Explore our curated collection of architectural resources and advice.
What does a house extension cost in 2026? A clear breakdown of the design, structural, glazing, specification and professional fees to budget for.
Find out what architectural services involve, from the first consultation and measured survey through to design, planning approval and technical drawings.
For many extension and loft conversion projects, written confirmation can give valuable certainty before design work, builder quotations or future property...
At Maidenhead Planning, our planning applications service is designed to guide homeowners through the process with practical advice, accurate drawings...
We treat this stage as the project's foundation, ensuring every design choice is grounded in reality. By identifying constraints early, we create a more...
One of the first decisions in any renovation or extension project is the design direction. Some homeowners are drawn to crisp contemporary lines, large...
Drawing packages are geared towards specific audiences – such as planning officers or builders – and support different decisions at every stage of...
Planning a home renovation project and want help shaping the brief? Maidenhead Planning can guide you through the early design and space-planning stages...
A family of busy business owners in Maidenhead, Berkshire, approached Maidenhead Planning with plans to add a dedicated indoor pool house alongside a...
At Maidenhead Planning, the early planning stage is where experience makes a tangible difference. Local planning policy, site constraints, and property...
Technical drawings convert approved concepts into buildable instructions. They define how the project will meet building regulations, how components fit...
The post-Christmas reset has a funny way of making your home feel smaller. A few days of extra people, extra meals, extra bags and extra noise can expose...
A busy Christmas and New Year has a way of making space in your home feel more pronounced; where those small compromises quickly turn into daily frustrations....
In 2026, the most valuable home improvements will focus on how people actually use their space, day to day. Households want rooms that support working...
Planning a loft conversion early for a 2026 build gives you time to explore options, understand likely constraints, and line up the right architectural...
Discover how smart design choices like layout tweaks and built-in storage can transform small homes. Renovate with purpose and unlock more space with...
Thinking of booking a planning consultation? Here’s what to expect from your first meeting with an architectural designer and how to get the most from...
A family in Holyport, Berkshire, purchased a dated property with an unusual layout, drawn in by the charm of the plot itself. Their goal was to demolish...
When planned well, a home extension looks like it was always part of the original building. Learn how to design an extension that complements your existing...
Architectural space planning is the key to creating homes that are both functional and visually aesthetic. Learn how careful layout design enhances flow,...
If you're thinking of renovating or extending your period property, book a no-obligation video consultation with Maidenhead Planning and let’s explore...
At Maidenhead Planning, we help homeowners maximise daylight in everything from compact extensions to full renovations. Let's look at how that can be...
If you’re considering a home renovation in 2026, now is the time to get the ball rolling!
An energy-efficient home starts with the design process. Every choice – from the orientation of the building to the materials you use – has an impact...
Extending your home can be an exciting opportunity to create more space, improve layout, or add long-term value to your property. But before you get too...
In this article, we’ll explore the key things that influence the cost of your loft conversion, and how to approach your project with confidence –...
Behind every well-executed loft conversion is a clear plan, unique design, and a deep understanding of how to meet local planning requirements. This is...
At Maidenhead Planning, we help clients across Maidenhead and surrounding areas make the most of their renovation spend. Here’s how to get more value...
Before jumping into the design of a new home or extension, it’s important to know whether the project is even possible. That’s where a planning appraisal...
This guide outlines the main areas to budget for in a home extension project, from design and planning to materials and labour, with some useful tips...
A step-by-step guide to renovating your home, from initial planning to project delivery
The key steps in garage conversions, covering regulations, design, and costs
How to design an open-plan living space that is versatile, stylish and suits both family life and entertainment.
A structural survey provides a detailed assessment of a building’s stability, helping to identify potential issues before they become costly problems....
I was very proud to be approached to assist in the delivery of this iconic brand in the National Heritage Centre at Palace House.
Whether you're adding an extension or embarking on a full-scale renovation, there are several important factors to consider to ensure your project runs...
Choosing the right architectural designer is crucial when planning a new build, home extension, or major renovation. A skilled designer can transform...
By combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of materials, regulations, and engineering principles, experienced architectural designers...
By its nature, modern architectural design embraces innovation, sustainability, and adaptability – and, as the industry moves forward, new methods are...
