Homeowner

At Urban Designs, we believe in a collaborative approach to turning your vision into reality.

From the initial enquiry to the completion of your project, we guide you through every step of the process with clarity and expertise.

Whether you’re looking for a new build, renovation, or planning advice, our dedicated team works closely with you to ensure that your goals are met, budgets are respected, and the design aligns with your needs. We specialise in projects with a build cost of £150,000 and above, where we combine creativity, technical knowledge, and seamless communication to deliver exceptional results.

Types of project we undertake

EXTENSIONS

We specialise in creating both expansive domestic extensions and elegant, smaller-scale high-end projects. Passionate about design, we aim to inspire with thoughtful, practical spaces that enhance your home and its value. Whether our extensions complement or contrast with the existing structure, they bring a fresh, dynamic dimension to your living space.

NEW BUILD

Whether you’re drawn to contemporary elegance or timeless tradition, and whether you want your space to blend in or make a statement, we bring creativity and a deep understanding of your lifestyle to every project. We design buildings that combine style with practicality. Challenges are part of the process – be it physical constraints, planning limitations, or a sensitive site – but we thrive on finding inventive solutions and embracing new opportunities.

REMODELLING

We’re experts at maximizing your space, whether it’s improving its function for you and your family or giving your home a stylish, transformative makeover. We help you consider how each room works and flows, ensuring the design suits your unique lifestyle. Specializing in restyling existing properties, we offer everything from personal touches to complete transformations

CONVERSIONS

Converting existing buildings can present challenges, especially when costs exceed those of new builds. At Urban Designs, we have a proven track record of working with the conversion of existing buildings, including agricultural barns, listed buildings, historic properties, and sites in conservation areas, delivering creative and commercially viable solutions. Our expertise also extends to converting non-residential buildings into beautiful, functional homes.

Our Services

From concept to completion. Our services can cover all or different elements of the design and build process, as required.

Our Process

Explore our staged process, where we combine creativity, technical knowledge, and seamless communication to deliver exceptional results.

Stage 1 – Preparation

Starting with a clear vision – assessing your site, understanding your goals, and developing a tailored project brief to guide your journey.

During the ‘Define’ stage, we meet with you to assess the opportunities and constraints of your site, discuss your requirements, and develop a project brief that aligns with your goals. We’ll outline the necessary steps for your project, the services we offer, and highlight any potential risks. We may also suggest creating 3D visuals of the proposed scheme to help you envision the project, which could influence the type of survey and software used, making it more cost-efficient. We’ll discuss required technical information and external consultants, then provide a detailed write-up and quotation. Once you’re happy with the brief, we can move forward with your approval.

Stage 2 – Concept

Transforming ideas into design – creating initial concepts, refining with your feedback, and showcasing the proposal with the option of 3D visuals to ensure your project aligns with your vision and brief.

During the ‘Design’ stage, we will create an initial concept based on the information gathered about your site and your requirements. We’ll review the concept with you, explaining how it aligns with the agreed brief, and discuss any amendments you’d like to incorporate. To help visualise the proposal, we offer 3D visuals to support design decisions.

Stage 3 – Planning

From concept to approval – refining your design, integrating expert input, and preparing a complete submission for planning approval.

Once a concept is agreed, we will develop the design and incorporate any discussed amendments, preparing a set of planning drawings for submission to the Local Planning Authority. Supporting documents, such as a Design and Access Statement, 3D visuals, and a supporting statement, will also be prepared, if necessary. We will coordinate with appointed consultants to integrate their technical information into the design, ensuring everything aligns. Once their reports are finalised, they will be submitted alongside our design documentation. Before submission, we will send the full application pack to you for approval and address any questions you may have. Once all approved by you, we will submit the application and provide a link for you to pay the planning fee to the Local Planning Authority.

Stage 4 – Technical

From planning to build – developing detailed technical drawings, coordinating with consultants, and ensuring your project meets Building Control requirements for a smooth transition to construction.

After securing planning approval, your project will likely require technical drawings for Building Control approval before construction can begin. We will review the planning decision notice and any technical reports to identify additional requirements and confirm which external consultants, such as structural or energy engineers, are needed. If necessary, we’ll obtain quotes from them and the Building Control Inspector. The technical drawings will include detailed plans, sections, and specifications. If changes are required due to costs, structure, or preferences, we will advise accordingly. After preparing the Building Regulation pack, we’ll send it for your review before submission.

Stage 5 – On Site

Guiding your project through construction – overseeing the tender process, comparing bids, and finalising the contract for a successful construction phase. Managing the contract, providing technical support and ensuring design integrity every step of the way.

Once all construction details are finalised, we can assist you in selecting the right contractor for your project. We will arrange a meeting to discuss your preferred start date, project timeline, and specific contractor requirements. A comprehensive tender pack will be prepared and distributed to suitable contractors. We will set a deadline for bids and assist with any questions they may have. Upon receiving the tenders, we will analyse and compare them, highlighting inclusions or exclusions to help clarify each bid’s value. Once you have selected your preferred contractor, we will prepare a formal building contract and attend a meeting with you and the contractor to review the project and contract in detail before signing. We can then support you throughout the construction phase, we’ll provide technical support, attend site meetings, and ensure the contractor follows the design. If design changes are needed during construction, we’ll ensure compliance with Building Regulations, formally document the changes, and update the contract and project fee, issuing a Variation Certificate as needed.

Stage 6 – Handover

Conducting a detailed snagging inspection, resolving any identified defects, and ensuring everything is ready for you to move into your new home.

Once construction is complete, we will arrange a site inspection to thoroughly review the work (snagging). During this visit, we will liaise with the contractor to address any issues identified – the “defects period” noted in the contract will then begin. During this time, we ask that you note any defects or issues you observe upon occupying the property and send these to us, we will review them before instructing the contractor to rectify any defects. We will also review the contractor’s “handover pack,” which should include manuals and warranty information for the products and systems installed. At the end of this period, we will prepare the final completion certificate. This marks the final step of the project and the conclusion of the contract between all parties.

Ready to start your project?

Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation chat about your project – we’re here to help bring your vision to life!

Ready to start your project?

Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation chat about your project – we’re here to help bring your vision to life!