Finding the right architect can make or break your project. Get it wrong and you’re looking at budget overruns, planning rejections, and months of frustration. Get it right and you’ll have a trusted partner who transforms your vision into reality.
Having worked with homeowners across London and Surrey for many years, the same questions come up time and again: How do I know if an architect is any good? What should I be looking for? And what are the red flags?
This guide covers everything you need to know about finding an architect who’ll deliver results—whether you’re planning a rear extension in Clapham, a loft conversion in Fulham, or a full renovation in Richmond.
Why Your Choice of Architect Matters More Than You Think
Your architect isn’t simply someone who produces drawings. They’re the professional who’ll navigate planning permission, coordinate with structural engineers, manage building regulations submissions, and often oversee your contractor throughout the build. In conservation areas like Hampstead or Dulwich, local knowledge can mean the difference between approval and rejection.
A well-chosen architect adds value at every stage of the process—from maximising your property’s potential to avoiding costly mistakes during construction. The investment in professional fees is invariably recovered through better design outcomes, smoother planning processes, and fewer problems on site.
What to Look for in a London Architect
Not all architects are created equal. Here’s what separates the exceptional from the adequate:
1. Relevant Experience
An architect who specialises in commercial fit-outs won’t necessarily excel at residential extensions. Look for a practice with a strong track record in projects similar to yours.
Key questions to ask:
- Have you completed projects of this nature before?
- Can you provide examples of work in my area?
- What challenges did you encounter and how were they resolved?
2. Local Planning Knowledge
Every London borough operates with different planning policies and priorities. What receives approval in Wandsworth might face rejection in Westminster. An architect with established relationships with your local planning authority will understand what’s achievable before you invest time and resources in designs that won’t secure consent.
This expertise becomes particularly valuable in areas with stringent heritage controls. In Islington‘s Georgian squares or Greenwich‘s conservation zones, you need someone who has successfully navigated those requirements before.
3. Professional Qualifications
In the UK, ‘architect’ is a protected title. Only professionals registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) can legally use the designation. Always verify registration—it takes moments on the ARB website and provides essential peace of mind.
RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) membership offers additional assurance. Whilst not mandatory, RIBA-chartered practices commit to a code of conduct, continuing professional development, and robust professional standards.
4. Communication and Approach
You’ll be working closely with your architect for months, potentially years. Do they listen attentively? Do they explain technical matters clearly? Do they respond to correspondence within reasonable timeframes?
The best architects ask thorough questions. They want to understand how you live, what frustrates you about your current space, and precisely what you’re hoping to achieve. If someone proceeds directly to design without genuinely understanding your requirements, consider that a warning sign.
Understanding the RIBA Work Stages
Most architects structure their services around the RIBA Plan of Work, which divides projects into defined stages. Understanding these helps clarify what you’re commissioning:
- Strategic Definition & Preparation (Stages 0-1): Initial brief development, site appraisal, and feasibility assessment
- Concept Design (Stage 2): Initial design proposals and spatial arrangements
- Developed Design (Stage 3): Refined designs, planning drawings, and application submission
- Technical Design (Stage 4): Detailed construction drawings and building regulations documentation
- Construction (Stage 5): Site inspections and contract administration
- Handover (Stage 6): Project completion, snagging, and close-out
You needn’t engage an architect for every stage. Some clients require only planning drawings, whilst others benefit from comprehensive project management through to completion. A good architect will tailor their service to your specific requirements and circumstances.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Experience shows that projects encounter difficulties when homeowners overlook early warning signs. Consider these carefully:
- Limited portfolio or reluctance to provide references: Every established architect has work they’re proud to demonstrate
- Unclear fee structures: If they cannot provide a transparent breakdown, expect complications later
- Guarantees of planning approval: No professional can guarantee this—it remains a decision for the planning authority
- Poor responsiveness: If communication is slow before appointment, it rarely improves afterwards
- Absence of professional indemnity insurance: This essential cover protects you if issues arise
- Generic design approach: Your project deserves bespoke solutions, not recycled ideas from previous commissions
Essential Questions Before Appointment
When meeting prospective architects, thorough preparation pays dividends. These questions help distinguish genuine expertise from superficial competence:
- Are you ARB registered and RIBA chartered?
