We need a good architect in Surbiton/ elmbridge - help

[Ragusa]

Hi,

Does anyone have any (genuine, not self-promo :) ) recommendations for a good architect in Surbiton or vicinity please?

We want to build an extension on our semi. He or she would ideally have experience of surrey cc planning....

We don't want anything massively fancy nor glass box-esque....just an imaginative and achievable use of space.

Any ideas much appreciated.

We tried on of the heavily advertised local 'all in' companies and their quote was ludicrous so we prob wouldn't consider that set up ....

I don't know of any architects in that area but as part of architecture week the Royal Institute of British Architects is running something called Tea with an Architect. It's in lots of locations in the UK (I'm doing one of the Barker & Stonehouse ones) which might give you a chance to meet a local architect and chat over plans with no obligation. They also do a scheme called Architect in the House where you get an hours consultation in your home if you make a donation to the charity Shelter. Architects give their time for free (& because we talk to much many give more than an hour) It might give you some ideas and you can decide whether or not you like a particular architect.
Sole practitioners are often cheaper than bigger firms as they have slightly less overheads. However architect practices with juniors can offset drawing costs by using juniors to draw up plans/ details.
Plan drawers (non qualified architects sometimes called architectural consultants/ architectural designers etc) will be cheaper but there is no guarantee that they are of any standard or know what they are doing. They are also not insured if anything goes wrong. All qualified practising architects must carry insurance and meet minimum standards they must also be registered with the ARB - you can check if they are a real architect on their website.
Hope that helps in some way.

I can recommend someone, pm me if you want his details!

I've got a good friend who lives in Surbiton who runs her own architect practice. Plus she also works for Architect Your Home.

She has done a lot of extensions in the area including two for friends of ours so imagine is very familiar with local planning issues.

Pm me if you want me to send over details

wonkylegs thanks v much for your really useful pointers. The Shelter scheme sounds great - we are supporters of them anyway. Will let you know if we meet a match that way.

terrysno2 yes please - thanks v much - will pm shortly.

muststop... likewise. Thanks everyone. Who knew there were so many readers of the DIY board in Surbo ;) ?

Ragusa, am having problems sending you a pm for some reason. I haven't forgotten so will try later in the day.