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.

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Where would you like to extend?

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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 Google

Traditional kitchen extension with a farmhouse sink and shaker cabinetry.
Premium kitchen extension with marble countertops and a statement island.

Maximising 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

Check out our reviews

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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Contemporary kitchen extension with handleless cabinets and a neutral palette.

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.

Open-plan kitchen extension with a large island and bi-fold doors.

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. 

Choosing the right kitchen extension architect

Choosing the right architectural design service for a kitchen extension can be overwhelming. Our experience, transparency, and customer-first approach have made us a go-to choice for kitchen extensions across Essex. If we’ve helped you with your kitchen extension, we’d love to hear your feedback—it helps others make confident decisions when starting their own project.

Family-friendly kitchen extension with skylights and a dining area.
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