Comparison guide · London
How to compare architect quotes in London
A homeowner once told us another service was half our price. Fair question. So we sat down together and compared what each quote actually included. That's this page: the four ways London homes get drawn, what each fee buys, and how to choose.
Written by Dor Cohen, RIBA Chartered Architect, ARB Registered
Last updated
Why do architect quotes in London vary so much?
Quotes differ because you are buying different things. Online drawing services (about £900–£1,800) draw what you describe in 2D. Local drafters and practices (about £2,200–£3,800) add some design input. Bespoke design studios (about £4,500–£9,000) explore deeply but carry higher overheads. Our Stages 0–2 fee for a typical 2–3 bed terrace extension is £1,830–£2,630, close to local practices while including an architect-led 3D model, concept options, a planning-constraints review and an online project portal. Compare quotes on what's included, not the headline number.
Four ways to get your home designed
Typical fees for Stages 0–2 (survey to concept design) on a 2–3 bed North London extension. Our figures come straight from our current pricing.
Similar fee to local practices. Studio-level design.
Plot each option by what you pay against what's included and the gap shows up quickly.
What each fee typically buys
| Online drawing services | Local drafters and practices | DOR Architects | Bespoke design studios | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Led by a registered architect | ||||
| 3D model of your home from day one | ||||
| Concept options, light and flow explored | ||||
| Planning constraints checked before design | ||||
| Online portal: drawings, progress, fees | ||||
| Fixed fee per stage, stop any time |
UsuallySometimesRarely
The cheapest drawings can turn out to be the most expensive. Every question left open on paper becomes a cost on site.
Where a cheaper quote can cost more
A refused application
New drawings, a resubmission and months lost.
Builder variations
Vague drawings get priced as extras once work starts.
A missed opportunity
A dark kitchen you live with for twenty years.
Six questions to ask any architect
- 1Who will actually design my home?
- 2Will I see it in 3D before planning?
- 3Is the fee fixed for each stage?
- 4Do you check planning constraints first?
- 5How many design reviews are included?
- 6What isn't included in this fee?
Market ranges are typical figures for comparison only, not quotes from any named practice. Every practice prices its own work.
Questions
Everything you need to know about working with DOR Architects.
Lower quotes usually cover drawing what you ask for in 2D, without design exploration, a 3D model or a planning review. That can be fine for simple jobs, but gaps on paper tend to become costs on site or at planning.
Upfront, yes. Overall, not always. A refused application, redesign fees or builder variations from unclear drawings can outweigh the saving.
Our Stages 0–2 fee for a typical terrace extension is £1,830–£2,630, which is often 20–40% below partner-led design studios offering a similar level of bespoke design.
Who will design my home? Will I see it in 3D before planning? Is the fee fixed per stage? Are planning constraints checked first? How many design reviews are included? What isn't included?
No. They are typical ranges for a 2–3 bed North London extension in 2026, for comparison only. Every practice prices its own work.
Extension architects near you
See exactly what your fee includes
Tell us about your home and you'll get an estimated fee with every inclusion listed, stage by stage.