Drafting Professionals in Cardiff

“We at West Orchard Homes Limited cannot thank The Smart House Extension Team enough for getting our recent planning application over the line. Securing approval for a large 8-bed Sui Generis HMO conversion in Cathays is a notoriously difficult process, but the team handled it masterfully from start to finish. This was far from a straightforward site. We faced heavy pushback, including 10 resident objections and formal opposition from three local councillors citing overdevelopment and parking concerns. However, the team did not panic; they broke every single element down pragmatically. They expertly navigated Cardiff's strict cumulative impact policies, utilizing mapping data to successfully prove that the HMO concentration within our 50m radius was actually only 4%, comfortably below the strict 20% threshold for the Cathays ward. They also brilliantly managed the practical design constraints. They successfully justified our zero off-street car parking provision to the highways department while seamlessly updating the layout to include a secure 8-space cycle store. To top it off, they smoothly integrated the new mandatory Green Infrastructure requirements—proposing practical solutions like a flowering lawn mix and a Schwegler nest box—which completely satisfied the planning officers. To get a positive decision on such a complex and highly contested application is impressive enough. But to walk away with an approval that has hardly any conditions attached—just six standard points regarding time limits, approved plans, waste, and cycle storage —is a true testament to the quality and thoroughness of their upfront work. If you have a difficult planning application or a challenging site, The Smart House Extension Team are exactly the professionals you need in your corner. Highly recommended!”

“Christian was referred to us by a family member who engaged his architectural services on a house extension project...which was impressive. His task was to repurpose the rear of our house by creating a large, flexible dining and family space with a transition into the garden beyond. From receipt of Christian's detailed drawings it was clear he had a clear understanding of the brief and added real value with creative suggestions, inter alia, around glazing and the use of natural light. Christian also introduced us to the company (that after viewing 2 of their projects in the Penarth area), we ultimately chose to undertake the build out. We cannot be happier with the outcome. Christian was both highly professional and approachable during the project and we have no hesitation in recommending his architectural services.”

“Fran worked with us during lockdown to design our extension and then led on the approvals process with Cardiff Council as this is a grade II listed property. This was a complex process but Fran navigated us through it with expertise. Fran was endlessly patient with us as we explored different options, producing numerous designs and drawings. Once we started the work, Fran acted as project manager, liaising with the builders, and led on the many interactions with utilities companies as we had to redirect gas and electricity and have a new stop tap installed by Welsh Water. Fran was a steady, calm presence across all the dramas of construction and ensured that we stayed on track, to time and, more importantly, to budget. I'd definitely work with Fran again - she's creative, pragmatic, experienced and a great communicator. She's also a lovely person who deeply cares about the quality of her work. We are really delighted with the work.”