Rated architects
5
Every architect we found in BT63, 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
10reviews
★ 5.0 average on Google
8reviews
★ 5.0 average on Google
New listing · 3 reviews
architect · Craigavon · in BT63
New listing · 2 reviews
New listing · 1 review
Based in neighbouring districts, covering BT63 — each card shows where they're actually based.
Craigavon's unique planned-town layout and mix of 1960s estates, rural cottages, and newer estates around Portadown and Lurgan means architects here deal with everything from extending post-war semis to converting agricultural outbuildings. Northern Ireland's distinct planning system and Building Control requirements make local knowledge essential when hiring an architect in the BT postcode areas.
The Craigavon area encompasses former linen towns, mid-century planned developments, and scattered rural properties, creating diverse architectural challenges. Extensions to 1970s detached houses in Moyraverty and Brownlow are common, often involving side or rear additions to what were originally generous plots. Rural clients frequently seek barn conversions or single-storey bungalow extensions on greenfield sites outside Waringstown or Dollingstown, where agricultural policy exemptions sometimes apply. Listed farmhouses around Loughgall and the older terraces in Portadown's town centre require specialist conservation input. The local planning system operates differently to GB — handled by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council under the Northern Ireland planning framework — which means timelines and procedural requirements differ. Architects here need familiarity with DENI's Energy Performance Certificate requirements, which aren't always identical to those in England. Fees typically run 8–12% of construction value for full service on domestic projects, with planning-only packages from £1,800–£3,500 depending on complexity.
Finding the right architect in Craigavon often means choosing between larger Lisburn or Belfast practices that cover the area and smaller local firms embedded in Portadown or Lurgan. Initial consultations are usually free or charged at £100–£200, during which they'll assess feasibility and outline the RIBA work stages relevant to your project. Planning applications through the NI Planning Portal take 8–15 weeks for straightforward domestic work, longer if you're in a conservation area like Portadown town centre or if the proposal triggers an Environmental Impact Assessment. Building Control approval is separate and runs in parallel, handled by council building inspectors who'll want structural calculations and compliance drawings. Most architects will recommend a structural engineer early on, especially for extensions to older properties with solid walls or removal of chimney breasts. Expect your architect to liaise with Building Control throughout, attend site meetings during construction, and certify practical completion. Full-service fees are staged: 20% at planning submission, 30% at tender/Building Regs submission, remainder during construction monitoring.
Northern Ireland's planning system operates under different legislation to GB, with policies set by the Strategic Planning Policy Statement and local development plans. Permitted Development rights are more restrictive here — many extensions that wouldn't need permission in England require full planning in NI. Conservation areas in Lurgan, Portadown and around the drum-shaped civic buildings of central Craigavon impose tighter controls on materials and design. Rural dwellings often fall under PPS21 (Planning Policy Statement 21), which governs countryside housing and can make new builds or replacements contentious unless you meet farm-dwelling criteria or infill rules. Listed buildings — common in the older villages — require Listed Building Consent in addition to planning permission, with Historic Environment Division sometimes weighing in. Party Wall legislation doesn't exist in Northern Ireland the way it does in England, but boundary disputes still warrant a Party Structure Notice or at minimum neighbour consultation. If you're extending onto a septic tank system (common in rural BT postcodes), your architect will need to coordinate with Environmental Health on drainage consent.
Expect £1,800–£3,500 for planning drawings and submission on a typical extension or loft conversion, or 8–12% of total build cost for full architectural service including Building Control drawings and site inspections. A feasibility study or measured survey usually costs £400–£900 depending on property size.
Not legally, but most extensions in NI require planning permission (Permitted Development is limited), and Building Control approval is mandatory. An architect ensures compliance with both, produces drawings that contractors can price accurately, and prevents costly redesigns mid-project when regs aren't met.
Standard domestic applications take 8–15 weeks from validation through the NI Planning Portal. Conservation area or listed building applications can stretch to 5–6 months, and anything triggering pre-application discussions or neighbour objections will add time. Your architect should flag likely delays early.
Usually yes, but PPS21 applies to countryside dwellings. You'll typically get approval for modest single-storey extensions, but anything that significantly increases footprint or creates a separate dwelling triggers stricter tests. Agricultural ties or replacement-dwelling policies sometimes come into play — your architect will assess this at feasibility stage.
Planning permission (from council planning officers) ensures your design fits planning policy on massing, appearance, and land use. Building Control (from council building inspectors) ensures structural safety, fire regs, insulation, drainage, and accessibility. You need both approvals, but they're separate processes with different drawings and fees.
If your property is listed (check the NI Historic Environment Map Register), any alteration affecting character — new windows, internal walls, extensions — requires Listed Building Consent alongside planning permission. Your architect will prepare a heritage statement justifying the changes, and approval can take 12–20 weeks.
Most full-service packages include liaising with Building Control, submitting compliance drawings, and attending key inspections (foundations, drains, steelwork, final). Some planning-only packages stop after permission is granted, so clarify upfront what stage coverage you're paying for.
Absolutely — many Belfast practices cover the greater Craigavon area and bring experience from higher-volume workloads. Just confirm they're familiar with ABC Council's planning quirks and have good relationships with local Building Control. Travel costs are usually absorbed if you're within 30 miles of their office.
A feasibility study (£400–£900) assesses whether your project is viable given site constraints, planning policy, budget, and Building Regs. It's worth commissioning before paying for full drawings if you're unsure whether a loft conversion will get headroom or an extension will breach boundary setbacks.
Typically £2,200–£4,000 for planning and Building Regs packages on a standard hip-to-gable or dormer loft conversion. This includes structural engineer liaison (you'll pay the engineer separately, around £600–£1,200), but won't usually include Party Wall neighbour agreements, which aren't legally required in NI but are still good practice for terraced properties in Lurgan or Portadown.
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.