From Concept to Completion - how long will my project take and what's involved?!

Chris Dale • February 12, 2025

From Concept to Completion - how long will my project take and what's involved? 

People are often quite surprised at the time it takes (and no amount of forewarning prepares them for dealing with local authorities)!

Embarking on an architectural project is an exciting yet daunting prospect and understandably, one of the most frequent questions we get when speaking with new or potential clients is “how long will the whole process take?!”. 

As every project is unique, so is the timeline. Projects vary in scale, brief, budget and location and timelines will be adjusted to suit this. Following our recent post about planning fees and timescales https://www.artichoke-design.co.uk/planning-fees-to-increase , this post walks you through our typical phases of a residential architectural project, provides timescales for each phase and hopefully encourages you to jump into your project with confidence (leaving yourself plenty of time)!


Phase 0 – Initial Consultation (1-2 weeks)

The journey begins with your initial vision for the project – this might be high-level or detailed (or you may have no idea how to get to what you want) – and your engagement with an Architect and/or other professionals. 

At Artichoke, we will arrange an initial visit to discuss the project and will hopefully come armed with a good understanding of the site (based upon a preliminary desktop review) to answer any burning questions you may have.  
During this phase, there are several key steps involved:

• Project Brief Creation: We will work with you to define the goals and scope of the project. This involves discussing your vision, budget and expected timeline so that we can advise accordingly. 
• Initial Design Discussions: Early design ideas are often explored from the offset. As Architects, we are excited by design, and we will likely use this initial site visit to give our first thoughts about what might be achieved and the routes forward. 
• Fee Proposal: Considering our discussions, Artichoke will then produce a detailed fee proposal setting out our services, which are tailored to your needs. 


Phase 0 – Kickstarter Package / Feasibility (+4-6 weeks)

• Feasibility: Depending on the complexity of the project, we may propose that we conduct a feasibility study to determine whether your vision is likely to be viable within the constraints of the site and budget. We have setup our ‘Kickstarter Package’ https://www.artichoke-design.co.uk/kickstarter, for a fixed fee for those clients who might benefit from a high-level initial assessment. 


Phase 1 - Survey and Design Sketches (+4-12 weeks)

The pre-construction phase is typically the longest and most involved part of the design process as you navigate through the design and statutory approvals. We have broken this down into Phases 1-3 with Phase 1 being the first step forward: 

• Measured Survey: we will need measurements and critical information about the site to produce a set of existing drawings (floor plans, elevations and sections). Depending on the scale and complexity of the project, we may carry out the survey ourselves or outsource TO a surveyor to do this on our behalf.  

• Design Sketches: this is where the fun begins! We find that the best and quickest way to consider your design options is to produce a series of hand sketches. This is where we can provide our clients with ideas that may push the limits of their imagination. We welcome an open dialogue to ensure that our clients can voice their opinions (good and bad!) so that the final product is exactly as they desired. 

The first set of designs will be presented to you in person so that we can take on board all feedback and alter the drawings for your final sign off. 


Images above show (from left - right) Phase 1A Existing Drawings (Survey); Phase 1B Sketch 3D; Phase 1B Sketch


Phase 2 - Pre-Application Advice (+4-6 weeks)


Occasionally, we may deem it wise for projects to get planning advice from the local authority (LA) in advance of a formal planning application. This may be obtained via a ‘pre-application advice’ service offered by many councils. Although this adds time and fees, this process ensures that we can address any of the LA’s concerns hence that the LA are broadly in agreement with the proposals so that you don’t have any unpleasant surprises when formally submitting a planning application.


The timeline for this process is bound by the council’s timescales and efficiency – most offer a turnaround of approximately 1 month but this might vary.



Phase 2 – Planning (+10-14 weeks)


Once you are happy with the proposals, we will prepare and submit a planning application to the local authority for approval - our turnaround is typically 2-4 weeks. As before, we are bound by the council’s timescales and efficiency and the LA typically take 8 weeks to review and approve/refuse from the date of initial validation (i.e. acknowledgement of receipt).


