Category Archives: Residential

Conservation and Listed Building Works in Leicester City Centre

Walters Architects have secured planning permission to undertake Conservation and Listed building works in Leicester City Centre for the Diocese of Leicester. The project involves building a new wall, piers and railings at the rear of the building to form a secure enclosure. Being a Grade II Listed building which already has a number of…

Read More

New House in Charnwood , Leicestershire

Walters Architects have just completed the design for a new house in Charnwood, Leicestershire and are about to submit to the scheme for full planning. This is a contentious application as the site is considered to be in the open countryside. We are expecting this to be a difficult process so have put together a…

Read More

Planning Approval at Appeal

Walters Architects have won 2 Planning approvals at appeal this week. The practice doesn’t often go to appeal (4 in 18 years) because we pride ourselves on getting planning approval first time. In fact we very rarely receive a refusal. Our current planning success stands at approximate 95%. Also, the process can be very unpredictable…

Read More

Retail Design Leicester

We popped by our latest retail design project in Leicester to take a couple of shots last week. We didn’t have a lot to do with the fit out but, as always, did a great job in a conservation area. More projects like this please.

Read More

Health Care Building in Leicester

Objectives Walters Architects have just completed a design for a Health Care Building in Leicester for the charity PROSTaid. The proposed building is a treatment center for patients with or recovering from prostate cancer. The fundamental aim is to provide comfort and treatment to patients in an environment less clinical than a hospital. This early…

Read More

Domestic Planning Submission, Leicester

Our client has recently approved the latest version of their house extension, loft conversion and refurbishment design. The scheme is located in the Western Park area of Leicester and we are now preparing the Domestic Planning Submission for Leicester City Council. Hopefully we will have a decision by the new year with an intention of…

Read More

New Architects Office in Oakham, Rutland.

A New Architects Office in Oakham Walters Architects are pleased to announce, we have a new office in Oakham, Rutland. Close to where our Principal lives and surrounded by agricultural interests and great housing stock, the location is an obvious choice for our expansion. The town and its surrounding villages have a number of traditional…

Read More

Gaining Planning Permission

People often ask our practice ‘what’s the best way of gaining Planning Permission’ and we often advise these three easy steps. 01 Feasibility Studies One of the most important stages of obtaining planning permission is the feasibility study stage. It’s always advisable to produce a good feasibility study in order to understand the best approach…

Read More

Architects in Charnwood, Leicestershire

Walters Architects were based in Rothley, Leicestershire for a few years (ten in all) and are pleased to have become an Approved Planning Agent for Charnwood Borough Council. We were one of the ‘go to’ architects in the Charnwood area. Since moving to Leicester we have undertaken less work in areas such as Rothley, Quorn,…

Read More

Walters Architects Prize 2023

WAP is back! This years Walters Architects Prize was open to year 2 architecture students at De Montfort University. The prize was awarded to the student who produced the most coherent portfolio and was able to communicate and develop their ideas through sketch. And the Winner is… Our 2023 winner is Caleb Ernst, congratulations! Caleb…

Read More

Recent Planning Successes

Planning Approval Walters Architects are pleased to announce we have received planning approval for a number of projects across several scales, sectors and local authorities. We look forward to working with the clients on the next stages of their projects. Future Projects If you would like to learn more about the projects we do or would like…

Read More

What is a Feasibility Study?

What is a Feasibility Study? Architectural feasibility studies are conducted to determine if a proposed building is viable and practical from an architectural perspective before any detailed design work is undertaken. These studies help clients assess whether a design concept can be successfully implemented within the given constraints and requirements. They are particularly useful when…

Read More

How to Deal with a Planning Enforcement Notice

Walters Architects often asked ‘how to deal with a Planning Enforcement Notice’. Our advise is simple, speak to the professionals as soon as you can. What Went Wrong? Most issues develop through a simple misunderstanding. A client didn’t realise they owned a Listed Building, are in a Conservation Area, haven’t understood the contents of a…

Read More

Conservation Architects in Leicestershire

When considering a Conservation Architect in Leicestershire look no further than Walters Architects. This month the practice won a project for a Listed Building Application to a Grade II Listed Building in Coalville, Leicestershire. The client recently bought a hotel and wanted assistance in dealing with the Listed Building design intention and application as well…

Read More

How Much Does an Extension Cost?

