Residential Architectural Design for the West Midlands
McTernan Design produces planning application drawings and Building Control-ready construction packs for homeowners across Solihull, Birmingham, Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands. Every project uses 3D modelling in design discussions, so you can test decisions before you commit.
Planning drawings. Building Regulations packs. 3D walkthroughs.
One designer from options on screen to builder-ready detail.
Recent Projects in Solihull, Birmingham & Warwickshire
Start Here - Desktop Appraisal
Most homeowners, self-builders and developers don’t need a long call to begin with. They need a quick, honest steer.
A desktop appraisal lets us check the basics first: constraints, likely route (planning, prior approval, Class Q or permitted development), and whether the brief fits the site.
We work best with homeowners and self-builders who value detail and certainty over the lowest possible fee.
This is also a fit check. If you’re mainly comparing the cheapest drawing quotes, we won’t be the right match. If you want a clear, staged process, design decisions tested in 3D, and architectural drawings that a builder can price properly, welcome to the design team.
We are a good fit if...
✔ You want a complete "builder-ready" drawing pack, not just a quick sketch.
✔ You want to test layouts in 3D/VR to see exactly what you are buying before you commit.
✔ You value a fixed-fee process where we handle the council negotiations for you.
Why Homeowners & Self-builders Choose McTernan Design
One designer throughout. You deal directly with Mark McTernan. The person you speak to is the person producing your drawings.
3D modelling used properly, not as a sales extra. Every design is modelled in 3D so you can review layouts and proportions in a practical way before anything goes near the council. This is how we catch problems early and avoid expensive changes later.
Builder-ready drawings that Building Control can approve. Technical packs are produced to Full Plans standard, giving your builder clear information and giving Building Control what they need to review the construction properly.
Local experience that shapes decisions early. We design with local constraints in mind from the start, so you don’t waste weeks developing an idea that will struggle at the planning submission.
Whatever your project size, you’ll get the same professional approach and the same respect. The difference is scope, not care.
Residential Architectural Services in Solihull & Birmingham
McTernan Design focuses on residential projects across the West Midlands. We design the scheme with you, produce planning drawings where needed, then develop technical packs for Building Regulations when you’re ready to move forward.
Bespoke Houses
New-build and replacement dwelling projects demand a clear design case and strong site response. We develop the concept in 3D, then produce planning submissions and technical drawings that your contractor can price and build from.
House Extensions
A common starting point. Single-storey, two-storey, wrap-around, side returns. We check constraints early (neighbour impact, daylight, conservation status) and develop options with you in 3D. Straightforward householder planning applications have a council target of eight weeks from validation, but workload and consultation can change timings.
Barn Conversions
Barn conversions often bring policy constraints (listed buildings, conservation areas, Green Belt, rural planning). We talk through risk early and build the design response around that reality. These projects usually take longer, because the planning route and supporting information can be heavier.
Loft Conversions
Some loft conversions fall under permitted development, others need planning. We assess the route early so you don’t get surprised later. You’ll see the layout and headroom in 3D before we commit to drawings.
Walk Through a Recent Project
From day one, every project is designed in both 2D CAD and 3D. You’ll see how the rooms connect, how the light falls during the day, and how your home will feel before work starts. For existing homes, we take precise site measurements; for new builds, we use topographic surveys.
Neighbour Assurance: 3D visuals reduce objections and smooth approvals.
Drawings that answer planning officers’ questions before they ask them
Builders can quote more accurately because everything’s clear from the start
Prefer starting with plans? We can begin with 2D sketches and CAD drawings and then present key views and videos in 3D.
Additionally, we offer immersive Virtual Reality walkthroughs
Architectural services we offer
Feasibility Concepts
Explore your options with clarity
Early sketches and models help you visualise what’s possible, compare layouts, and progress confidently knowing the right direction for your home.
More space for living
From kitchen-diners to loft bedrooms, we design extensions that create family space and pass smoothly through local planning.
New Build Homes
A New Home, Built Around You
From initial concept to final drawings, we design homes that suit your lifestyle, complement your site, and gain planning approval.
Conversions & Redevelopments
Rework Your Property
From loft conversions to full barn renovations, we craft projects that reconfigure the potential of existing properties, taking into account approval processes and buildability.
