What does an architect in Harrow do?

An architect designs your project, prepares planning drawings, manages Building Regulations approval and can administer the construction contract. We provide a full architectural service from feasibility to completion.

How much does a house extension cost in Harrow?

Costs depend on size, specification and structural complexity. Our detailed guide explains current build rates.

Do I need planning permission in Harrow?

Many extensions require planning approval from the London Borough of Harrow. Some smaller schemes may fall under permitted development. We assess this at feasibility stage.

What is a Higher-Risk Building?

A Higher-Risk Building is generally a residential building in England that is 18m or taller, or has 7 storeys, and contains two or more residential units. These buildings fall under the Building Safety Regulator and require Gateway 2 approval before construction.

How long does Gateway 2 approval take?

The Building Safety Regulator has statutory determination periods, but preparation time is critical. Early technical coordination is essential to avoid delays.

Can you act as Principal Designer under the Building Safety Act?

Yes. We provide Principal Designer services for Higher-Risk Buildings, coordinating design risk management and regulatory compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

What does it mean to be ARB registered?

All architects in the UK must be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) to legally use the title “architect.” ARB registration confirms that the architect has completed the required qualifications, practical experience and professional examinations, and is subject to a professional code of conduct. Being ARB registered means clients can be confident they are appointing a qualified professional held to nationally regulated standards of competence and accountability.

What is the difference between ARB and RIBA?

ARB (Architects Registration Board) is the statutory regulator of architects in the UK. Registration with ARB is mandatory to use the title “architect.” RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) is a professional membership body. RIBA membership is voluntary and reflects a commitment to professional development, design quality, and ongoing competence beyond the minimum legal requirement. In short: ARB registration allows someone to practise as an architect. RIBA membership reflects professional engagement and continued development.

How long does it take to qualify as an architect in the UK?

Qualifying as an architect in the UK typically takes a minimum of seven years. This usually includes: Five years of university study (Parts 1 and 2) A minimum of two years of practical experience A final professional examination (Part 3) covering contracts, law and practice Only after completing all stages and registering with ARB can someone legally use the title “architect.”

What is a Principal Designer under the Building Regulations?

Under the Building Safety Act and updated Building Regulations regime, certain projects — including Higher-Risk Buildings — require a Principal Designer for Building Regulations compliance. The Principal Designer is responsible for planning, managing and monitoring design work to ensure compliance with Building Regulations throughout the design phase. This role strengthens accountability and coordination, particularly on complex or high-rise residential schemes.

Do you only work on Higher-Risk Buildings?

No. While Folly Architects has specialist experience advising on Higher-Risk Buildings and regulated residential projects, the practice also undertakes extensions, refurbishments and smaller residential schemes. The technical rigour developed through regulated projects informs all work — meaning even modest projects benefit from structured coordination, compliance awareness and clear delivery processes.

Folly Architects – London Architects & High-Risk Building Specialists

About Folly Architects

Folly Architects is a Harrow-based architectural practice working across Greater London and the Home Counties. We specialise in residential architecture, technical design, Building Regulations coordination and compliance-led project delivery.

We support homeowners, developers and property professionals with projects ranging from extensions, refurbishments and internal reconfigurations through to complex residential work where coordination, buildability and regulatory clarity matter from the outset.

Alongside our residential work, we also support Higher-Risk Building projects under the Building Safety Act, including Gateway applications, Principal Designer duties and Building Regulations advisory work. This regulated project experience strengthens the way we approach all projects: carefully, clearly and with a strong understanding of technical risk.

If you would like to browse our projects, articles and guidance, start with our Work page.

Related reading: Building Regulations and what to know.

Architect near me – qualified ARB registered architects for home extensions, refurbishments, and new builds in London

Speak to an expert, call us on the number below

020 3883 3450

Professional Experience

Folly Architects is led by Alfie Hope, whose background spans architectural practice, project management consultancy and developer-led environments. This provides a broad perspective across design, planning, technical coordination, construction delivery and client-side decision making.

Professional apprenticeship in Architectural Technology before university
BA (Hons) Architecture & Planning – First Class Honours
MA Architecture – Distinction, Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL
Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice & Management, UCL
Seven years at Kohn Pedersen Fox working on major London developments
Senior Project Manager at Gardiner & Theobald on projects up to £400m
Design and Development Associate within a high-end residential developer-contractor environment

Project experience includes mixed-use masterplans, high-rise residential towers, commercial transformations, complex urban sites and large-scale construction projects. This experience now informs a practice focused on clear advice, careful coordination and practical delivery for residential and regulated building projects.

