Technical design & Building control

Technical design is one of the most vital stages of a project, where proposed plans become fully coordinated packages ready for the build. Building control is the process where technical designs are checked and reviewed, from drawings to onsite work, to confirm designs meet current regulations.

Based in Battersea and working across London, our architect studio has a deep understanding of how to navigate building regulations and work closely with Approved Inspectors and local authorities to ensure your project is compliant and ready to progress smoothly to the construction stage.

Technical

Why Building Control and Detailing Are Important for Your Project

Building Control is a legal requirement for any construction project. Once your planning permission is approved, Building Control plan checking is typically the next requirement before construction can begin. This process is separate from planning and focuses on the regulatory requirements of a project, such as structure, thermal performance and fire safety.

Building Control approval helps protect your investment and ensures:
The structural stability of your home
Legal compliance with current UK Building Regulations
Confidence for contractors during the build phase

This technical stage includes preparing comprehensive drawings and specifications, which are essential for the builder, engineers, and consultants to deliver your vision accurately.

Key Advantages of Our Technical Design Stages

Choosing Armstrong Simmonds Architects gives you access to both architectural vision and technical precision. Here’s what makes us different:

Experience Across Residential Typologies – We work with London’s complex and varied housing stock, including listed buildings, terraced homes, and new builds.

Fully Integrated Service – Our work connects directly with our wider architectural services, including Architectural Planning services, tendering, and site coordination.

Detailed Drawings and Specifications – We produce technical packages that include floor plans, elevations, sections, and construction details – including drainage layouts and electrical layouts where relevant.

Coordination with Consultants – We liaise with structural engineers, mechanical consultants, and party wall surveyors to produce a comprehensive, coordinated design.

Streamlined Compliance – We work with both private inspectors and council officers to manage submissions and respond to queries.

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Our Process for Building Control Drawings

Our approach to Building Control is collaborative, efficient, and tailored to your project. Here’s how we typically proceed:

Review of Approved Planning Drawings

We start with your approved planning set, reviewing key decisions and design features that require technical development.

Production of Technical Drawings

We develop a full technical drawing package, tailored to the complexity and scope of your project. This may include:

Construction details for walls, floors, and roofs
Window and door schedules
Insulation and fire safety measures
Drainage layouts and mechanical coordination
Detailed building sections

Coordination with Consultants

We work closely with external consultants – such as structural engineers and building services designers – to finalise key technical components and integrate them into one coordinated package.

Submission to Building Control

We submit the completed package to a Building Control Body (Approved Inspector or Local Authority) and respond to any technical feedback. Our team remains involved throughout the review to provide a smooth and successful approval process.

Customer
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chris walters

We are glad we found Armstrong Simmonds Architects to help us on our first project. We had bought a run-down terraced house near Clapham Common with the goal of extending and refurbing to increase value. John initially impressed us by first listening carefully to what we wanted to do, then showing us creative ways to achieve the results and finish we were looking for.

Safe to say we certainly have managed that and both John and Alan have been instrumental in doing so. The guidance and consideration at every step have exceeded our expectations and Alan’s attention to detail during the build has been critical for the high standards we have set for this project.

They have provided us with a service which reflects every stage of the design and build. Starting with the initial drawings, schedule of works, tendering and interior design. We also employed ASA for Contract Administration to be the key middle-man between us and the builder, which they were happy to help.

We are now underway with our second project with ASA and they have been able to deliver the final drawings for planning within a fairly tight time frame, without hindering on quality. I know the whole team worked hard to help bring our vision to life and it’s been brilliant working with them over the last 18 months. They have shown a great ability to solve any issues that arose quickly and are able to communicate effectively with different contractors at all levels. I have no doubt the next redevelopment project will go well.

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Matt Wood

We chose Alan and John for our extensive project and incredibly pleased with that choice and the result. We have a Victorian terraced house and wanted to do a classic loft conversion and ground floor extension. The Armstrong Simmonds team provided a vision which achieved our goals, but with a design we could have never have thought of ourselves which we love. We used them from start to finish and are incredibly glad we did. Alan supported us through the tender and renovation processes, and we are incredibly pleased with the end-product and the quality of work of builder Cezar of Vecchini. We would highly recommend Armstrong Simmonds for their vision, design thoughtfulness and exceptional assistance through the project. Thanks team!

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Dom & Kamilla

We worked with Alan and the team from Armstrong Simmonds for 3 years from start to finish to achieve the full renovation of a London townhouse. It was a challenging brief given the nature of the property but collectively what has been achieved is an outstanding end result. Alan and John thoughtfully incorporated our vision with the realities of converting an old Victorian house and the scrupulous attention to detail, symmetry and balance achieved in the design were instrumental in us choosing Armstrong Simmonds in the first place.

In addition Alan supported us through the tender and during the renovation working with our excellent builder Cezar of Vecchini to deliver the brief. I would highly recommend if you are looking for a team to turning your vision to the end product with a very high attention to detail while still being good humoured and a generally great guy to work with. Thanks again team. Dom and Kamilla

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Michael van Ree

John and his team have been brilliant to work with for our full house renovation and extension in SW London. Our house is quite unique and that combined with it being in a conservation area we knew it wouldn’t be a straight forward planning process – but Armstrong Simmonds did a fantastic job and helped us navigate us through every step. We couldn’t be happier with the detailed design and outcome.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between planning permission and Building Control?

Planning permission focuses on how a building looks and its impact on the surrounding area. Building Control deals with technical compliance – including structure, fire safety, and environmental performance.

How much does appointing an Approved Inspector for Building Control cost in London?

Costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. Typically, Building Control application fees for a typical terrace range from £800 to £1,750, depending largely on the scope and the provider. We can help you obtain quotes from approved inspectors.

Do you submit Building Control applications on my behalf?

Yes. As part of our architectural services, we prepare and submit the Building Control application and manage communication with the inspector.

Do I need Building Control if I use a contractor with experience?

Yes – Building Control is a legal requirement. Even if your contractor is highly experienced, official approval is necessary before construction begins and to ensure certification upon completion.