Brentwood's #1
architectural design firm

With the highest number of
5-star Google reviews

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A secure and dependable company you can trust

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A hassle-free service, packaged just for you

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No matter where you are in Essex, we’re ready to assist

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Precision-driven architectural design that delivers.

With 5,000+ projects to our name

Start your project the right way

No fluff, just well designed home extensions

The brains behind the bricks

Kirkwood is a family-run company with expert knowledge in house extensions and loft conversions. As trusted architects in Brentwood, we guide you on build costs upfront, connect you with top-quality builders, and deliver high-quality designs at an affordable price. Find out how much a house extension costs. Our unique approach keeps costs down without cutting corners, offering a fast, efficient, and transparent service for a stress-free extension. Need help choosing a trustworthy builder? Read our guide.

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See what our customers are saying on Google Reviews

5.0
Based on 60 reviews
powered by Google
Jack Dev
08:58 04 Mar 25
I was looking for an architect in Billericay and came across Kirkwood. They designed my single-story rear extension, which includes an open-plan kitchen and an internal knock-through. The architects and structural engineers were fantastic and really understood what I wanted to achieve. Kirkwood also put me in touch with local builders who were reasonably priced and completed the extension without any fuss. If you’re looking for a reliable Essex architect serving Billericay, I’d definitely recommend Kirkwood.
Maria Krystal Humphrey
11:20 03 Feb 25
We had a single-story house extension built in Thurrock, Essex, by the builders that Kirkwood passed us onto. Kirkwood's architects did a really good job, so we were pleased we went to them rather than a design-and-build company that just subcontracts the architectural work out.
Grace Biddiss
09:27 02 Feb 25
We appointed Kirkwood as our architects for a double story and wrap around kitchen extension in Billericay, Essex. They provided us with architectural plans, structural engineering and building regulation drawings. The team was professional from start to finish and the builder they recommended has done a faultless job. You definitely get what you pay for, highly recommend. Thanks!
Freyja
19:14 01 Feb 25
We’ve worked with residential architects before, but Jamie and his team, especially Nathan, were fantastic. Kirkwood designed plans for our double-story side extension, loft conversion, and single-story rear kitchen extension, and we knew we had to choose the right company since it involved our entire home.Based in Brentwood, Essex, we were also introduced to builders and tradespeople through Kirkwood, and they were excellent—professional, respectful, and a pleasure to work with. If we ever take on another project, we wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.
Harry
14:41 01 Feb 25
I was skeptical about Kirkwood’s 5 star reviews but now I’m one of them. Incredible service, especially for the money we paid. They wasn’t the most expensive but for the standard of service we received, they defiantly should have been. They done the architectural plans for our home extension in Chelmsford. The architect was amazing at creating our open plan kitchen and dining area. The structural engineer was quick, polite and drunk tea like it was going out of fashion. Strongly recommend if your considering a architect for your home extension in a Chelmsford.
Riley Russell
13:58 31 Jan 25
Kirkwood done a fantastic job on our architectural plans for our new single story kitchen extension in Brentwood. They gained us approval from the council and also provided the structural engineering for the project. We used their recommended builder who so far, we cannot fault one bit. Thanks again and highly recommend.
iansalsbury
10:54 24 Jan 25
The Kirkwood team were a pleasure to work with and have in our house. What can be a stressful time was made a lot easier by a team who build with quality, communicate clearly, and address and action any questions you raise....however small or large.We now have an amazing extension, and would be happy to use the team again.
Natalie Moore
12:29 23 Jan 25
Jamie and team are always helpful and very knowledgeable. Work on our kitchen extension carried out professionally and to high standard from design to build completion. A fantastic job, and very pleased. Many thanks
Kelly Pye
08:27 22 Jan 25
Jamie has provided lots of advice on house improvements including different options for extending as well as the possibility of a loft conversion. He responds quickly to queries and is full of knowledge! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him
Boris
19:35 12 Nov 23
Kirkwood Design and Build Builders, Wickford did a fantastic job on our extension in Billericay. They helped with planning permission, design, and build. Professional company through and through. Given that we haven't done such a large project before, we were a bit nervous and had a lot of questions. Jamie and his team from Kirkwood Design and Build Builders was good putting us at ease and now that we are fully complete with all our work, we further appreciate how professional this company is. Would highly recommend.
Holly Luckin
09:29 11 Nov 23
Nothing was to much hassle and Jamie is lovely!
john rocke
11:33 09 Nov 23
Great company and very professional. Nothing was a problem, very helpful and will definitely use them again. Have already given their details to a friend of mine.
Dave Lynch
19:32 08 Nov 23
Work carried out to a very high standard, very pleased with the results.
Sharon Gormer
13:06 07 Nov 23
Very professional company, helpful and friendly staff.
Aaron Tutton
11:15 07 Nov 23
Great builders, very professional and perfectionists! Thank you for such an amazing job
Olly Tait
13:28 21 Apr 23
Jamie and his team were so profesional from start to finish and made the job a joy to watch our dream come together.Very knowledgeable and contactable throughout the process.Couldn't ask for a better outcome and value for money.Will definitely be recommending and 100% will use again!5 star!!!
Sandie
20:03 20 Jan 23
I highly recommend the Kirkwood team! Exceptional workmanship, clear communication, Jamie & his team have provided the utmost as a polite & professional team! Very satisfied customer, looking forward to planning our loft conversion this year with you guys! Many thanks!
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Key design elements for home extensions in Brentwood

