Architectural Design Services in Solihull, Birmingham & West Midlands
We design homes across Solihull, Birmingham and the West Midlands. Most of what we do is residential: extensions, lofts, reconfigurations. Each one designed around how people actually live, not just how it looks on a drawing.
In Balsall Common, we’ve opened up ground floors so the kitchen leads straight into the garden. In Moseley, we’ve converted lofts that feel like they were always meant to be there. We’ve reworked old layouts in Kings Heath that were never quite right to begin with.
It’s not just about adding extra space. It’s about making your home work better.
We use 3D design so you can picture the space before anything starts. See how the light moves through the room. Spot the pinch points early. Make changes while it’s still easy to tweak.
If you’re sorting planning in Solihull or need full building regs drawings for a Birmingham project, we can help. No fluff. No drama. Just clear, well-thought-out design that makes sense.
The McTernan Difference: Technical Excellence & Creative Vision
At McTernan Design, we've revolutionised architectural services across the West Midlands through our unique combination of technical precision, creative vision, and client-centred process. As established house extension architects in Birmingham and Solihull, we bring specialised expertise to every project, from dormer loft conversions in Kings Heath to Class Q barn conversions in rural Warwickshire.
Our architectural design services combine three essential elements that set us apart in the Solihull and Birmingham markets:
Technical-Creative Balance
Unlike many architectural practices that prioritize either design aesthetics or technical documentation, our team excels at the critical intersection of these disciplines. This balanced approach ensures designs that are both inspiring and buildable, preventing the frustration and expense of mid-construction revisions that plague many home transformation projects across the West Midlands.
Visualization-Driven Confidence
Our advanced 3D visualization architectural services transform how clients experience and understand their projects before construction begins. From virtual reality home design experiences in your Solihull home to immersive design presentations in clients' homes throughout Birmingham, this technology eliminates the uncertainty associated with architectural plans and elevations.
Local Planning Expertise
As established planning permission experts in Solihull and surrounding areas, we navigate the complex regulatory landscape with exceptional success rates. Our deep understanding of local planning policies—from Birmingham City Council's requirements for conservation areas to Warwickshire's approach to barn conversions—ensures optimal outcomes for even the most challenging projects.
Your Project Journey: Clarity, Confidence & Control
At McTernan Design, we understand that undertaking an architectural project raises important questions about costs, timelines, and outcomes. We believe in transparency throughout the process:
Investment Clarity
We provide detailed fee breakdowns during your initial consultation with no hidden costs. Our service packages are designed to give you complete clarity on professional fees before you commit. We offer realistic budget guidance for construction costs based on current market conditions and your specific requirements, helping you plan confidently.
Planning Success Assurance
Our proactive approach to planning applications has resulted in an exceptional approval rate. We thoroughly assess planning viability during initial consultations and develop strategies to maximise success. If challenges arise during the application process, we adapt designs in consultation with planning officers rather than proceeding with applications likely to be refused, protecting your property from negative planning history.
Timeline Transparency
Most residential projects follow a predictable 5-6 month journey from initial survey through planning permission to building regulations approval. During your consultation, we'll provide a detailed project timeline, including key milestones and decision points. This timeline clarity allows you to plan your life around the project rather than having your life disrupted by unpredictable delays.
Comprehensive Architectural Services Across the West Midlands
Our architectural services span the complete spectrum of residential design needs throughout the West Midlands. Each service combines technical excellence with creative vision, delivered through our signature approach of immersive visualization and personalised guidance.
House Extension Architectural Drawings in Solihull & Birmingham
Transform your home with thoughtfully designed extensions that enhance functionality and property value. Our house extension expertise has been refined through hundreds of successful projects across Solihull, Birmingham, and the wider West Midlands.
