Chartered Surrey Architects
If you're looking for an architect in Surrey, you're likely looking for more space, a better layout, or a property that finally works the way you need it to.
You're not alone, and you're not expected to know where to start.
Planning rules, structural details, builder conversations and design decisions can quickly become overwhelming. But they don't have to be.
I'm a RIBA Chartered Architect helping residential and commercial clients turn their ideas into well-designed, practical spaces, with clear guidance and communication at every stage.
I understand how daunting a major building project can feel
Reshaping your property is a significant undertaking, and it is natural to feel the weight of it. You know the space could work harder - more light, more room, a layout that suits how you live or work - but the path there is rarely obvious. The questions tend to mount before a single drawing is made:
- What the planners will and won't permit on a property like yours
- How far you can reconfigure or extend before the structure becomes the deciding factor
- What the structural work - steelwork and the like - will add to the cost
- Where the budget is best spent, and what it will genuinely cost to build well
- Whether the architect you appoint will still be involved once the drawings are approved
Good architectural design begins by addressing those questions directly - so the decisions that follow are made with confidence, not guesswork.
The First-Sketch-to-Finished-Build Approach
When you work with the right architect, you gain confidence in your project, the process becomes easier to navigate, and the finished result feels like what you were hoping for - not a compromise you had to settle for.
That is how I can support you. With a background in construction and design, I bring the experience, judgement and practical understanding needed to shape a project that can gain planning approval, be built properly, and deliver the space you set out to create.
As a RIBA Chartered Architect, I guide you through all seven stages, from the first sketch to completion on site, so you always understand what is happening, why it matters and what needs to happen next.
My Chartered Architectural Services
As a chartered architect working across Surrey and South West London, I take on residential, commercial and listed building projects - from a single-storey extension to a complete new build home. Here is where I can help.
Residential Architecture
The heart of what I do: house extensions, loft conversions and basements, full home renovations and refurbishments, and contemporary new build and replacement homes. From a practical rear extension to a luxury home designed around how you live, I shape spaces that work harder and feel right.
- House extensions
- Loft conversions
- Basement conversions
- Home renovations & refurbishments
- New build & replacement homes
- Luxury homes
Commercial Architecture
Considered, practical design for commercial premises and mixed-use schemes, shaped around how the space needs to work, what it will cost to build, and what the local authority will support.
- Commercial premises
- Mixed-use schemes
- Feasibility studies
Listed & Period Buildings
Sensitive work to listed buildings and properties within conservation areas, blending period character with the comfort and function of a modern home, and prepared with the supporting detail planners expect.
- Listed building work
- Conservation area projects
- Period property restoration
Through every stage of the work
- Feasibility studies
- Planning applications
- Building regulations & construction drawings
- Tendering & builder selection
- On-site support to completion
Not sure which of these best describes your project? Tell me what you would like to achieve, and I will advise on the most sensible way to get there.
Experience that connects design, planning and construction
Composition Design is my RIBA chartered architecture practice. Behind every project sits thirty years of multidisciplinary experience - residential, commercial and leisure, including time spent as a director of a design-and-build practice. It means I understand not only how a building should look, but how it is actually put together.
That matters more than it might sound. Many architects are content to secure planning permission and step away, leaving you to navigate the build alone. I prefer to stay involved through every stage, on site as well as at the drawing board, because the way a design is built is what ultimately determines whether it succeeds.
The result is design you can trust to be buildable: ambitious where it should be, grounded in construction reality, and considered against budget from the very beginning.
Some Of Our Recently Completed Projects
How it works
I study your property
It begins with your enquiry through the contact form. Once I am notified, I review the property and its surroundings - the type of house, its context, and what the planners are likely to allow - so by the time we speak, I already understand what we are working with.
We discuss your plans
A conversation to understand what you would like to achieve and how I can help, usually followed by a visit to see the property in person and talk through your options and the process ahead.
You receive a tailored proposal
Following the visit I prepare a fee proposal suited to your project - whether a fixed fee or a percentage - so the scope and the cost are clear before you commit to anything.
Trusted by homeowners, developers and businesses
We worked with Jonathan on plans for a loft conversion and also a ground-floor kitchen extension. Jonathan was excellent, researching thoroughly for both. From the initial chat we found our ideas were listened to, and Jonathan provided great insight into what we could and couldn't do in terms of our council's restrictions. The process was quick - we had drawings in no time. We were also thankful for the builder recommendations.