When planning a home extension in Brentwood, there are a number of key factors to consider. To ensure the best results, our architects focus on the following design elements. For more info on how to find the right architect in Brentwood, click here.

Light and ventilation

Natural light and ventilation are essential for a comfortable home extension. Even in a north-facing space, we can maximize daylight with large roof windows or strategically placed side windows. For ventilation, trickle vents in doors and windows ensure a steady, subtle airflow without drafts.

Design & layout

This is where a good architect earns their money. With endless design possibilities, there’s really only going to be one winning layout—and we know how to find it. We’ve designed more extensions than you’ve had hot dinners, so let us put that experience to work for the benefit of your home.

Materials for the job

Some materials cost a lot more than others. We can show you different finish options and advise on how they will impact your house extension build costs. The three main external finishes are brick, render, and cladding—each capable of delivering a stunning result when designed and installed properly.

A selection of house extensions in Brentwood, designed by our architects and built by trusted local builders.

Architectural design in Brentwood

We’ve been designing home extensions in Brentwood for years, so if you’re looking for experienced architects who know the local planning process inside out, you’re in the right place. We’ve secured planning approval for single-story extensions, loft conversions, double-story extensions, garage conversions, and garden rooms. For more details, see our Pitched Roof vs Flat Roof Extension Guide.

Essex architects

Designing a great-looking extension is easy—keeping it within budget is the real challenge. That’s where we come in. We help cut unnecessary costs by sourcing affordable builders, designing with less steelwork, avoiding over-engineered structural plans, and advising on cost-effective roof styles. Plus, Kirkwood customers get exclusive access to our trade-priced suppliers for roof windows, doors, and kitchens, saving you thousands.

If you’d like a free call with our house extension and loft conversion adviser, get in touch today. We specialise in all types of house extensions, including loft conversions and contemporary single storey extensions.

If you’d like a free call with our house extension and loft conversion adviser, get in touch today. We specialise in all types of house extensions, including loft conversions and contemporary single storey extensions.

Key steps to building a home extension in Brentwood

Get it right the first time and avoid costly mistakes. Let us throw you some pointers to get started.

Local architects

Your project will need some form of approval or certification. Working with a local architect who knows the process can save you a lot of hassle. Not all councils interpret permitted development the same way, so don’t take the risk—get professional advice. And no, that doesn’t mean ask your builder!

Neighbours

Love thy neighbour—easier said than done. A quick chat before they get a council notice can make all the difference. We've heard it countless times: "I just wish they had told me first." A frustrated neighbour can request a party wall surveyor—on your dime. A simple heads-up can save you time, money, and hassle.

Finding builders

The right builder will tell you to find a good architect. We've yet to meet a builder who fully understands the legal and approval process. Reliable, affordable builders are like gold dust—but we have a few you can trust. We wouldn’t recommend them if we weren’t completely confident they could deliver—we’ve got a 5-star reputation to maintain.

A well-designed loft conversion in Brentwood, showcasing key steps in building a home extension.

House extension costs in Brentwood

With prices varying dramatically from builder to builder, it’s hard to tell who’s overcharging and who’s cutting corners. Let us help—we’re like Gandalf of the extension world, guiding you safely through the process and keeping you from costly mistakes.

Recommendations

The best way to find a good builder is through word of mouth. If you’re struggling, we have three trusted local builders in Brentwood who won’t let you down. Key tip to keeping costs down

£2K per m2 rule

Gone are the days of building a single-story extension in Brentwood for £1,500 per m². Costs can now reach £2,400 per m² if piling is needed for the foundations.

Additional costs

All projects need structural calculations for foundations, roof, and steelwork. Costs vary, but for a single-story extension, expect to pay around £1,000–£1,500.

If you're in Brentwood and looking for an experienced Brentwood architect, get in touch today for free advice on your home extension.

Our team is passionate about helping, and we don’t charge for advice—so what are you waiting for? Contact us at Info@kirkwoodbuild.co.uk or call 01268 944233 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward your Brentwood home extension.
Or, return to our homepage for more info

Brentwood | Architectural Design & Planning

Serving Brentwood & surrounding areas

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