Thoughtful design for the home you want to create.
Whether you're extending, renovating or building a new home, I can help you look at the various options, turn your ideas into 3D and prepare the architectural drawings needed so that your project can move forward with the planning and Building Regulations.
Residential architectural design in Solihull and the West Midlands.
A better home begins with a design you can understand
An extension might give you a larger kitchen but leave the existing living room darker. A loft conversion might provide another bedroom but compromise the space needed for the staircase.
Our service supports you and guides you through design decisions before they become expensive during construction.
I look at how your current home functions, consider the changes you want to make, and assess how the new rooms will connect, including daylight, privacy, room size, and your property's structural considerations.
As the design process moves forward, you will take part in all the major decisions, giving you the opportunity to review the options and understand their implications before deciding on the way forward.
See your ideas take shape in 3D
Explore the design together, in your own home.
3D modelling is design feedback tool used in all the McTernan Design projects.
I take your brief, develop the proposal into drawings and a computer model so you can test drive and live your project before a brick has been laid. During our design meetings in your home, I will show it on your television so we can look together at the rooms, proportions, furniture arrangement, and views.
Together, we consider how the proposed extension would match your current home and lifestyle, explore possible layouts, and discuss any changes while the design is still being developed.
For large or more complex projects, an optional virtual reality walkthrough offers another way to experience the spaces.
Watch a project walkthrough
Residential design for your property
New and replacement homes
Bespoke residential design developed around your site, accommodation requirements and architectural preferences, with 3D modelling throughout the design process.
Barn and loft conversions
Use your existing space, considering headroom, access, daylighting, layout, and how the converted area relates to the rest of your home.
Extensions and renovations
From kitchen extensions and open-plan living spaces to substantial alterations, I design additions that respond to the existing house and the way you want to use it.
Designing with the whole property in mind
A proposal needs to work for your home and its surroundings.
In Birmingham, Solihull, Knowle, Dorridge, and the surrounding areas, the design may be influenced by factors such as nearby windows, daylight, privacy, and the character of the existing property.
As the proposal moves forward, I examine the various planning considerations and show how they could affect your choices.
The local authority decides whether planning permission is required. My role is to help you put together an appropriate proposal and to coordinate and record your design decisions so they can be assessed.
From first ideas to technical drawings
1. Explore what’s possible
At the beginning, we discuss your property, your objectives, and any constraints we need to consider.
When we begin the design phase, I conduct a measured architectural survey and prepare the project brief.
2. Develop the design together
I prepare several design options and 3D views so you can see how the proposed spaces will function.
We review the design together, discuss any changes, and agree on the proposal before I draw up the relevant planning drawings.
3. Prepare the technical information
Once we agree on the design and complete the required planning stage, I will prepare detailed drawings and specifications for assessment against the Building Regulations.
They give builders the information they need to prepare quotations and plan the work.
We agree on the scope of each stage and fix the fee, so you can choose when you are ready to move on.
Projects designed around real homes
Please take a look at some residential projects McTernan Design has recently completed in Solihull, Birmingham, and Warwickshire, including house extensions, conversions, and custom homes.
You can see how the final designs reflect each property, clients' requirements, and location factors.
"We needed more space, but didn’t want to leave the area. We got the extra bedroom without moving, thanks to the first-floor extension designed by McTernan Design. We were able to see exactly how the spaces would work in 3D."
Sarah & James, Solihull, Householder planning (Side extension)
"If you’re thinking of a renovation, or a new build, or any type of alteration to your property, I would highly recommend Mark to be appointed. He is very professional and very much on the ball, always. Always happy to go through the smallest information with as much as detail as possible, and step to step guide and opinions"
Noorul, Kings Heath, Birmingham, PD & Householder planning (Side & rear extensions)
"Highly recommended. Mark assisted us with the design of a rear extension, garage conversion and redesign of several other interior rooms. Excellent, responsive service which helped us not just narrow down our options but helped us think about things we hadn’t ever even considered."
Tom, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Householder planning (Garage conversion, rear extension and internal renovation)
A personal approach, from the first meeting
When you select McTernan Design, you'll work directly with me.
I visit your property, draw up the plans, then return to review the design with you, where you can ask questions, discuss ideas, and watch the proposal develop.
At each agreed stage, I prepare a written quotation specifying the drawings and services included before any work begins.
Tell me what you have in mind
If you’re considering an extension, renovation, conversion, or new build, send me the property address and a brief explanation of your goals.
I'll review the available information, consider the original local planning considerations, and explain the most suitable next step.
You don't need a fully developed brief or a fixed idea of the project direction.
A conversation can start your design process.
Request a desktop appraisal
Why not have a phone call? You can reach me on 07955 572811.