If the project is complex, a listed building or located within a conservation area then the LA may require longer to consider the proposals.


We will manage the application so that any questions from the case officer are answered efficiently and to supply any additional information that might be required.


Once you have planning permission for the works, it is worth noting that this permission is valid for 3 years from the date of approval until you have made a meaningful start on site. 



Images above show (from left to right) Phase 2 - Planning Elevation & Phase 2 Planning Ground Floor Plan


Phase 3 – Building Regulations (+6-10 weeks)


With planning approval obtained, we can then proceed full steam ahead with the technical design to provide you with building regulations approval. These drawings will contain the basic information needed that will explain how the building is going to be constructed to meet building regulations.


At this stage, a Structural Engineer is likely to be required, and they will have their own timescales for preparing drawings and documentation - typically around 3 weeks.


Artichoke will manage and submit a full plans application via the local authority or via an approved inspector. A designated building control officer will conduct a desktop review of all drawings and documentation and issue (hopefully!) conditional approval after approximately 5 weeks. Your builder will then liaise with the building control officer to arrange several site inspections as the works commence and progress on-site.


It is worth noting that in some instances, depending on the complexity of the project, further third-party information may be required. This will add additional time and cost. An example would be SAP calculations if a proposed extension has more than 25% glazing-to-floor area. 


Note: Phase 0-3 are suggested as a minimum level of service for typical traditional projects where the contractor takes construction and design responsibility for the specification, detailing, cost control and project management of the project from this point onwards.



Phase 3A – Build Cost Assist (+4-6 weeks)


We recognise that some small projects or experienced clients may not need a full set of production information but may still want more than a basic set of building regulations information.


We have developed our ‘build cost assist’ package which includes the preparation of several drawings to help our clients consider the finer details. These might include:

·        Demolition plans

·        Mechanical and Electrical drawings (radiator or underfloor heating positions, socket and light switch locations etc).

·        Finishes drawings and/or schedule (floor finishes etc).

·        Window and door schedules

·        External landscaping proposals

·        Staircase specification


A comprehensive package of information from the offset, as opposed to making decisions when a contractor is on-site, will help you obtain like-for-like tenders from contractors and avoid surprise costs once works have begun. 



Above image shows an example of Phase 3 Building Regulations


Phase 4 – Production Information (+8-12 weeks)


Now that you have all statutory approvals for the project, you will want to appoint a reliable and competent contractor who will construct the project and realise the dream.

 

Phase 4 allows us to produce tender drawings and documentation (specification and schedule of works) for the project ready to issue to several contractors for pricing. During this phase, we will spend time discussing details with clients so that we accurately convey project particulars. This will include choosing the best construction contract.


The more information a contractor has, the more accurate their pricing will be, the more control you have of what they’re doing, hence the chances of anything not going to plan on site reduces.



Phase 5 – Tender Action (+2 weeks)


We will identify and evaluate potential contractors and/or specialists for the project and formally issue all tender documents. The length of the tender period varies but this is typically set at 30-60 days. Each contractor will visit the site to understand the requirements of the site and of the project.



Phase 6 – On Site to Practical Completion (variable)


Artichoke can appraise all tenders received and provide our clients with recommendations. Where clients would like a third-party to manage a build contract between themselves and the chosen contractor, Artichoke can also act as Contract Administrator. This will ensure a fair and progressive exchange of money throughout the progress of the project on-site.


Once the project reaches completion, we will also ensure all snagging items have been resolved and you have received all necessary certification. In most construction contracts, there is a retention sum that you will retain for a designated period once the works have finished on site (commonly named the rectification period). This will be released once the contractor has returned to rectify any defects that might have arisen (typically 6-12 months later).


At this point, the project is complete, and you can enjoy the fruits of your labour! 



Timeline Summary


A typical residential project takes anywhere from 18 months to several years, from inception to completion. This is entirely dependent on the complexity, scale, and type of the project.


This timeline can also be heavily influenced by various external factors such as planning delays, regulatory changes, and unforeseen challenges during construction.