Why Choose Us for Your Extension
- Extensive local planning knowledge specific to West Midlands authorities
- 3D visualization technology that lets you experience your extension before construction
- Technical precision that ensures buildability and prevents costly surprises
- Design approach that balances contemporary living needs with your existing home's character
"Mark understood exactly what we wanted to achieve with our extension and guided us through every step of the process. His knowledge of Solihull's planning requirements saved us from potential pitfalls, and the 3D visualization helped us refine the design before construction. The finished extension has transformed how we live in our home." - Sarah & David, Rear and Side Extension in Solihull
Extension Design Expertise
We specialise in creating extensions that seamlessly integrate with your existing property while addressing contemporary lifestyle needs:
- Two-Storey Extensions - Add significant living space across multiple levels with careful consideration of mass, form, and neighbourhood impact. Our two-storey extension designs have transformed homes throughout Solihull, Dorridge, and Harborne.
- Single-Storey Extensions - Create additional ground floor living space with garden connections and abundant natural light. Our portfolio includes stunning single-storey extensions across Kings Heath, Moseley, and Bournville.
- Side Return Extensions - Utilise often-underused side returns to create valuable additional space in properties throughout Hall Green, Shirley, and Acocks Green.
- Wrap-Around Extensions - L-shaped additions dramatically transform ground-floor living arrangements in Sutton Coldfield to Olton homes.
- Kitchen Extensions - Specialist kitchen extensions creating open-plan living spaces that address contemporary lifestyle needs in properties throughout Barnt Green, Balsall Common, and Solihull.
Extension Planning Expertise
Our extension designs specifically address the unique planning considerations of West Midlands properties:
- Conservation requirements in historic parts of Solihull and Birmingham
- Permitted development opportunities that maximise space without full planning applications
- Party wall considerations for attached and semi-detached properties
- Neighborhood context and impact assessments to support planning success
- Strategic design approaches for properties with previous planning refusals
Loft Conversion Specialists West Midlands
Maximise your property's potential by transforming unused roof space into valuable living areas. As established loft conversion specialists in the West Midlands, our designs carefully consider structural requirements, staircase placement, and natural light optimisation to create stunning, functional spaces.
Why Choose Us for Your Loft Conversion
- Technical expertise that maximises headroom and usable floor space
- Structural knowledge that ensures safe, compliant conversions
- Creative solutions for challenging roof configurations
- Integration expertise that ensures conversions complement your home's character
- 3D visualization that lets you experience your loft space before construction begins
"Our loft conversion has added not just value but a whole new dimension to our home. Mark's design made brilliant use of an awkward roof space, creating a stunning master bedroom with en-suite that feels spacious and light-filled. The 3D visualization helped us understand exactly how the space would work before we committed to the build." - James & Louise, Dormer Loft Conversion in Kings Heath, Birmingham
Loft Conversion Specialisations
Our technical expertise encompasses all major loft conversion types, each with specific advantages:
- Dormer Loft Conversion Birmingham - Vertical walls and flat roof create maximum headroom and floor space, ideal for creating substantial rooms with full height throughout. Our dormer conversions have transformed properties throughout Birmingham, from Victorian terraces in Moseley to interwar semis in Hall Green.
- Hip-to-Gable Conversions - Extending sloped sides to create vertical gable ends, significantly increasing internal volume in properties with hipped roofs across Solihull, Knowle, and Dorridge.
- Mansard Loft Conversions - Nearly vertical walls with flat roofs, maximizing space in urban properties while working within planning constraints. Ideal for properties in Edgbaston, Harborne, and Selly Oak.
- Velux Loft Conversions - Simple, cost-effective solution maintaining external roof profile while introducing abundant natural light in homes from Shirley to Acocks Green.
- Loft Conversion with En-Suite - Self-contained bedroom suites with integrated bathroom facilities requiring specialized plumbing and ventilation solutions. Perfect for properties throughout Bournville, Kings Heath, and Moseley.
Loft Conversion Planning Expertise
Our deep understanding of local planning policies across Birmingham and Solihull allows us to:
- Maximise opportunities under permitted development rights
- Navigate conservation area restrictions when applicable
- Address potential overlooking concerns pre-emptively
- Design roof profiles that complement existing streetscapes
- Incorporate dormer designs that satisfy both planning requirements and internal space needs
Barn Conversion Design Warwickshire & West Midlands
Our expertise in barn conversion design combines heritage preservation with contemporary living comfort. As specialists serving Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands, we navigate the complex planning considerations these special projects require, balancing conservation with modern functionality.
