Kitchen Extensions
The kitchen is the heart of the home, where meals are made and memories shared. we’ve designed thousands of kitchen extensions across Essex and surrounding areas, let us help you with your today.
Expert Planning & Design for Kitchen Extensions
Kitchen extensions are one of the most valuable home improvements, adding up to 15-20% to your property’s value while creating a more functional and spacious living area. Many homeowners in Essex choose a single-story rear or side kitchen extension to achieve an open-plan kitchen-diner, improving natural light and home flow.
Kitchen extensions
At Kirkwood, we specialize in architectural design, structural calculations, and planning permission to ensure kitchen extensions are approved, practical, and cost-effective. With over 30 years of experience, we help homeowners avoid costly mistakes by getting the design and regulations right from the start.Get an instant design quote
Where would you like to extend?

Detached

Semi Detached
Terrace
Bungalow
Why Professional Architectural Design is Essential for Kitchen Extensions
A professional architectural design service makes sure that kitchen extensions are planned to maximise the potential. Kirkwoods team take the time to understand your needs and requirements before designing the kitchen extension.
Essex architects
Proper design is especially crucial in Essex, where planning policies can vary. Our expertise ensures your kitchen extension meets permitted development rules or gains planning permission without unnecessary delays. We are experts at open-plan layouts incorporating bi-fold doors and roof lanterns, our designs enhance your home and have earn us a 5 star rating on GoogleMaximising Space and Value with a Kitchen Extension
A well-designed kitchen extension can add up to 15-20% to your property’s value while dramatically improving daily living. You may want a rear kitchen extension for more open-plan space, a side return to make use of wasted areas, or a wraparound extension for a complete transformation, expert planning is key.
Open-plan kitchen design
At Kirkwood, we specialise in designing kitchen extensions that make the most of your available space. Our architectural plans focus on smart layouts, efficient structural design, and seamless integration with your existing property. We ensure that your kitchen extension not only meets your needs but also enhances the overall aesthetic and practicality of your home.The talk of the town
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Why Choose Our Architectural Design Services for Kitchen Extensions?
No build is cheap, so when you’re spending tens of thousands on a kitchen extension, investing in a great architect makes sense. A well-planned design can reduce build costs while maximising space, functionality, and natural light. Every kitchen extension requires approval, whether through planning permission or building regulations. If this isn’t handled correctly, you could face costly issues, including needing to rebuild parts of the extension. Expert planning ensures your project runs smoothly, avoiding expensive mistakes and delays.
Decades of Experience in Kitchen Extensions
With decades of combined experience, our team has seen and solved every challenge in kitchen extension design. If experience counted in years, we’d belong in a museum rather than designing kitchen extensions across Essex. The good news is that we’ve already made and learned from every mistake, allowing us to set the standard for quality, efficiency, and compliance. We lead with honesty and transparency, ensuring your kitchen extension is planned and approved with precision.
Tailored Kitchen Extensions for Every Home
Every kitchen extension is unique, much like a fingerprint. The first step in our process is understanding your needs and assessing what’s possible with your property. Whether you’re considering a rear kitchen extension, side return extension, or a wraparound design, we provide expert guidance on what will work best and what is most likely to be approved by your local planning authority. With our in-depth knowledge of Essex regulations, we ensure your kitchen extension is designed to maximise space, functionality, and value.
From Design to Completion – Expert Support Throughout
Our service doesn’t stop once your kitchen extension plans are finalised. We stay involved, ensuring you have the right support as you move into the build phase. Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with trusted builders in Essex, meaning we can connect you with professionals who will bring your kitchen extension to life. If you have questions along the way, we’re always here—just pick up the phone.
The Kitchen Extension Design Process – Getting It Right from the Start
A problem well stated is a problem half solved.” Starting your kitchen extension with a solid design prevents costly mistakes and delays later on. Rushed planning can lead to layout issues, wasted space, or even planning permission rejections. Our approach ensures everything is considered from the start—maximising space, improving natural light, and making sure your extension meets Essex planning regulations. Whether you’re extending to create an open-plan kitchen-diner or adding a side return for extra space, getting the design right from the beginning makes all the difference.
Initial Consultation and Site Assessment
When planning a kitchen extension, getting the right advice early on can save time and money. Before a site visit, we research your property using planning records and satellite imagery to assess potential extension options. By reviewing what neighbouring properties have done, we can identify planning opportunities and give you a clear idea of what’s possible. Our upfront approach allows us to provide 90% of the answers before stepping on-site, keeping costs competitive while ensuring you start with the right information.
Kitchen Extension Design and Drafting
Once you’re happy to move forward, we conduct a full site survey, measuring every detail to create accurate existing plans. From there, we start developing kitchen extension concepts tailored to your needs, ensuring the best use of space, natural light, and functionality. We refine the design until you’re completely satisfied, often finalising the first or second draft. Whether you’re looking for a rear, side, or wraparound kitchen extension, we ensure the design complements your home while meeting Essex planning guidelines.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations
Planning laws in Essex are constantly evolving, making it crucial to work with a team that stays up to date. We ensure every kitchen extension complies with the latest regulations, securing the necessary approvals to avoid issues down the line.
Permitted development for kitchen extensions
Even if planning permission isn’t required, we confirm compliance with permitted development rules. We also offer building regulation drawings for those who want clear construction guidance, rather than leaving it to the builder’s interpretation. Structural calculations can be provided to ensure your kitchen extension is designed safely and efficiently.Preferred Choice for Kitchen Extensions in Essex
We take pride in being a trusted choice for kitchen extensions in Essex, and honest customer feedback plays a huge role in that. Every kitchen extension project is different, and real reviews help future homeowners understand what to expect when planning their own. Not everyone has time to leave a review, but for those who do, we truly appreciate it—not just because many are positive, but because they help us improve and provide better service.