Rated architects
8
Every architect we found in BN1, with Google's own ratings — collected by Google, not by us. The bar beside each name is their review count on one fixed scale, so the list can be read at a glance and a short list is a short district, not a hidden one.
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Most trusted first
architect · Brighton · in BN1
Rated by more people than any other business on this page.
25reviews
★ 5.0 average on Google
22reviews
★ 5.0 average on Google
15reviews
★ 5.0 average on Google
architect · Brighton · in BN1
12reviews
★ 5.0 average on Google
9reviews
★ 5.0 average on Google
9reviews
★ 5.0 average on Google
New listing · 2 reviews
Based in neighbouring districts, covering BN1 — each card shows where they're actually based.
Brighton's jumble of Regency terraces, post-war social housing and Victorian conversions creates a steady stream of architectural work — from basement extensions in Hove to attic conversions in Hanover. With large swathes of conservation areas (over 30 across the city) and the whole seafront under special planning control, local architects here earn their fees navigating Brighton & Hove City Council's often stringent requirements.
Brighton's housing stock demands architects who understand heritage: terraced Regency buildings with shallow foundations, Victorian villas split into flats decades ago, inter-war semis on clay subsoil near the Downs, and 1960s tower blocks in need of thermal upgrades. Demand peaks around rear/side extensions (most terraces have long, narrow plots begging for kitchen extensions), loft conversions (particularly mansard or dormer schemes to gain headroom), and basement digs in Hove where water tables run high. The city's 34 conservation areas mean routine jobs often require Conservation Area Consent alongside planning permission. Architects here tend to specialise: some focus on period properties and listed building consents, others on contemporary infill or eco-retrofits (Brighton has a strong sustainability culture). Expect longer timelines than national averages — the council's planning department is notoriously backlogged, often taking 10–12 weeks for straightforward householder applications. Fees reflect this complexity: RIBA-registered practices typically charge 8–12% of build cost for full service on extensions, or £2,500–£5,000 for planning/building regs packages on simpler schemes.
Initial consultations are usually free or around £150–£250 for a measured survey visit. For a typical single-storey rear extension, expect to pay £3,500–£6,000 for architectural services covering feasibility, planning drawings, and building regulations submissions. Full-service contracts (where the architect project-manages the build) add another 3–5% of construction value. Timeline: feasibility and pre-app advice (2–4 weeks), planning drawings and submission (3–5 weeks), council determination (8–12 weeks in Brighton, longer if conservation officer input needed), building regs (submitted concurrently or after planning, another 5–8 weeks for approval). Listed building consent adds 2–3 months. All architects must carry professional indemnity insurance (ask for proof, minimum £250k for domestic work). Check they're ARB-registered (Architects Registration Board — it's a legal requirement to use the title 'architect'). Many Brighton architects also belong to RIBA, though it's not compulsory. For conservation area work, ask if they've secured approvals in your specific neighbourhood before — familiarity with individual conservation officers matters.
Brighton & Hove has some of the UK's tightest planning constraints. The 34 conservation areas each have specific design guides (some forbid PVC, others dictate brick bonds or slate types). Article 4 Directions remove permitted development rights across huge swathes of the city, meaning even small alterations need full planning permission. The seafront is entirely within a defined 'Setting of the Marine Conservation Zone', adding ecological survey requirements for some builds. Basements near the coast must account for high water tables and potential flooding (your architect should specify tanking and drainage). The chalk Downs to the north affect foundations — some plots need deeper footings or engineered solutions. Party wall agreements are standard in terraced areas; your architect should flag this early (you'll need a separate surveyor, budget £700–£1,500). If your property abuts a public right of way or the South Downs National Park boundary (parts of BN1, BN2), expect additional consultation hurdles.
For a single-storey rear extension, expect £3,500–£6,000 for planning and building regs drawings (feasibility through to approval). Full-service project management adds 8–12% of the total build cost. Listed building or complex conservation area schemes cost 20–30% more due to additional documentation and liaison with conservation officers.
Often yes. While UK permitted development allows some loft conversions, Article 4 Directions remove these rights across much of central Brighton, Hove, and Kemptown. Conservation areas almost always require planning permission. Your architect should check your plot's status via the council's planning constraints map before proceeding.
Statutory deadline is eight weeks for householder applications, but Brighton & Hove regularly takes 10–12 weeks due to backlog. Conservation area schemes or listed building consent can stretch to 14–18 weeks. Pre-application advice (£150–£300 from the council) can speed things up by identifying issues early.
Usually, but design must match existing materials, fenestration, and roof lines. Single-storey rear extensions are commonly approved if subservient in scale. Side extensions or dormer lofts face tougher scrutiny — expect the conservation officer to request heritage statements or 3D visuals. Your architect's track record in that specific conservation area matters hugely.
Planning permission is about appearance, impact on neighbours, and local planning policy — granted by Brighton & Hove's planning department. Building regulations ensure structural safety, fire resistance, insulation, and drainage — approved by Building Control (council or a private inspector). You need both for most extensions; architects typically handle drawings for each, though building regs can be submitted after planning approval.
For any scheme involving new openings, removing walls, or digging foundations, yes. Architects design the space; structural engineers calculate beam sizes, foundation depths, and load-bearing details. Most Brighton architects work with trusted structural engineers and include their fees in the quote (typically £600–£1,500 for a domestic extension). Always clarify who's arranging this.
In parts of Hove and around Seven Dials, yes — but water tables are high near the seafront, requiring robust tanking (waterproofing) and pumped drainage. Expect structural engineering costs to double compared to above-ground extensions. Party wall agreements with neighbours are essential. Full feasibility studies (£1,000–£2,000) are wise before committing.
Article 4 Directions remove 'permitted development' rights, meaning alterations that wouldn't normally need planning permission elsewhere do in Brighton. They cover much of central Brighton, Hove, and conservation areas. Your architect should check the planning constraints map for your postcode — if Article 4 applies, even small rear extensions or dormer windows need full planning permission.
Expect 2–3 extra months for Historic England and the council's conservation team to review proposals, plus 20–30% higher architect fees due to additional drawings (heritage statements, historical research, material specifications). Internal alterations often need consent too — even moving a non-structural wall. Budget £5,000–£8,000 minimum for architect input on listed schemes.
Architects (ARB-registered) handle complex design, planning strategy, and listed/conservation area work. Architectural technicians focus on technical drawings and building regs — often cheaper (20–30% less) for straightforward extensions where design is settled. For Brighton's planning minefield, particularly heritage properties, an experienced architect usually justifies the cost.
About this guide
Compiled from held data
This guide is assembled by Domifyr from the data we hold: Google ratings and review counts (collected by Google, not by us), UK statutory register requirements, and typical price ranges for the area. No individual author is credited because no individual wrote it — and we would rather tell you that than invent someone.