Getting ideas for an extension - Architecture students?

lolat332

Hi

I am looking at possibly doing a small extension onto the side of my flat, out onto the patio area aside the kitchen, which is pretty much redundant right now, to create a study with room for an occasional bed.

Its the general London dwellers story, I need more space, but cant afford to move. I was considering a garden study/ pod, but want to look at options for extending the flat first.

I wanted to get a range of initial ideas about a possible extension and generally improving the overall flat but cant afford reams of professional architects.

Sadly Shelter has canned its brilliant Architect in the House scheme, so I was considering approaching some architecture students, (Kingston Uni is quite close to me), to see if any would come round for a small fee.

Has anyone else done anything similar?

If so please let me know.

BWS

Doozergirl

I think I'd rather employ someone with genuine experience of how remodelling works and how much a job is likely to cost.

Architecture students are going to have mainly big ideas, not little ones.

Get on rightmove/zoopla and dig out the floorplans of neighbours.

London is the most incredible resource of how to change a particular layout because so many houses are the same. We're doing it right now. Even with an architect and a planning consultant on the job, we've got our eyes out over the roof terrace looking at the backs of dozens of neighbours and printing out floor plans galore to see how others are using houses.

arbrighton

You will not have any professional guarantees or indemnity with a student. Nor necessarily be given any ideas that are practically useful

System

The architect in the house scheme only really was an hour consultation for a charity donation, you didn't get any more than a discussion.
A lot of architects will do a first meeting/visit free of charge anyways, but not spending money on a competent designer at the outset is a sure fire way to have a massively expensive build

vansboy

Have a look at other extensions in London, on Pinterest.com for ideas

Then see what you like look of, then talkto architects, including the ones of the future, you mention.

Then talk to your planning office, to see if they think itsviable.

VB