Architectural Resources
& Advice

4 Things To Consider Before Embarking on a Loft Conversion

Posted on 10/12/2024

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...

Four Remarkable Benefits of Professional Architectural...

Posted on 10/12/2024

Architectural design is at the heart of any successful construction project. It transforms ideas into tangible spaces that function effectively, look...

5 Home Extension Ideas That Don’t Require Planning...

Posted on 20/11/2024

Expanding your home can be an exciting journey, but the process of obtaining planning permission can sometimes delay progress or increase costs. Fortunately,...

5 Ways To Renovate A Bungalow

Posted on 30/10/2024

Many bungalows sit on generously sized plots, providing ample room for side or rear expansions. A well-designed extension can enhance both your living...

Accessible Home Design For People With Disabilities

Posted on 30/10/2024

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...

Creative Home Extension Designs For Compact Homes

Posted on 30/10/2024

Extending a compact home requires clever design to maximise both space and functionality. With the right approach, and with the help of expert architectural...

What Is Architectural Design?

Posted on 30/09/2024

At its foundation, architectural design is the process of shaping physical spaces to make them both functional and visually appealing. It aims to unify...

How Design and Layout Affect Mood and Well-Being

Posted on 30/09/2024

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...

Best Ideas For Small Kitchen Designs

Posted on 25/08/2024

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...

Victorian House Interior Design Inspiration

Posted on 01/08/2024

When designing the interior of a Victorian house, it's important to highlight the era's key characteristics while incorporating modern functionality for...

How Architectural Design Services Assist with Home...

Posted on 30/07/2024

An architectural designer can bring expertise, creativity, and technical know-how to a home extension project and will greatly contribute to its success.

The Advantages of Home Extension Design

Posted on 30/07/2024

Home extensions are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to add space and value to their properties. This trend is driven by...

Common Costly Mistakes Homeowners Make in a New Build...

Posted on 28/06/2024

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...

5 Property Extension Ideas That Can Add Value To Your...

Posted on 23/05/2024

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...

Why You Should Always Hire an Experienced Architectural...

Posted on 23/05/2024

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,...

Planning Approval vs. Building Control Approval: Understanding...

Posted on 23/04/2024

When undertaking a building project or renovation, it's crucial to navigate the regulatory landscape, which includes understanding the difference between...

5 Tips For Finding The Right Architectural Designer...

Posted on 23/04/2024

The first and perhaps most critical step of any renovation project is finding the right architectural designer. The perfect architectural designer will...

Extension and Renovations Advice: What is the Party...

Posted on 20/03/2024

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...

Sustainable Office Trends For 2024

Posted on 20/03/2024

Sustainability has become a central theme in the world of office design in recent years. While homeowners look towards greener solutions for their domestic...

How Modern Architecture Evolves With Technological...

Posted on 21/02/2024

The evolution of modern architecture often goes hand in hand with the potential to embrace technological advancement in design and space planning projects....

6 Essential Traits Of A Successful Architect

Posted on 21/02/2024

Choosing the right architect is crucial for the success of any construction, new build or renovation project. The architect's role is multifaceted; from...

Why Hiring A Professionally Skilled Architectural...

Posted on 26/01/2024

Hiring a professionally skilled architectural designer is crucial for any new build, construction or renovation project. These industry experts bring...

The Advantages Of Timber-Framed Buildings For Your...

Posted on 26/01/2024

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...

What Can I Expect from a Technical Drawing for My...

Posted on 25/01/2024

While planning approval might represent major progress for your project, before any building work can begin, there's an essential element to consider:...

Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality in New Build...

Posted on 15/12/2023

When it comes to planning your new-build project, striking the right balance between functionality and aesthetics is crucial. Whether it's a comfortable...

What is Art Deco architecture?

Posted on 31/10/2023

The Art Deco movement revolutionised architecture and space planning during the 1920s, and in today’s post we’re going to explore specific examples...

What is Adaptive Reuse in Architecture?

Posted on 29/10/2023

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...

How To Use Minimalist Design in a New Build Project

Posted on 19/09/2023

Minimalist design is a popular choice for modern homes in the UK due to its simplicity, functionality, and timeless aesthetic. Whether you're building...

How To Create An Entranceway That Will Make An Impression

Posted on 19/09/2023

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...