We have been working with Sunspel and Popstore for a few years and we are proud to present another store delivered on site and budget. Located in the...
A loft conversion is an excellent way to unlock additional space in your home, whether you need a new bedroom, an office, or a playroom. By considering...
Architectural design is at the heart of any successful construction project. It transforms ideas into tangible spaces that function effectively, look...
Expanding your home can be an exciting journey, but the process of obtaining planning permission can sometimes delay progress or increase costs. Fortunately,...
Many bungalows sit on generously sized plots, providing ample room for side or rear expansions. A well-designed extension can enhance both your living...
Bungalows and other single-storey homes are ideal for accessible design due to their layout, but any home can be adapted to create a safer and more functional...
Extending a compact home requires clever design to maximise both space and functionality. With the right approach, and with the help of expert architectural...
At its foundation, architectural design is the process of shaping physical spaces to make them both functional and visually appealing. It aims to unify...
The design and layout of a space can have a profound impact on our emotional and psychological well-being. Thoughtfully planned spaces can inspire feelings...
Designing a small kitchen comes with unique challenges, but with the right approach, you can create a space that is both stylish and functional. Whether...
When designing the interior of a Victorian house, it's important to highlight the era's key characteristics while incorporating modern functionality for...
An architectural designer can bring expertise, creativity, and technical know-how to a home extension project and will greatly contribute to its success.
Home extensions are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to add space and value to their properties. This trend is driven by...
Building a new home is an exciting venture, but it can be fraught with pitfalls if not properly planned, and homeowners can often take wrong turns that...
Extending your property is a fantastic way to increase its value while enhancing your living space. With the right design, a well-planned extension can...
Building a new home is one of the most significant investments you'll make in your lifetime. It's a complex process that requires careful planning, creativity,...
When undertaking a building project or renovation, it's crucial to navigate the regulatory landscape, which includes understanding the difference between...
The first and perhaps most critical step of any renovation project is finding the right architectural designer. The perfect architectural designer will...
Our latest project to maximise the footprint and use of a quintessential English cottage without losing its charm and period features.
The Party Wall Act is essential for homeowners planning to work on or near the boundary line of their property. But what exactly is this Act, and how...
Sustainability has become a central theme in the world of office design in recent years. While homeowners look towards greener solutions for their domestic...
This client approached us through one of our preferred contractors. They wanted to transform the compartmentalised layout to the ground floor of their...
The evolution of modern architecture often goes hand in hand with the potential to embrace technological advancement in design and space planning projects....
Choosing the right architect is crucial for the success of any construction, new build or renovation project. The architect's role is multifaceted; from...
Hiring a professionally skilled architectural designer is crucial for any new build, construction or renovation project. These industry experts bring...
If you're considering a new build or planning a renovation project, exploring timber frame construction could offer a myriad of benefits tailored to modern...
While planning approval might represent major progress for your project, before any building work can begin, there's an essential element to consider:...
When it comes to planning your new-build project, striking the right balance between functionality and aesthetics is crucial. Whether it's a comfortable...
The Art Deco movement revolutionised architecture and space planning during the 1920s, and in today’s post we’re going to explore specific examples...
In the world of architectural design and space planning, adaptive reuse is the concept of taking old and often neglected buildings and giving them a new...
Minimalist design is a popular choice for modern homes in the UK due to its simplicity, functionality, and timeless aesthetic. Whether you're building...
Creating a welcoming entrance in your new home is a crucial step in setting the tone for the rest of your living space. It's where first impressions are...
Having limited square footage doesn't mean compromising on comfort or style. With intelligent architectural design and careful planning, you can create...
At the heart of any good design project is the capacity to solve problems—and there can be few challenges more pressing than the ever-increasing demands...
Through human-centred design, architects has the power to elicit a wide range of emotions and shape our experiences within the built environment. Beyond...
In the ever-evolving world of architecture, there is a constant pursuit of pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible. Let’s take a look at...
Architecture is an art form that combines creativity, vision, and functionality to create stunning structures that stand the test of time. Throughout...
In recent years, the concept of a "smart home" has become an increasingly popular aspiration for those undertaking renovations or new build projects,...
When it comes to a new build or a house extension, the staircase might just be the single largest architectural feature of the entire project, so it makes...
