Real Life Architecture
Get Advice From an Experienced Architect Before Buying, Building or Altering a Home Anywhere in the UK
Guidance and Advice Before Spending Serious Money on Your Home
Real Life Architecture is run by me, Níall, I've run my own award-winning architecture practice in Edinburgh for over 17 years. In 2021 I began posting videos to YouTube about the reality of buying, building, altering and extending homes in the UK. This eventually grew into Real Life Architecture, where I offer both free guidance and paid advice to homeowners across the UK.
I am impartial and can guide you on the best way to balance costs, planning permission, building regulations and all the other things you need to consider. Construction is expensive, get my advice as early as possible, before you spend serious money.
Online Consultation With an Architect
I have spent over 17 years working with homeowners, most of whom never hired an architect or set foot on a building site before. A lot of my time goes into explaining the process to people with no experience of design or construction. Take advantage of my training and experience by booking a consultation with me.
If you have a property anywhere in the UK I provide consultation services that start at £130 and offer great value for money. I will sense check your ideas to make sure they are affordable, comply with the building regulations and stand a reasonable chance of getting planning permission. I will advise you on alternatives you might not have considered and help you understand the timescales involved in the design and construction process. I will also explain how to find the right local architect for your project.
Not ready to book yet?
Download my free guide for UK home buyers — 20 pages on how to research a property's planning history, listed status, conservation area restrictions, and what to ask a RICS surveyor. It's free.
Popular Posts Advising UK Homeowners
Real Life Architecture holds a 5.0-star Google rating from 30 client reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ross Targett "Niall gave me pre-purchase advice before making an offer on a property and it was excellent. Clear, detailed, and tailored to the specific house, not generic fluff. Saved me time, money, and a few bad decisions. Highly recommend." Verified Google review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ James Ritchie "I found Niall from his YouTube channel and decided to book a consultation to get some advice on the feasibility of a dormer extension to our property. He was very professional and very knowledgeable about all of the challenges I faced. He had clearly done some homework before our call and the advice he gave likely saved me many thousands of pounds. I can't recommend his services enough and won't hesitate to book another consultation in future." Verified Google review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Yorkshire Nutritionist "I booked a one-off Zoom consultation with Niall and found the experience excellent from start to finish. Niall was extremely knowledgeable, clear in his recommendations, and well prepared for our call. He had taken the time to familiarise himself with the area and the property we were interested in, ensuring we made the best use of our time. The consultation gave me exactly what I was hoping for, and I would highly recommend him." Verified Google review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sabina Burza "Very helpful consultation in relation to the potential purchase of a property. Niall highlighted things to consider and talked us through the potential for renovation with ballpark financial estimates, which was invaluable. I would highly recommend his architecture guide — it is illuminating and will no doubt serve us well in the future when undertaking works." Verified Google review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jack Griffith "Having watched several of Niall's helpful YouTube videos I eventually became aware that he offered an online consultation service. I was deciding between two properties, both of which needed work done, and took the plunge. Niall was helpful, friendly and came prepared. He pointed out several angles I hadn't even considered. A very useful consultation and I would definitely recommend." Verified Google review