7 Clever Design Solutions That Make the Most of Smaller...

Posted on 23/08/2023

Having limited square footage doesn't mean compromising on comfort or style. With intelligent architectural design and careful planning, you can create...

5 Things to Consider When Starting a New Build For...

Posted on 16/08/2023

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...

Human-Centred Design: Innovations for Enhanced Well-Being

Posted on 04/07/2023

Through human-centred design, architects has the power to elicit a wide range of emotions and shape our experiences within the built environment. Beyond...

Inspirational New Build Projects: 5 Innovative Designs...

Posted on 01/07/2023

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...

Famous Architects and Their Iconic Designs

Posted on 05/06/2023

Architecture is an art form that combines creativity, vision, and functionality to create stunning structures that stand the test of time. Throughout...

The Future of Smart Home Design: How Architects are...

Posted on 03/06/2023

In recent years, the concept of a "smart home" has become an increasingly popular aspiration for those undertaking renovations or new build projects,...

Staircase or Architectural Design Feature?

Posted on 19/05/2023

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...

4 Innovative Ways to Heat a New Build

Posted on 12/05/2023

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....

5 Stunning Examples of Architecture Inspired by the...

Posted on 18/04/2023

Let us explore some remarkable examples of biometric architecture, where nature's influence has resulted in extraordinary structures that embody sustainability,...

The Importance of Colour In Contemporary Architecture

Posted on 06/04/2023

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...

How To Design a Sustainable Family Home

Posted on 31/03/2023

Whether you're starting an architectural project from scratch or renovating, creating a sustainable home is more than achievable with careful planning...

Interior Design Trends To Look Out For In 2023

Posted on 15/03/2023

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...

Top Tips To Keep Your House Warm This Winter

Posted on 19/12/2022

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...

Proportion in Classical Architecture

Posted on 07/11/2022

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...

Do I Need Planning Permission For A Loft Conversion?

Posted on 17/10/2022

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,...

How The British Monarchy Influenced Architecture

Posted on 23/09/2022

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...

ISE Barcelona: The Energy-Smart Home

Posted on 19/08/2022

Wouter De Jager, Founder of Maidenhead Planning, recently visited Barcelona for the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) Conference. Over the next few weeks,...

ISE Barcelona: The Audio-Visual Smart Home Edit

Posted on 12/08/2022

Wouter De Jager, Founder of Maidenhead Planning, recently visited Barcelona for the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) Conference. Over the next few weeks,...

ISE Barcelona: The Work From Home Edit

Posted on 01/07/2022

Wouter De Jager, Founder of Maidenhead Planning, recently visited Barcelona for the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) Conference. Over the next few weeks,...

Planning permission for extensions

Posted on 06/06/2022

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...

Everything You Need to Know About Technical Drawings

Posted on 22/04/2022

Technical drawings are one of the most important components of planning for building and renovation projects. A technical drawing provides both an overview...

How To Start A Home Renovation

Posted on 04/04/2022

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,...

How to Design an Open-plan Living Space

Posted on 11/03/2022

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...

What is an Architectural Designer?

Posted on 14/02/2022

In this blog, we will explain what an architectural designer does and how they can help with your home improvements.

Open Plan Living Is Out - Defined Living Is In

Posted on 28/01/2022

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...

Interior Design Trends for 2022

Posted on 14/01/2022

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,...

Christmas Decorating Traditions From Around The World

Posted on 24/12/2021

Have you ever wondered what traditions other places in the world have when it comes to Christmas decorations?

Step-by-step: Finesse Your Festive Dining Table

Posted on 17/12/2021

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.

Step-by-step: Make Your Mantel Magical

Posted on 10/12/2021

Christmas brings somewhat of a mini home renovation project. Once you’ve picked the perfect tree and clad it in colour-coordinated festoons, baubles,...

Step-by-Step: How To Decorate An Insta-Worthy Christmas...

Posted on 03/12/2021

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...

The Perfect Type of Christmas Tree For Your Home

Posted on 19/11/2021

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...

5 Fireplaces To Keep You Cosy This Winter

Posted on 05/11/2021

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...

A Beginner’s Guide To Alternative Furniture

Posted on 20/10/2021

From using recyclable or recycled fabrics, to needing less materials to create products, the alternative furniture trend seems to be the way forward if...

