Architectural Design FAQs
Planning a home extension, renovation, or other residential project can raise many questions.
These FAQs explain how Blue Door Architecture works, what may be involved in planning applications and building warrants, and what to consider before starting your project in Edinburgh or Central Scotland.
Getting Started
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Blue Door Architecture works mainly on residential projects, including home extensions, renovations, attic conversions, bespoke homes, planning applications, building warrant drawings and selected larger projects across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Central Scotland.
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It is worth getting in touch as early as possible, even if your ideas are still quite loose. Early design advice can help you understand what may be possible, what approvals might be needed, and how to approach the project realistically.
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No. Many clients come to us with a problem rather than a fixed solution. You might need more space, better light, a more practical layout or help understanding what is possible. We can help you explore options and shape the brief.
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
Planning Permission
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Some home extensions need planning permission and some may fall under permitted development rights. This depends on the property, the location, the size and position of the extension, and whether the home is listed or in a conservation area. We can help you understand what is likely to be required and prepare the drawings for a planning application where needed.
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Yes. We can prepare planning drawings and supporting design information for home extensions, renovations, attic conversions and residential projects. We can also help explain the process and what information may be needed for submission.
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Yes. Many parts of Edinburgh include conservation areas, listed buildings and sensitive historic settings. Projects in these areas often need a careful approach to design, materials, scale and context. We can help develop proposals that respect the existing building while supporting how you want to live.
Building Warrants
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Planning permission considers whether the proposed development is acceptable in planning terms, including its size, appearance, use and effect on the surrounding area. A building warrant is separate and focuses on technical compliance with building standards in Scotland. Many projects need both before construction can begin.
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Many home extensions, structural alterations, attic conversions and significant renovation works require a building warrant in Scotland. The exact requirement depends on the scope of work. We can help prepare the drawings and technical information needed for the building warrant stage.
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In most cases, work that requires a building warrant should not start until the warrant has been approved. Starting too early can create problems with compliance, certification and future sale of the property. Always check what approvals are required before work begins.
Costs & Timelines
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The cost of architectural drawings depends on the size and complexity of the project, the level of design work required and whether planning, building warrant or detailed construction information is needed. After an initial discussion, we can provide a clearer fee proposal based on the scope of your project.
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Timelines vary depending on the project, the level of detail required and whether approvals are needed. A small alteration may move quickly, while a larger extension, conservation area project or bespoke home will usually need more time for design development, applications and coordination.
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Planning application timescales can vary depending on the local authority, the type of application and whether further information is requested. As a general guide, straightforward householder applications are often expected to take around two months once validated, but this is not guaranteed.
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Building warrant timescales vary depending on the project complexity, local authority workload and whether technical queries are raised. It is sensible to allow time for review, comments and possible revisions before construction is planned to begin.
Working With
Blue Door Architecture
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The first conversation is about understanding your project, your property, what you want to achieve, your priorities and any constraints. We may discuss budget, timescales, approvals, design ideas and the next steps needed to move the project forward.
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Yes, where useful. 3D visualisations can help you understand space, light, scale and layout before committing to a design direction. They can also make it easier to compare options and communicate ideas clearly.
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Yes. Blue Door Architecture works mainly in Edinburgh, the Lothians, and Central Scotland, and can consider larger projects within a roughly 50-mile radius of Edinburgh.
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Where appropriate, we can help you understand what other consultants may be needed, such as structural engineers or specialist surveyors. We may also be able to suggest suitable routes for finding builders depending on the type and stage of your project.
Related services
Looking for help with a specific type of project? Explore our main services:
Still have questions?
Whether you are planning a home extension, renovation, attic conversion or need drawings for planning or a building warrant, we would be happy to hear what you are considering and help you understand the next step.
Want to understand fees?
Architectural design fees vary depending on the size, complexity and stage of your project. You can read more about how we approach fees here.