Architectural Design.
Highcroft Design provide architectural design throughout Brighton, Sussex, and beyond. All our projects are supported by high-quality design, including the latest CGI imagery, which we believe is essential for securing a positive outcome for most planning applications.
Our dedicated small team offers extensive experience across a variety of sectors, including residential, hospitality, office, retail, commercial, leisure, and mixed-use, and we pride ourselves on exceptional one-to-one customer service.
Residential
Hospitality
Office
Retail
Commercial
Leisure
Mixed-Use
Our Services.
Measured
Surveys.
A digital measured survey, along with an accurate set of existing plans, elevations, and sections of an existing building or site, is a fundamental starting point for any architectural or design project and is one we recommend as one of the first steps.
A detailed set of accurate existing plans is vital in ensuring that concepts, feasibility studies, and planning submissions are achievable within the building or site constraints.
All our surveys are presented in digital format and are used as the basis for our concept, feasibility, and planning submissions.
We carry out digital measured surveys throughout Brighton, Worthing, and Sussex.
Concept
Feasibility
Studies.
We approach this early-stage work as a ‘diagnostic’ phase. We ask questions about the brief, budget, and underlying assumptions. We analyse the property and site in detail to reveal constraints and opportunities. Once these have been identified, we can begin to develop solutions.
Whether engaged for a full service or a more limited scope, we always start with a feasibility study to explore the full potential of the site, ideas, brief, and budget.
Planning Submissions.
We have extensive experience with planning applications across sectors including residential, commercial, hospitality, leisure, mixed-use, and change of use.
Our firm understanding of planning policy, combined with creating a clear brief and preparing design and access statements tailored to each individual project, is key to planning success.
We work closely with clients to develop a clear design brief from the inception of each project. This involves client meetings, site visits, and planning policy reviews. A design brief is then custom-made, identifying site opportunities and constraints, the scope of services, and required consultant services, all with the singular objective of obtaining approval.
For more complex or unique developments, it may be prudent to request pre-application advice from the Local Authority Planning Officer before developing the scheme in detail. In this instance, we will prepare and submit sketch concept feasibility studies and engage with the local authority through a consultation process to secure initial approval before a formal submission.
Throughout any planning application, we utilise the council’s planning websites, as well as direct communication with the appointed Planning Case Officers, to monitor the progress of each application during its determination period. We keep our clients fully updated on the status of their application, liaising with them to coordinate and issue any additional information that may be requested by the Planning Case Officer to support the application.
Re-modelling &
Spatial Design.
In many instances, people’s current homes are not quite working for their lifestyle, and there are many reasons to choose to assess the existing spaces and potential of the home. Renovating rather than relocating could be the answer.
The possibilities for renovating a home are endless, and we approach every new project by collaborating closely with our clients. We listen to their needs and how they use their home, while also gaining a deeper understanding of their visual style, preferences, and influences. Using this method, we aim to develop the best solutions. If there’s difficulty in visualising 2D drawings, rest assured that all our concepts and designs are supported with 3D photorealistic imagery.
While an initial approach might be to design a loft conversion, an extension could be the best way to achieve the required space while enhancing the rest of the home and adding value. Instead of a kitchen extension, a redesign of the layout might be the right solution to achieve the end goal.
Change Of Use.
If you're looking to change the purpose of a building or space, a change of use application offers an exciting opportunity to transform spaces into something new and useful. We can advise from an initial site meeting through to designing and planning spaces that meet specific needs, providing a variety of services to ensure your project is a success.
We work closely with our clients to determine specific needs and goals while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Once the design is approved, we can also provide guidance on interior design, lighting, and landscaping.
3D Visuals.
We include photorealistic visuals for every project as an integral part of our services. Whether large or small, all our projects are supported with 3D imagery allowing the vision to be seen before any building work begins. We believe this is the ultimate way to experience architectural design, enabling confident decision-making and positively supporting all planning applications.
Interior
Design.
Complementing our architectural expertise, we offer comprehensive interior design services that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of any space. Our interior design approach begins with a deep understanding of how spaces are used and how they can be transformed to better serve their purpose. Whether it’s a residential home, an office, or a hospitality setting, we carefully consider elements such as spatial arrangement, material selection, and lighting to create environments that are both beautiful and functional.
