Home extensions
Concept, planning and technical design for rear, side or multi-storey extensions to existing homes.
Architects Brighton & Hove
Find architects in Brighton & Hove
Planning an extension, conversion, refurbishment or new design in Brighton & Hove? Describe the property, objectives and likely scope once, then compare architects who cover your area.
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Up to 3 local responses
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Looking for an architect near you in Brighton & Hove?
Enter the postcode, property type and what you want to change. Mention conservation-area, listed-building or HMO use if relevant so suitable Brighton & Hove architects can judge the likely planning and design work.
Common architect services
What can architects in Brighton & Hove help with?
Choose a professional whose experience matches the scale and practical requirements of your job.
Renovations & remodelling
Reworking internal layouts, circulation and spaces while coordinating structural and building-services requirements.
Planning applications
Drawings and design information for projects that require planning permission or specific local assessment.
Building Regulations design
Technical information and coordination needed to demonstrate compliance with relevant Building Regulations.
Listed & heritage buildings
Design work where listed-building consent, conservation context and historic fabric need special attention.
New-build design
Concept through technical design for new homes and other buildings where site, planning and construction constraints are considered together.
How much does an architect cost?
Fees depend on project value, complexity and which RIBA-style stages or services are included. Current 2026 UK guidance gives these broad examples:
£3,000–£5,000Extension planning drawings
£2,000–£7,500+Renovation projects
£5,000–£8,000Building regs & tender drawings
£5,000–£12,000Full house-extension fee guide
Indicative UK guidance checked August 2026 from MyJobQuote. Brighton & Hove architect fees vary with project value, survey information, planning complexity, heritage, structural coordination and how far the architect remains involved after approval.
Compare like for like
Compare the same design stages
One fee may cover planning drawings only while another includes technical design, tendering and site support. Compare scope before comparing price.
- State the project budget and what you want to achieve, not only the room dimensions.
- Ask which design stages, applications and revisions are included.
- Clarify structural engineer, surveyor and specialist-consultant costs separately.
- For heritage property, mention listing or conservation-area status from the start.
Cost sources: MyJobQuote 2026 architect cost guide
Brighton & Hove planning and heritage context
A dense heritage environment and citywide HMO Article 4 controls make address-specific planning checks important
Brighton & Hove has 34 conservation areas and around 3,400 individually listed buildings and structures. The city also has a citywide Article 4 direction removing the normal C3-to-C4 HMO permitted-development right.
Brighton & Hove has 34 conservation areas and around 3,400 listed buildings or structures
The council's design guidance highlights the scale of the city's heritage assets. If an extension, conversion or refurbishment affects a listed building or a property in a conservation area, material, form and detailing can need closer planning scrutiny than on an unrestricted modern property.
Source: Brighton & Hove City Council — draft Extensions and Alterations SPD
Changing a dwellinghouse to a small HMO needs planning permission across the city
Brighton & Hove City Council says the Article 4 direction applies citywide, so the usual permitted-development right to change a C3 dwellinghouse to a C4 small HMO is removed. If a project changes occupancy or use, flag that intention at the briefing stage rather than treating it as an ordinary internal conversion.
Source: Brighton & Hove City Council — planning permission for HMOs
Local to Brighton & Hove
Architects covering Brighton & Hove
Architects may cover Brighton & Hove by project type, property and stage of work. Example areas include:
KemptownHanoverSeven DialsPreston ParkHovePortsladePatchamRottingdean
Give the exact address and intended use
The same extension or conversion can face very different constraints in Kemptown, Hove, Rottingdean or a non-designated area. Share the address, existing plans and any known planning history.
Planning and Building Regulations are separate. A project may need planning permission, Building Regulations approval, both or neither. Ask the architect to explain which route applies to the proposed work.
How it works
Describe the project once, then compare Brighton & Hove architects
Budget, site, design ambition and required stages help architects decide whether the project fits their practice.
Set out the project brief
Add the postcode, property type, intended changes, budget and any known planning or heritage constraints.
Hear from suitable architects
Up to three interested Brighton & Hove architects can respond.
Compare service stages
Check relevant experience and compare exactly which surveys, drawings, applications and construction-stage services are included.
Before you hire
What should you check before hiring an architect?
Relevant project experience and a clearly defined service are more useful than comparing headline percentage fees alone.
Compare similar project experience
Look for work with a similar property type, planning context, budget and technical complexity.
Define the service stages
Agree whether the appointment stops at planning or continues through technical design, tender and construction support.
Clarify other consultants
Ask who appoints structural, measured-survey, party-wall or specialist consultants and whether their fees are separate.
Questions
Architects in Brighton & Hove: common questions
Useful answers before you post the job.
How much does an architect cost in Brighton & Hove?
Fees depend on project value, complexity and whether you need concept design, planning drawings, technical Building Regulations information, tender support or contract administration.
Do conservation areas affect extensions in Brighton & Hove?
They can. The city has 34 conservation areas, and design, materials and external alterations may face additional controls depending on the property and proposal.
Does a small HMO conversion need planning permission?
Yes. Brighton & Hove has a citywide Article 4 direction removing the normal C3-to-C4 permitted-development right.
Do listed buildings need special consent?
Alterations that affect a listed building's special architectural or historic interest can require listed-building consent as well as any other planning approval.
Do I have to hire an architect who responds?
No. Up to three interested local professionals can respond and there is no obligation to hire.
Ready to compare architects in Brighton & Hove?
Describe the property, objectives and project stage once, then compare interested Brighton & Hove architects and their proposals.
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