Find a professional
Once you have decided on your project you will need to take the next steps to begin work. This may involve creating plans and drawings, understanding the impact on the natural environment, submitting an application or, if your project meets all the necessary permitted development limits, beginning your building work.
In all of these cases, working with a professional will allow you to move your project forward, so the Planning Portal has teamed up with the Architects Registration Board (ARB), Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) to help you find a professional who can assist you in progressing your project and achieving your aims. Select from the directories below to start your search to find an planning or building specialist.
Search the Architects Register
- Architects are professionals who are skilled in building design and can help you with your construction or renovation project
- ARB keep the public safe by ensuring only those who are suitably qualified can practise as Architects, and we protect the legally restricted title ‘Architect’
- All Architects must develop their skills and knowledge throughout their careers, and have appropriate insurance in case anything goes wrong
- ARB set standards of conduct and practise that all Architects must meet
- The Architects Register is the only official list of every UK architect
- Check the Register to be confident that your architect is genuine
Search the Architects Register (https://arb.org.uk/public-information/)
Search the Architects RegisterFind a Chartered Architectural Technologist
- Find a Chartered Architectural Technologist in your area to work with you on your project
- Chartered Architectural Technologists are qualified and competent to offer full design services and manage building projects from conception to completion
- Chartered Architectural Technologists are the lead for the technological and technical design of a project; forming the link between concept, innovation and realisation
- Members abide by a Code of Conduct and hold mandatory professional indemnity insurance
- Search over 1600 CIAT Chartered Practices
Find a Chartered Architectural Technologist (https://architecturaltechnology.com/find-a-practice.html)
Find a Chartered Architectural TechnologistFind an ecologist
- Access qualified ecologists for ecological impact assessments, wildlife surveys, and habitat management plans.
- CIEEM Registered Practices offer expertise to meet biodiversity requirements and ensure compliance with environmental regulations in the UK and Ireland.
- This Directory contains professionals skilled in ecological science across various industries, supporting sustainable development.
- Each consultancy upholds high ethical standards, offering trusted advice to meet your needs.
- Easily search by service area or specialism to find local ecologists and environmental professionals.
Find a registered practice (https://events.cieem.net/RegisteredPracticeDirectory/Registered-Practice-Directory.aspx?utm_source=Planning+Portal&utm_medium=Website&utm_campaign=Find+a+Professional)
Find a registered practiceFind a builder
- Choose from over 8,000 Master Builders across the UK
- Members are independently inspected & vetted before joining
- Free use of our Government-approved dispute resolution service
- Master Builders can offer contracts and warranties on their work
- Connecting consumers with quality builders since 1941
Find a builder (http://www.fmb.org.uk/find-a-builder.html?utm_source=pportal&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=fab)
Find a builderNeed planning advice?
- Book a 30-minute one-to-one consultation with a qualified planning expert
- Receive personalised guidance on planning rules, permissions and policies
- Ideal for home extensions, loft conversions, garden offices or small-scale commercial projects
- Understand what’s possible before submitting your application
- Delivered by experienced planning professionals with in-depth UK planning knowledge
- No council contact required – independent and impartial advice
Speak to an expert (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/planning-guidance-service)
Speak to an expertFind an Architect, Principal Designer and More
- Get matched with the right architect for your project from RIBA’s membership of Chartered Practices
- Full listings and contact information for Chartered Practices across the UK
- Find a Principal Designer, required by the amended Building Regulations for all projects requiring building control approval and under CDM, in our register
- Specialist architect registers to find a Conservation Architect or Client Advisor for your project
- Find out more about RIBA Competitions, the UK’s most widely recognised provider of architectural competition services
- Guidance and information on working with an architect, along with client testimonials
Find an Architect (https://www.architecture.com/working-with-an-architect)
Find an ArchitectFind a planner
- All listings employ members of the RTPI
- Official RTPI directory of planning consultants
- Free to use site with over 465 firms listed
- Quick and easy to use search function
- All highly qualified and accountable
- Access specialist planning advice
Find a planner (https://www.rtpiconsultants.co.uk/#/)
Find a planner