Builder or architect or planner or what?

[MsONatto]

I really don't know where to start. Just bought a 1960s house (SW London) which needs total renovation - and that's the long and short of it. Where do I start?

Architect

Some recommend the ABC rule ... archictect builder contractor ... But a concept planner might also help if you are at the very early stages and just want ideas, before you get the expensive people in ! :-)

If you are completely lost I'd get an architect in.
If you know exactly what you want doing, and how - you may be able to skip an architect and direct a builder/trades.
I'm guessing from your post your a bit overwhelmed by it so an architect could guide you a) with what you want b) through the process to get it.
Don't just go with the cheapest you can find. If you have recommendations that's a good place to start. Otherwise try www.architecture.com they can give you details of architects in your area that do domestic work.
Have a few out for a chat (most will do this for free) and see if you gel with them.
Its really important that you get on with your architect and see things the same way otherwise you can end up either not getting what you want or a stressful process.
I've occasionally turned down clients before as I thought we just wouldn't get on. The working relationship is important as they are working on something extremely important and personal to you - your house.
Make sure your architect is a proper architect by checking their credentials on the Architects Registration Board website - (if you get them through the link I gave you they will be as you have to be registered to be a member of the RIBA)
This means they are properly qualified, hold proper insurances and must abide by a code of practice which means they must act fairly. You also have redress if anything goes wrong - we can be struck off like drs.

We used an architectural designer - so not a qualified architect, but someone who could draw plans to our requirements. We are doing a lot of remodelling, but knew exactly what we wanted to do to the layout. I'm sure some architects could have come up with a slightly better use of space, but I think we'll be happy with what we came up with. (We went through about 20 different sketches to work out what to do).

An architect can also project and contract manage your project. This can be helpful if you find the building process overwhelming.
I'm currently renovating my own house and although I've project/contract managed multi million pound jobs before it's a whole other level of stress when your living with it, some people find that it's easier to control through an architect. This costs money but can save money in the long term, through efficiencies and just knowing what they are doing (depending on the work being done).

Thank you all. Maybe I probably should have mentioned that we plan to have one company do all the work and we'll move out - I don't know if that changes your recommendations?

Concept planner sounds interesting so I'm off to look in to that. We are very green.