Perhaps we'd be seen as biased, but I'd certainly advise looking on Houzz for an architect in your area. People who have no previous experience with architects usually believe that they are an unnecessary luxury. However, a good architect should save you time and money by helping you find the most efficient and cost-effective way to achieve the changes you're considering. She/he should also have the knowledge to guide you away from potential pitfalls. Interior designers and experienced builders can be very helpful, but simply don't have the full range of aesthetic and practical training of architects.

I'd get 3-4 local architects to come round to give you a quote. As you explain to them what you want doing, or think you might want doing, you should get a feel for which of them seems to be most on the ball / understands you / has the best ideas and most enthusiasm for the job.

Interior designers deal with soft furnishings etc so really not what you need.

Also have a think about how much input you need. You may not need an architect, and a house designer / architectural designer like myself would suffice and save you a chunk of money, but equally, many architects offer a flair that isn't matched by designers.

Generally speaking, for more grandiose projects I'd push towards an architect, for simpler works there really isn't a need.

I'd also forego the whole 3 to 4 quotes and just find a good recommendation from someone who has used them. You may save a few hundred by going cheapest, but in the grand scheme of things a poor architect or designer can easily cost you that several times over.

https://www.houzz.co.uk/pro/oneplan/oneplan

Karen would be my first port of call

well getting people in for quotes is not necessarily about price it's about sussing out how sound they are. A recommendation is certainly helpful but by no means failsafe

Thanks for the mention Minnie !

If you want to look into options then an independent like us might work for you - we don't sell product - just design - so that means you can shop around and compare like for like by asking everyone to price your 'OnePlan' design .

Hi there! Good news - You're not alone! We get this question all the time. That's the very reason we created BetterSpace! Our online service focuses only on providing professional floor-plan advice to help you whey your options and make informed decisions. We can create a personalised floor plan for you without any commitment - so give us a try! Check out our website betterspace.co or drop me a line to avi.mittelman@betterspace.co. I'd be more than happy to help!

I would definitely get some advise as professionals like myself work on this type of project daily working with clients to get the best space through select alterations and extensions. Initially advise can be given via meeting, telephone and then initial sketches then more detailed plans and guidance of the whole process can be provided. Feel free to get in touch for a no obligation chat. I find that you also want a designer that you feel comfortable with, are on the same waylength and will work together throughout the process. Regards Glenn www.glenncavill.com

We offer a fantastic design service and would be happy to offer our advice. Have a look at our page, and please get in contact for an initial conversation. We are an award winning company renowned for our customer service and can offer complete guidance. Where are you based? www.akivaprojets.com

Hi,

It sounds like you have some exciting ideas for your townhouse! An architect can provide design advice and prepare drawings for you. Depending on the extent of the works, you may need to make a Building Control application. Also, if there are structural alterations, you will require some calculations from a structural engineer.

Please give us a call If you have any particular queries.

McGurran Associates Ltd

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to reply to me so far, lots of food for thought here!