Categorary Archive: Uncategorized | Acre Design

Category: Uncategorized

06.06.17

Planning Permission.

Planning permission on a property in Gosforth has been granted.

 

Acre Design were asked to help modify and extend a 4 bedroom detached family house in Gosforth to provide additional and improved sleeping accommodation upstairs with a modern design.

The client required at least one additional bedroom and an en-suite to be installed.  This was created by extending above the garage helping to convert this home into a 6 bedroom property.

The current master bedroom was extended to the rear and a beautiful floor to ceiling height curtain glazed gable included to providing extra light into the room.

To the ground floor a single storey rear extension was designed to provide a larger kitchen dining area and a utility/boot/dog drying room as well as a WC or shower room and an office area.

Additionally, Acre Design created a balcony to the master bedroom to help modernise the look of the property and create a grand space for the client.

Planning Permission was granted for this property through Newcastle City Council.

11 questions to ask an architect

 

Choosing an architect for your project is a big decision.

So, we put together this list of 11 key questions to ask before deciding if the architect is the right fit for you…


#1 Have you completed any similar projects locally?
Word of mouth is everything. Being able to speak to previous clients who your architect has worked with will reassure you that you are making the right decision. How many times have you avoided a restaurant because of a bad review from a friend? We think the same principle should apply to choosing your architect. 

 

#2 How many people are in your team?
It is important to know how many designers will be working on your project. Furthermore, it can be reassuring to know that your architect is contactable through an Office Manager. Importantly, at Acre Design, we always ensure that your plans are discussed with our whole team. This ensures we utilise our full creative pool and give you the best possible design. Some designers work as a one-man-operation. As we have a number of team members, if anyone is off sick or on holiday, someone is always on hand to work on your project at any given time. 

 

#3 Do you have target dates for achieving completion of each of the design stages?
We have found that it is reassuring for our clients to know when to expect each phase of their design process to be completed. Though it is important not to rush your project and to ensure that you achieve the best design possible, a timeline is vital to help you plan ahead for start of works etc. 

 

#4 Will you provide 3D drawings of the proposals so that I can fully understand the design?
Often, it can be difficult to interpret technical plans. This means that a 3D model of your plans help you to fully understand and visualise your new space. The Team @ Acre Design use state of the art Building Information Modeling (BIM) software.  BIM is an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure.

 

#5 Can we have meetings outside of normal working hours?
Our clients are often very busy with work and family commitments. It is important to know that you will be able to meet with your architect at times that fit around your schedule. This is why we offer early morning or evening appointments to discuss projects with our clients.

 

#6 How many drafts are included in the design stage of the process?
There is nothing worse than feeling under pressure to agree plans that you are just not happy with. Ask your architect how many revisions they offer for the price that you agree. Though most of our designs are finalised before this point, at Acre Design we offer four revisions in our design package. This means that you can explore different options until you are content we have designed your dream home.

 

#7 Will you keep in touch during the process? And if so at which stages?
You want to know that your architect is working on your project and meeting your agreed deadlines. At Acre Design, we are proactive when it comes to communication. We’ll keep in touch regularly and update you as your project evolves. We are always at the end of the phone or available by email should you wish to discuss your project with us, we love to hear from our clients as much as possible!

 

#8 How many meetings are included to discuss the proposal? Where will these take place?
It can be reassuring to know from the outset how often you can expect to meet with you architect. Knowing where meetings will take place is also helpful: will they be at your home or at the architect’s office? At Acre Design, we keep a flexible approach to meetings. Our business centres around our clients. We are happy to meet with you wherever you feel it is necessary. This, coupled with our out of usual hours availability and video conferencing software, means that you are reassured and listened to throughout the design process.

 

#9 If changes are required by the planning department to allow them to approve the design, will we be charged for these?
No one likes hidden costs. Unexpected bills can be a nightmare when you are working to a budget. So, ask your prospective architect whether you will be charged for possible additional work needed to gain relevant planning permission. Though this doesn’t happen often, we occasionally have to tweak a design slightly to gain approval. Rest assured, we would not charge you for this. Our aim is to ensure you get the home you dream of, at the cost you agreed to.

 

#10 How does the scheduling of payments work?
Knowing when payments will be expected in advance is important. Will you have to pay your architect an upfront amount? Will the bill be settled at the end of your project? In order for you to prepare, it is a good idea to ask your architect about their payment process. At Acre Design, we like to keep it simple and up-front. We will only invoice you once a stage has been completed. Our work is usually split into four main stages: Preparation (measured survey and drawing of your existing property), Concept Design (completion of a first draft ready to be developed with you), Developed Design (making alterations to your design to ensure it is perfect whilst meeting any planning criteria, working closely with you to agree the design) and finally, Technical Design (Detailed construction drawings and Building Control process).