Working closely with experienced architects, consultants and contractors is key to ensuring that the project stays on track and on budget. Keeping communication open and managing expectations throughout each stage will help mitigate delays and set realistic expectations for your project's timeline.

We hope that Artichoke is well equipped to guide you through this process and streamline the timeline as much as possible if a quick project is preferable. 


We are delighted to have helped hundreds of clients bring their dreams to life. Here are just a few examples of the fruits of our work.


If you have a project in mind, please get in touch, we’d love to hear about it and discuss how we might be able to help. 



Windmill Close: residential extension & refurbishment (2 years)

Chilterns home in AONB:  residential new build (3 years, 4 months)

Church Farm: residential extension & refurbishment (2 years)

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Manor Farm Regeneration: Planning Application Finally Submitted

By Chris Dale • December 1, 2025
This marks a huge milestone in what has been one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding projects our practice has ever worked on. An Opportunity and a Privilege When we were first approached by Step Property almost five years ago, it was immediately clear that Manor Farm was a once-in-a-career project — a historic farmstead with five Grade II listed buildings, a sensitive Conservation Area setting, Green Belt & flood plain constraints, a struggling commercial yard and collapsing historic buildings that all urgently needed a coherent long-term vision and a strategy to achieve that. To be entrusted with leading the design and coordination of such a significant site has been a genuine privilege, one which we have not taken lightly.

Why Our Kickstarter Package Could Be The Smartest Investment You Make

By Chris Dale • November 3, 2025
Across the UK, many homeowners and small developers are pausing their plans. Construction costs are at record highs, planning requirements have become more complex, and professional fees are also increasing, so even a seemingly simple home extension or redevelopment is much more of a risk. Possibly the greatest concern we hear is – “What if we spend thousands of pounds only to find out it’s not even possible?” That’s exactly why we created the Kickstarter Package — our fixed-fee feasibility study that helps you to make informed decisions at a nominal cost in comparison to house purchases and developments. What is the Kickstarter Package? The Kickstarter Package is a design-led feasibility consultation that explores the planning, budget and design potential of your property. For a modest, fixed fee (from £750 excl. VAT), our experienced architects help you understand whether your ideas are likely to be achievable, affordable, and aligned with current planning policy — saving time, stress and money later on. You’ll receive clear answers to the key questions every homeowner faces: Is planning permission likely to be granted? What might the project cost? How long could it take? What could it look like? What’s Included — and Why It Matters Each element of the Kickstarter Package offers exceptional value compared with typical early-stage architectural or consultant fees. 1. Initial Consultation and Site Visit We start with a detailed discussion about your goals & requirements — from extending your home to redeveloping a site or purchasing a property. Then we visit the site to review opportunities and constraints in person. This early visit often uncovers crucial planning, drainage or design issues before you spend thousands on detailed drawings.

Is It Still Worth Extending Your Home?

By Chris Dale • September 30, 2025
For many families, extending or renovating their home has long been the dream solution — more space, a better layout, and a home that works for modern life. But in today’s climate, with projects in the £100,000–£300,000 range, things feel a lot more challenging. So what’s changed, why is it harder, and how can you still make your project work? The Main Challenges • Planning is getting pricier – application fees are higher, and councils are demanding more specialist reports (heritage, ecology, flood risk, transport, sustainability). • Build costs keep rising – materials and labour are much more expensive than even a few years ago. • Tougher regulations – stricter building rules on energy efficiency, fire safety and accessibility add extra costs. • Financing is harder – borrowing is still more expensive than it was pre-2022. • Trades are stretched – good builders and subcontractors are in high demand, pushing prices and timescales up. • Delays and uncertainty – planning decisions are taking longer, especially in sensitive areas like the Green Belt, Conservation Areas or with listed buildings. • Budgets are squeezed – with the cost of living rising, homeowners are weighing up whether extending or simply moving makes more sense.

