Drawings & Approvals Architectural Drawings
for Planning, Approvals and Construction
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Architectural Drawings intro
Architectural Drawings for Planning, Approvals and Construction
Architectural drawings turn your ideas into clear, accurate information that can be understood by planners, consultants, builders and everyone involved in your project.
Whether you are planning an extension, loft conversion, renovation or larger home improvement, the right drawings provide the foundation for the next stages of the project.
Tholos prepares architectural drawings for residential projects at different stages, from recording the existing property and developing the design through to planning, Building Regulations and detailed construction information.
Architectural Drawings explained
What Are Architectural Drawings?
Architectural drawings are scaled drawings that explain the layout, appearance and construction of a building or proposed alteration.
Depending on the project and the stage it has reached, they may show:
- existing and proposed floor plans
- elevations
- sections
- roof plans
- site and location plans
- dimensions and levels
- materials and finishes
- construction details
- structural coordination
- changes between the existing and proposed property
Different drawings serve different purposes.
A planning drawing, for example, is designed to explain the proposal to the local planning authority. A technical construction drawing needs considerably more detail because a builder may rely on it when pricing and carrying out the work.
Architectural Drawings
Architectural Drawings for Home Projects
We prepare architectural drawings for a wide range of residential projects, including:
- house extensions
- loft conversions
- renovations
- internal alterations
- open-plan layouts
- property remodelling
- structural alterations
- new doors and windows
- roof alterations
- changes to the external appearance of a property
The drawing package is developed around your particular project rather than applying the same set of drawings to every property.
Architectural Drawings
Existing and Proposed Drawings
For most alteration projects, the first step is understanding the building that is already there.
Existing drawings record the current layout and appearance of the property. These can then be used as the basis for developing the proposed design.
The proposed drawings clearly show what will change.
This allows planners, engineers, builders and other consultants to see what is being retained, removed, altered or added.
Typical drawings may include:
- existing floor plans
- proposed floor plans
- existing elevations
- proposed elevations
- sections through the property
- roof plans where required
Architectural Drawings
Architectural Drawings for Extensions
An extension usually requires drawings that show both the existing property and the proposed new space.
These may illustrate the new layout, external appearance, connection with the existing building, roof form, openings and relationship with neighbouring properties.
The level of information required depends on whether the drawings are being prepared for design development, planning, Building Regulations or construction.
Architectural Drawings
Architectural Drawings for Loft Conversions
Loft conversions often require particularly careful drawings because the design needs to work within the existing roof structure.
Drawings can show:
- proposed room layouts
- stair position
- roof alterations
- dormers or rooflights
- floor and ceiling levels
- headroom
- sections through the roof
- changes to the external elevations
Technical and structural information may then be developed as the project progresses.
Architectural Drawings
Planning Drawings
If your project requires planning permission, architectural drawings will normally form a central part of the application.
The drawings need to explain the proposal clearly enough for the local planning authority to understand the scale, appearance and relationship of the development to the existing property and surrounding area.
Depending on the application, this can include floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans and site information.
Some projects may instead qualify for permitted development or another planning route.
Architectural Drawings
Technical Drawings for Construction
Once the design and approvals are established, the drawing package may need to be developed further before the project goes to builders.
Technical construction drawings can provide detailed information about dimensions, materials, junctions, construction methods and how different elements of the building fit together.
The more clearly this information is resolved before construction starts, the fewer assumptions builders need to make.
This can make quotations easier to compare and reduce uncertainty during the build.
Architectural Drawings
Building Regulations Drawings
Planning approval does not necessarily mean that a project is ready to build.
Building Regulations consider technical matters such as safety, structure, insulation, ventilation, drainage and fire protection.
Drawings prepared for this stage therefore contain more construction information than a typical planning set.
They may also need to incorporate information produced by structural engineers and other specialists.
Architectural Drawings
Why Good Architectural Drawings Matter
Architectural drawings are not simply illustrations of what the finished project might look like.
They become a shared reference for everyone involved.
Clear drawings can help:
- explain the design before work begins
- support planning and approval applications
- coordinate structural and technical information
- obtain more accurate builder quotations
- reduce misunderstandings on site
- identify design problems before they become construction problems
- keep the project information consistent as it develops
The earlier uncertainties are resolved on paper, the less likely they are to become expensive decisions during construction.
Architectural Drawings
From Survey to Construction
A typical drawing process may move through several stages:
1. Measured survey
The existing building is measured and recorded.
2. Existing drawings
Plans and other drawings are produced showing the current property.
3. Proposed design
Layouts and design options are developed.
4. Planning or permitted development
The appropriate approval route is established and the necessary drawings are prepared.
5. Building Regulations
The project is developed technically to address the relevant requirements.
6. Construction drawings
Further information is prepared where required for builder pricing and construction.
Not every project needs every stage, but the drawings should always match the purpose for which they will be used.
Architectural Drawings
Already Have Architectural Drawings?
If another architect or designer has already prepared drawings, you may not need to start again.
Tholos can review the information you have and help identify whether anything is missing before you move into planning, Building Regulations, tendering or construction.
This can be particularly useful if a project has stalled or if you have planning drawings but are unsure whether they contain enough information for a builder.
Architectural Drawings
Need Architectural Drawings for Your Project?
Tell us what you are planning and what stage you have reached.
We can help establish which drawings are required, prepare the appropriate information and guide the project towards its next stage.
Client experience
"
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. We had a vision for our home but no idea how to realise it. Tholos Interiors took complete ownership of the project — every detail was considered, every decision explained. The result exceeded everything we had imagined.
– Lawrence Ipsum, Homeowner · London –
Frequently Asked Questions
What architectural drawings do I need?
It depends on the project and what the drawings will be used for. Planning, Building Regulations and construction all require different levels of information.
Do I need architectural drawings for an extension?
Usually, yes. Drawings are generally required to develop the design and may also be needed for planning, permitted development, Building Regulations and construction.
Are architectural drawings the same as planning drawings?
Not exactly. Planning drawings are one type of architectural drawing, prepared specifically to support the planning process. Architectural drawings can also be produced for surveys, design development, Building Regulations and construction.
Can a builder work from planning drawings?
Sometimes for very simple work, but planning drawings often do not contain enough technical information for accurate pricing or construction. Additional technical drawings may be required.
Do architectural drawings include structural calculations?
Structural calculations are normally prepared by a structural engineer. Architectural and structural information can then be coordinated as part of the wider project.
Disclaimer
This article is part of a series created by our dynamic marketing team for informational purposes only. While we strive to review all content thoroughly, occasional oversights may occur, even after publication. Therefore, we cannot accept liability for any interpretations or use of the information provided. For the most up-to-date information or to report any discrepancies, please contact us at hello@tholos-architects.com.
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