Rated architects
3
Every architect we found in PO16, 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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architect · Fareham · in PO16
Rated by more people than any other business on this page.
30reviews
★ 4.9 average on Google
25reviews
★ 5.0 average on Google
13reviews
★ 4.7 average on Google
Based in neighbouring districts, covering PO16 — each card shows where they're actually based.
architect · Fareham · PO15 7RH
★ 5.0 · 13 reviews on Google
Fareham sits at the crossroads of historic naval architecture and modern commuter demand, with a housing stock that ranges from Victorian villas near the town centre to 1960s and 70s estates in Portchester and Stubbington, plus newer developments around Whiteley. Architects here need to navigate both the borough's conservation areas and the tight suburban plots that dominate much of PO14-PO17, where side extensions and rear additions are common but often constrained by narrow plots and overlooking concerns.
The Fareham market is driven by families extending rather than moving, particularly in the sought-after catchment areas around Crofton and Fareham Academy. Victorian and Edwardian properties near West End and around the Gillies benefit from higher ceilings and deeper plots, making rear extensions and loft conversions more straightforward. Post-war semis in areas like Funtley and Park Gate typically have tighter side access and smaller rear gardens, meaning architects often work with single-storey wrap-arounds or carefully stepped two-storey additions to avoid overbearing impacts on neighbours. Portchester's proximity to the castle and conservation area means some projects require extra sensitivity to heritage constraints, while newer estates in Whiteley face restrictive covenants from developers that can limit what's achievable even if planning allows it. Demand peaks in spring when families want drawings ready for summer submissions, aiming for approvals before the new school year. Fareham Borough Council's planning portal is reasonably efficient, but pre-app advice is recommended for anything in a conservation area or close to the Solent's Special Protection Area, which occasionally triggers ecology surveys.
Most Fareham architects charge between £3,500 and £6,500 for a typical single-storey rear extension (design through to Building Regs), with two-storey projects or loft conversions running £6,000–£10,000 depending on complexity. Expect an initial consultation (often free or a small fixed fee), followed by measured surveys if you don't have drawings, then concept sketches within two to three weeks. Full planning applications typically take eight weeks from submission to decision at Fareham Borough, though this can stretch to twelve weeks if amendments are needed or neighbours object. Architects here should be ARB-registered (check the Architects Registration Board website) and ideally insured via RIBA or similar. Many local practices also handle Building Control submissions—either through the council's building control department or a private approved inspector—which is required even for permitted development work once you start on site. Don't assume your architect will project-manage the build; some offer this as an additional service (typically 8–12% of build cost), but many hand over drawings and step back unless you pay for site visits.
Fareham Borough has several conservation areas—Portchester High Street, Titchfield village, parts of Fareham town centre—where even small alterations like replacing windows or adding rooflights need consent. If your property is pre-1948 or in a conservation area, permitted development rights may be restricted, so budget for a full planning application even for modest extensions. The borough is also keen on protecting back-garden land from overdevelopment; proposals that result in 'tandem' development (a new dwelling behind an existing one) are usually refused. Parking is another sticking point: any extension that reduces off-street parking below two spaces for a family home will likely face pushback, especially in areas with controlled parking zones near the town centre. Properties near the Solent coastline occasionally need to address nitrate neutrality requirements—a relatively new planning constraint affecting parts of Hampshire—which can add cost and delay. Your architect should flag this at feasibility stage if it applies.
Typical fees for a single-storey rear extension run £3,500–£6,500, while two-storey extensions or loft conversions cost £6,000–£10,000. Hourly rates for feasibility work or measured surveys are usually £80–£120. Some architects offer fixed-fee packages; others charge a percentage of build cost (8–12%) if you want full project management.
Many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development if they're no more than four metres deep (three for terraced houses), but properties in conservation areas or with restricted rights need full planning permission. Your architect should check permitted development limits and any Article 4 directions before proceeding—Fareham Borough's planning portal has an interactive map.
Eight weeks is standard for a householder application, though this can extend to twelve weeks if the council requests amendments or if neighbours object. Pre-application advice (£150–£300 from the council) can speed things up by ironing out issues beforehand. Conservation area applications sometimes take longer due to additional consultations.
Yes—architects experienced in heritage work will prepare the additional drawings and heritage statements required for listed building consent, which runs parallel to planning permission. Fareham has a modest number of listed buildings, mainly in Titchfield and Portchester, so choose someone with a track record in heritage projects if yours is listed.
A feasibility study (£500–£1,200) assesses whether your project is viable given planning constraints, site conditions, and budget. It's worthwhile for tricky sites—corner plots, conservation areas, or properties with covenants—before committing to full architectural fees. Many Fareham architects offer a half-day feasibility visit as a standalone service.
Most do, either as part of their package or for an additional fee (£800–£1,500 depending on project size). You'll need Building Regs approval even if your extension is permitted development. You can use Fareham Borough's building control service or a private approved inspector—your architect will usually have a preference.
Objections don't automatically mean refusal, but Fareham Borough will weigh concerns about overlooking, loss of light, or overbearing impact. A good architect designs to minimise these issues—stepping back upper floors, using obscure glazing, or repositioning windows. If objections come in, your architect can submit a supporting statement or tweaked drawings to address specific points.
Permitted development allows up to 40 cubic metres of additional roof space (50 for detached houses), but conservation area properties and some estates with covenants need full planning permission. Hip-to-gable conversions and rear dormers are common in Fareham's semi-detached stock, though you'll need Party Wall Act notices if you're altering a shared roof structure. Building Regs will also require proper fire escape routes and insulation upgrades.
Side extensions are possible but often tight due to narrow plots, especially in Park Gate and Portchester. Permitted development allows single-storey side extensions up to four metres high if they're narrower than half the width of the original house, but two-storey side additions nearly always need planning permission. Fareham planners want side extensions set back slightly from the front building line to avoid a 'terracing effect'.
Not legally—garage conversions are often straightforward and can be done under permitted development—but an architect ensures the structural opening is safe, insulation meets current regs, and the layout works well. If you're losing parking and your area has controlled parking or high on-street demand, Fareham planners may want to see replacement parking provision, which an architect can design into your proposal.
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.