 

#11 How do you work out your prices?
Ask your architect how they formulate their estimates. You are paying for their services and have every right to know what they base their prices on. We are always transparent about our quotes and are more than happy to discuss this with you. 

 

Please don’t hesitate to ask us the above, we love to explain why we are the right architecture firm for you.

 

The Team @ Acre Design hope we have given you have found this helpful! Please check out or latest projects if you’d like to see what we’re made of. Our Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook pages are all brimming with extension, loft conversion and self-build inspiration too!

Calculating an architect’s fee can be a complex task. There are many considerations to take into account, including the scope of the project, the amount of time it will take to complete, and the costs of materials and other services involved. Knowing how architects calculate their fees is key to getting a fair rate for your project.

Initial Project Definition.

One of the first steps in determining project costs and fees is by defining the scope of the project. This includes discussing with the client their needs and desires, understanding what they are looking for in terms of a finished product, developing a timeline and budget, setting goals, assessing environmental concerns, and preparing a detailed plan. The more precisely all of these elements are established at this stage, the better equipped you will be to accurately estimate your fees.

Establish a Fixed Price Contract.

Instead of setting an hourly rate for your services, many architects will opt to establish a fixed price contract with their client. This type of contract works best when the scope of the project is well-defined so that you have a clear understanding of how long each project phase will take and how much it will cost. By doing this, you can give your client more financial certainty by agreeing on specific costs and timelines before the project even begins.

Define the Scope of Work & Estimate Time and Resources Needed.

Before you can establish a fixed price, you need to clearly define the scope of work and determine the time and resources needed for each part of the project. That way, you have an accurate estimation of how much time and money will be required to get it done. To do this, break down your tasks into smaller chunks and then consider the number of hours that will be required for each piece. By understanding the complexity of a project’s components, you can better estimate your costs to ensure both parties are in agreement before beginning any work.

Review Drawings and Specifications and Adjust Sub-Contractor Bids as Necessary.

Once you have an estimate in hand from sub-contractors that are necessary for your project, review those bids and the associated drawings and specs. Make sure everything matches up with your own calculations. If there are discrepancies, contact the sub-contractor and adjust accordingly before signing off on the bid. This step is important in order to ensure that all of your quotes are as accurate as possible and that you’re not paying too much for any particular part of the project.

Examine Collaborative Opportunities for Cost-Saving Measures.

Many architects also collaborate with other professionals, such as engineering firms and landscape designers, in order to achieve optimal results for their projects. By partnering with skilled specialized tradespeople, architects may be able to capture cost-saving measures that are otherwise available through economies of scale. For example, a landscape designer could provide materials on site at the same time as they are needed by the architect’s team rather than arranging for multiple deliveries—reducing both time and costs.

At Acre Design Newcastle, we guide our customers through our process transparently. We will make you aware of all of our costs and fees upfront and will work closely with you through the tender process.

Talk to us today to get started. 

Choosing the Right Architectural Designer in Newcastle

Choosing the right architectural designer for your project is an important decision that can affect the success of your project. To make sure you find someone who meets both your needs and budget, it’s important to consider certain criteria when selecting a professional. Here are some key questions to ask potential hires, along with tips on how to make sure you’re making the right choice.

Understand Your Needs.

Before you even begin interviewing potential architectural designers, it’s important to understand your project goals and needs. Consider the size, complexity and timeline of your project, as well as the type of design you desire. Knowing these details will help ensure that you find an architectural designer who can meet your specific requirements and deliver a satisfactory result.

Research Architectural Design Firms and Specialty Areas.

Once you have an idea of your project’s needs, it’s time to start looking into architectural design firms and their areas of specialty. Research a firm’s expertise, past projects, and client testimonials. Make sure to ask questions about the types of projects they have worked on and if their design style fits your vision. Additionally, don’t forget to inquire about their availability and timeline expectations – this is key if you are on a tight schedule!

Check the Firm’s References & Portfolio of Work.

Before you make your final decision, it is critical to research the firm’s portfolio of projects and references. This will provide you with an overview of the type of work they have completed in the past and will give you an understanding of their style and capabilities. Once you have settled on a few potential firms, ask them for client references so that you can speak directly to those who have worked with them in the past. This will allow you to verify their services and get a better feel for how well they handle projects.

