Rated architects
8
Every architect we found in BT48, 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 · Londonderry · in BT48
Rated by more people than any other business on this page.
26reviews
★ 5.0 average on Google
11reviews
★ 4.3 average on Google
New listing · 3 reviews
New listing · 2 reviews
New listing · 2 reviews
architect · Londonderry · in BT48
No website listed. The phone is the only way to reach them.
New listing · 2 reviews
architect · Londonderry · in BT48
No website listed. The phone is the only way to reach them.
New listing · 2 reviews
architect · Londonderry · in BT48
New listing · 1 review
Based in neighbouring districts, covering BT48 — each card shows where they're actually based.
Londonderry's rich architectural heritage — from the 17th-century city walls to Victorian townhouses in the Waterside and inter-war semis in Creggan — demands architects who understand local planning constraints and conservation requirements. Whether you're extending a terraced property in the Fountain, converting a period building within the walled city, or developing a new build in the surrounding BT postcode areas, you'll need an architect registered with the Architects Registration Board and familiar with Derry City and Strabane District Council's planning process.
Londonderry's architectural market reflects its blend of historic core and expanding suburbs. The walled city and Conservation Area impose strict design controls — any work here requires sensitivity to heritage guidelines and often Listed Building Consent. Outside the walls, Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate areas like Rosemount and the Waterside, where rear extensions and loft conversions are common projects. Post-war estates in Creggan, Shantallow, and the Waterside see frequent requests for open-plan reconfigurations and single-storey extensions. Demand for architects peaks in spring when homeowners target summer builds, but planning timelines mean starting conversations in winter. Local architects charge £50–£90 per hour or 8–12% of build costs for full service. The relatively compact city means most practices know the planners personally, which speeds negotiations. Cross-border work isn't uncommon — some architects also handle ROI projects in nearby Donegal, so check their ARB registration covers your Northern Ireland site.
Initial consultations are typically free or £150–£250 for a measured survey visit. For a standard two-storey rear extension, expect to pay £2,500–£4,500 for planning drawings, then another £1,500–£3,000 for Building Control drawings if you proceed. Full architectural service (RIBA Stages 0–7) runs 8–12% of construction value — so a £60,000 extension might cost £5,000–£7,000 in fees. Planning submissions to Derry City and Strabane take 8–10 weeks for standard applications, longer if you're in a Conservation Area or dealing with Listed Building Consent. Most architects will handle the planning submission, liaise with Building Control, and produce tender drawings for builders. Some offer contract administration (site visits, snagging lists) as an add-on or separate percentage. Architects here are used to working around tight urban plots, Party Wall matters with terraced housing, and the quirks of older properties — solid walls, no damp-proof courses, lime mortar that needs specialist handling. Ask upfront whether their fee includes revisions if the planners request changes.
The Derry Walls and surrounding Conservation Area have the tightest restrictions — external alterations require materials and detailing that respect the historic character, and the Planning Service scrutinises sight lines from the walls themselves. Listed buildings (common in the Fountain, Magazine Street, Shipquay Street) need separate Listed Building Consent even for internal changes like removing walls or upgrading windows. Derry City and Strabane District Council operates a Pre-Application Discussion service (£210 for householder queries) — worth using if your site is sensitive. The council's Local Development Plan 2032 emphasises sustainable design and flood risk, relevant for sites near the Foyle. Party Wall matters aren't governed by the Party Wall Act in Northern Ireland, but neighbourly agreements are still essential for terraced work. Some older properties in the city have unclear title boundaries or rights of way — your architect should flag these early. If you're near the Peace Bridge or Ebrington development zone, check whether any regeneration schemes affect your plot.
Hourly rates run £50–£90, or expect 8–12% of your build cost for full service. A typical extension might cost £3,000–£5,000 for planning and Building Control drawings, while a new-build house could be £8,000–£15,000 depending on complexity and level of service.
Not legally — you can use an architectural technician or submit drawings yourself. But an architect adds design value, handles planning complexities (especially in Conservation Areas), and ensures the project meets Building Regulations. For anything within the walled city or on a Listed building, an experienced architect is essential.
Standard applications take 8–10 weeks from validation. Conservation Area or Listed Building applications can take 12–16 weeks, and you may face requests for Heritage Impact Assessments or materials samples. Pre-application advice (£210) can speed things by ironing out issues early.
Yes, rear extensions are common and usually permitted if they don't overlook neighbours excessively or breach the 'two-storey rule' (staying below ridgeline and respecting building line). Your architect will assess Party Wall implications and sight-line issues with adjoining properties.
You need Listed Building Consent for almost any alteration — internal or external. The council will expect you to use traditional materials (lime mortar, timber sash windows, slate) and justify any changes with a Heritage Statement. Architects familiar with the city's Georgian and Victorian stock know what the planners will accept.
Most do, either as part of a full-service package or as a separate phase after planning approval. Building Control in Northern Ireland is handled by councils, and your architect will submit detailed drawings showing insulation, drainage, structural calcs, and fire safety. Budget an extra £1,500–£3,000 for this stage.
If your site is in the Conservation Area, near the Walls, or you're proposing something unusual, absolutely. £210 buys you written feedback from planners before you spend thousands on full drawings. Your architect can attend the meeting and use the advice to shape a stronger application.
Yes, but older properties often have roof heights that barely meet Building Regs headroom (2m minimum). An architect will survey the roof, check for structural capacity, and design dormer or Velux solutions. In Conservation Areas, dormers facing the street are usually refused — rear or side only.
It's an early-stage report (£500–£1,500) assessing whether your project is viable — checking planning constraints, site access, drainage, and rough costs. Useful if you're buying a property to develop, or if your site has complications like flooding, rights of way, or uncertain boundaries.
Many offer a free first meeting to discuss your project and outline their services. If they visit your property to measure and sketch ideas, expect £150–£250. This usually gets deducted from the full fee if you proceed.
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.