Why Choose Us for Your Barn Conversion
- Specialist knowledge of historic building conservation techniques
- Technical expertise in upgrading agricultural structures to residential standards
- Deep understanding of Class Q permitted development regulations
- Creative approach that celebrates original features while introducing contemporary elements
- 3D visualization that helps you envision the transformation before construction
"Converting our 18th-century threshing barn seemed like a daunting prospect until we engaged McTernan Design. Mark's knowledge of both historic construction methods and modern building regulations was invaluable. The resulting home beautifully balances the barn's historic character with contemporary comfort. The virtual reality experience was particularly helpful in understanding how the dramatic open spaces would feel." - Richard & Elizabeth, Barn Conversion in Warwickshire
Barn Conversion Expertise
Our barn conversion approach addresses the unique challenges these special buildings present:
- Class Q Barn Conversion - Navigating specific requirements for agricultural-to-residential conversions under permitted development rights in locations throughout Warwickshire, from Stratford-upon-Avon to Henley-in-Arden.
- Traditional Barn Conversions - Preserving agricultural character while creating comfortable modern homes in rural communities from Lapworth to Tanworth-in-Arden.
- Modern Barn Conversions - Introducing contemporary elements that complement historic features in properties from Kenilworth to Warwick.
- Listed Building Conversions - Working within the constraints of listed building consent for properties throughout Stratford-upon-Avon and surrounding villages.
- Rural Property Transformations - Comprehensive redevelopment of countryside properties from Alcester to Studley.
Warwickshire Barn Conversion Expertise
Our specialised knowledge of rural Warwickshire planning policies includes:
- Green belt development constraints and opportunities around Henley-in-Arden and Tanworth-in-Arden
- Heritage impact assessments for historic agricultural buildings throughout Stratford-upon-Avon district
- Ecological considerations for rural conversions in sensitive locations near Alcester and Studley
- Sustainable technology integration within historic structures across Warwickshire villages
- Class Q permitted development assessments and applications across the region
Bespoke New Build Home Design - Architectural Plans
From concept to completion, we design bespoke new homes tailored to your lifestyle, budget, and plot considerations. Our comprehensive service covers site analysis, spatial planning, and detailed technical specifications, creating genuinely personalised living environments.
Why Choose Us for Your New Home
- Holistic approach that balances aesthetics, functionality, and buildability
- Site-responsive designs that maximize natural light, views, and energy efficiency
- Technical precision that ensures construction quality and cost control
- Immersive visualization technology that allows you to experience your home before construction
- Planning expertise that navigates complex local policies for optimal outcomes
"Building our family home was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and Mark's guidance throughout the process was invaluable. From helping us evaluate potential plots to creating a design that perfectly suited our family's needs, his expertise ensured our project progressed smoothly. The virtual reality experience was transformative - we made several important design changes after experiencing the spaces virtually." - Andrew & Sarah, Contemporary New Build in Solihull
New Home Design Specialisations
Our new build expertise encompasses a range of approaches and contexts:
- Bespoke House Designs - One-of-a-kind homes tailored to specific client requirements, lifestyles, and site conditions, creating truly personalized living environments across Solihull and Birmingham.
- Replacement Dwellings - New homes replacing existing structures with significant size and quality improvements, often utilising planning policies that favour sustainable redevelopment in areas like Knowle, Dorridge, and Harborne.
- Self-Build Projects - Supporting client-led construction with appropriate design and technical information, empowering you to take control of your building project throughout the West Midlands.
- Contemporary New Homes - Architectural statements with modern materials and forms, creating distinctive homes that respond to 21st-century living patterns in locations from Solihull to Warwickshire.
- Traditional Style New Builds - Designs respecting local vernacular and historical contexts, creating homes that complement established neighbourhoods while offering modern internal arrangements.
