Self Build Design Services

Your Plot, Your Home, Designed From the Ground Up. Sussex & Surrey.

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Why Sussex Self-Builders Trust ArchEvolve

A self build project starts with the plot, not the floor plan, and the two are easy to get wrong independently. ArchEvolve is MCIAT-chartered with 350 planning approvals secured across the region.

      
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   9 Google reviews 
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   Jonathan Gilbert 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would highly recommend Alex and his company. He has amazing suggestions as well as taking into account our preferences and ideas too. He is easily accessible and has been so helpful in answering all our many questions! Looking forward to seeing our vision come to life!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   James Riley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Alex was really helpful throughout the whole process. This was our first ever project like this and he was on hand to answer MANY questions!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nick Rutter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Alex was so helpful from start to finish, great communication throughout. Would strongly recommend and will definitely use their services again in the future!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   arron tully 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Alex at Arch Evolve assisted with obtaining planning permission for a couple of extensions that we were intending on doing. Very professional and offered allot of very helpful advice. Very Happy Thank you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Marcus Eaton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have worked with Alex on many projects over the years and he has always been brilliant! Looking forward to working together again soon. Very professional and smooth process throughout the whole process.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Charlotte Morley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Archevolve has completed a number of plans for us due to changing my mind regularly. They have been consistently patient & listened to my requirements at all time. Alex has then been on hand for our builders if required. Fantastic company & highly recommended
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Peter Proto 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Used Alex for our large project, loft conversion, side garage and rear extension. Unbelievable service from start to finish. We are over the moon with the finish. Thank you so much!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tony Maio 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service, they had an excellent understanding of my requirements. They applied great attention to detail, with a  fast and very efficient service together very reasonable costs. I highly recommend this firm.

Our services

Self Build Design Alongside Related Services

Self build projects share close ground with our new build housing schemes service for larger developments, and every self build is presented with full 3D visualisation before planning. For sustainable design guidance, see our guide to building an eco-friendly home.

Completed rear extension at Oldfield Crescent

17 services · Sussex & Surrey

Residential

Extensions, conversions and whole-home projects for homeowners, with site visits across West Sussex, East Sussex and Surrey.

Extensions

House extensions Single storey extensions Double storey extensions Rear extensions Side return extensions Wrap around extensions Kitchen extensions Glass extensions

Conversions

Loft conversions Garage conversions Basement conversions Barn conversions

Whole home

House refurbishment Interior design Listed building design Self-build design Sustainable design

20 services · Nationwide

Developers & Commercial

Planning and technical design for developers and commercial clients across England.

Developer services

Design for developers Planning for developers Technical design for housing

Site & feasibility

Housing development feasibility Development site appraisals Residential masterplanning

Conversions

Commercial conversions Office to residential Flat conversions

Development types

New build schemes Residential developments Blocks of flats Infill housing Brownfield sites Affordable housing Mixed-use developments Care homes Student accommodation HMOs Rooftop developments

3D visualisation of a rear extension design

15 services · Homeowners and developers

Planning & Drawings

From the first feasibility check to construction drawings, in the order a project needs them.

01Feasibility & survey

Feasibility studies Measured building surveys Pre-application advice 3D visualisations

02Planning

Planning applications Planning drawings Permitted development Design and access statements Outline planning Reserved matters Discharge of conditions

03Technical & construction

Building regulations drawings Construction drawings Technical design for housing Contract administration

Self Build: Where Plot Potential Gets Missed

A self build project lives or dies on decisions made before a single drawing is produced: plot appraisal, orientation, access and planning strategy. Getting these wrong is far more costly to fix than a layout change later in the process.

Common challenges

Plots purchased before planning potential is properly assessed
Orientation and daylight not considered until the design stage
Access and visibility splay requirements missed until submission
Budgets set without design input, then broken by structural reality
Planning strategy treated as a formality rather than a plan
Self-build mortgage and warranty requirements misunderstood

How ArchEvolve solves them

Plot appraisal carried out before you commit to a purchase, where possible
Orientation and daylight modelled from the earliest design stage
Access and highways requirements checked against council standards early
Realistic budget guidance informed by structural and specification input
Planning strategy built around what the site and policy will actually support
Planning strategy built around what the site and policy will actually support

How an ArchEvolve Project Works

Every project follows a clear, stage-by-stage process aligned with the RIBA Plan of Work framework.

