The Top Architecture Blog — Written by Architects, Interior Designers & Planners

Planning Applications and COVID-19: Coronavirus Impact on Planning Services [May Update]

How is planning working (or not working) in England under the COVID-19 restrictions? We’ll take a look at what central government has done, what local authorities say they are doing, and what we’ve found has been happening in practice over […]

13th May 2020

Planning Permission

Planning Application Process Infographic: Timeline & Flowchart

Wondering about the planning application process? If you’re having a hard time understanding the planning application timeline – worry no more! We know that the planning system can seem like a total labyrinth with all its stages and steps, so […]

12th May 2020

Planning Permission

Discharging Planning Conditions: Everything You Need to Know

You’ve got planning permission. Congratulations! Pour yourself a glass of bubbly. You’ve passed the first great landmark on the road to a completed project. We’re absolutely not going to underplay what a great moment this is. However, what you shouldn’t […]

11th May 2020

Building Contract

Traditional Procurement vs Design & Build: Which One is Better?

A question we are often asked is, “Which is better: Traditional Procurement or Design & Build?” This is not a question with a single answer, as it truly depends on your building project, and your specific goals and objectives. If […]

30th April 2020

Architectural Technology

Best Architecture Apps to Help UK Architects Thrive in 2020

Here at Urbanist Architecture, we like technology. Not in a ‘hey, shiny new gadgets doing cool things!’ kind of way (OK, that too, sometimes) but because it helps us do our jobs better. And as this is being written during […]

30th April 2020

Loft Conversion

The Ultimate Loft Conversion Design & Planning Guide [2020 Edition]

You need more space in your home, but you can’t afford to move. Or maybe you would be perfectly happy with your home if only it was a bit bigger. If you own a house, you have four main potential […]

24th April 2020

Coronavirus

COVID-19: A Message From Our Managing Director

Our thoughts go out to the many people and businesses that have been affected by COVID-19. We know this is a distressing and unsettling time for everyone. We want to assure all of our clients that Urbanist Architecture is open […]

21st April 2020

Planning Permission

How Long Does Planning Permission Last?

You’ve bought a piece of land that came with permission to build a house on it. Or you have planning approval for an extension, but money has been tighter than you thought when you made the application. So you’re wondering: […]

20th April 2020

Brownfield · Planning Permission

Smart Planning Permission Strategies to Build on Brownfield Land

Since the late 1990s, successive British governments have been pushing for more development on brownfield land. Indeed, they have said most new-build housing should be built on brownfield land. Why? Brownfield development is meant to be the alternative to urban […]

16th April 2020

Architectural Technology

Virtual Reality in Architecture: Visit Your Home Before it’s Been Built with VR

Have you been watching Your Home Made Perfect and wondering how Virtual Reality works in real life? In this article, you’ll learn how Virtual Reality really works (it’s not what you think!), how it will change the way architects practise […]

12th April 2020