New Build Planning Expertise
Our strategic approach to new home planning applications includes:
- Comprehensive site analysis identifying constraints and opportunities
- Pre-application consultations to establish planning parameters
- Design development responding to specific local planning policies
- Sustainability strategies that support planning approval
- Context-sensitive design approaches for sensitive sites, including conservation areas and green belt locations
Planning Permission Experts Solihull & Birmingham
McTernan Design provides comprehensive planning and regulatory services that form the foundation of successful architectural projects. Our expertise in navigating the complex planning landscape of the West Midlands gives you confidence that your project will achieve approval while maximising design potential.
Strategic Planning Application Services
Our meticulously prepared planning drawings and documentation maximise the chances of first-time approval. We handle every aspect of the planning application process with a strategic approach developed through hundreds of successful submissions across the West Midlands.
Why Choose Us for Planning Applications
- Exceptional planning approval success rate across local authorities
- Proactive approach that anticipates and addresses potential objections
- Established relationships with planning departments throughout the region
- Strategic application management that protects your property from negative planning history
- Clear communication throughout the planning process
Our Planning Application Process
Our comprehensive planning service includes:
- Site Analysis & Feasibility - Thorough assessment of planning constraints and opportunities specific to your property
- Pre-Application Strategy - When beneficial, engaging with planning officers before formal submission to establish parameters
- Design Development - Creating designs that balance your aspirations with planning policy requirements
- Documentation Preparation - Producing complete application packages including:
- Site and location plans with appropriate scale and detail
- Existing and proposed elevations showing materials and finishes
- Floor plans with precise dimensions and annotations
- Cross-sections illustrating key structural elements
- 3D visualizations that communicate design intent to planning officers
- Supporting design statements and justifications
- Application Management - Handling submission, tracking, and correspondence throughout the determination period
- Response Strategy - If needed, developing effective responses to planning queries or neighbour comments
Planning Success Strategy
Our strategic approach to planning applications has resulted in an exceptional approval rate across Solihull, Birmingham, and Warwickshire. Successful applications result from thorough preparation, realistic assessment, and proactive engagement with planning authorities.
When a design faces significant planning obstacles, we recommend design modifications or application withdrawal rather than proceeding with applications likely to be refused. This protects your property from negative planning history that could impact future applications.
Permitted Development Assessments & Applications
Many home improvement projects can proceed under Permitted Development rights, avoiding the need for full planning permission. Our detailed knowledge of permitted development legislation helps streamline smaller projects and establish fall-back positions for negotiation with planning authorities.
Our Permitted Development Services
Our specialised permitted development services include:
- Permitted Development Assessment - Thorough evaluation of your property's development rights, including identification of any restrictions such as Article 4 directions, conservation area limitations, or previous conditions
- Lawful Development Certificate Applications - Preparation of comprehensive documentation packages that establish legal certainty for your development
- Design Optimisation - Maximising the scope and quality of work possible within permitted development parameters
- Strategic Phasing Guidance - Advice on sequencing developments to utilise multiple permitted development allowances effectively
- Technical Compliance Documentation - Detailed drawings demonstrating precise compliance with permitted development criteria
Permitted Development Expertise
Permitted development regulations offer significant opportunities for home improvement without full planning applications, but they require precise interpretation and application. Our in-depth knowledge ensures designs that fully comply with permitted development parameters while maximizing the quality and scope of your project.
For properties in conservation areas or with other restrictions, we identify the specific limitations and design accordingly, providing documentation that clearly demonstrates compliance for Lawful Development Certificate applications.
Building Regulations Compliance West Midlands
Once planning permission is secured, we develop detailed technical drawings to ensure projects meet all building regulations requirements. These comprehensive documents provide builders with precise specifications for construction, ensuring regulatory compliance while maintaining design integrity.
Our Building Regulations Services
Our comprehensive building regulations service includes:
- Detailed Construction Drawings - Complete documentation packages showing construction methods, materials, and details
- Technical Specification Development - Written specifications detailing materials, products, and execution standards
- Structural Engineering Coordination - Management of structural design integration, ensuring cohesive documentation
- Performance Calculations - Technical calculations for thermal performance, ventilation requirements, and other regulated aspects including:
- Energy efficiency documentation and SAP calculations
- Fire safety compliance details
- Access and facilities provisions
- Ventilation and drainage specifications
- Building Control Liaison - Management of building control submissions and responses to technical queries
- Construction Phase Support - Technical advice during the build to address regulatory compliance questions
Building Regulations Approach
Our building regulations documentation represents more than just compliance - it provides a comprehensive technical roadmap for your project's construction. We believe that exceptional technical documentation leads to smoother construction, fewer on-site questions, and higher-quality outcomes.