Balancing Time, Cost and Quality All construction projects are fundamentally defined by the balance of time, cost and quality. The time to deliver the project, the cost represents the amount of money or resources available (the budget including fees and VAT) and quality applies to the technique, materials and bespoke nature of the project.  It…

Read More

Should I use a Local Architect

Walters Architects are frequently asked, ‘Should I use a Local Architect?’ The answer really depends on what it is you expect from the architect and how involved you would like them to be. Most clients think that the architect will need to make endless site visits but this is not entirely true. They will visit…

Read More

The Value of Architectural Visualisations

The value of Architectural visualisations within the planning process should not be underestimated. Visuals, also referred to as photorealistic images or 3D renders, are a more realistic interpretation of building designs and help the planners/clients really understand elements such as massing, colour, material, light and shade. These type of presentations are so much easier to…

Read More

Next Stage of our Class Q Project

Walters Architects have recently finished the final renders of a new Class Q project in Leicestershire/Warwickshire. These images will form part of the Prior Approval process which demonstrates the scheme conforms with the Local Authorities design requirements. The image attached to this news reel is a simple early massing model and the finished renders can…

Read More

Properties Next to a Listed Building

Is it Difficult? Walters Architects work with a lot of Listed Buildings and believe the process to be straightforward. But on occasion, we work with properties next to Listed Buildings, and this can become more complicated than an actual Listed Building itself. Essentially, the Conservation Officer is concerned with the context of the Listed Building…

Read More

New Domestic Architecture Projects

Walters Architects are really happy to have secured three very important domestic projects this month. One of which is a stunning interior projects for a Grade II Listed Building in south Leicestershire. The other two schemes are domestic Architecture projects for contemporary extensions and interior alterations on traditional houses. Whilst we like the heritage projects,…

Read More

New Build Retail Unit – Huddersfield

Walters Architects have been preparing a Planning Application for a new build retail unit in Huddersfield. The application should be ready for submission by the end of this week. People always ask if we work outside of Leicester and if we work on buildings other than private homes. Truth is, we work with all sorts…

Read More

RIBA House of the Year 2022

RIBA House of the Year The RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) House of the Year 2022 award process is underway and currently being televised in partnership with Channel 4’s Grand Designs. Architectural Awards The TV series showcases of the best one-off houses designed by architects in the UK, celebrating excellence and innovation in home…

Read More

Copper Corner Featured in Listed Heritage

Great to see Copper Corner featured in November/December’s issue of The Listed Property Owner’s Magazine. For further project information, visit the project page.

Read More

Industrial, Commercial and Domestic Architects

Walter Architects are trying to give clients a clear message about what we do. Essentially, we are Industrial, Commercial and Domestic Architects. To make things slightly easier we have now split our business and services into two main areas, Domestic and Industrial architecture. Our services have been simplified further by producing two separate websites. The…

Read More

When is the Best Time to Apply for Planning Permission?

Walters Architects are often asked ‘when is the best time to apply for planning permission?’ Truth is, it really depends on the project. If it were a domestic extension, we would recommend October or November. We’d encourage a month or two to develop the design with your architect and apply for planning before Christmas. This…

Read More

Commercial Site Visit

Walters Architects visited site yesterday to check on the progress of a new vehicle valeting and servicing workshop. Safe to say, the contractor is making great progress and the building is really starting to take shape. The shell and landscaping is expected to be complete by December with the fit out being finished in February…

Read More

Planning Application for Commercial Fit Out

Walters Architects have submitted a planning application for a commercial Fit Out project to Leicester City Council just two weeks after receiving the commission. The client emphasised the importance of time from the outset, and our flexibility has been very much appreciated. This is a large project working with a new client so it’s really…

Read More

Love Architecture Festival 2022

Love Architecture Festival 2022, Leicester’s annual architecture festival is underway, as part of the city’s Design Season. Leicestershire and Rutland Society of Architects are hosting a number of events across the month, in celebration of local architects and local architecture. Events are free and booked via the society’s eventbrite booking page. Walters Architects look forward…

Read More

What is Paragraph 80?

Paragraph 80 – National Planning Policy The term Paragraph 80 refers to a section of the 2021 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which sets out the principles for erecting a new isolated dwelling in the open countryside. The policy allows the possibility to gain planning permission for an exceptional piece of design that reflects the…

Read More

Design & Build of a New Retail Store

New Commission/Existing Client Walters Architects have secured a reduced services appointment for the Design & Build of a new Sainsbury’s retail store in Huddersfield. The appointment involves working alongside one of our existing clients and their preferred Project Manager. Our scope of works will include securing Planning Permission and providing a Working Drawing package to…

Read More

Build a New Home in the Countryside

Walters Architects often get asked about how to build a new home in the countryside, ‘is it difficult?’ Truth is, it can be done but it’s a bit tricky. Unfortunately, national planning policy is against one off houses in the open countryside but if there are existing buildings on your plot or its an exceptional…

Read More

Planning Success in Blaby, Leicester

The Proposal Walters Architects are pleased to announce we have received planning approval for two new dwellings in Blaby, Leicester. The proposal is for the conversion of an existing coach house to a two-bed dwelling and a new two-bed dwelling. Both properties benefit from off road parking and private garden spaces. Planning Approval In planning…

Read More

Do I Need an Architect?

Why Ask? Walters Architects are often asked ‘Do I need an Architect?’ and we totally understand why. Usually, people don’t really know what an architect does. It’s quite easy really, you need an architect to either design a building or to achieve permission to build. Possibly both. It’s probably best to be clear at this…

Read More

Update to the Building Regulations.

