Real Life Architecture
Online Consultations With an Architect
Sense-check your project before you commit. Whether you're about to buy a house, planning a new build, or extending the home you already own — get an architect's eye on it first. All consultations are on a Zoom call with me, Níall.
Consultations are available Monday - Friday during office hours, usually with 24/48 hours' notice.
A limited number of same-day consultations are available for a higher fee.
Buying a house
Altering your home
Building or converting
Guide document
To get full details of what is included and not included in my online consultation services, please read the Terms & Conditions.
This video explains the full list of online consultations
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Consultations
Who is the consultation with?
Every consultation is with me, Níall Hedderman, directly. I am an ARB-registered architect and have been running my own practice since 2009. You will not be passed to an assistant — you get my direct professional opinion on your specific situation.
How much does an online consultation cost?
Consultations start at £130 for advice on altering your home. A consultation before buying a house is £150, choosing between two properties is £200, buying land or building a house is £170 each, and a property conversion consultation is £190. Same-day urgent consultations are available at £225. All fees are shown in the price list above.
How long does a consultation last?
Most consultations are 30 minutes on Zoom. The Choosing Between Two Properties consultation and the Consultation Before Converting a Property are 45 minutes. The length of time specified when booking is the duration of the call. If more time is needed, that is at my discretion.
How does the booking process work?
Book a slot using the calendar on this page. You will receive an automated confirmation email asking you to reply with the property address, your budget, photos, and any other relevant information. I read everything before the call, so we can spend the time discussing your specific situation rather than introductions. The more detail you send, the more useful the call will be.
What is included in a consultation?
I review your property details and budget in advance, then give you my honest professional assessment on the call: whether your plans are realistic, what planning permission and building regulations issues are likely to arise, and what to do next. After the call I send a written summary email covering the main points discussed, the statutory approvals your project will require, and guidance on how to find and approach the right local architect for the work.
Will I receive drawings, a design, or a detailed cost estimate?
No. Consultations do not include drawings, design work, specifications, or detailed cost estimates. Any costs mentioned during the call are broad estimates and are exclusive of VAT. The written summary email is a record of the discussion and next steps — it is not a formal report or specification. If your project requires design services, the summary will advise you on how to find the right local architect.
What types of project can I get advice on?
I offer consultations on buying a house, choosing between two properties, house extensions and internal alterations, loft conversions, building a new house, buying land, and converting a non-domestic building into a single dwelling. Consultations are for UK residential properties only, and are only available where no other architect is already engaged on the project. I do not advise on HMOs, mixed-use projects, subdivisions, multiple homes on one site, or basement structural alterations, conversions, or waterproofing.
Is a consultation worth it if I haven't decided whether to go ahead with a project?
Yes — that is exactly what a consultation is for. Most people book before they have committed to anything. The call helps you decide whether to proceed, understand what a realistic budget looks like, and identify any planning or structural issues before you spend money on drawings or a builder. It is the most useful thing you can do at the very start of a property project.