What is the typical timeframe for architectural projects?

Most residential projects follow a predictable 5-6 month journey from initial survey through planning permission to building regulations approval. More complex projects or those in sensitive planning areas may require additional time, which we'll discuss during your initial consultation.

How much does architectural design typically cost?

Our services are structured into packages to accommodate different needs and budgets. The Foundation Service starts from £1,000 for straightforward extensions, while comprehensive packages for larger projects range from £2,000 to £10,000 depending on scale and complexity. We provide detailed fee proposals following initial consultations.

What areas do you cover?

We primarily serve Solihull, Birmingham, and surrounding areas of the West Midlands, with particular expertise in these local planning authorities. We have especially strong experience in Solihull neighborhoods including Knowle, Dorridge, and Balsall Common, and Birmingham areas including Moseley, Kings Heath, Edgbaston, and Harborne.

Do I need planning permission for my project?

Many projects can proceed under Permitted Development rights without full planning permission. During your initial consultation, we'll assess your property's specific circumstances including any constraints like conservation area status, previous planning conditions, or Article 4 directions that might affect your permitted development rights. We'll provide clear guidance on whether planning permission is required and the optimal strategy for your project.

What is the difference between planning permission and building regulations?

Planning permission concerns the appearance, size, and impact of your development, and is granted by the local authority planning department. Building regulations address technical performance including structural stability, fire safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility, ensuring the building is safe and compliant with national standards. Most projects require both planning permission (or permitted development confirmation) and building regulations approval.

How does your 3D visualization technology work?

We create detailed three-dimensional computer models using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and advanced rendering tools. These visualizations can be explored on screen or through our Oculus Quest VR headsets during in-home design presentations, providing an immersive walkthrough experience. This technology helps clients understand spatial relationships that are difficult to comprehend from traditional drawings, leading to more confident decision-making.

Will you recommend builders for our project?

Yes, we maintain relationships with 15 quality-vetted builders throughout the West Midlands and can recommend contractors suited to your specific project. Our builder selection criteria includes at least 5 years' trading history, verified client references, appropriate insurance coverage, and demonstrated quality control processes. We can help manage the tender process to ensure you receive accurate, comparable quotes based on our detailed documentation.

What makes your architectural process different from other firms?

Our comprehensive 9-stage process includes unique elements like in-home immersive design presentations rather than office meetings, virtual reality walkthroughs instead of confusing blueprints, and face-to-face design evolution instead of email exchanges. We've achieved planning approval rates of 98% in Solihull and 93% in Birmingham through our deep understanding of local planning policies and requirements.

What are your core values and approach?

Our core values include: Comprehensive Expertise - providing end-to-end architectural solutions under one roof; Personalized Service - rejecting digital-only interactions in favor of face-to-face engagement; Technical Excellence - maintaining unwavering commitment to planning success and regulatory compliance; Visual Communication - using advanced visualization technology to help clients experience spaces before construction; and Local Knowledge - leveraging our deep familiarity with West Midlands planning authorities.

Residential Projects Across Solihull, Birmingham & Warwickshire

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Real architectural design work — from extensions and lofts to full replacements — all shaped around how our clients live, and how local planning actually works.

Single-storey extension

Loft Conversion

Two-storey extension

Garage conversion

First floor extension

Barn conversion

Bespoke dwelling

Larger Home Extension Scheme (Prior Approval from the Local Authority)

Kitchen extensions

Commercial projects

What We Design — And Where

From barn conversions in Stratford to kitchen extensions in Solihull, we’ve worked with over 350 homeowners across the West Midlands.

House Extensions in Solihull, Hall Green, Kings Heath
Loft Conversions in Alvechurch, Harborne, and Dorridge
Barn Conversions & Replacement Dwellings in Warwickshire villages
Garage Conversions & Reconfigurations across South Birmingham

Experience Your Design Before It’s Built

Walk through your project virtually with our immersive 3D models. Refine layouts, finishes, and lighting before construction

View our project videos on YouTube

View our Architectural Services here

McTernan Design Homepage

Scaled Drawings for Planning Permission for Home Extensions, Solihull, Birmingham

Our portfolio demonstrates a commitment to excellence through projects that span contemporary house extension designs, bespoke loft conversion plans, and innovative architectural extension proposals. We work closely with homeowners across Birmingham, Warwickshire, and the wider West Midlands to develop custom planning drawings for home extensions that comply with local planning policies and residential development guidelines. Our services encompass architectural design plans for householder planning approval, prior approval plan drawings, and the creation of scale-accurate site and elevation plans for full planning applications. In addition to these vital documents, we provide detailed planning application guidance, comprehensive building permit drawings, and immersive 3D planning visualisations that bring your project to life. Whether you wish to expand your home with modern house extensions, explore custom house extension ideas, or require innovative home renovation and expansion plans, our expert team is committed to guiding you through each stage of the planning approval process—ensuring that every phase meets rigorous standards of regulatory compliance and design excellence.

Inspiring House Extension Ideas for Solihull, Birmingham, Coventry, and Nearby Areas

Barn conversion in Bromsgrove featuring Millboard composite cladding for enhanced aesthetics and sustainability. McTernan Design provides planning application drawings and building regulation plans for modern, eco-friendly rural homes.

Millboard cladding video study

Architectural visualisation of a premium bespoke family home in Warwickshire featuring an indoor swimming pool, spacious garden grounds, and distinctive gabled entrance hall.

Explore Our Service Area on Google Maps – Highlighted in Red

Wrap-around kitchen extension video

Innovative 3D Floor Plan Modelling & Home Renovation Planning Support

Our services are designed to take your project from concept to completion. We provide in‐depth home design planning support through every stage of the process. Our team offers tailored advice and support from the first free architectural planning consultation to the final building approval drawings. We produce detailed planning application plans and building consent drawings that address every aspect of the project.
Advanced 3D planning visualisations and immersive 3D residential designs enhance our services. These include photorealistic 3D planning imagery, virtual reality 3D home renderings, and architectural 3D home models that help visualise your project. We also offer heritage impact assessments and design and access statements to ensure that every detail of your project is carefully considered and aligned with local planning policies.
Our approach combines smart home expansion plans, modern residential expansion plans, and even innovative house extension ideas with comprehensive planning application support to achieve the best outcomes for your project.

Planning Application Drawings for Solihull and Birmingham

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Schedule Your Architectural Consultation Today for Expert Home Design & Planning Support

Ready to transform your home with innovative residential planning drawings and custom architectural design plans that meet every regulatory requirement? Our expert team is dedicated to guiding you from the free initial consultation through every phase of your project—from crafting detailed planning application plans and house extension planning drawings to navigating council submission drawings and securing planning permission. Whether you’re considering a house expansion, custom home enlargement, or affordable house extension options, we offer personalised architectural design advice tailored to your needs. Contact us today to arrange a remote or on-site consultation. Our consultation hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

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View our other projects here

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Ready to Transform Your Home?

Get in touch with McTernan Design today and let our expertise in residential planning design, architectural drawings for planning permission, and comprehensive building approval plans guide your next project. Discover how our inventive home extension designs and innovative 3D design visualisations can bring your dream home to life.

Begin Your Home Improvement Journey Today | Receive a Free Consultation

✉️: mark@mcternandesign.co.uk
📞: 07955 572811