Architect vs. Design & Build – What’s Right for Your London Home?

Understand the Key Differences & Choose the Best Route for Your Project

Planning a renovation, extension, or new build in London? One of the first big decisions you'll face is how to approach the design and construction process. Do you hire an architect separately — or go with a design & build company that manages the entire project from start to finish?

Both routes can lead to a successful outcome, but they offer very different experiences in terms of cost, control, risk, and coordination. In this article, we break down the pros and cons of each approach to help you decide what’s right for your home and budget

What Does an Architect Do?

An architect focuses primarily on the design side of your project. Their role includes:

• Creating concept and planning drawings

• Preparing detailed technical drawings

• Navigating planning permission and building regulations

• Sometimes overseeing the project as contract administrator

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Pros of Hiring an Architect:

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  Creative, bespoke design tailored to your vision

• Independent professional acting on your behalf

• Flexibility to tender the build to multiple contractors

  
  

Potential Drawbacks:

• You’ll need to separately manage the builder, engineer, and any planning consultants

• Risk of design vs build misalignment (what’s drawn vs what’s practical)

• Higher total cost due to layered services

  
  

What is a Design & Build Company?

A design & build company (like Morphos Group Ltd) handles the entire process under one roof, including:

• Design & architectural drawings

• Planning applications and permissions

• Structural engineering

• Project management and full construction delivery

  
  

Pros of Design & Build:

• One team, one contract – less stress and miscommunication

• Faster turnaround from concept to completion

• Better cost control and real-world design practicality

• Usually more affordable overall

  
  

Considerations:

• Less “independent” oversight (you’re relying on one company’s integrity)

• Creative design may be less “artsy” and more practical (depending on the firm)

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Which Is Better for Your London Project?

Criteria	Architect Route	Design & Build
Design freedom	✔️ Higher	✔️ Moderate to High
Project control	✔️ More client-led	✔️ More company-led
Simplicity	❌ Multiple parties	✔️ One point of contact
Budget control	❌ Less predictable	✔️ Better fixed pricing
Speed	❌ Slower (sequential)	✔️ Faster (overlapping stages)
Best for…	High-end or unique designs	Busy homeowners, families, investors

Real-Life Example (London Homeowner)

Lucy & James in North London wanted a 6m rear extension and loft conversion. They chose a design & build company to handle everything — including planning, drawings, and construction — and completed their project in 5 months, saving over £6,000 compared to architect + separate builder quotes.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between an architect and a design & build company depends on your budget, project size, and how involved you want to be.If you value simplicity, speed, and a single team accountable for the result, design & build is often the ideal choice — especially for projects like extensions, conversions, or new builds in London.

Ready to Start Your Project the Simple Way?

At Morphos Group Ltd, we provide fully integrated design & build services across London — from concept to completion, with all planning, drawings, and building handled in-house.

Book a free consultation to see how we can bring your vision to life — efficiently, affordably, and beautifully.