For an example of larger-scale thinking that informs our approach, see Roots, Renewal, Resilience.

Professional Credentials

ARB Registered Architect
Full Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects
RIBA Principal Designer Building Regulations certification pathway
Professional Indemnity Insurance in place
Structured delivery aligned with the RIBA Plan of Work

Our Principal Designer capability extends into Higher-Risk Building work, where Building Safety Act dutyholder roles, information management and Gateway submissions require strong coordination, clear responsibility and well-structured project information.

For common questions about appointments and working with a local architect, see our Architect in Harrow FAQs.

The Practice

Folly Architects was established to bring a calm, technically focused approach to residential architecture. We combine design thinking with regulatory understanding, realistic budgeting and information that can be used by clients, consultants and contractors.

We typically support projects from early feasibility and planning strategy through to technical design, tender support and construction-stage input. The level of service is scaled to suit the size, risk and complexity of each project.

For an overview of our wider service offering, visit Architectural Services.

Featured HRB article: Navigating Gateway 2 in Knightsbridge.

Building Regulations UK – safety, fire, and energy efficiency standards explained by Folly Architects

Click to view article →

A Technically Led Practice

Good architecture is not only about producing attractive drawings. It also requires technical judgement, coordination, risk awareness and a clear understanding of how a proposal will be approved, priced and built.

We prioritise early constraint review, clear scope definition and coordinated information. This helps clients make better decisions before committing to expensive design changes or construction-stage uncertainty.

Useful starting points from our library include What is the Design Process and why is it important? and Building Regulations and what to know.

Specialist Capability

Folly Architects has experience supporting complex and regulated residential projects, including work undertaken within enhanced Building Regulations environments. This informs a measured, compliance-aware approach across all project scales.

Examples of this work include Submission for Gateway 2 in a Knightsbridge listed building and our guidance on the role of the Principal Designer.

For live industry guidance and commentary on Higher-Risk Buildings, Gateway applications and Building Safety Act delivery, visit the High Risk Building Hub.

Frequently asked questions

The following questions and answers summarise common queries relating to this topic.

Are Folly Architects ARB registered architects?

Yes. Folly Architects is led by an ARB registered architect and RIBA member, with professional indemnity insurance in place and experience across residential, commercial and regulated building projects.

What areas do Folly Architects cover?

Folly Architects is based in Harrow and works across North West London, Greater London and the Home Counties. The practice also supports selected Higher-Risk Building and Building Safety Act projects where specialist regulatory experience is required.

What type of projects does Folly Architects work on?

The practice works on residential extensions, refurbishments, internal reconfigurations, loft conversions, technical design, Building Regulations packages and selected Higher-Risk Building consultancy projects.

Can Folly Architects help with Building Regulations?

Yes. Building Regulations coordination is a core part of the practice. Folly Architects can support technical design, consultant coordination, Building Control submissions and compliance-led project information.

Does Folly Architects provide Principal Designer services?

Yes. Folly Architects can support Principal Designer duties, including Building Regulations-focused coordination and Higher-Risk Building project support where the scope and appointment are suitable.

Residential Work

Much of our work involves improving, extending and reconfiguring existing homes. We balance design ambition with planning strategy, budget awareness, construction realism and long-term value.

Featured project insight: New neighbourhoods.

Rear elevation of a London house extension shaped by careful design thinking and contextual constraints

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How we work

Define constraints early: feasibility, approvals and technical risks are identified from the outset.
Coordinate carefully: architectural, structural, services and regulatory inputs are aligned.
Communicate clearly: drawings and information are prepared so clients and contractors can understand and use them.
Remain pragmatic: recommendations are proportionate to the scale, budget and risk profile of the project.

For planning context, see Thinking of applying for Planning Permission?. For neighbour and boundary matters, see Party Wall Act: Understanding the Basics.

If you are choosing between contractors, this article is a useful starting point: How to find a good builder.

Location & coverage

Folly Architects is based in Harrow and regularly works across North West London, Greater London and the Home Counties. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, the simplest route is to get in touch and tell us a little about the project.

Contact us

If you would like to discuss a project, clarify regulatory requirements, or understand how our experience may be relevant to your work, you are welcome to get in touch.

Email us:

Hello@follyarchitects.com

Call us:

020 3883 3450