Five Ways To Decorate Using Houseplants

Posted on 01/10/2021

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...

How To Pull Off The Navy Blue Living Room Trend

Posted on 16/09/2021

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...

Back to School Edition: Home Study Areas

Posted on 03/09/2021

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...

10 Ideas You Can Steal From Scandinavian Interior...

Posted on 20/08/2021

Since its rise to popularity in 2018 – thanks to social media - the trend for Scandinavian home styling continues in full force. Every professional...

Japanese Architecture and Design: Five Ways to Breathe...

Posted on 23/07/2021

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,...

Mediterranean Design

Posted on 09/07/2021

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...

Designing for a Warmer Climate

Posted on 25/06/2021

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...

My Top 5 Tips for Creating a Welcoming Entrance Hall

Posted on 04/06/2021

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...

A week in the life… Qasim, Structural Engineer Extraordinaire

Posted on 14/05/2021

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...

A Week in the Life... Jo, Virtual Assistant

Posted on 23/04/2021

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...

A Week in the Life… Wouter, Architectural Designer

Posted on 08/04/2021

Hi! My name is Wouter. I am the owner/director of Maidenhead Planning, Senior surveyor and Architectural designer. I set up Maidenhead Planning after...

Time for a Spring Clean Declutter

Posted on 26/03/2021

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...

Garden Landscape Design

Posted on 12/03/2021

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...

How to Get Your Garden Ready for Spring

Posted on 26/02/2021

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...

How to Get Building Regulations Approval

Posted on 12/02/2021

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...

Building regulation parts and what they cover

Posted on 29/01/2021

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 do I need to get Building Regulations approval?

Posted on 15/01/2021

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...

Merry Christmas from Maidenhead Planning

Posted on 25/12/2020

Wishing you and all your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Christmas Trees

Posted on 11/12/2020

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...

Room Focus – Bathroom

Posted on 27/11/2020

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...

Loft Conversions

Posted on 13/11/2020

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...

Horror Mistakes When Designing Your Home

Posted on 30/10/2020

With Halloween just around the corner, our minds here at Maidenhead Planning are turning to horror (stories). Designing your own home, or even extending...

The Perfect Working-from-Home Environment

Posted on 09/10/2020

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...

Room Focus – The Bedroom

Posted on 25/09/2020

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...

Case Study, St. Luke’s Road

Posted on 11/09/2020

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...

The Green Grant

Posted on 14/08/2020

Last week saw further information released about one of Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak’s big announcements from this year’s summer statement,...

Room Focus – Utility Room

Posted on 31/07/2020

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...

Garden Room Design

Posted on 17/07/2020

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...

Outbuildings and Garden Rooms

Posted on 03/07/2020

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...

Designing Your Kitchen

Posted on 19/06/2020

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...

Continuing to Work During Lockdown.

Posted on 05/06/2020

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...

Designing in Patterns of Nature

Posted on 22/05/2020

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...

14 patterns in nature and how they add happiness to...

Posted on 30/04/2020

“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...

What’s involved with getting a study at home?

Posted on 17/03/2020

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...

COVID-19 Update: Video Call

Posted on 13/03/2020

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...

Some Home Renovation Ideas

Posted on 12/03/2020

With Spring upon us, thought it would be good to share some ideas of what can be achieved.

When Is An Architectural designer or Surveyor Necessary...

Posted on 05/02/2020

Wondering if you need an architectural designer or surveyor for an upcoming project? Maidenhead Planning looks at what architectural designers and building...

Mercado Central

Posted on 23/01/2020

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...

Design and Build Contract

Posted on 13/12/2019

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....

5 tips on how to decorate your home this Christmas

Posted on 19/11/2019

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...

10 Reasons Why You Should Use An Architectural Professional

Posted on 05/08/2019

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,...

Things You Should Do Before Deciding To Extend Your...

Posted on 09/07/2019

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...

Why you should involve an architectural designer in...

Posted on 29/03/2019

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...

How does hiring an architectural professional work?

Posted on 15/03/2019

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...

Garage Conversion Ideas and Planning Permission

Posted on 08/02/2019

Permitted Developments

Posted on 01/01/2019

Are Property Prices Rising in Berkshire?

Posted on 01/11/2018

Despite the warnings, we at Maidenhead Planning have found it getting busier and busier with planning applications and building regulation drawings in...