We worked with Jonathan on a couple of projects: an initial ground-floor extension, followed by an extension to our first floor. On both occasions, Jonathan provided us with creative options to maximise the use of the space, and the end result has transformed our home. Jonathan was hands-on throughout, from the initial design concepts to managing the planning process, coordinating with the builders and providing practical advice when we needed it. I would highly recommend Jonathan and his team at Composition Design.
Jonathan was our architect and project manager for our home, and we were extremely delighted with the new plans as they suited our needs. From the outset, he showed a remarkable ability to blend creative vision with practical execution - his designs met our aesthetic expectations while adhering to all relevant building regulations. When we encountered challenges, Jonathan navigated them with real adaptability, and we were very pleased with how he collaborated with us and the builders to keep everyone aligned. We had a large extension and a loft conversion at the same time, and the completed home exceeded our expectations. If we were ever to build again, I would not hesitate to work with Jonathan.
Chartered architecture across Surrey and South West London
I work with homeowners and developers throughout Surrey and South West London, including:
- Surbiton
- Kingston upon Thames
- Esher
- Oxshott
- Claygate
- Thames Ditton
- Long Ditton
- Berrylands
- New Malden
- Hinchley Wood
- Cobham
- Molesey
- Weybridge
- Richmond
- Wimbledon
- Worcester Park
- Tolworth
- Walton-on-Thames
- Leatherhead
- Epsom
- Guildford
- Woking
- Ascot
- Windsor
- Wandsworth
- Putney
- Merton
Let's discuss what your property could become
If you are considering an extension, a new build or a thoughtful refurbishment, send an enquiry through the form. I will review your property and come back to you with how I can help and the sensible next steps - the easiest way to get your project moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a RIBA architect?
A RIBA architect is an architect who is a Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the professional body for architects in the UK. RIBA Chartered Architects are required to meet professional standards and follow the RIBA Code of Professional Conduct and continuing professional development requirements. Composition Design is a RIBA Chartered architectural practice and is also ARB registered.
What types of projects does Composition Design Architects work on?
Composition Design Architects works on residential and commercial architecture across Surrey and South West London. Projects include house extensions, new-build homes, loft and basement conversions, full property refurbishments, apartment developments and work to listed buildings and properties in conservation areas. Each project is designed around the client, property, site, budget and planning context.
How do an architect's fees work?
An architect's fees are usually calculated as a fixed fee, a percentage of the construction cost or, for some services, an hourly rate. The appropriate fee structure depends on the size, complexity and scope of the project and how much of the architectural service is required. Composition Design provides a tailored fee proposal after discussing the project and visiting the property, so the services and costs are clear before work begins.
Do I need planning permission for a house extension?
Planning permission is not required for every house extension. Some extensions can be carried out under permitted development rights, while others require a householder planning application. An architect can assess the property, proposed changes and relevant local planning policies before advising which route is appropriate. Composition Design can then prepare and submit the planning application where permission is required.
What are the RIBA Plan of Work stages?
The RIBA Plan of Work divides an architectural project into seven stages, from the initial brief and concept design through to technical design, construction and use of the completed building. Composition Design can support clients through all seven RIBA stages, providing continuity from the early design and planning work through to detailed construction information, tendering and completion.
Does an architect stay involved after planning permission?
An architect can remain involved after planning permission to develop the approved design into the detailed technical information required to build it properly. Composition Design continues beyond planning where required, producing construction drawings, coordinating consultants, assisting with Building Regulations, supporting the tender process and working with the contractor during construction through to completion.
Can an architect help with Building Regulations?
An architect can prepare and coordinate the technical drawings and information needed to demonstrate how a project will comply with the Building Regulations. This stage develops the planning design into detailed construction information covering matters such as structure, insulation, fire safety, ventilation and other regulatory requirements, with specialist consultants involved where necessary.
Can an architect help me choose a builder?
An architect can help clients select a suitable builder by preparing detailed tender information, inviting contractors to price the same defined scope of work and helping compare the quotations received. Composition Design can also work with the appointed contractor during construction to answer design queries, review progress and help ensure the project remains aligned with the architectural design.
How long does an architectural project take?
An architectural project's timescale depends on its size, complexity, planning requirements and construction programme. Design and planning for a house extension or refurbishment will typically take several months before construction begins, while larger or more complex projects take longer. Composition Design sets out the anticipated design, planning and construction programme at an early stage so clients understand the likely timescale.
Which areas does Composition Design Architects cover?
Composition Design Architects works across Surrey and South West London, including Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, Esher, Oxshott, Claygate, Thames Ditton, Long Ditton, New Malden, Hinchley Wood, Cobham, Weybridge, Richmond and surrounding areas. The practice works with homeowners and developers on residential and commercial architectural projects throughout the area.