Architects in Kent for extensions, lofts and home improvements.
Local, hands-on design from Kev Miller and the SurvDesign team — planning drawings, building regs and practical designs that are ready to build, delivered across Kent.
Architectural drawings and property plans across Kent.
At Surv Design Associates, we provide architectural services across Kent for homeowners, landlords and property professionals who need clear advice, accurate drawings and a straightforward service from start to finish.
We work on residential projects across Maidstone, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Dartford, Gravesend, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, Sittingbourne, Ashford, Folkestone, Dover and surrounding areas.
Some clients come to us needing planning drawings only. Others already have planning permission and just need building regulations drawings. Many want a combined package so everything is handled under one roof.
Four steps. One clear route to approval.
Brief & Survey
We visit the property, take a measured LiDAR survey and discuss the project in plain English.
Concept Design
We draft existing and proposed plans tailored to your property and your goals.
Planning Drawings
We prepare drawings for householder planning or permitted development submissions.
Building Regs
Detailed technical drawings ready for building control and your builder to quote against.
Every Kent project is fully surveyed with state-of-the-art LiDAR.
Accurate drawings begin with an accurate survey. We use LiDAR scanners on site to capture every measurement properly — no guesswork, no missing dimensions, no costly mistakes on site.
Architectural services for Kent homeowners.
Planning Drawings
Floor plans, elevations and site plans for householder applications and lawful development submissions.
Learn more →Building Regs Drawings
Detailed technical drawings prepared for building control approval and construction.
Learn more →Extension Plans
Single-storey, two-storey, side, rear and wraparound extension designs across Kent.
Learn more →Loft Conversions
Plans for dormer, hip-to-gable and Velux loft conversions, ready for approval.
Learn more →Garage Conversions
Turn an existing garage into a playroom, office, utility or extra living space.
Learn more →Garden Rooms & Outbuildings
Plans for garden offices, studios and outbuildings — permitted development or full planning.
Learn more →Planning only, building regs only, or combined.
Not every Kent project starts at the same point. Choose the package that matches the stage your project is at.
Planning Drawings Only
Ideal at the early stage of a project — drawings for a planning application or to test whether the scheme is acceptable.
Building Regs Only
Ideal if planning is already sorted, or where the works can proceed without planning but still need building control approval.
Planning + Building Regs
The simplest route — one point of contact, smoother route from concept through planning and into technical preparation.
Plans approved. Clients delighted. Google agrees.
"My experience with Kev Miller is one of thankfulness. He fully understood my problem and gave a quick, knowledgeable response. Extremely grateful."
"Kev is the best — very reasonable price and great service. Handled our case smoothly. We got approval for our side double extension and 6m rear extension."
"Excellent service from Kev and Millie at Surv Design. Would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone."
"After confusing advice from a solicitor on our Land Registry plans, one call with Kev sorted everything. Quick, efficient, very reasonable price. Brilliant."
"Kevin is flexible, listens, and is knowledgeable. The plans were clear to read and done to a professional high standard. Great value too."
"Kev and the team have been amazing. I live in a conservation area so it was daunting, but Kev put me at ease. Highly recommend Surv Design."
Extension Plans in Kent
House extensions remain one of the most popular home improvement projects across Kent — single-storey rear, side, wraparound or two-storey. The right extension transforms how a home works, creating space for family life, entertaining or working from home.
Do extensions need planning permission?
Some smaller extensions may be possible under permitted development, but it depends on size, property type, previous additions and any restrictions. Larger schemes often need a householder application.
Do extensions need building regulations?
Yes — in most cases extensions require building regulations approval, even where planning permission is not needed.
Planning an extension in Maidstone, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Ashford or Rochester? We can prepare the drawings your project needs.
Loft Conversion Plans in Kent
A loft conversion is one of the best ways to add usable floor space without sacrificing garden. Across Kent, homeowners use them to create extra bedrooms, home offices, master suites or flexible family space.
Do loft conversions need planning permission?
Many can be carried out under permitted development, but not all — designs that are more substantial or properties affected by restrictions may need a planning application.
Do loft conversions need building regulations?
Yes — almost always. Loft conversions involve structural changes, fire safety, insulation and stair requirements.
Whether your property is in Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Dartford, Gravesend or Chatham, we can help you understand the route and prepare the drawings.
Garage Conversion Plans in Kent
Garage conversions are a popular option for Kent homeowners who want more internal space without extending outward — playrooms, home offices, utility rooms, guest rooms or larger kitchen-living areas.
Do garage conversions need planning permission?
Often they can proceed without a full application, especially where work is internal and the external appearance is largely unchanged. Some do need permission, so always worth checking.
Do garage conversions need building regulations?
Yes — habitable space must meet building regulations requirements, so a building control submission is generally required.
Planning a garage conversion in Gillingham, Sittingbourne, Faversham, Folkestone or Dover? We can prepare the drawings.
Outbuilding and Garden Room Plans in Kent
Garden rooms and outbuildings have become increasingly popular across Kent for home working, hobbies, fitness or extra storage. Some are simple detached studios, others larger outbuildings to support the way the household uses the property.
Do they need planning permission?
Some can be built under permitted development, but it depends on size, height, location on the site, proximity to boundaries and intended use. Otherwise a planning application is needed.
Do they need building regulations?
Sometimes. It depends on size, construction and intended use — buildings beyond simple incidental use often require building regulations approval.
We help clients across Kent get clarity on the route and prepare the appropriate drawings.
Practical, reliable, easy to deal with.
When people search for an architect in Kent, they’re not looking for vague design talk. They want somebody who can visit the property, understand what they’re trying to achieve, prepare proper drawings and help move things forward with confidence.
That’s exactly where we come in.
Architectural services across Kent.
Need an architect in Kent?
Whether you need planning drawings, building regulations drawings, extension, loft, garage or garden room plans — get in touch today for clear advice and a straightforward service.
Frequently asked questions.
Quick answers to the questions Kent homeowners ask us most. Can’t see yours? Just get in touch.
Do I need planning drawings or building regulations drawings? +
It depends on the stage of your project. Planning drawings are for planning approval or permitted development submissions. Building regulations drawings are the more detailed technical drawings used for compliance and construction.
Can I instruct you for building regulations drawings only? +
Yes. If you already have planning sorted, or if the project doesn't need planning permission, we can provide building regulations drawings as a standalone service.
Do I need both planning and building regulations drawings? +
Many projects need both, but not always at the same time. Some need planning approval first, while others can move straight to building regulations drawings. We'll advise based on your project.
Do all extensions need planning permission? +
No. Some can be carried out under permitted development, but this depends on the property and the nature of the proposed works.
Do loft conversions need building regulations? +
Yes, loft conversions generally need building regulations approval due to the technical and safety requirements involved.
Can you help with outbuildings and garden rooms? +
Yes. We prepare plans for outbuildings and garden rooms and can advise on whether planning permission or building regulations approval is likely to apply.
Quick Links
Thurrock Office
Building 13, Thames Enterprise Centre, Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury, Essex, RM18 8RH
Southend Office
282 Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 1BW
- Free Phone: 0800 494 7023
- Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30AM - 5:30PM