Our documentation addresses not just minimum compliance but best-practice construction methods that ensure durability, energy efficiency, and quality. This technical precision gives both you and your builder confidence throughout the construction process.
3D Visualization Architectural Services
McTernan Design leads the architectural services market in the West Midlands through our innovative use of visualization technology. We have invested significantly in advanced capabilities that transform the client experience and improve design outcomes, enabling you to experience your spaces before construction begins.
Advanced 3D Visualization Services
Our planning visualization services create accurate three-dimensional representations of proposed designs that transform how you understand and engage with your project. These detailed models eliminate the uncertainty typically associated with traditional architectural drawings.
Comprehensive Visualization Approach
Our architectural visualization services include:
- Exterior Visualization - Photorealistic renderings showing your proposed development in context, including materials, landscaping, and relationship to existing buildings
- Interior Visualization - Detailed interior representations showing spatial relationships, light conditions, and material finishes
- Lighting Studies - Visualization of natural and artificial lighting conditions at different times of day and seasons
- Material and Finish Exploration - Interactive comparison of different material options and finish combinations
- Planning Support Visualization - Specific visualizations addressing planning considerations such as street views, neighbour relationships, and contextual integration
The Visualization Difference
Traditional architectural drawings often fail to communicate spatial qualities, making it difficult for non-architects to understand design proposals fully. Our detailed 3D visualizations bridge this gap, creating a common visual language that ensures you can make informed decisions about your project.
These visualizations also serve as powerful tools for planning applications, helping planning officers and committees understand how proposals will appear in reality and supporting positive determination outcomes.
Virtual Reality Home Design Experience
Our cutting-edge virtual reality services transform how you experience architectural design, allowing you to step inside your proposed spaces before construction begins. This immersive technology eliminates the uncertainty often accompanying traditional architectural drawings.
The Virtual Reality Experience
Our virtual reality service enables you to:
- Walk Through Your Design - Experience the scale and flow of spaces as you would in reality
- Test Spatial Relationships - Understand how rooms relate to one another and to outside spaces
- Experience Light Conditions - See how natural light enters and moves through spaces at different times
- Evaluate Furniture Arrangements - Test how furniture will fit and feel within proposed spaces
- Explore Design Options - Compare alternative layouts or features through an immersive experience
- Share the Experience - Include family members in the virtual tour, ensuring everyone's input is based on realistic spatial understanding
Virtual Reality Impact
Our clients consistently report that the virtual reality experience transforms their understanding of their project. Design elements that seemed abstract in drawings become immediately comprehensible when experienced virtually.
This immersive understanding frequently leads to refinements that significantly improve the final design - changes that would traditionally only be realised after construction, when modifications are exponentially more expensive and disruptive.
The Immersive Meeting Difference
Traditional architectural meetings often involve small printed drawings or laptop screens that fail to communicate spatial qualities effectively. Our immersive approach transforms this experience, creating a comfortable, engaging format that ensures you truly understand and can confidently evaluate design proposals.
This collaborative approach leads to more refined designs, fewer misunderstandings, and ultimately, homes that better reflect your needs and preferences.
Architectural Service Packages & Investment
To accommodate varying project needs and budgets, McTernan Design offers structured service tiers that provide clear options while maintaining our commitment to quality and professionalism.
Foundation Service Package
Designed for clients with straightforward projects or focused requirements, our Foundation Service provides essential professional support while managing investment levels.