Initial Consultation

We discuss your brief, site and budget for your self build project, along with any planning constraints specific to your council. Free, no obligation.

Feasibility Assessment

We assess planning viability and site constraints before any design fees are committed. This includes a full plot appraisal covering planning policy, access, services and site constraints.

Concept Design

We develop the self build design in 3D and produce Enscape renders for your review before planning is prepared.

Planning Application

We prepare and submit the full application to your local planning authority and manage it through to decision.

Building Regulations

We produce the full Building Regulations package covering structure, thermal performance, drainage and fire safety. Self build projects require a complete Building Regulations package, which also supports self-build warranty and mortgage stage inspections.

Construction Drawings

We deliver the complete technical drawing set your contractor needs to build your self build accurately on site.

Construction Support

We remain available during the build to respond to queries and issue drawing updates where required.

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Areas we cover

Proudly Serving Homeowners Across Sussex and Surrey

Residential projects across West Sussex, East Sussex and Surrey, with site visits and local planning knowledge. Developer and commercial projects are delivered across England.

3Counties

14Towns

UKDevelopers

Town not listed? Ask us

West Sussex11 towns

Storrington Worthing Horsham Chichester Crawley Littlehampton Bognor Regis Burgess Hill Steyning Findon Hassocks

East Sussex2 towns

Brighton Eastbourne

Surrey1 town

Guildford

Developer or commercial project outside Sussex?

We work across England →

A Different Standard of Design for Self Build in Sussex and Surrey

Most practices in the region still work in 2D CAD. ArchEvolve designs self build projects in Revit and renders in Enscape, so you see the finished space before planning is submitted.

3D Visualisations Included

Every self build project is modelled in Revit and rendered in Enscape. You see accurate light, materials and spatial quality before a planning application goes in.

Faster Planning Submissions

Drawings produced in a coordinated 3D environment are more complete and less prone to officer queries, which keeps your self build timeline on track.

Local Planning Knowledge

ArchEvolve has submitted self build applications across West Sussex, East Sussex and Surrey planning authorities. Your submission is prepared for the specific council from day one.

End-to-End Service

From feasibility through to construction drawings, Alex Page manages every stage of your self build project personally. No handoffs, no junior staff taking over mid-project.

Self Build Design Across Sussex and Surrey

ArchEvolve designs self build homes for individual plots throughout West Sussex, East Sussex and Surrey, from initial appraisal through to construction.

Yes, a new dwelling almost always requires full planning permission, and in some cases outline planning permission is sought first to establish principle before a detailed design is developed. ArchEvolve advises on the right strategy for your plot at the free initial consultation.

Yes, wherever possible. A plot appraisal assesses planning policy, access, services, orientation and site constraints before you commit to a purchase, which avoids buying a plot that cannot deliver the home you have in mind.

Design fees depend on the scale and complexity of the house and the planning route required. Our new build design cost guide sets out typical fee structures.

Yes, the full Building Regulations and construction drawing package produced by ArchEvolve supports the technical requirements of self-build mortgage lenders and structural warranty providers at each stage of the build.

A self build is designed for a single household on an individual plot, while our new build housing schemes service covers multi-unit developments, though the design and planning process shares many of the same fundamentals.

Yes, and many self-builders use the opportunity to specify higher levels of insulation, airtightness and renewable technology than standard new build regulations require. Our guide to eco-friendly home design covers the key principles.

ArchEvolve covers West Sussex, East Sussex and Surrey for site-based self build support, with 3D visualisation and design services available nationwide for plots further afield. Get in touch to discuss your specific location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start Your Self Build Design Today

Free initial consultation for self-builders across Sussex and Surrey. Get in touch to discuss your plot.