Planning & Regulations
Planning & Building Made Simple
We prepare all the paperwork in-house - from planning statements to full Building Regulations drawings - so you don’t need to hire extra consultants.
Trusted Locally. Designs That Add Value.
Builder trust: We are trusted by builders such as Use Your Space in Knowle, who recommend our clear, build-ready drawings. Builders know our plans reduce questions on site, speed up pricing, and keep projects moving.
Extension value: For extensions, good design delivers more than just extra square metres. It creates spaces that suit daily life, light-filled kitchens, connected family rooms, and practical lofts. Nationwide data indicates well-designed extensions and loft conversions can increase property value by up to 25%, while also enhancing the everyday living experience in a home.
New-build certainty: For bespoke new homes, 2D floor plans alone never show how a house will feel. Our 3D models and virtual reality walkthroughs let you step inside the design before it’s approved, seeing how rooms flow, how light moves through the spaces, and how views open onto the garden. This gives you certainty and control before a single brick is laid.
“Excellent, responsive service which helped us not just narrow down our options but helped us think about things we hadn’t ever even considered. Mark was also extremely helpful whenever we had any related questions which gave us confidence to choose the right builder and that their quotes were also fair and reasonable. We also loved the interactive, VR simulation. This really brought our plans to life and helped involve the kids in the final choices.”
Thomas Dillon, Knowle, Solihull
Recent Projects in Solihull, Birmingham & Warwickshire
What Our Clients Say
"We needed more space but didn’t want to leave our neighbourhood. We got the perfect family home without moving in by the rear extension designed by McTernan. We were able to see exactly how the spaces would work before we committed to them with their 3D visualization." — Sarah & James, Solihull (Rear Extension)
Frequently Asked Questions About Planning and Building in Solihull, Birmingham & Warwickshire
We’ve got a plot of land in Solihull or Warwickshire – how can you tell us if it’s feasible to build?
A: We carry out a site-specific feasibility assessment. This involves evaluating access, utilities, ground conditions, and local planning policies. In Solihull, many sites fall within green belt restrictions; in Warwickshire, heritage and conservation considerations are often important. Our appraisal highlights opportunities and risks so landowners and self-builders understand what is practically achievable before investing further.
Do you prepare all the planning documents for the applications?
A: Absolutely. We prepare everything in-house: planning drawings, Design & Access Statements, heritage reports, and Building Regulations packs. This is especially valuable in Solihull and Birmingham, where councils often request detailed statements. Managing it all under one roof keeps the process quicker and avoids additional consultant costs.
We’re considering a replacement dwelling - demolishing and rebuilding. What is the process?
A: Replacement homes are common in Solihull villages such as Knowle and Dorridge, as well as in Warwickshire countryside plots. The process generally involves: securing planning permission for demolition and rebuilding, designing in line with local size and height policies, and producing Building Regulations drawings that detail how the construction will be carried out. We work closely with structural engineers and building control to ensure confidence before work begins.
What about barn conversions – how do they work locally?
A: Barn conversions may fall under Class Q permitted development or require full planning consent, depending on the structure and location. In rural Warwickshire and Coventry, many barns need heritage or conservation approval. We evaluate feasibility, prepare conversion designs, and manage all permissions, offering a pathway to a modern home that retains the building’s character.
Can we see and experience the design before it is built?
A: Yes. We use 3D modelling and virtual-reality walkthroughs so you can explore the design before planning approval or construction. Families often use VR to check kitchen layouts, window placements, and garden views, while developers test capacity and flow. This prevents costly mid-build changes and provides you with certainty.
How long does the planning process take in Solihull, Birmingham, and Warwickshire?
A: Timelines vary by council. Solihull decisions usually take around 8 weeks from validation. Birmingham often takes longer at 10–12 weeks due to backlogs. Warwickshire and nearby districts typically range between 8-10 weeks. We monitor current council performance so you know what to expect before submitting.
Start with a free desktop appraisal and quote
Share your address details and project type. I’ll find your home or plot on screen, review recent local planning decisions, and check Google Earth and Street View. When we speak, we’ll talk through your specific site, not guesswork. The consultation and quote are free.
Prefer to send photos or a quick video of your house or plot? WhatsApp me on 07955 572811. Pictures of the rear garden, access, and any tricky corners really help the appraisal.