Perfect For:
- Homeowners with straightforward extension or conversion projects
- Projects where planning risk is relatively low
- Clients who require professional guidance but have a limited budget
- Properties with clear permitted development potential
- Projects where visualization needs are modest
Foundation Service Includes:
- Initial consultation and comprehensive site survey
- 2D architectural drawings suitable for planning applications
- Basic planning submission management
- Limited design revisions (one revision cycle)
- Email and phone support throughout the process
- Optional building regulations drawings (additional investment)
Investment Range:
- House Extensions: £1,000-£2,500
- Loft Conversions: £1,200-£3,000
- Garage Conversions: £950-£2,000
"Our Foundation Service ensures access to professional architectural expertise for projects with straightforward requirements or budget considerations. While more limited than our comprehensive packages, this service maintains our commitment to technical accuracy and planning success."
Comprehensive Service Package
Our most popular option offers a complete architectural solution from concept through to technical documentation, including essential 3D visualization to support confident decision-making.
Perfect For:
- Typical residential extensions and conversions
- Homeowners valuing ongoing support throughout the process
- Projects benefiting from visualization to refine design decisions
- Properties with moderate planning considerations
- Clients wanting both planning and building regulations service
Comprehensive Service Includes:
- Detailed consultation and thorough site analysis
- Design development with two revision cycles
- 2D architectural drawings with essential 3D modelling
- Planning application preparation and management
- Responses to planning queries and objections
- Building regulations drawings and submissions
- Basic material and finish schedules
- Regular face-to-face meetings
- Ongoing support throughout the project
Investment Range:
- House Extensions: £1,900-£4,000
- Complex Extensions: £4,000-£7,000
- Loft Conversions: £2,000-£4,000
- Garage Conversions: £1,500-£2,500
"Our Comprehensive Service provides the complete support most residential clients need for successful project delivery. This balanced package ensures professional guidance throughout your project journey while incorporating essential visualization to support confident decision-making."
Ultimate Experience Package
A deluxe service for clients seeking the highest level of design development and support, featuring comprehensive visualization, unlimited design refinement, and extensive construction-phase assistance.
Perfect For:
- Significant property transformations including extensions and new builds
- Clients valuing extensive design exploration and refinement
- Projects benefiting from immersive visualization technology
- Properties with complex planning considerations
- Homeowners seeking comprehensive support from concept to completion
Ultimate Experience Includes:
- Extended consultation period with detailed brief development
- Multiple design concept options
- Unlimited design revisions until client satisfaction
- Comprehensive 3D modeling and visualization
- Virtual reality walkthrough experiences
- YouTube videos showing internal and external views
- Full planning application management with enhanced supporting materials
- Detailed building regulations package
- Complete material, fixture, and finish specifications
- Regular face-to-face meetings with senior designers
- Builder recommendation and tender support
- Construction phase advice and site visits
- Post-completion support
Investment Range:
- Complex Extensions: £4,000-£7,000
- New Build Homes: £8,000-£25,000
- Barn Conversions: £5,000-£10,000
"Our Ultimate Experience package represents the pinnacle of architectural service, providing exceptional support for clients undertaking significant projects. This comprehensive package ensures outstanding design outcomes and a smooth, confidence-inspiring journey from initial concept through to project completion."
Architectural Services Across the West Midlands
McTernan Design provides comprehensive architectural design services throughout the West Midlands, with specialised expertise in key areas, including Solihull, Birmingham, and Warwickshire.
House Extension Architectural Plans Birmingham
Our architectural services in Birmingham extend across the city's diverse neighbourhoods, from Victorian terraces to suburban developments. As established house extension Principal Designers in Birmingham, we bring specialised knowledge of the city's varied housing stock and planning requirements.
Birmingham Areas Served:
Acocks Green | Bearwood | Billesley | Bordesley Green | Bournville | Edgbaston | Erdington | Great Barr | Harborne | Kings Heath | Moseley | Perry Barr | Quinton | Selly Oak | Sheldon | Sutton Coldfield
Birmingham Project Examples:
- Contemporary rear extension in Moseley, navigating conservation area requirements
- Dormer loft conversion in Kings Heath, maximising space in a Victorian terrace
- Complete home transformation in Harborne, combining extension and internal reconfiguration
- Two-storey side extension in Sutton Coldfield, doubling living space for a growing family
- Modern kitchen extension in Edgbaston, creating light-filled entertaining spaces
"With Mark's professional judgment and experience, he could go backwards and forwards with Birmingham City Council, maximise our living space and only lose a small portion of the corner to accommodate the 45° angle. I cannot express any further positive feedback apart from saying if I ever have family and friends colleagues ask for an architect, with no doubt it will be Mark." - Noorul, House Extension in Birmingham.
