Looking For a Chelmsford Architect?

At Kirkwood, we’re a local team of architectural designers, structural engineers, and planning experts. We help homeowners across Chelmsford with every stage of their extension projects, from detailed drawings to planning applications. You no longer need to search for a reliable architect in Chelmsford. You’ve found Kirkwood.

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Chelmsford's #1
architectural design firm

With the highest number of
5-star Google reviews

Chelmsford 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

No fluff, just well designed home extensions

The brains behind the bricks

As experienced Architectural and Structural experts, we give honest advice right from the start especially around build costs, before any money is spent. Our architectural design service covers everything from extension plans and planning permission to structural engineering. We support you through every step and can recommend trusted local builders. If you want a team that’s focused on getting your project right we are here to help.

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Hear it from our customers

5.0
Based on 60 reviews
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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.
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!

Our architectural design services in Chelmsford

A family run company offering full architectural design services for homeowners looking to extend or upgrade their property. From early design concepts to structural calculations and Chelmsford planning permission, our house extension planning package takes care of everything.

Architectural plans & drawings

We produce clear architectural plans based on your extension goals and overall build budget. Some projects in Chelmsford need full building regulations drawings for builders, while others only require scaled planning drawings for approval. All our extension drawings are tailored to your property and meet Chelmsford Council planning standards.

Architectural design services in Brentwood for home extensions, loft conversions, and garage conversions

Planning permission and permitted development

We’ll advise you on the right type of application for your house extension. This could be full planning permission, a householder application, permitted development, or prior approval. In Chelmsford, permitted development is often the most suitable option, but it still requires council approval and a Certificate of Lawfulness. We handle all the paperwork and deal directly with Chelmsford Council on your behalf.

 

Building regulations and structural calculations

All house extensions must comply with building regulations. We include the technical drawings and structural calculations needed to support your project. These documents are used for council approval, builder pricing, and during the construction stage. If required, we can also provide full building regulations drawings, though they are not always necessary.

Extension planning in Chelmsford

Our extension planning service in Chelmsford covers everything you need to get started. It begins with a quick Zoom consultation where we talk through your ideas and give honest guidance on design options and build costs. You’ll get clear advice tailored to your budget, and the initial planning consultation is completely free.

Brentwood Essex architects handling planning applications for kitchen extensions and home extensions with Brentwood Council

How much does an architect cost for a house extension in Chelmsford?


Architect costs for house extensions in Chelmsford usually start at around £1,400 and can go up to £3,000 depending on the size and complexity of the job. A small single storey extension under permitted development will often fall between £1,400 and £1,700. Detached homes tend to cost a bit more due to the extra time needed for the site visit. The cost of house extension plans is a small part of the total build but it’s one of the most important. If the design is wrong at the start the rest of the project can become a problem. We’ve been called in to fix plenty. Choose an experienced Chelmsford architect and give your project the best start.

Architect costs for house extensions

Architectural design costs will depend on the type and size of your home. Larger properties take more time to measure and produce detailed architectural plans which can increase the overall cost. Double storey extension plans are usually the most expensive while garage conversions are often the cheapest. If your extension includes internal layout changes this can also raise the price due to the extra design work involved. We provide clear extension plans suited to your space and budget.

Brentwood Essex architects designing pitched roof and flat roof extensions for home extensions and renovations

What’s included in our architectural design services

Our architectural design services for Chelmsford house extensions include everything you need to move forward with confidence. We start with a full measured site survey of your home inside and out. Then we produce accurate existing and proposed extension plans along with any needed updates. You’ll also get a design review to adjust your ideas plus full planning application submission and ongoing management with Chelmsford City Council.

It doesn’t stop there

As experienced Chelmsford and Essex architectural designers we deal with the council directly so you don’t have to. We also provide a free build cost estimate at the start and can recommend reliable local builders with fair pricing. Whether you’re planning a single storey extension, garage conversion or a full double storey project we make sure every part of the service suits your home and is carried out to a high standard.

Brentwood Essex architects designing kitchen extensions to create open-plan living spaces and maximise natural light

Ready to begin your Chelmsford project?

Book a Zoom consultation, get free expert advice, and move forward with the next stage – your architectural plans.

Get in touch by emailing info@kirkwoodbuild.co.uk or phoning 01268 944233 to schedule a free consultation. Let’s turn your ideas into a well-designed, approved, and beautifully planned extension.

Chelmsford | Architectural Design & Planning

Postcodes we serve in and around Chelmsford

CM11, CM1 2, CM1 3, CM2 0, CM2 6, CM2 7, CM2 8, CM3 1, CM3 2, CM3 3, CM3 4, CM3 5, CM3 6, CM3 7, CM4 0, CM9, CM11, CM12, CM77

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