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
reviews

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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.

Linda Roberts

Architects Armstrong Simmonds were appointed by us to turn our concept of open plan living into reality, which they did with extraordinary vision and design flair. The AS team listened carefully to our ideas and transformed an ordinary detached house into a breathtakingly beautiful home that offered light, space and a lifestyle that exactly reflected our needs and requirements. AS worked closely with us and our builder, and their focus to detail in the design and build was impressive. This young architectural practice in our opinion, offers something more. They listen, understand and are unique in their ability to conceptualise, plan and build with imagination, whilst considering aesthetics and functionality. Linda and Allan Roberts ...>>

Rowena Carter

I cannot recommend Armstrong and Simmonds architects highly enough. Within minutes of John meeting us at our home he had understood our brief and was sharing a vision that ticked all of our boxes.We had met with other architects who did not inspire us and told us the shape we wanted for our extension would not be possible. John had excellent knowledge of the local planning rules, researched planning submissions in the immediate area and was confident that he would get our application through - and he did! During the detailed design process John and his team listened closely to how we wanted to use the space. He came up with many design features and solutions to save costs and keep our dream design within our budget. Throughout the process they delivered an innovative plan that felt personal to us in a professional and timely manner. We found John and his team to be responsive, helpful and caring. They went above and beyond to get our project over the line and I have no hesitation in recommending the firm to anyone looking at home extension/improvement. We would not look anywhere else for any future builds! ...>>

Rebecca Wheelhouse

We had a fantastic experience with John and the team at Armstrong Simmonds. We have a beautiful home and would happily use them for our next project.... hopefully even bigger next time! Flawless from beginning to end, I thoroughly recommend them.

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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.