumpets, bed nooks and advice on life from a 96-year-old.

You will always find me at carl@carlarchitect.co.uk

​All the best

This Week’s Links:

The Most Expensive Breads In The World and Where To Find Them.

Although I’m a fan of the new ‘thin’ crumpets, you can’t beat these specialist crumpets.

Or maybe you can beat them if you make them yourself.

A nice little film: Life Advice from a 96-year-old. (12 mins long)

‘Gut-Healing’ Probiotic Supplements Are Everywhere Right Now. Here’s What the Science Says

Why box beds and bed nooks are the most efficient (and charming) solution for a small bedroom.

An article I wrote earlier in the year about risk management and assurance. It’s probably good if you can’t sleep.

Main Image credit: Drawing up plans to build a shop – virtual could lead to physical. (DALL-E)