Architects in Surrey
AURA Architecture works with homeowners across Surrey, from Guildford and Woking to Epsom, Farnham, Cobham, Esher and Walton-on-Thames, creating bespoke residential spaces tailored to modern family living.
Looking for Architects in Surrey?
Our architecture specialises in residential design, planning and home improvement projects across Surrey. Since 2014, we have worked with homeowners on bespoke renovations, home refurbishments and carefully considered residential projects tailored to modern family living.
Our work includes home extensions, loft conversions, basement conversions and bespoke new build homes designed to maximise space, improve natural light and complement the character of each property. We create simple, balanced and functional spaces that feel bright, practical and long-lasting.
We understand the planning and architectural considerations that shape residential projects across Surrey, including conservation areas, Green Belt settings and local authority requirements. From Epsom and Guildford to Farnham, Cobham, Esher and Woking, we help homeowners create homes that respond carefully to both the property and its surrounding environment.
From concept design and planning applications through to technical drawings and contractor coordination, we can manage every stage of the process while guiding projects from initial ideas through to completion.
Luxury Architectural Projects in Surrey
Our 10-step design guide for Homeowners
Our design guide takes you through the architectural design process from start to finish. It sets out all the stages from initial design through to completion and shows you how we can help at each step of the way.
Download our free 10-Step Home Design Guide
The first step is to contact us using our online enquiry form where you can create a design brief online.
We then look at local policies and planning history and meet with you to explain any constraints you may need to be aware of.
After that, we provide a written fee proposal and help you budget for other costs. So that you can see how the project will look on completion, we produce three concept designs for you to choose from. These include floor plans, sketches, and can also include 3D images with our premium service.
You may require a planning application to confirm that designs comply with all local planning regulations. We can complete this for you.
We also prepare the technical drawings and documentation required to demonstrate compliance with current Building Regulations, helping to support a smooth transition from planning through to construction.
To help fully realise the finished look and feel of your home, we can provide detailed Specifications of Works covering interior finishes, fittings and material selections tailored to the overall design of the project.
Our team can also manage the tender process, helping obtain competitive quotations from trusted contractors while ensuring contracts and project information are clearly coordinated before work begins.
During construction, we remain involved in the project to help monitor progress, resolve site issues and support the delivery of the design through to completion.
For clients looking to explore the potential of their property in greater detail, we also offer a Concept Feasibility Package including a site visit, concept proposals and preliminary guidance on planning, layout options and project scope.
Designing Homes for Modern Surrey Living
Our approach as residential architects in Surrey focuses on creating homes that feel practical, spacious and carefully connected to their surroundings.
We design homes that balance modern family living with the character of Surrey’s towns, villages and residential neighbourhoods.
From detached family homes and countryside properties to heritage houses and contemporary renovations, we create spaces that maximise natural light, improve functionality and respond thoughtfully to both the property and its setting.
We believe successful residential design should feel timeless, comfortable and tailored to the way homeowners live both now and in the future.
Architect Fees in Surrey
AURA Architecture provides clear and transparent architectural fee structures for homeowners across Surrey. The cost of architectural services will depend on the size, complexity and scope of the project, as well as the level of support required throughout the design and construction process.
For projects using our full architectural service, fees are typically in the region of 8–12% of the overall construction cost. This can include concept design, planning applications, technical drawings, Building Regulations packages, tender support and construction-stage coordination.
Residential projects across Surrey can vary significantly depending on property type, planning requirements, conservation considerations and construction complexity. Our approach is always tailored to the specific needs of the project, ensuring clients receive practical guidance and clearly structured architectural support from the outset.
We believe homeowners should understand both the process and likely project costs early in the design stage, helping create realistic expectations and a smoother project experience overall.
More detailed information about our architectural fees and services can be viewed online.
Full Surrey Coverage
Woking Architect Services
In 2021 planning was refused for high-rise development in Woking centre, and we were interested to note one of the reasons put forward was a move away from tall housing blocks post-pandemic.
AURA’s experience in residential design uses natural light to create a sense of wellbeing and airiness, not a crowded dense over-development.
Farnham Architect Services
Farnham’s planning approach values designs that respect the town’s heritage and natural setting. AURA creates bright, spacious homes that complement the local character while delivering modern, comfortable living spaces. We focus on maximising natural light and energy efficiency, ensuring homes feel airy and sustainable. Our designs balance contemporary style with the charm and character that Farnham is known for.
Guildford Architect Services
AURA offers architecture and interior design for Surrey’s 2nd largest town, including Guildford’s 13 conservation areas. From major schemes such as 500+ new homes on former greenbelt land to simple extensions and loft conversions, this busy town demands what AURA does best – maximising your space and saving you precious time.
Walton-on Thames Architect Services
This historic market town on the south bank of the Thames has a settlement dating back to Celtic times, resulting in many period properties today, that bring our skilled architect team the challenge of extending sympathetically. The team at AURA Architecture love creating clean, simple designs with splashes of interest and colour – for any property: both modern or heritage.
Architectural Services Across Surrey
AURA Architecture works across Surrey and understands the planning policies, conservation considerations and residential character of the county’s local authorities. Our experience working within different Surrey boroughs helps us develop architectural proposals that respond carefully to local planning guidance and the surrounding context.
We regularly support residential projects within the following Surrey councils and planning authorities:
- Elmbridge Borough Council
- Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
- Guildford Borough Council
- Mole Valley District Council
- Reigate and Banstead Borough Council
- Runnymede Borough Council
- Spelthorne Borough Council
- Surrey Heath Borough Council
- Tandridge District Council
- Waverley Borough Council
- Woking Borough Council
Working with architects familiar with Surrey’s planning authorities can help streamline the design and planning process while ensuring proposals respond appropriately to local guidance, conservation considerations and residential surroundings.
Planning in Surrey
How an Architecture firm can help
Planning permission for new houses or extensions in Surrey is currently handled by each of 11 local councils.
For example, if you live in:
Redhill, your planning authority will be Reigate & Banstead
Guildford, your planning authority will be Guildford
Woking, your planning authority will be Woking
Walton-on-Thames, Weybridge or Esher, your planning authority will be Elmbridge
Epsom, your planning authority will be Epsom & Ewell
Leatherhead, your planning authority will be Mole Valley
Camberley, your planning authority will be Surrey Heath
(a full list of all Surrey councils adjacent)
In theory, any architect can apply for permission from anywhere in the country, but there is much to be said for using a team that is already familiar with applications in Surrey.
Firstly, they know what to expect in performance, and can tell if a delay is typical or points to some problem. Secondly, they get to know the favourite concerns or solutions that are raised or accepted by the team – this can help you make choices at the start of the project, rather than waiting until a problem comes up, and time is wasted.
Working with architects in Surrey who understand local planning authorities can help identify design constraints early and support a smoother application process.