Architectural Design Services Solihull
As our home base, Solihull represents a core focus area where our architectural design services have transformed hundreds of properties. Our status as planning permission experts in Solihull stems from our deep understanding of local planning policies and established relationships with the planning department.
Solihull Areas Served:
Balsall Common | Castle Bromwich | Catherine-de-Barnes | Cheswick Green | Dickens Heath | Dorridge | Hampton in Arden | Hockley Heath | Knowle | Marston Green | Meriden | Olton | Shirley | Solihull | Tanworth-in-Arden
Solihull Project Examples:
- Two-storey extension in Dorridge, doubling family living space
- Contemporary glass rear extension in Knowle, respecting conservation area requirements
- Loft conversion with en-suite in Shirley, creating additional bedroom accommodation
- Complete house remodelling in Solihull town centre, transforming a dated property
- Garden room extension in Balsall Common, creating indoor-outdoor living spaces
"Mark is incredibly knowledgeable about the whole process of design & build. He helped us massively through planning. He was thinking about things we had no idea about and was always thinking ahead about what was next in the process. I would 100% recommend him to anybody." - Simon, Two-Storey Extension in Solihull
Barn Conversion Design Warwickshire
Our barn conversion design Warwickshire expertise has established McTernan Design as the leading specialist for agricultural building transformations throughout the county. From historic barns near Stratford-upon-Avon to modern agricultural buildings around Warwick, our technical knowledge and planning expertise ensure exceptional results.
Warwickshire Areas Served:
Alcester | Astwood Bank | Henley-in-Arden | Kenilworth | Lapworth | Leamington Spa | Stratford-upon-Avon | Studley | Warwick
Warwickshire Project Examples:
- Class Q barn conversion near Stratford-upon-Avon, transforming agricultural building to luxury home
- Listed timber barn conversion in Henley-in-Arden, preserving historic character
- Contemporary new build in Warwick, maximizing a challenging plot
- Period property extension in Leamington Spa, respecting architectural heritage
- Modern barn-style new build near Alcester, responding to a rural context
"Mark's understanding of heritage buildings transformed our project. The design delights us daily with its thoughtful details and respect for history. The planning process was navigated expertly, giving us confidence throughout." - Elizabeth, Barn Conversion in Warwickshire
Loft Conversion Specialists West Midlands
Beyond our core service areas, McTernan Design provides architectural services throughout the wider West Midlands region, bringing our technical expertise and visualization approach to projects across multiple counties and local authorities.
Additional Areas Served:
Bromsgrove | Coventry | Dudley | Evesham | Halesowen | Lichfield | Nuneaton | Oldbury | Redditch | Rowley Regis | Rugby | Sandwell | Smethwick | Stourbridge | Tamworth | Tipton | Walsall | West Bromwich | Wednesbury | Willenhall | Wolverhampton | Worcester | Wythall
Client Success Stories
Don't just take our word for it - hear directly from homeowners who have transformed their properties with McTernan Design.
"With Mark's professional judgment and experience, he could go backwards and forwards with Birmingham City Council, maximise our living space and only lose a small portion of the corner to accommodate the 45° angle. I cannot express any further positive feedback apart from saying if I ever have family and friends colleagues ask for an architect, with no doubt it will be Mark."
- Noorul, House Extension in Birmingham
"Mark was extremely helpful whenever we had any related questions, which gave us confidence in choosing the right builder and that their quotes were fair and reasonable. We also loved the interactive VR simulation. This brought our plans to life and helped involve the kids in the final choices."
- Thomas, Rear Extension in Warwickshire
"Mark is incredibly knowledgeable about the whole process of design & build. He helped us massively through planning. He was thinking about things we had no idea about and was always thinking ahead about what was next in the process. I would 100% recommend him to anybody."