While at the planning stage of a new build, one of the most crucial early decisions homeowners need to make is how they’re going to heat their property....
Let us explore some remarkable examples of biometric architecture, where nature's influence has resulted in extraordinary structures that embody sustainability,...
Colour is a universal visual language that, when used thoughtfully in the world of design and architecture, can truly transform the essence of your building...
Whether you're starting an architectural project from scratch or renovating, creating a sustainable home is more than achievable with careful planning...
If you’re planning a renovation project for your home this year and are on the lookout for some inspiration; some exciting new design elements that...
The cost-of-living crisis, combined with plunging temperatures, means that the nation is thinking twice about turning the heating on, even though we’re...
The Vitruvian Man is one of the most iconic images in the world. It also raises the most questions: Who is he? Why does he have twice as many limbs? You...
More cost-effective than an extension, loft conversions are a great way to add space to your family home. In fact, whether you’re expecting a new arrival,...
The legacy of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II is evident in the field of British architecture. While our late monarch was not as vocal about architecture...
Wouter De Jager, Founder of Maidenhead Planning, recently visited Barcelona for the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) Conference. Over the next few weeks,...
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, a motto that is especially true when it comes to extending your family home. Without appropriate planning permission...
Technical drawings are one of the most important components of planning for building and renovation projects. A technical drawing provides both an overview...
Whether you’re an experienced renovator with a portfolio of properties, or you’ve simply outgrown your family home and are looking to make home improvements,...
While open-plan living is being ushered out by interior design tastemakers, the nation still has a soft spot for the free-flowing space that open-plan...
In this blog, we will explain what an architectural designer does and how they can help with your home improvements.
Open plan is forecast to become less popular in 2022 following a rise in the need for privacy, thanks to the pandemic. Long gone are the days of sterile-white...
The pandemic has had an impact on every aspect of our lives. So, it’s no surprise that, in response to being cooped up for the best part of two years,...
Have you ever wondered what traditions other places in the world have when it comes to Christmas decorations?
They say you feast with your eyes before you savour with your mouth. So, here are my top tips to finesse your festive dining table.
Christmas brings somewhat of a mini home renovation project. Once you’ve picked the perfect tree and clad it in colour-coordinated festoons, baubles,...
Dazzling displays of festive fir trees are already splashed across social media and it’s enough to bring out the green-eyed monster. No, I’m not talking...
When do you put your Christmas tree up? Do you race out the day after Halloween to begin preparations for the festive period? Or do you follow an old...
The hearth. A word synonymous with warmth, cosiness, and comfort. Everything you might want to come home to on a cold winter’s day. In times past, the...
From using recyclable or recycled fabrics, to needing less materials to create products, the alternative furniture trend seems to be the way forward if...
Houseplants are another one of the hottest trends to arise from the pandemic. From peace lilies and snake plants, to aloe vera and devil’s ivy, plants...
We’ve officially made it to autumn and - while the sun is lingering a little longer – the air will quickly turn as crisp as the fallen leaves. When...
Here are my top five suggestions for space-saving home study areas that will give your children space to do their homework and keep them out from underneath...
Since its rise to popularity in 2018 – thanks to social media - the trend for Scandinavian home styling continues in full force. Every professional...
From the thatched roofs in Ogimachi, to the hidden roofs of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, all the way to the high rises synonymous with Tokyo,...
It’s looking like our much longed for holidays to the sun might have to wait another year. Sad times. So maybe it’s time to bring some of the holiday...
Last week the independent Climate Change Committee published a report on the how the UK is prepared for the ongoing Climate Crisis and the inevitable...
One of the often over-looked rooms in our homes when remodelling or decorating, is the Entrance Hall. In fact, our Entrance Halls are the first thing...
I love meeting new people and seeing the excitement on their faces as they begin their house projects! Though I sometimes complain about not having enough...
Hi! My name is Jo. I am a Virtual Assistant for Maidenhead Planning. I am based in Manchester but am originally from Dublin, Ireland. I am a Freelance...
Hi! My name is Wouter. I am the owner/director of Maidenhead Planning, Senior surveyor and Architectural designer. I set up Maidenhead Planning after...
TOP 5 TIPS FOR DECLUTTERING YOUR HOME So, as we look forward to the reopening of the trusty charity shops, here are my top five tips for getting on top...