Get an Estimate for Services & a Timeline for Completion.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential architects, the next step is to request an estimate for the services they will provide. Make sure to get a detailed outline of the scope of work that will need to be completed for the project, including all required permits and any additional consultation services that may be required. Requesting cost estimates from multiple architects can help ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. Additionally, ask each architect for a timeline outlining when various phases of the project are expected to be completed. This will help you get a sense of when milestones should be met throughout the course of the project.

Speak to Acre Design today.

We’d love to talk you through our recent projects and tell you all about how we operate as an architectural design company based in Newcastle upon Tyne.

If you own a home in a conservation area, you already know these locations are special. They protect the character, history, and architecture of the area — and they often come with higher property values. But if you want to extend or alter your home, the rules are different, and navigating them successfully takes expertise.

At Acre Design, we’ve spent over 20 years working on major bespoke extensions and refurbishments in conservation areas across the North East — from elegant Victorian terraces in Tynemouth and Jesmond, to period villas in Gosforth, stone-built properties in Hexham, and coastal gems in Alnmouth and Warkworth. We understand how to design spaces that meet modern needs while respecting heritage — and how to secure the necessary approvals to make them a reality.

What is a Conservation Area?

A conservation area is a designated zone where local authorities have agreed the existing architecture and streetscape are worth protecting for future generations. It could be a row of handsome Edwardian homes in Whitley Bay, a market town high street in Alnwick, or modest miners’ cottages in Stocksfield with unique historical significance.

The aim is to prevent overdevelopment and preserve the visual and cultural character of the area — protecting both its beauty and its value.

How to check if your home is in a Conservation Area

Most local authority websites have maps you can search by postcode. Alternatively, you can use tools like:

www.conservationareachecker.com

If your home is in a conservation area, there’s a strong chance you’ll need full planning permission for changes to the exterior — even for works that would normally be covered by permitted development rights.

Understanding local guidance

Every conservation area — whether it’s the leafy streets of Jesmond, the cobbled lanes of Corbridge, or the historic quayside of Berwick-upon-Tweed — has its own written appraisal and management plan. This sets out the key features, materials, and details that contribute to its character.

In many areas, permitted development rights are restricted under an Article 4 Direction. This means alterations like replacing windows, adding extensions, or even changing roof materials require approval. The good news: with the right design, most projects can still gain consent.

Working with Conservation Area Officers

Applications in conservation areas are often reviewed in consultation with a Conservation Area Officer (CAO). Their priority is to maintain the area’s original appearance, remove inappropriate past additions, and ensure any new work is sympathetic in scale, style, and materials.

At Acre Design, we work closely with planning teams across Northumberland, Newcastle, and County Durham. We know what Conservation Area Officers look for in Tynemouth may differ from their approach in Alnwick or Hexham, and we design accordingly.

What’s possible?

Loft Conversions

  • Conservation-style rooflights at the front
  • Small, traditional dormers to the rear
  • Avoid large box dormers or full hip-to-gable changes unless there is precedent

Bedroom Extensions

  • Side extensions must be clearly subservient, with a set-back from the main frontage
  • Corner plots are treated carefully, as both sides are street-facing
  • Matching materials and detailing are essential

Ground Floor Extensions

  • Porches: Small, high-quality, and often largely glazed to reduce visual mass
  • Side Extensions: Subservient, matching materials, and proportionate width
  • Rear Extensions: More flexibility, sometimes allowing modern designs if sympathetic to the original structure

Why it’s worth the effort

Yes, conservation area approvals can take longer and require more documentation. But they also protect your street from poor-quality development — and the right extension can enhance both your lifestyle and your property’s value. This is particularly important in sought-after areas like Jesmond, Tynemouth, Gosforth, and Warkworth, where premium architecture and location deserve an equally premium design approach.

How we help

Our role is to manage the process from start to finish:

  • Researching local conservation policies specific to your area
  • Designing with both your lifestyle and heritage in mind
  • Preparing and submitting applications with the right level of detail
  • Liaising with planning officers to give your project the best chance of success

Your role is simple:

  1. Share your budget
  2. Explain how you live now and what you want from your home
  3. Tell us your style and preferences

We’ll take it from there.

Thinking about extending in a conservation area?
Contact Acre Design for a free consultation and discover how we can deliver your dream space while protecting the character of your home in Tynemouth, Jesmond, Hexham, Alnwick, Corbridge, or anywhere across the North East.

If you’ve never taken on a major home project before, it can be hard to know exactly what’s included — and, just as importantly, what isn’t. Like many professions, there’s a huge difference between the bare minimum service and a fully managed, high-quality experience.

