Hi, it sounds like a great project and it's clearly a really important decision for you as this will be your forever home. Our experience is that you need a team with a combination of space planning, interior design and then project management/contracting to get the work done. We'd be happy to advise further if required, best wishes, Mike

Hi Paula, Wow loads of great advice already ! I'd suggest you ask your builder if he can recommend a structural engineer, that he's worked with previously, to come and view the stack - it may be that by extending the thick nub on bottom left of that area marked, that you can then put one beam across to support above? ( but I'm not a SE - so you will need on site advice for this !!) I'm the concept planner that Minnie added the link for ( thank you Minnie !!) We sell purely design, no product. So charge for our services, rather than making a mark up on what you buy, like a showroom would. (We have a few types of service - the most expensive, for a project this size, is about the same cost as a good dishwasher) But that does mean you get a PDF with all the plans/elevations/colour perspectives, panoramics and item listing to shop around with, which means you can compare like for like and negotiate great deals with showrooms/studios/even online suppliers of kitchen furniture and appliances etc. We can even supply colour A3 prints, if you want, too ! So we are a bit different to a free studio service - but can work well for busy people who want an input into the design stage ( we have a service that involves you throughout the design process over a five day period) and those who want to approach a few different studios or online suppliers to quote, but that don't have the time to deal with several site visits from several designers and to sit through several presentations that are all different - so it becomes a bit confusing to see who's offering the best deal ! You simply email them your design PDF - or drop them in a printed copy, ask for their best price as you are shopping around. All they need to do initially is price it - so much easier for the studios too ! Anyway enough of the 'sales pitch' from me ! Best wishes for your project, which ever route you choose ! :-)

There’s Floor Planner and a few free downloadable ones on apps too - but please, please, please get your own design safety checked by a credible designer before you order anything ! It’s a big investment, and needs to be safe, as you will be living with it for a long time ! If you want to look at some plans we have done - click on my icon to go to our pro page. You might find some ideas on there you’d like to emulate ? Kind regards Karen OnePlan Independent Concept Planner ( selling only design )

If using a service like Resi, you’ll first talk to our team so we can get an understanding of what you’re looking for and whether or not you’ll need a measured survey carried out - if you do, we’ll arrange this on your behalf. Then you’ll receive a quote on our services and be asked to pay your deposit. Once paid, you’ll be introduced to your personal architect and be given access to your Resi Dashboard, an online platform that lets you upload measurements, documents, and images you want to inspire your build. Your architect will use your dashboard as inspiration during the design process. During this process, your architect will advise you on budget and manage your planning and approval. Either by keeping you within your permitted development rights or working to get planning permission. They’ll also put you in touch with any necessary professionals, such as CCTV surveyors or structural engineers. You mention structural designs above, these aren’t provided by architects but by a structural engineer. By the end of your time with Resi, you’ll have not only a completed set of drawings but should also have all planning approved and an understanding of all the upcoming steps for a completed build. We’ll could even provide builder recommendations. In terms of interior - what floors to go for, window types - your architect could offer some thoughts but we would recommend getting this advice elsewhere. These are personal decisions and everyone’s taste is different. Where an architect really shines, is helping you get the most out of your space for your budget, meaning not a penny is wasted. To understand the full ins and outs of how the extension and renovation process works, check out our interactive guide: https://resi.co.uk/interactive_process