Practical. Bespoke. Quality.
Welcome to The Practical Planning Company, an award-winning architectural design studio specialising in residential design, planning permission success, and detailed construction drawings for builders across Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester. Our team is passionate about ideas and believes in a collaborative approach to create the space you truly need and want in your home.
Our Services
We are a hands-on design team offering high-quality plans and advice for home extensions, conversions, listed building alterations, development in conservation areas, and new build residential design. Our services are available on a fixed fee basis with no hidden fees, stress, or confusion. Our design packages are tailored to meet your individual needs and wants, ensuring a space that works for you, your family, and your life.
Home Extensions
A home extension is an affordable and practical solution to create extra space in your home. We specialise in single or double-storey extensions, whether to the rear or side of your property. Our team will work with you to create a space that suits your needs and adds value to your home.
Loft Conversions
Loft conversions are a popular choice for adding extra room while taking advantage of unused space. When done right, they can add significant value to your home. Our team will work with you to create a space that suits your needs and enhances the value of your home.
Garage Conversions
Garage conversions are an excellent way to make the most of your existing square footage, and they are much cheaper than building an extension. Our team will work with you to create a space that suits your needs and enhances the value of your home.
New Builds
New build homes can be tricky to get through planning, but they're definitely worth the investment if you can get approval. Our team has experience in designing new build homes and will work with you to create a space that suits your needs and enhances the value of your home.
Other Services
Our design services also include internal alterations, porches, boundary changes or treatments, multiple works, and other conversions. Please do contact our team to request more information and a fixed fee quote.
Design
When it comes to design, we will talk you through everything you need to know and consider. We can also draw example layouts to help you make the best use of the space and ensure you're getting the space you need.
Planning Permission
Getting planning permission from your local authority can be a tricky and time-consuming process - that's where we can help. With experience in designing over 800 home extensions, we know all the planner quirks and can give you the best chance of obtaining approval.
Building Control
Once your design drawings have been finalised and approved, we'll prepare your technical plans (construction drawings), register them with your chosen building control company and manage the process through to approval.
3D Renders
3D renders aren't a requirement for planning permission or the builder, so we don't include them as part of our fixed fees (keeping our costs practical and affordable) but we know some clients do like to see their project before it's built. And that's possible with these high quality, realistic visualisations.
Build Estimates
With rising material prices, and issues with supply and demand, we're aware some builders are cashing in. Yes, prices have gone up but this shouldn't mean your project doubles in cost. We can provide a realistic estimate for your build so you can be safe in the knowledge that you're not being overcharged.
Family-Owned
We're designers at heart, with a passion for creativity and over 15 years' experience in the construction industry, helping to design over 800 home projects across the region. As a young family ourselves, our aim is to make other homeowners and first-time renovators feel safe and secure when building their dream home.
Experienced Team
Our team has a wealth of experience in the construction industry. We're always here to help and guide you through the process, ensuring that your project runs smoothly from start to finish.
Award-Winning Practice
We're proud to have been awarded a number of national and local awards as well as finalist positions in prestigious programmes including the National Building & Construction Awards and Small Business Britain's 'The Small Awards'.
Excellent Service and Professionalism
All reviewers praised the Practical Planning Company (PPCO) for their exceptional service, professionalism, and value for money. The company's modern approach, clear guidance, and excellent communication were highlighted as key strengths.
Friendly and Personable Team
The team at PPCO, including Ben, Denise, and Jodie, were consistently praised for their friendly, personable, and super helpful nature. Reviewers felt comfortable and at ease throughout their projects, receiving excellent ideas, advice, and patience from the team.
Efficient and Clear Process
The company's process was described as well thought out, clear to follow, and efficiently managed. Reviewers appreciated the 'customer process leaflet' that outlined all stages of the project, including payment requirements. The team kept clients informed throughout, providing regular updates on progress.
Exceptional Design and Drawing Services
Ben's design skills and technical drawings were highly praised, with reviewers describing them as outstanding, professional, and exceeding expectations. The team's ability to understand clients' concepts and improve them was highlighted as a particular strength.
Highly Recommended
All reviewers highly recommended the Practical Planning Company, stating that they would not hesitate to use their services again or recommend them to others.
