HRA Architects

Lots! Training to become an architect actually takes longer than it does to become a doctor. Architecture is both an art and a science – combining creative design with technical precision to turn ideas into safe, functional, and inspiring spaces.

If you’re planning to extend, renovate, or build a new home, it makes sense to speak with an architect before you begin. At HRA Architects, we specialise in residential architecture – helping homeowners design beautiful, practical, and efficient living spaces that enhance everyday life.

Our work goes far beyond producing drawings. In fact, only around 15% of what we do involves initial concept design. The rest is guiding clients through every step of the process – from securing planning permission and listed building consent to managing building control approvals and technical documentation.

For larger home projects, we stay involved from concept to completion. That includes preparing detailed tender and construction drawings, helping you select the right builder, and overseeing the construction to make sure the end result meets your expectations.

Whether you’re planning a contemporary extension, a sensitive period renovation, or a complete new-build home, HRA Architects bring creativity, experience, and attention to detail to every project. Our focus is on sustainable, thoughtful design that adds long-term value – without breaking the budget.

We can help whatever the size of the project.

We regularly help homeowners with smaller residential projects; even if your plans are modest – a kitchen extension, internal reconfiguration, or early feasibility study – we can provide valuable guidance on design direction, layout, and how to get the most out of your space.

A full architectural service is generally suitable for projects with a budget of £50,000 upwards. At this scale, our role covers everything from concept design and planning to detailed drawings, tendering, and construction oversight.

Whatever the project, our goal is always to help you maximise your home’s potential through smart, creative, and achievable design solutions.

The cost of any building project can vary enormously, but this is something we’ll work through with you from the very start. Factors such as complexity, scope, site conditions, and level of finish all influence the budget. During your initial consultation, we’ll give you a realistic indication of what you should be budgeting for your build.

In the South of England, including Surrey, clients can typically expect a finished build to cost between £2,500 and £3,500 per square metre.

When it comes to architectural fees, our services are usually divided into three key phases:

1. Feasibility and Concept Design – exploring ideas and preparing for a planning application
2. Detailed Drawings – producing tender and construction packages for your builder
3. Construction Oversight – managing the process on-site to ensure quality and compliance

We’ll provide a clear, upfront fee proposal for Phase 1 at the outset. Once we have cleared planning we will be able to provide an accurate fee for the remaining phases. We can always give a ballpark indication for the overall project but the outcome of planning often impacts the necessary work. However, we promise clarity throughout with no hidden extras and no scope creep.

Whatever your budget or project size, HRA Architects will help you create the best possible home your money can deliver – combining intelligent design, practical experience, and cost-effective solutions tailored to you.

The planning system can seem confusing and one of the questions we’re asked most often is: Do I need planning permission for my home extension?

In some cases, the answer is no. There are certain improvements you can make without without any interaction with the planning department and some that you can undertake without submitting a full planning application. These fall under what’s known as Permitted Development Rights, as set out in the Town and Country Planning Act.

However, even if your building works qualify as permitted development, it’s still sensible to apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness – especially if you plan to sell your home later, as it proves your work was legally approved.

For more information on what can and can’t be done under permitted development, visit the Planning Portal.

If your proposed works go beyond what’s allowed under permitted development, you’ll need to apply for full planning permission. We can guide you through every step of the application process.

We will typically manage the planning application process on your behalf. While it’s still possible to submit applications by post, almost all are now made online through the National Planning Portal, which we strongly recommend as the most efficient and transparent route.

Once your application is submitted, the local planning authority will review it to ensure all required information and drawings are included. When everything is in order, your application will be validated – a step that usually takes 1–2 weeks (but can vary from council to council).

From the date of validation, councils generally have a target of 8 weeks to issue a decision for standard householder applications. However, depending on workload and the complexity of your project, this period can sometimes extend beyond that timeframe.

By handling the process from start to finish, we help ensure your application moves as smoothly as possible through each stage, reducing delays and giving you the best chance of a successful outcome.

Yes, development in the Green Belt or an AONB is possible – but it can be more challenging. These areas are subject to strict planning controls designed to protect their landscape and prevent urban sprawl.

The Green Belt was established to limit urban expansion and preserve open land around major cities, particularly London. Many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) fall within or near Green Belt land. AONBs are nationally protected landscapes recognised for their distinctive character and natural beauty.

While development rights are restricted, projects can still go ahead with the right design approach and planning strategy. Success usually depends on:

• High-quality, sensitive architectural design
• Respecting local planning policies and landscape character
• Strong justification showing how the proposal conserves and enhances the area

Every site within a Green Belt or AONB is unique, and each proposal must be individually assessed. Our team specialises in navigating complex planning applications in sensitive locations. We’ll work closely with you and any planning consultant you may employ to create a design that meets your vision while satisfying planning requirements.

Improving your home’s energy efficiency not only reduces your carbon footprint but also cuts running costs and increases comfort. While all new homes and extensions must meet minimum energy efficiency standards, there’s a lot more you can do to go beyond compliance and make your property genuinely sustainable.

At the design stage, we take a ‘Fabric First’ approach – meaning we address the performance of the building itself before we even get to renewable technologies. Things we look at include:

• High-quality insulation and airtightness
• Energy-efficient windows and doors
• Optimal orientation and shading to reduce heat loss and gain

Once the building itself performs well, we can explore renewable energy systems such as solar panels, air-source or ground-source heat pumps, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). These can be incorporated discreetly without compromising your home’s appearance.

Wherever possible, we work to Passivhaus and EnerPHit principles, ensuring your home uses minimal energy while maintaining excellent indoor comfort. Each project is unique, so we’ll discuss the most effective and sustainable solutions for your specific property and budget.

Building Regulations are the national standards that ensure all construction work in the UK is safe, efficient, and fit for purpose. They set out the legal requirements for how buildings should be designed and constructed to meet minimum standards for safety, health, and energy performance.

Building Regulations cover every aspect of construction, including things like:

• Structural integrity and stability
• Fire safety and means of escape
• Accessibility and inclusive design
• Energy efficiency and insulation
• Electrical and gas safety
• Acoustic performance
• Drainage and ventilation
• Protection against damp, water ingress, methane, and radon gas

To demonstrate compliance, you’ll need a Building Regulations Completion Certificate, which confirms that your project meets the required standards. This certificate can be issued by either your local authority’s Building Control department or an Approved Inspector. Both will carry out site inspections during construction, reviewing plans and on-site work before issuing final certification.

Our team can help you prepare and submit the required documentation, liaise with Building Control, and ensure your project achieves full compliance without delays.

Predominately across London, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and the South of England. We will happily travel further afield for the right project.