Home Improvement Tips
Westminster Architects – Specialists in Residential Architecture
Award-Winning Westminster Architects
Maximising space, delivering value, creating ideal homes
As one of London’s leading architects, Aura has worked on over 200 beautiful homes across London and the surrounding counties.
We are an Award-Winning Architecture firm who are highly experienced and skilled in residential architecture, and we are focused on delivering beautiful homes across Westminster.
We specialise in home offices, residential refurbishments, extensions, loft conversions, basement conversions, and bespoke new homes with a high-end finish and detail.
As we have worked with various clients all over London, so we understand that maximising space is essential for many. Especially with those with growing families! This is why we specialise in creating bright, spacious, and design-conscious homes while focusing on being energy-efficient and sustainable.
Refurbishing Period Properties in Westminster
“Westminster’s world-famous historic areas and buildings are an irreplaceable resource, of fundamental importance to the character, attractiveness and economy of our city.” (Westminster Gov, 2019)
Much of the architecture in Westminster has an abundance of history or heritage, which the council feels very strongly about managing and maintaining. And rightly so. With the council’s stance on architectural heritage, if you’re looking to carry any home renovation works, you need to hire an architect who has worked on period properties.
If you would like to find out more about period residential homes, why not read our blog.
Our Services:
- Full Architectural Services
- Interior Design Packages
- A variety of design options at the concept design stage
- Contractor Recommendations
- Site Monitoring
- Accurate Tender Packages
- High Success with Planning Approvals including listed buildings, conservation areas
5 Considerations When Choosing Westminster Architects
Hire an Architect that you can trust.
Completing any home project can be daunting, especially if it is your first project! This is why it is really important to hire services that you can trust, especially if they will be making day-to-day decisions regarding your home. The best way to find a trustworthy architecture firm in Westminster is to check them on various platforms. You could use Google Reviews, Houzz or Design for Me.
AURA Architecture has proven excellence by winning the Build Magazine Home & Garden Award in 2019 as the ‘Most Trusted Architecture Practice in Greater London’. Please have a look at our Google Reviews below!
Fixed Fees vs Percentage Based Fees
Many architects in Westminster and London charge a fee based on the percentage of the project value. When an architect’s fees are calculated in this way, it can tempt them to think up the most expensive and unnecessary features to add to the project, which isn’t always necessary.
In other words, they are more interested in the money than you, their client. An architecture firm with its clients’ best interests in mind will always prioritise what is best for the client. If the client isn’t too sure what they want, a trusted architect will help them make informed decisions.
AURA Architecture believes the only fair way to charge is with fixed, transparent fees. Read our comprehensive guide to how our fees are structured.
Knowledge of Local Planning Permission Requirements
There are specific home improvement projects that you can complete without planning permission, and they can fall under the category called permitted development.
A knowledgeable architect who’s worked in the local area can advise you on this – the regulations are not always straightforward. So it is always best to speak to an expert. If you would like to read our blog on permitted development and planning permission, click here. You may be surprised by the amount of work you can do under permitted development.
If you can miss out on going through the planning permission, you could save a lot of time, stress and money.
Check that your chosen architecture firm is familiar with all these requirements. An experienced Westminster architecture firm will know just how much they can do without the need for planning permission.
Detailed Project Monitoring
The best London architecture firms will have staff that specialise in each stage of the architect process, whether it be working with planning consultants, architectural design, or finding the right builder or tradesman. AURA follow the RIBA architect stages to ensure no details get overlooked.
We can help you all the way through your project, from beginning to end. A big mistake we see is when people manage their own home projects to save costs. Even though this may save you money in the short term, unless you have experienced in managing home projects, you run the risk of mistakes and unforeseen costs in the long term.
We do offer site monitoring services to relieve you of any pressures.
Read the Aura process about how we care for every stage of the project.
Home designs with natural lighting in mind
A common issue with many period properties in London homes is a lack of natural lighting. Studies show that high levels of natural light improve your sense of well-being and can even improve your health. An experienced architect knows all the innovative ways to bring plenty of natural light into the home. They also know how to do so in a sustainable way.
Skylights and light wells are great ways to filter light into extensions, basement conversions and loft conversions. Another clever way to spread light throughout interiors is to introduce glass room dividers instead of solid doors. We love working with interior crittal.
View our light-wells and other home design innovations here.
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