At Acre Design, we often meet homeowners who assumed “getting plans drawn” was all they needed, only to find themselves overwhelmed once the real work of planning, budgeting, approvals, and construction began. Your choice of service will shape not only the quality of your finished home but also how smooth — or stressful — the journey is to get there.

The home design services spectrum

The “Basic Plans” approach

At one end of the scale, you’ll find the low-cost, plan-only service. Often a one-person operation, these providers offer just enough drawings to get planning approval and building control sign-off, then leave you to manage everything else.

You might get:

  • A site visit and manual measurements
  • Simple 2D CAD drawings of existing and proposed layouts
  • A single concept sketch based on your initial conversation
  • Minimal detailing and no moodboards or visualisations
  • Reactive rather than strategic revisions
  • Basic building control drawings with generic specifications
  • Pros:
  • Lower upfront fees
  • Works for small, simple projects if you know exactly what you want
  • Cons:
  • Limited creative input or problem-solving
  • Plans often lack detail, leading to confusion on site
  • No proactive budgeting or cost control
  • Higher risk of delays, unexpected costs, or missed opportunities

The specialist turnkey architectural design service

At the other end is the specialist, full-service architectural design practice — like Acre Design. This is a premium, fully managed approach for homeowners making a major investment in their property and wanting the process handled from concept to completion.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Preparation & Briefing

  • Laser-accurate point-cloud survey for precise measurements
  • Detailed 3D model of your home as a base for design
  • Multiple layout options, zoning ideas, and feasibility studies
  • Early-stage budget guidance to align expectations
  • Curated moodboards for interior and exterior design inspiration
  • Analysis of site context, natural light, and views from the start

2. Concept Design

  • Several creative design options, with clear pros and cons
  • Full 3D visualisations and walkthroughs so you can “experience” the space before committing
  • Early detailing of materials and architectural features
  • Designs tailored to your lifestyle, taste, and likely build cost

3. Developed Design & Planning

  • Comprehensive planning reports to support approval
  • Coordination with planning officers and specialist consultants (e.g. heritage, ecology)
  • Accurate build cost estimates before submission
  • Designs optimised for both aesthetics and buildability

4. Technical Design & Build Support

  • Fully coordinated, dimensioned construction drawing set
  • Integrated input from structural, drainage, and energy specialists
  • Detailed specification and tailored schedule of works
  • Kitchen, bathroom, lighting, and ceiling layouts included
  • Tender management with trusted contractors for accurate, like-for-like pricing
  • Contract administration to keep the build on track and budget in check

Why the specialist approach matters

For high-value homes and complex projects, the difference in service can mean the difference between a stressful, budget-busting build and a smooth, rewarding experience.

With Acre Design, you’re supported by an entire team — technicians, designers, and project managers — all working to a proven process to deliver your vision while protecting your time, budget, and peace of mind.

Basic providers may offer a lower starting price, but they cannot match the depth of service, foresight, and risk management that a specialist team delivers. If you’re planning a major extension, renovation, or conversion, the real question isn’t “What does it cost?” — it’s “What’s included?”

Thinking about a major home project?
Let’s talk about how Acre Design can manage every stage for you — from first sketch to final handover.

Many of our clients come to us with the same dilemma: They love their home, they love the area—but the space no longer supports how they want to live.

That was exactly the situation in my own family. We live in a solid 1950s home in Dinnington. Great neighbourhood, excellent schools, easy access to the countryside—it ticked all the boxes. But with two growing children, we were starting to outgrow it. Like many households, we had an old conservatory that was underused and no longer fit for purpose.

We replaced it with a carefully considered extension that opens out from the kitchen and flows naturally into the garden. It’s a beautifully resolved space, bright, functional, and thoughtfully designed to improve everyday living.

The result? Genuinely transformative.

There’s now room to cook, relax, entertain and enjoy family life—without compromise. It’s comfortable, calm, and connected to the rest of the house in a way the old layout simply didn’t allow. On a practical level, we no longer feel squeezed. On a personal level, it’s a joy to spend time in.

Most importantly, we’re no longer thinking about moving. We’ve made our home work for the next chapter of our lives.

Why This Matters to You

If you’re starting to feel that your home no longer fits your lifestyle, an extension can do more than just add square footage—it can restore balance, create flow, and improve the way you live every day.

