Home extensions
Concept, planning and technical design for rear, side or multi-storey extensions to existing homes.
Architects Cardiff
Find architects in Cardiff
Planning an extension, conversion, refurbishment or new design in Cardiff? Describe the property and project once, then compare architects who cover your area.
Genuine verified customer reviews
Up to 3 local responses
You choose who to hire
Looking for an architect near you in Cardiff?
Enter the postcode, property type and project scope. Mention conservation status, listed-building concerns, HMO use, structural changes and whether you need concept design, planning drawings or technical Building Regulations work.
Common architect services
What can architects in Cardiff 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. Cardiff 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
Cardiff planning and heritage context
Cardiff combines extensive heritage protection with citywide HMO planning controls
Cardiff has 27 conservation areas, around 1,000 listed buildings and many Article 4 directions. Separately, new HMOs from three unrelated occupiers require planning permission, making early use-class and heritage checks important before a design is fixed.
Heritage controls can affect small as well as major alterations
Cardiff Council says the city has 27 conservation areas and around 1,000 listed buildings, while many conservation areas also have Article 4 directions removing permitted development rights for minor alterations such as windows. Listed Building Consent is needed where work affects the character of a listed building.
Source: Cardiff Council — conservation of the built environment
New HMOs require planning permission from three unrelated occupiers
Cardiff Council says C4 HMOs for three to six unrelated people and larger HMOs require planning permission. It also assesses local HMO concentration, so a conversion concept should establish the intended occupancy and planning use before internal layouts are developed in detail.
Source: Cardiff Council — houses in multiple occupation planning
Local to Cardiff
Architects covering Cardiff
Architects may cover Cardiff by postcode, project type and stage. Example areas include:
CathaysRoathCantonPontcannaGrangetownLlandaffWhitchurchLlanishen
Start with the property's constraints, not the sketch
A protected house in Llandaff, a terrace in Canton and an HMO proposal in Cathays can face very different planning issues. Give the architect the address and intended use before asking for a design solution.
Planning and Building Regulations are separate. Ask whether the architect's fee includes planning strategy, heritage work, Building Regulations drawings, structural coordination and any specialist reports your project may need.
How it works
Describe the project once, then compare Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff: common questions
Useful answers before you post the job.
How much does an architect cost in Cardiff?
Fees depend on project size, complexity, heritage constraints and how much of the design, planning and technical process you want the architect to handle.
How many conservation areas are there in Cardiff?
Cardiff Council currently lists 27 conservation areas.
Does a listed building need special consent?
Yes. Listed Building Consent can be required where proposed work affects the character of a statutory listed building.
Do new HMOs need planning permission in Cardiff?
Yes. Cardiff Council says planning permission is required for new HMOs from three unrelated occupiers.
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 Cardiff?
Describe the property, constraints and project once, then compare interested Cardiff architects and their quotes.
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