Concept Design: Bringing Ideas to Life
Transform your brief into compelling design concepts. Explore options, refine solutions, and establish a design that balances your needs with planning requirements.
Design Development
6 key areas to cover
💡 Stage 2 typically takes 4-6 weeks for concept development
Your Design Development Roadmap
Four critical steps to develop concepts that work functionally, planning-wise, and financially.
Review Initial Design Concepts
Evaluate your architect's initial proposals against your brief
Action:
Request 3-4 different concept options. Compare layouts, massing, and relationship to existing house.
💡 Don't settle for the first option - good architects provide alternatives
Select and Develop Preferred Concept
Choose the best concept and develop it further
Action:
Pick your preferred approach and ask for developed floor plans, elevations, and 3D visuals.
💡 Focus on how spaces feel and function, not just how they look
Determine Planning Strategy
Establish if you need planning permission or fall under PD
Action:
Review design against permitted development rules. Plan pre-application if needed.
💡 Pre-application advice costs £200-500 but can save months of delays
Start Neighbor Conversations
Begin informal discussions about your proposals
Action:
Show neighbors your concepts. Address concerns early before planning submission.
💡 Neighbor objections are the #1 cause of planning delays in London
Skip the Guesswork. Get Expert Design.
Our experienced architects specialize in London extensions. We'll develop multiple concepts, navigate planning requirements, and create designs that maximize value and planning success.
Our Track Record
How to Evaluate Design Concepts
Use these criteria to assess which design concept best meets your needs and has the highest chance of success.
Functional Requirements
- Does it meet your spatial requirements?
- Are room sizes adequate for intended use?
- Is the layout logical and efficient?
- Does it improve circulation through the house?
Planning Viability
- Does it comply with permitted development rules?
- Is the scale appropriate for the area?
- Does it respect neighbor privacy?
- Will it pass planning policy tests?
Construction Feasibility
- Can it be built within your budget?
- Are there any technical challenges?
- Is construction access feasible?
- Does it work with existing structure?
Value and Future-Proofing
- Will it add appropriate value to your home?
- Is it designed for changing family needs?
- Does it enhance the existing architecture?
- Is it energy efficient and sustainable?
The 80% Rule
No design will tick every box perfectly. A good concept should meet 80% of your requirements excellently, with acceptable compromises on the remaining 20%. Perfect is the enemy of good in extension design.
Why Design Quality Actually Matters
Good design isn't just about aesthetics - it directly impacts your project's success, value, and approval chances.
Good Design Maximizes Value
Well-designed extensions add 15-25% more value than basic functional additions.
Real impact: A £80k extension with good design adds £120k value vs. £95k for basic design.
Design Quality Affects Planning Success
High-quality, contextual design significantly improves planning approval chances.
Real impact: Well-designed proposals have 85% approval rates vs. 45% for poor design.
Concept Stage Sets Everything
Fundamental design decisions made now affect every subsequent stage.
Real impact: Major concept changes after this stage typically cost £8,000-£15,000 in fees.
Future-Proofing Saves Money
Considering future needs now prevents expensive alterations later.
Real impact: Adding features later costs 3-5x more than including them in original design.
The Design Investment
Spending an extra £2,000-3,000 on quality design typically returns £10,000-15,000 in added value and avoided problems. Good design pays for itself many times over.
The Design Development Process
Understanding what to expect during Stage 2 helps you engage effectively with your architect.
Initial Concepts
2-3 weeks
Your architect explores different approaches to meeting your brief
Key Deliverables:
Concept Development
2-3 weeks
Selected concept is developed with more detail and clarity
Key Deliverables:
Concept Finalization
1-2 weeks
Final refinements based on feedback and technical review
Key Deliverables:
London-Specific Design Considerations
Unique design challenges and requirements for London extension projects.
Architectural Character
Respecting the local architectural context
💡 Research approved extensions nearby - planning officers value contextual design
Key Considerations:
- Victorian/Edwardian terraces: Consider proportions, materials, detailing
- Conservation areas: Additional design constraints may apply
- Post-war estates: Modern interpretations may be more appropriate
- Listed buildings: Heritage-sensitive approach required
Privacy and Overlooking
Critical issues in dense London neighborhoods
💡 Visit the site at different times to understand overlooking impacts
Key Considerations:
- Window placement to avoid direct overlooking
- Height restrictions to protect neighbor privacy
- Screening measures (landscaping, obscure glazing)
- 21m rule for habitable room windows
Daylight and Sunlight
Ensuring adequate light while respecting neighbors
💡 Some boroughs require daylight/sunlight assessments for larger extensions
Key Considerations:
- BRE guidelines for daylight and sunlight
- Impact on existing windows and gardens
- Seasonal variations in sun angles
- Light wells and roof lights to maximize internal light
Sustainable Design
Meeting London Plan sustainability requirements
💡 London Plan requires extensions to improve overall home energy performance
Key Considerations:
- Energy efficiency improvements to existing house
- Renewable energy opportunities (solar, heat pumps)
- Water efficiency measures
- Sustainable materials and construction methods
Ready for Stage 3?
With your concept design finalized, it's time to develop detailed drawings and prepare for planning submission.
Next: Stage 3 - Spatial Coordination