If you have plans to landscape you garden, the time is now. It’s best to get work done in the garden while your existing plants are dormant over winter...
Your garden has lain unloved and unattended for most of the winter, and this year it’s even been under snow! So unless you’ve been very conscientious...
This week sees our final blog on the England and Wales Building Regulations. In previous blogs I have explained what the regulations are, why they are...
In my previous blog, I set out that the Building Regulations are statutory regulations which set out the minimum standards for building and renovating...
When thinking about building our own homes, or extending the homes we already have, there is a lot of discussion and planning around how to comply with...
Wishing you and all your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Last week I shared an interesting article that I came across which claimed that people who put up their Christmas decorations up early are happier. It...
This fortnight we are looking at bathrooms as part of our Room Focus series. Whether it’s a main family bathroom or an en-suite shower room, we have...
2020 has been a difficult year, with many changes to our way of life. One change that may just stick is how we use our homes. They now need to be not...
With Halloween just around the corner, our minds here at Maidenhead Planning are turning to horror (stories). Designing your own home, or even extending...
So many of us continue to work from home, and will do for the foreseeable future. Some are lucky and have space for a dedicated office, either in the...
This week, I am looking at the Bedroom as part of our Room Focus Series. Whether a new master bedroom suite is part of your extension plans, or you just...
This week, I am going to have a look at one of my favourite projects. 35 St. Luke’s Road is a fine, double fronted two-storey over basement, detached...
Last week saw further information released about one of Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak’s big announcements from this year’s summer statement,...
This fortnight, I am taking a look at the Utility Room. In recent years, the utility room seems to have fallen out of favour for a more open or bigger...
In my last blog, I explored the world of the Garden Room, or outbuilding, if you prefer. I looked at the planning and building control implications of...
Be it a traditional wooden summer house or top of the range mini eco-home, garden rooms are a great way to add space to your home. They can provide quick...
Many of my clients have come to me to help them find more space in their home. And often this space involves open plan living. An extension and knocking...
We wanted to make sure we could answer everybody’s lockdown questions like: How do I still extend my home in lockdown? Can I still get planning permission...
This project was more of a PM project for us as it was for an existing client that we have been working with for a couple of years in partnership with...
Nature, in all it’s forms, can evoke many emotions in people and this can be used to great effect in both the design and staging of your home. I thought...
Upon recommendation from a previous client, we were hired for this Garden Room project in Pinkneys Green. We completed the designs, completed the technical...
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than one seeks.”- John Muir, 19 July 1877 I have stumbled upon an article, which I found absolutely...
We were approached by a local property investing company to help to develop some properties in the Maidenhead area. We managed the pre auction purchase...
Exciting Project working with clients eager to create their modern dream home whilst retaining the period features of the building.
With the media coverage we have at the moment, and the number of queries we have been receiving for home offices, we thought it might be useful to have...
With all the COVID – 19 talk in the media, we have decided to offer a video chat option for clients that would rather not meet personally but still...
With Spring upon us, thought it would be good to share some ideas of what can be achieved.
Wondering if you need an architectural designer or surveyor for an upcoming project? Maidenhead Planning looks at what architectural designers and building...
Located in the centre of Cambridge this fine dining restaurant has opened with rave reviews from locals and foodies alike. We worked alongside the client...
Whatever it is that you are planning on building, you are going to want to make sure that you approach it in the most sensible and appropriate way possible....
In this project it was all about contrast. Sharp line render against London Stock brickwork. Natural cladding against sharp white render to the rear.
Well, would you look at that? The holiday season is already almost upon us! And for many of us, nothing helps us to get into the seasonal spirit more...
No matter whether you are interested in extensions, an architectural design for a new build, or you want to make better use of your home with space planning,...
Deciding to extend your home might seem like a good idea at first - but truthfully, it is not the best course of action for everybody. To make the best...
Undertaking a large extension or refurbishment to your home can be daunting as there is so much to think of. Here's some key reasons why your architectural...
I have found that a lot of my clients didn’t know what to expect once I turned up at their home, or what happens at the first meeting between prospective...
Despite the warnings, we at Maidenhead Planning have found it getting busier and busier with planning applications and building regulation drawings in...
Updating page...