We work with homeowners across Newcastle, Northumberland and the wider Northeast who are looking to make a lasting investment in their homes. Whether you’re interested in reworking your ground floor layout, creating an open-plan kitchen-living space, or future-proofing your home with single-storey living, we can help you explore what’s possible—with clarity and confidence.

At Acre Design, we specialise in high-quality residential extensions that blend architectural integrity with practical needs. Our team guides you from initial concept through to planning, tendering and build, with experience, attention to detail, and full transparency at every step.

Planning Ahead

Design, planning and contractor availability all take time, so early preparation leads to better outcomes.

Whether you’re ready to begin or just gathering ideas, we’d love to hear from you. You can let us know where you are in the process by filling out the short form below. We’ll use your feedback to make sure our advice and updates are as useful as possible.

Our clients in North Shields had recently purchased a contemporary townhouse — a home spread across three levels with a non-traditional layout. While the property offered breathtaking views of the River Tyne from the first-floor living area, it also presented daily challenges. The kitchen was located on the ground floor, meaning constant trips up and down stairs whenever family and friends gathered for meals.

They came to Acre Design with a clear request: to make their home more practical without losing the beauty of its design.

A design solution focused on lifestyle

Our proposal was a single-storey rear extension at entrance level, designed to create a generous dining and entertaining space directly connected to the kitchen. To preserve light and openness, we introduced a striking lantern glass roof, keeping the structure visually elegant while maintaining a discreet overall height. This ensured the design complemented the home, avoided overshadowing neighbouring properties, and kept planning straightforward.

Transforming the flow of family life

The result will be a home that feels more intuitive, where daily routines no longer involve navigating unnecessary stairs. The new space creates a hub for entertaining, allowing family and friends to cook, dine, and socialise together on the same level. It’s a simple but transformative change, one that improves the way the property works for its owners while enhancing its long-term value.

For our clients, this extension is not just an addition; it’s a rethinking of how their home supports the way they live, day to day.

Our clients in Seaburn, Sunderland, recently acquired a tired semi-detached house that hadn’t been updated for decades. Despite its condition, the property offered something truly rare — a front elevation that looks directly out to the North Sea. With this comes both opportunity and challenge: an unrivalled view paired with the need to protect against the elements.

They came to Acre Design with a clear wish list of lifestyle spaces — an open-plan kitchen and dining area, a cinema room, a gym, and, most importantly, a way to maximise those spectacular sea views. Our role was to take that vision and create a home that not only delivered it but also felt considered, elegant, and in harmony with the streetscape.

A design shaped by views, lifestyle, and legacy

Our solution was to extend to the side, the rear, and into the loft, carefully balancing practicality with architectural impact. By echoing the form of the existing turret and peaked gables, the new design respects the area’s character while bringing the home into the 21st century.

At the heart of the scheme is light-filled, open-plan living, designed for entertaining family and friends. Upstairs, balconies on both the first and second floors ensure the sea becomes part of daily life, whether enjoying a morning coffee, hosting sundowners, or simply watching the horizon. Private leisure spaces, including a home gym and a cinema room, create a home that is not only functional but also a retreat tailored to our clients’ lifestyle.

A home to enjoy for decades to come

This project is a perfect example of what many of our clients in the North East are seeking: a home that enhances quality of life now while creating a lasting family legacy. With only minor adjustments, the design was approved for submission to the local planning department — a smooth process backed by our expertise in balancing ambition with approvals.

For our clients, the result is more than an extension. It’s the transformation of a forgotten house into a forever home, perfectly suited for the next chapter of their lives.

In Cullercoats, North Tyneside, our clients approached Acre Design with the ambition of creating a home that better reflected their lifestyle. The brief was clear: to maximise space, improve flow, and design a light-filled open plan area that would bring family and friends together.

The design vision

Our solution combined a garage conversion with a full-length single-storey rear extension, uniting the two elements to create a striking open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space. Internally, carefully considered wall removals were introduced to enhance connectivity and deliver the sense of scale and openness our clients desired.

A home for living and entertaining

The result is a home designed for both family life and entertaining. With generous proportions, natural light, and a seamless connection between indoors and out, the property now offers an inspiring space for cooking, dining, and gathering.

Designed around the client

Our clients were delighted with the initial concept and required only minimal refinements before the plans were finalised — a testament to the collaborative design process and the clarity of their vision brought to life through our expertise.

Ready to unlock the potential of your home?

If you’re considering a garage conversion, extension, or full renovation project in Cullercoats, North Tyneside, or across the North East, Acre Design can help you transform your property into a home designed around your lifestyle. Contact us today to arrange a consultation and take the first step towards your own bespoke design.