Finding an Architect

You don't necessary need an architect to achieve planning permission, or for building regulations, but obviously that is there profession so they are the main people to design your extension.

Architectural technicians are also good for designing extensions, often with very practical and workable designs, they may not have the same 'flair' an architect posses, but alot of domestic extensions are functionable as a priority - so these can be fine.

Who ever you choose to design your extension and submit plans to gain planning permission, you should ask them a number of questions, we cover some of these in our questions to ask your architect to help you.

At the end of the day, a personal recommendation is always a very good place to start, and try and keep local as they will know the planners better, so avoiding the most common features that may get a NO on your application.