- How many comparable projects have you completed in this area?
- What is your working relationship with the local planning department?
- May I speak with previous clients?
- What services are included in your fee, and what constitutes additional work?
- Who will be the primary contact working on my project?
- What is your typical programme for a project of this nature?
- Do you hold current professional indemnity insurance?
- How do you manage scope changes during the project?
- What is your approach if planning consent is refused?
Where to Find Quality Architects in London
London has thousands of architectural practices, which can make the search feel overwhelming. Here are reliable approaches to identifying suitable candidates:
Personal Recommendations
Speak with neighbours, friends, and colleagues. If someone has had an excellent experience with an architect in Battersea or Brixton, that personal endorsement carries significant weight.
RIBA Find an Architect
The RIBA’s directory enables searches by location and project type. All listed practices hold RIBA charter, providing a baseline assurance of professional standards.
Architectural Platforms and Reviews
Websites such as Houzz showcase completed projects with photography and client reviews. These offer valuable insight into an architect’s design approach and working style.
Local Practices
There’s considerable value in appointing someone based near your project. A practice in Surbiton will understand the Surrey planning landscape thoroughly, just as an architect in Hackney will appreciate the specific considerations of East London warehouse conversions.
London-Specific Considerations
Building in the capital presents unique challenges that your architect must understand:
Party Wall Matters
Most London properties share boundaries with neighbours. Any work affecting a party wall requires formal agreements under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. An experienced architect will factor these requirements into your programme from the outset.
Conservation Areas
Substantial parts of London fall within designated conservation areas, from Notting Hill to Highgate, Camden to Chelsea. These designations impose additional planning constraints that can significantly influence external alterations. Your architect needs to understand how to work creatively within these parameters.
Basement Development
Subterranean extensions have become increasingly popular—and correspondingly regulated—in areas such as Kensington, Hammersmith, and Primrose Hill. Several boroughs have implemented specific basement policies, and the structural engineering requirements are substantial. This represents specialist work—ensure your architect possesses relevant experience.
Permitted Development Rights
Many extensions can proceed under permitted development, removing the requirement for planning permission. However, the regulations are complex and vary according to property type and location. In areas like Putney or Ealing, an experienced architect can advise precisely what’s achievable without a formal planning application.
Finding an Architect in Surrey
Projects outside London present different dynamics. Surrey towns such as Guildford, Woking, and Epsom operate under distinct planning frameworks. Green Belt restrictions affect numerous Surrey properties, particularly in locations like Cobham, Weybridge, and Leatherhead.
The housing stock is also considerably more varied. Whilst Victorian and Edwardian terraces characterise London, Surrey encompasses everything from Arts and Crafts properties to 1930s semi-detached houses to contemporary executive homes. In prestigious locations such as Ascot, Windsor, and Walton-on-Thames, you require an architect who appreciates this diversity.
Property sizes are generally more generous, affording architects greater scope for creative solutions. A practice covering both London and Surrey, such as our team at Kingston, can offer the advantages of both—metropolitan expertise combined with an understanding of suburban and semi-rural contexts.
Making Your Final Decision
After meeting several architects, how should you decide? Ultimately, it comes down to three factors:
- Competence: Do they possess the skills and experience to deliver your project successfully?
- Chemistry: Do you feel comfortable working with them? Can you envisage a productive collaboration over many months?
- Value: Does their fee reflect fair value for the services they offer?
Trust your judgement if something feels uncertain—even if you cannot articulate precisely why—continue your search. The right architect will make your project more efficient, more enjoyable, and ultimately more successful.
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
At Composition Architects, we’ve been helping London and Surrey homeowners transform their properties since 2008. From rear extensions in Lambeth to basement conversions in Merton, loft conversions in Barnet to comprehensive renovations in Muswell Hill, we bring local expertise and design excellence to every commission.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss your plans. Contact us for an initial conversation about how we can help realise your vision.
Contact us: 0208 619 2001 | studio@composition.london