A Guest Blog with Mark Taylor Design

By Chris Dale • September 3, 2025
1. Tell us a little about Mark Taylor Design — how did it start, and what defines your approach to bespoke interiors and kitchens? Mark Taylor Design was set up 29 years ago. I was trained in both furniture production and management and was also a keen designer. I had completed an MBA and wanted to apply all these skills to build a business, doing something I loved. I have always believed that you can design beautiful furniture and rooms without imposing a specific ‘look’. The company has built its reputation on listening to the ideas and desires of clients. We then help to steer their vision through space design, interior expertise and craft skills. What people have at the end of their design and build journey is their vision made beautiful – rather than ours. 2. What makes a truly successful kitchen or interior design in your view — and how do you balance aesthetics with day-to-day functionality? There is nothing quite like the beauty of bespoke. Having something created to your specifications is arguably the epitome of modern luxury. Bespoke is most commonly used to refer to hand-made suits and shoes. Now the concept has become much more sought after within the world of interiors and design – with bespoke kitchens leading the way. And it’s not too hard to understand why. Bespoke means not having to compromise - getting exactly what you want and how you want it. It also allows you to unleash your imagination and embrace your creativity. The end result is a room that is crafted, in every way, to embrace your lifestyle and personal taste. Importantly, by incorporating some elements of bespoke furniture into a custom made kitchen it’s possible to give people a unique room without breaking the bank. This could be a bespoke island or dresser for instance. By combining bespoke and custom made you can optimise the space so that the end result flows smoothly and looks amazing too. 3. How do you typically collaborate with architects on a project? What makes those relationships work well? Collaboration early on always helps. We ask architects not only about style and budget but also about the client’s favoured ways of working. Ideally, we like to meet the clients with the architect from the outset. Where this isn’t possible, we at least aim for a walk round the space or a chat through all the plans – even for the areas we might not be designing for, as this gives us a more comprehensive understanding of the clients’ vision.

The Architecture of Relaxation: Designing Spaces That Feel Like a Holiday

By Chris Dale • August 19, 2025
It’s summer holiday season — and as clients return from coastal cottages, mountain cabins, or sun-drenched villas, one theme keeps coming up: “How can I bring this feeling home?” That sense of ease, simplicity, and quiet joy isn’t just about being away—it’s about how those spaces are designed. At Artichoke: Architectural Consultancy, we help clients capture that same serenity in their everyday environments, with thoughtful design that’s tailored to how they live. Restful spaces aren’t created by chance. They’re the result of purposeful decisions—about layout, light, flow, and function. And often, it’s the small, well-considered changes that make the biggest difference. With decades of experience navigating UK planning, building regulations, and complex design briefs, we know how to deliver spaces that feel effortless, yet are deeply intentional. A calming home doesn’t need to be minimalist or expensive—it needs to be clear. That might mean reconfiguring a hallway to reduce visual clutter, introducing built-in storage to keep surfaces free, or designing a garden connection that invites you to step outside. These aren’t grand gestures—they’re subtle shifts that support a more peaceful way of living. Previously, on projects such as Halfacre (pictured below) we have found that storage, in particular, plays a quiet but very powerful role. When clutter is tucked away with care, rooms feel lighter, more spacious, and more welcoming. We design storage that’s integrated, intuitive, and tailored to your lifestyle — so your home supports simplicity without sacrificing function.

Should we save or borrow for our extension?

By Chris Dale • July 16, 2025
Like many, I am generally a saver rather than a borrower by default. A client recently told us that they planned to delay their project, so that they could save the additional money they needed to be able to do the extension that they really wanted, rather than compromising. Wisely they had asked us to carry out a costing exercise, so they knew this and could assess the situation and plan for it. In that instance they had £75,000 and needed save roughly another £25,000 to do what they wanted to do, which they thought they might be able to do over the course of 3-4 years. Their question was actually when they should resume the process, which we answered and I suggested that they give themselves a year to be comfortable to get planning, building regulations and find themselves a builder (it’s always better to allow more time than less!). However, it occurred to me that whilst saving rather than borrowing (in my mind at least) is an admirable and patient approach, it made me wonder what other factors should be considered.