Architectural design, from first sketch to technical drawings
Planning and building regulations drawings, planning advice and CGI for homeowners, developers and businesses across Kent and London.
Homes and extensions
Making more of the house you already have, with drawings that get through planning and work on site.
- Extensions
- Loft conversions
- Garage conversions
- Internal alterations
New builds and multi-unit schemes
From a single plot to apartment blocks, we test what a site can take and carry the scheme through approval.
- New dwellings
- Backland plots
- Flats
- HMOs
Commercial and change of use
Fit-outs, conversions and change of use applications for landlords, operators and investors.
- Change of use
- Office to residential
- Retail and leisure units
Bring your house to life
Your scheme is drawn as a 3D model, so you can see it from every angle before anything goes to the council. This is a recent project of ours, a single-storey rear extension. Spin it round, switch to the proposed design and move the sun to see how the light changes through the day.
The 3D model can't run on this device, so here's the finished CGI instead.
From the first sketch to the finished image
Drag across the picture to see the concept sketch turn into a photoreal CGI of the same house.
One practice, every stage
Most projects run through three stages. You can come to us at any of them, and the same person draws your project the whole way through.
Concept
Understanding the site, the brief and what the planning context will allow before anything is fixed.
- Existing drawings
- Feasibility and design options
- Massing studies and early CGI
Planning
Drawings and supporting documents prepared and submitted to the council, then managed through to a decision.
- Householder and full applications
- Lawful development certificates
- Prior approval and change of use
- Discharge of conditions
Technical
Building regulations drawings and construction details your builder can price from and build to.
- Building regulations packages
- Sections, details and specifications
- Coordination with structural engineers
Planning consultancy and guidance
Advice on what is likely to be approved, pre-application strategy, permitted development checks and responses to refusals.
CGI visualisation
Photoreal internal and external renders that help clients, buyers and planning officers see the finished building.
From first call to building on site
Every project starts with planning. If you need building regulations drawings as well, the technical stage follows straight on from the approved design, drawn by the same person.
Planning
Getting the design right and getting it approved.
- 01
Initial call and quote
Tell us what you want to do. We'll talk through what's likely to need permission and send a clear fixed-fee quote.
You getA written quote and scope - 02
Site visit and measured survey
We come to the property, measure it and photograph it, so every drawing is based on what is actually there.
You getAccurate existing drawings - 03
The brief in detail
We go through how you live or how the building needs to work, your budget and must-haves, and the planning constraints on the site.
You getAn agreed design brief - 04
Design and drawings
We develop the proposal with you, refining layouts and elevations until you're happy. CGIs can be added to help you see it.
You getProposed plans and elevations - 05
Application submitted
We prepare the forms, location plans and supporting statements and submit everything to the council on your behalf.
You getA validated application - 06
Through to a decision
We deal with the case officer, answer queries and agree amendments. Householder applications usually take around eight weeks.
You getA planning decision
Technical
Turning the approved design into drawings a builder can price and build from.
- 07
Building regulations drawings
Sections, construction build-ups, junction details and specification notes added to the approved design.
You getA full technical package - 08
Engineer coordination
We work with a structural engineer on beams, foundations and any structural changes, and fold their design into the drawings.
You getCoordinated structural details - 09
Building control and tender
Drawings are submitted to building control, and you have a clear set to send to builders for like-for-like quotes.
You getDrawings ready for site
What you see, and how it gets built
The same scheme shown two ways: the CGI that wins support, and the construction drawing behind it.
Selected projects
A selection of recent schemes. Tap a project to see more views.
Drawn to be built
Technical packages are drawn in-house, with construction build-ups, junction details and notes that satisfy building control and make sense on site.
Forty-One Architecture is an architectural design and planning practice based in Whitstable, part of the Forty-One Group. You deal directly with the person drawing your project, from the first visit to building control sign-off.
- Based
- Whitstable, Kent
- Working
- Across Kent and London
- Director
- Lewis Fitchie
- Team
- Structural engineers, ecologists and planning consultants brought in as each project needs
One point of contact
You speak to the person drawing your project, not an account manager.
Concept to technical in-house
No handover between a planning firm and a technical firm, so nothing gets lost.
Local planning knowledge
Regular applications with councils across Kent and London, so we know what officers look for.
See it before it's built
CGIs of the finished design, so there are no surprises for you or the planners.
Client review to follow
Checkatrade reviewClient review to follow
MyBuilder reviewClient review to follow
Google reviewCommon questions
Do I need planning permission?
Not always. Many extensions and loft conversions can go ahead under permitted development, though conservation areas, listed buildings and flats have extra rules. We'll tell you on the free call which route your project is likely to need, and a lawful development certificate can confirm it formally.
How long does a planning application take?
Councils aim to decide householder and smaller applications within eight weeks of validation, and larger schemes within thirteen. Allow a couple of weeks before that for the survey and drawings.
How much will it cost?
Every project is priced individually after the free call, as a written quote with the scope set out clearly, so you know where you stand before anything starts.
Do I need building regulations drawings as well?
Most building work needs building regulations approval, which is separate from planning. Our technical drawings carry the approved design through to construction details your builder and building control can work from.
Do you work with structural engineers?
Yes. We bring in a structural engineer for beams, foundations and structural alterations, and coordinate their design into the drawings.
My application was refused. Can you help?
Yes. We'll review the decision notice and officer's report, then advise whether a revised scheme or an appeal is the better route.
Which areas do you cover?
We're based in Whitstable and work across Kent and London. If you're further afield, get in touch anyway.
Book a free 15-minute call
A quick conversation about what you want to do. No cost and no obligation.
- Whether you're likely to need planning permission
- Which drawings your project needs
- Rough timescales and next steps
- A written quote afterwards if you'd like one
Choose a time to continue.
Tell us about your project
Send a few details and we'll come back to you, usually within one working day.