Stage 2-3. Scheme Design & Planning Application
This is the stage where your new home design takes shape. Working from your brief, we develop two or three considered design options, each responding thoughtfully to the existing house, the site, your budget, and your aesthetic requirements. We then meet at your home to talk through the proposals together.
We typically present two practical, pragmatic responses to your brief, plus one “wildcard option.” The wildcard might be a different way of configuring the space you had not considered, extras you had not thought to ask for, such as an indoor/outdoor veranda or an unusual roof form, or in some cases a “non-extension option”, where we explore a cost-saving approach that reconfigures the existing house more completely to meet the brief without adding extra floor area.
One option is then refined and developed into a final design, ready for planning submission where required. We handle all drawings and correspondence needed for a householder planning application.
2023 to 2026: 100% success rate with BANES planning applications approved, first time, on programme.
Do I need planning permission for my home extension in Bath?
Many small single-storey rear extensions in Bath fall under Permitted Development and do not require a planning application, but context and site are key. Where planning is needed, we handle the full submission. We can advise from the outset which route applies to your project.
The Process
This is the exciting bit where the possibilities are explored and can then be presented for discussion!
Sketch schemes are created (usually with 2-3 options) which are drawn in plan and elevation (if required). A 3D virtual model is available as an option to help you visualise the space (more information here).
A design presentation meeting is arranged, either on site or via Zoom, to discuss the sketch schemes with precedent and example images to help illustrate ideas. These help explore materials, forms, window and door arrangements, the quality of light in the space, and finishes to get excited about.
Following client feedback, one design option is developed and refined, with images and revised drawings sent to you on a regular basis. As the design is finalised, additional supplementary drawings/information are readied for the planning submission (if required).
From clients
“From the start it’s really felt like you’ve been properly interested in the project and have put the effort in to solve problems and make the most of our limited space whilst taking into account both our aesthetics and the practicalities of life…I honestly can’t think of any ways your service could have been improved.”
Paul and Jo – Weston
“I think the process so far has been very well explained and expectations have been well managed… I really enjoyed going through the drawings. You explained them really well and helped us visualise what you were thinking. I don’t think there’s anything I’d say you could improve at! “
Alex and James – Saltford
“We really liked the extra elements proposed (Crittall style windows inside) the curved wall, lights etc. We were not expecting to receive ideas for lighting and detailed interior layouts. You really listened to us and our family’s needs. We were pleased with the ideas, and the presentation exceeded our expectations.“
Claire F – Bathampton
Included in Stage 2-3:
- Two to three initial design options developed from your brief
- One site meeting to present and discuss design options
- Development of your preferred option to planning stage
- Full drawing package for Local Authority planning submission
Overall Project Timeline:
Stage 0-1 > Stage 2-3 > Stage 3b > Stage 4a > Stage 4b > Stage 4c > Stage 4d > Stage 5a
Drawing Board and Instagram Feed
Always lovely to see spring is on the way during a survey visit this week.
This lovely Cotswold stone cottage, south of Bath, is getting an update, replacing an ageing conservatory with a modern rear dining extension.
The brief: maximum glazing and a standing seam metal roof to sit beautifully against the stone. Exciting things ahead.
Mar 6
Light and materiality working together—Batheaston extension.
Herringbone oak flooring throughout. Kitchen, dining, and living spaces overlooking elevated patio with views across Bath.
The project also included a dream garage for a classic car (a fellow MG owner!). Flexible studio with rooflight (yoga space now, annexe later if needed).
Every detail considered in plan and section to make the most of a challenging cranked plot and stepped levels.
Extension and renovation | Batheaston | Bath
Photography: @pete.helme
Feb 25
I`m pleased to share that I`ve won Best of Houzz Service for 2026—my fifth time receiving this award since 2021.
This recognition comes from client reviews, and I`m grateful to everyone who`s taken the time to share their experience.
Listening to clients, responding to the house and its context, and designing to the brief—when you get these fundamentals right, it shows in the results and in client satisfaction.
Thank you to everyone who`s worked with me over the past year. Here`s to another year of thoughtful extension and renovation projects across Bath, Bristol, and Wiltshire.
#residentialarchitecture #extensiondesign #batharchitect #bristolarchitecture #wiltshirearchitect #homerenovation #architectureaward #houzzaward #bestofhouzz #ukarchitect #extensionideas #houseextension
Feb 18
Batheaston extension—making the most of a cranked plot and a slim strip of additional land.
These clients bought the plot alongside their home and asked us to create a classic car garage, home studio (that could work as an annexe), and a large open-plan kitchen-dining-living space.
The bonuses: ensuite, southwest-facing roof terrace, and lower ground floor living that connects straight to the rear garden.
Traditional Bath stone exterior meets contemporary interior—plus a dream garage for a fellow MG owner.
Extension and renovation | Batheaston | Bath
Photography: @pete.helme
#batharchitecture #batheaston #residentialarchitecture #extensiondesign #classiccargarage #bathhomes #somersetarchitect #annexedesign #roofterrace #homeextension #bathstone #laceyarchitecture
Feb 11
What a wet January—been battling the lurgy and playing catch-up, finally sharing some photos from just before Christmas.
This was an unusual project in a historic, much-altered house. With its two staircases, circulation was tricky until we reworked the layout. Sometimes small-scale changes in a complex older property can have a transformative effect—releasing the plan and allowing the family to move forward.
We designed a scheme they could tackle in phases without moving out.
Phase 1 is now complete: removed a cramped original stair, installed this new oak feature staircase, created a separate home office, and reconfigured the first floor to create two upstairs bedrooms, and a generous family bathroom.
On to Phase 2...
#residentialarchitect #interiorarchitecture #homerenovation #historichomes
Feb 4
Design Presentation Day at Lacey Architecture
Laying out the full picture for clients—floor plans, elevations, precedent images, and material palettes all spread out for review. This is where weeks of listening, sketching, and refining come together into something tangible.
For this project, we`ve explored multiple floor plan options alongside everything from timber cladding details and zinc roofing to hung tile facades and crittall-style glazing. The presentation includes spatial alternatives, material combinations, and real-world examples to help clients visualise their future home.
Now it`s over to the clients to choose their preferred route forward.
Every extension and renovation project we take on in Bath, Bristol, and Somerset gets this level of care—detailed drawings paired with curated inspiration so nothing`s left to guesswork.
Currently booking projects for summer 2026 onwards.
Residential architecture | Extensions | Renovations | Bath | Bristol | Somerset
#residentialarchitecture #architecturaldesign #extensiondesign #bathhomes #bristolarchitecture #somersetbuilds #homerenovation #designpresentation #architecturepractice #timberclad #zincroofing #hungtiles #crittallwindows #homeextension #architectlife #smallpractice #laceyarchitecture
Jan 23
