What areas does Studio Harrison work in?

Derbyshire and the Peak District predominantly, with regular projects across the wider East and West Midlands, and a number of clients in Jersey, Channel Islands.

Do I need planning permission for my extension or new build?

Most extensions and all new-build homes need either planning permission or, in some cases, a Lawful Development Certificate confirming permission isn't needed — which applies depends on scale, location, and whether the property is listed or in a conservation area.

Do you offer snagging inspections for new-build homes?

Yes — a technologist-led inspection of a newly built home before or shortly after legal completion, checking construction quality and finish against the specification and building regulations.

What's a fabric-first approach to sustainable design?

Treating the building's fabric — insulation, airtightness, glazing, thermal bridging — as the foundation of energy performance, before adding renewable technology on top, in line with Passivhaus and AECB principles.

How long does a typical residential project take?

Usually several months from initial consultation to a full set of construction drawings, plus a further 8 weeks for planning determination on a standard application.

How much does it cost to work with an architectural designer on a home project?

The investment is usually structured either as a percentage of the construction cost or as a fixed fee for each design stage, agreed upfront once the scope is clear.

Tommy Harrison 9/16/26 Tommy Harrison 9/16/26

Is There Really a Self-Build "Fast-Track" in the New NPPF?

A new clause in national planning policy is being talked about as a hidden door for self-builders. We went and read it. The real story is more useful than the myth, just less exciting.

Tommy Harrison 9/16/26 Tommy Harrison 9/16/26

NPPF August 2026: What the new planning rules mean for you

Somewhere between a government press release and a 130-page document, most homeowners lost the thread. Here's the version written for the people actually living through it.