Independent architectural advice

Architect-led guidance for planning, building regulations & project delivery

We provide one-off advisory sessions for homeowners considering a house extension who would like an experienced opinion before progressing too far.

We look at the practicality of your ideas, likely planning constraints, design direction, and where problems commonly arise, particularly in relation to neighbours, scale, overlooking, and local authority expectations.

These one-off sessions are designed to help you understand what is likely to be achievable from a planning and design perspective before committing to drawings or a planning application. The focus is on practical guidance, risk awareness, and avoiding common and often expensive mistakes.

  • Each advisory session is tailored to your project but typically includes discussion of:

    • Planning likelihood and local authority sensitivities

    • Extension size, height, and massing considerations

    • Impact on neighbouring properties

    • Overlooking and daylight implications

    • Design direction and layout strategy

    • Review of sketches or agent drawings (if available)

    • Key risks and how these might be mitigated

    The emphasis is on clarity and informed decision-making at an early stage.

  • To keep the service focused and independent, the following are not included:

    • Architectural design services

    • Preparation of drawings

    • Planning submissions

    • Measured surveys

    • Structural or technical advice

    • Project management or contract administration

    If you proceed with a project, these services would be undertaken by your appointed design team.

  • • Duration: 60–90 minutes

    • Format: Site visit or video call

    • Review of any existing sketches or proposals

    • Opportunity to ask questions freely

    Following the session, you will receive a short written summary of the key points discussed

  • Fixed fee: £195 (No VAT Charged)

    Payable in advance to confirm the appointment.

    Travel within the local area is included. (BT47, BT48)

    Once a date is agreed, you will receive an invoice. Payment secures the appointment.

    Appointments may be rescheduled with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice at no charge. Cancellations within 48 hours of the agreed time are non-refundable, as the appointment slot will have been reserved exclusively.

    In the unlikely event that I need to reschedule, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

  • To make the session as useful as possible, it helps if you can provide in advance:

    • Property address (Including postcode)

    • Photos of the house and garden

    • Any sketches, agent drawings, or plans

    • A brief note on your goals and concerns

    This allows me to give more focused guidance during the session.

  • You will receive a short written summary highlighting key considerations and suggested next steps (where appropriate). There is no obligation to proceed further.

Ready for the Next Step

On completion of the contact form, you will receive an acknowledgement and a proposed date and time for your session. Once the date and time have been agreed, a combined invoice & booking confirmation will be sent to your email address.

This will include the ‘Homeowner Information Pack’, which will set out a description of services, the fee, payment details, your right to cancel/reschedule, and the basis on which advice is given. This will include information on the Architects Registration Board (ARB) Code of Conduct and professional indemnity insurance.

On payment of the fee, the appointment is confirmed.

We look forward to meeting with you and discussing the ideas you have for your home.

Black and white logo with the words 'Patrick Hickey Architects' in uppercase letters, with 'Patrick Hickey' in bold.

Patrick Hickey is a UK registered architect and Passivhaus Designer with over three decades of professional experience, primarily in residential design and planning. Advising on design, planning & building control applications.