The Building Regulations are being update as of the 15th June this year. The previous standards will apply for the next12 months. Walters Architects attended a seminar led by the RIBA and Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to find out more about the proposed changes. There are a couple of new changes…

Read More

Class Q – Planning Permission for Barn Conversions

What is Class Q – Planning Permission for Barns? Class Q – Planning Permission for Barn Conversions is a form of planning permission which allows owners to convert agricultural buildings under a rural ‘Permitted Development’ scheme. Introduced in 2014 the scheme helps with a shortfall in rural living. What are the Parameters? Class Q covers…

Read More

Recruiting Architectural Staff

What we need Walters Architects are recruiting architectural staff to join our expanding creative team. Situated in the centre of Leicester, we work on exciting projects locally and nationwide. Varying from one off houses and domestic extensions to commercial buildings and business parks. Our projects involve working for private and professional clients, individuals and company’s,…

Read More

How Long Does Planning Permission Take?

What do we do? At Walters Architects we help clients achieve planning approval all the time but are often asked, ‘how long does planning permission take?’. The truth is, it varies between application types and planning departments. How long does the Planning process take? Domestic applications should take approximately 8 weeks to be decided. A…

Read More

Student Architecture Prize

Walters Architects Prize (WAP) for 2021 The Prize Walters Architects are happy to announce this years winner of our annual student architecture prize (Walters Architects Prize – WAP). We’ve awarded Asmaa Ahmed (BA 3) of Leeds Beckett University the prize for her design of a refugee camp in England. This is our second year of…

Read More

How to Develop a Small Residential Scheme

The Scheme It is difficult knowing how to develop a small residential scheme. They are all so very different. Walters Architects have recently completed a Pre Planning Application for a small residential development in Leicester. It involves an infill site with an existing red brick coach house to the rear. The client wanted to maintain…

Read More

How do Architects Work

What do Architects do What do Architects do? Architects design and deliver buildings. How do Architects work? They help clients realise buildings by assisting with regulations, securing approvals and providing details for costing and construction. This is a long and complicated process and means working with many consultants, contractors and organisations on behalf of the…

Read More

Commercial Architecture in Leicester

When discussing services with our existing clients we are sometimes surprised to learn they didn’t realise we assist with the design and construction of commercial buildings. Most think we only provide services associated with domestic appointments and, in particular, Listed Buildings or properties within Conservation Areas. Truth is, Walters Architects Leicester have always been involved…

Read More

Top Class

Walters Architects, Leicester welcomed back a familiar face a couple of weeks ago. Will Lumby has been with the company (on and off) for the last couple of years. He first came to us as a work experience and after showing real enthusiasm for all things relating to design and small practice, we employed him…

Read More

We Are In!

As of today, Monday the 21st of June, Walters Architects have finally taken full occupation of our new office at St. Martins House, 7 Peacock Lane, Leicester. Like most businesses, the Covid Pandemic has had an effect on our staff working arrangements during the last year or so, but today we had all our staff…

Read More

Case Study – Contracts

Having recently finished Jan Knikkers’ ‘How to Win Work’, I found it especially interesting flicking through the Case Studies in the final part of the book. Before I go any further, it’s possibly best to explain the book is great as a whole but for the purposes of this blog, I just want to consider…

Read More

We work with Listed Buildings

Walters Architects strongly believe it is important to get detailed feedback from clients and consultants in order to progress the practice and improve our services. When we first receive an inquiry we’re quick to ask how the potential client found out about the practice and what it is they know about our services. This isn’t…

Read More

Good Service

We finished last week on a high. The pinnacle, for me, was receiving a phone call from a domestic client for whom we had just (earlier that day) gained Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent. The client wanted to speak to the member of staff who had led the Planning submissions. I explained she wasn’t…

Read More

More Straight Forward

Walters Architects are hoping to get involved with more Commercial and Industrial buildings this year and are sampling a new campaign where we specifically target private and professional developers who build, let or sell these structures. Ideally, we are looking for warehouses, distribution centres and office owners/managers who need new facilities or want to extend…

Read More

A Bit of Sparkle

Walters Architects have just completed this latest design for a refurbishment, extension, new garage/hobby room and new swimming pool to a Grade II Listed Building within a Conservation Area of Bedfordshire. The scheme will be submitted as a Preliminary Planning Enquiry tomorrow following the client’s approval of our final design. We have undertaken a lot…

Read More

Newly Completed

Our photographer has just sent over the latest images of the house conversion we completed in Leicester at the end of last year. Being the absolute perfectionist he is, the photographer really wanted to wait until the weather improved before taking his final shots. He knows what he’s doing and, yet again, the results are…

Read More

Room at the Top

Walters Architects have recently been involved in a couple of residential projects which see additional stories being added to the flat roofs of existing buildings. Local authorities want to see higher densities in urban centres and this is a great way of developing and utilising existing land. These projects are always financially feasible because the…

Read More