We provide detailed mood boards, layouts, and 3D photorealistic visuals that allow clients to fully visualise the proposed designs before any work begins. This integration of interior and architectural design ensures that every aspect of the project is cohesive, aligning the overall structure with the intended interior style. Our goal is to create spaces that not only meet but exceed client expectations, delivering designs that are both practical and inspiring.
Free no obligation site visit and quotation.
We deliver architectural and interior designs tailored to your objectives, including your ‘must-haves’ and ‘nice-to-haves’. Serving Sussex, Brighton, and Worthing, we work across residential, commercial, and mixed-use sectors.
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation site visit and quotation.
3D photo realistic visuals.
Photorealistic visuals for every project are included as an integral part of our service. This allows your vision to be seen before any construction work begins, enabling you to move forward with confidence.
One-to-one customer service.
Every project is unique, and our approach is tailored to meet its specific needs and vision. Our small team brings extensive experience across a variety of sectors, and we pride ourselves on exceptional one-to-one customer service by prioritising timely responses and focusing on delivering architectural and interior designs that align with your brief, budget, and overall objectives.
FAQ's.
What architectural design services do you offer?
Highcroft Design provides comprehensive architectural design services across residential, commercial, leisure, retail, and industrial sectors, offering measured surveys, concept feasibility studies, planning submissions, remodelling, change of use, spatial design, and 3D visualisations. Whatever the project, we can tailor our services to meet your unique requirements.
What does a free initial consultation mean?
A free, no obligation consultation means we come to the site to discuss your initial ideas and goals. We’ll review the feasibility of your concept and explore other ideas or options we may have, as well as steps needed to reach the end goal. This initial meeting will give us a clear indication of the scope of services required, so we can provide a detailed quote of our professional fees, tailored to the stages and processes discussed. The site visit, consultation, and quotation are free of charge, with no obligation to proceed. However, if you’re satisfied with our advice, service level, and quotation, we can begin the project, acting as your lead design agent.
Do I really need a measured survey?
The short answer is yes. Many clients ask if a measured survey is truly essential. For any existing building, plans and elevations are required for a planning application, so it’s crucial to produce them accurately from the start. Accurate, up-to-date plans significantly improve progress when developing existing and proposed designs. These drawings will also be valuable for suppliers and subcontractors throughout the project to measure and design their specific elements.
Some clients have old drawings and ask if this negates the need for a survey. While manual drawings can aid initial sketches, they can’t be directly converted into a CAD file and are often unreliable. The costs of correcting outdated or inaccurate plans can be substantial, so our advice is always to get the measured survey. There’s no scenario where having one isn’t beneficial.
What do I need to know about planning permission?
We’re here to guide you through the planning process. We’ll prepare detailed drawings based on council guidelines and requirements and submit all supporting documents, including planning application forms. As your agent, we’ll monitor the application’s progress and liaise with the planning officer when needed. Our sole objective at this stage is to gain planning approval.
Will I need other consultants on my project?
This can be discussed at our initial meeting, as the need for additional consultants depends on the scope of work. For instance, a structural engineer may be required if a wall is to be removed. We can assess these requirements and obtain quotes for specialist professional services as needed.
When should I appoint an architectural designer?
It’s best to hire an architectural designer as soon as you’re thinking seriously about your project. Initial concepts, final design sign-offs, planning submissions, cost estimates, and contractor appointments all take time, so getting a professional on board early enables a smoother collaboration. Working together from the start will help achieve the desired outcome within your timescale and budget—ideally, meeting and exceeding expectations.
What is involved in the design process?
After you accept our quotation, we’ll arrange a follow-up site visit to finalise the design brief with you and conduct a measured survey of the property, building, or site. From this survey, we’ll create a precise set of existing drawings, forming the foundation for our initial feasibility work. We’ll develop the design with you to achieve a scheme you’re fully satisfied with. From there, we can proceed to the next stage, whether it’s a planning submission or sending the project out to contractors for pricing. This next step depends on your project’s type and scale.
How long do the drawings and design work take?
This depends on the size and complexity of the project. During our free initial consultation, we can discuss potential timeframes and give an outline based on your specific requirements.
What happens after planning approval?
Drawings produced for planning consent aren’t detailed enough for contractors to provide accurate costings. We can produce technical design drawings based on the approved planning drawings for pricing purposes and for submission to Building Control for Building Regulations approval. We’ll discuss the technical design aspect at our initial meeting, as this will depend on your project’s type and scale.