- Simon, Two-Storey Extension in Solihull
"The level of technical detail in Mark's drawings impressed not just us but our builder as well. Everything was clearly specified, which made the construction process much smoother than friends had experienced with their projects. The 3D visualization helped us make important decisions about the kitchen layout that we would have missed with traditional drawings."
- Rebecca & James, Kitchen Extension in Solihull
"Mark's understanding of heritage buildings transformed our project. The design delights us daily with its thoughtful details and respect for history. The planning process was navigated expertly, giving us confidence throughout."
- Elizabeth, Barn Conversion in Warwickshire
"After our architect failed to secure planning permission, we approached Mark based on a recommendation. His strategic approach to our resubmission addressed all the previous concerns, resulting in straightforward approval. His knowledge of local planning policies saved us considerable time and stress."
- Michael, New Build Home in Birmingham
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our architectural services, project process, and what to expect when working with McTernan Design.
What is the typical timeframe for architectural projects?
Most residential projects follow a predictable 5-6 month journey from initial survey through planning permission to building regulations approval. More complex projects or those in sensitive planning areas may require additional time, which we'll discuss during your initial consultation.
Do I need planning permission for my project?
Many projects can proceed under Permitted Development rights without full planning permission. During your initial consultation, we'll assess your property's specific circumstances, including any constraints like conservation area status, previous planning conditions, or Article 4 directions that might affect your permitted development rights. We'll provide clear guidance on whether planning permission is required and the optimal strategy for your project.
How much does architectural design typically cost?
Our services are structured into packages to accommodate different needs and budgets. The Foundation Service starts from £1,000 for straightforward extensions, while comprehensive packages for larger projects range from £2,000 to £10,000 depending on scale and complexity. We provide detailed fee proposals following initial consultations.
What is the difference between planning permission and building regulations?
Planning permission concerns your development's appearance, size, and impact and is granted by the local authority planning department. Building regulations address technical performance, including structural stability, fire safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility, ensuring the building is safe and compliant with national standards. Most projects require both planning permission (or permitted development confirmation) and approval of building regulations.
What areas do you cover?
We primarily serve Solihull, Birmingham, and surrounding areas of the West Midlands, with particular expertise in these local planning authorities. We have especially strong experience in Solihull neighbourhoods, including Knowle, Dorridge, and Balsall Common, and Birmingham areas, including Moseley, Kings Heath, Edgbaston, and Harborne.
Will you recommend builders for our project?
Yes, we maintain relationships with reputable local builders throughout the West Midlands and can recommend contractors suited to your specific project. Many builders also recommend our services to their clients, demonstrating mutual respect within these professional relationships. We can help manage the tender process to ensure you receive accurate, comparable quotes based on our detailed documentation.
Expert Extension Drawings and Large-Scale Development Services in Solihull by McTernan Design
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![Affordable extension drawings Solihull]()
Ugly house to lovely house in Solihull
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![How can I get planning permission for a new house]()
Luxury house design Warwickshire
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![Birmingham barn conversion ideas Stunning contemporary barn conversion in Bromsgrove architectural plans]()
Modern barn conversion Bromsgrove
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![Cotswolds planning permission drawings. Class Q barn conversion to provide a luxury family home.]()
Exposed Steel Frame Barn Conversion
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![Solihull barn conversion designs by McTernan Design.]()
Converting barns in the Green Belt
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![Detailed construction drawings Solihull]()
Internal alterations Solihull
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![Permitted development guidelines for barns]()
Breathing life into old buildings
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![Barn conversion planning requirements guide]()
Conversion of Agricultural buildings Solihull
Start Your Home Design Journey Today – Free Initial Consultation
Ready to transform your home? Book your complimentary initial consultation to discuss your vision and receive expert guidance on your project's potential.
Free Initial Consultation
Our no-obligation phone consultation includes:
- Exploration of design possibilities
- Detailed desktop site analysis & planning history assessment
- Discussion of planning considerations
- Initial budget guidance
- Timeline expectations
- Process explanation
There's no obligation; you'll gain valuable insights about your property's potential.