If you are looking for an architect in the Blackpool Lancashire area, don’t be daunted by the options, we are here to help.
While there are several architects firms working in this area of the northwest, we can guide you to finding the right one for your scheme.
When you start your search, think about the following:
Is the architect experienced in working on your type of project?
Do they clearly understand your aims?
Do they have a good reputation and excellent reviews?
There are many other points to check, but the picture will become clearer as you start your research. It’s important to find the right Blackpool architectural designer for you and we advise talking to several with the relevant background.
Architecture in Blackpool
Blackpool became fashionable in the 18th century as roads were built and stagecoaches began to access the town. In the 19th century, the railway brought more visitors and from the early 20th century, a huge infrastructure was built for holidaymakers. Between 1856-1870, attractions including a promenade, two piers and the Winter Gardens were built.
The first Blackpool illuminations were switched on in 1912 and electric trams were installed. Blackpool Tower was built in 1894, housing the Tower Ballroom, and the Pleasure Beach amusement park was built in the 1900s.
At its peak, Blackpool attracted 17 million visitors a year, but change was coming – the 21st century saw the introduction of the package holiday, forever altering the way that people holidayed. Today, Blackpool mainly attracts day visitors to the Winter Gardens, the Tower and Pleasure Beach. In 1972 Blackpool Zoo opened and the town has developed new shopping centres and a sea life centre.
While there is a legacy of good-quality, late Victorian architecture, decades of decline and an underperforming economy have resulted in high levels of deprivation. The council aims to regenerate the town centre by 2027, through sustainable regeneration and diversification, supporting new housing: the town’s poor building stock needs substantial investment. New high-quality homes and a mix of house types including affordable housing are planned.
Planning policy in Blackpool
Sustainable development is a priority, and the council aims to see an average of 280 new homes built annually.
Nature landscaping is high on the agenda as there is limited access to the countryside for people to enjoy informal recreation, making the creation of wild or natural space important. Urban greening such as green roofs, terraces and walls is also encouraged.
Contemporary and innovative design will be supported where it is appropriate, along with proposals to convert and reuse buildings, especially those reflecting Blackpool’s social and cultural heritage. Remodelling of heritage assets is encouraged, and important historic assets must be protected in any new development.
Why hire an architect?
An architect can bring original ideas and an expert eye to a project. It is possible to engage an architect for just specific parts of your scheme, such as creating concept drawings or architectural drawings needed to obtain planning permission.
Architects may be employed to advise on the planning consents needed, to prepare technical drawings for builders to quote on or deal with hiring builders and managing the building contract, ensuring quality and cost control. In some cases, an architect will project manage the whole scheme from the planning process to the point of handover. Specialist landscape architects can be consulted if your scheme involves a large area of ground.
An architect can add value at many levels – for example, by identifying savings through attention to detail and calculating the most efficient use of space in the design. They will also be aware of the local authority’s outlook on planning matters, such as its environmental aims and policies on health and wellbeing.
An architect can ensure that your project includes the required amount of bio-diversity net gain (BNG) if this is needed to satisfy planners. This may involve simple details such as installing bird or bat boxes or more complicated measures such as habitat creation. If your scheme needs an ecology survey, our article ecology surveys: what you need to know explains the process. Some planning applications will require a bat survey.
All British architects must be registered with the Architects’ Registration Board and most take up Royal Institute of British Architects membership.
Blackpool architecture projects
Take a look at these stunning projects by some of our favourite architects in Blackpool and along the Fylde coast. They are all highly recommended and hopefully, their work will provide you with ideas of the type of architect you need to bring your vision to life.
Graham Lea Architecture
Preston-based Graham Lea Architecture carries out contemporary house extensions, commercial projects, barn and loft conversions, new-builds, feasibility studies and can deal with listed building consent and building regulations applications.
They have excellent reviews and offer a full architectural service to suit any budget, along with a track record of delivering complicated schemes on challenging sites.
This architectural design involved a dated bungalow which didn’t make the most of the outstanding views. Priority was given to creating a family room incorporating a kitchen, dining and sitting areas. Attention to glazing meant that the finished project maximises views by using a steel frame system to create a large, bright entertaining space.
RAL Architects Ltd
This award-winning Southport firm has been involved in small and large-scale housing for almost two decades and gets great reviews for its attention to detail.
RAL Architects has a wealth of experience in various fields of architecture, and they say:
Our approach to design is to work in close partnership with our clients and put creativity, innovation, usability and value for money on an equal footing.
This project involved a group of four large, detached houses at Victoria Place, Formby, Merseyside, which were constructed using three materials – render, brick and slate.
Studio SDA Architecture
Studio SDA Architecture in Chorley, Lancashire, has:
a passion for sustainable bespoke architecture in all forms, whether contemporary or traditional.
This multi-award-winning practice can deliver concept design, applications for planning permission, technical design, project strategy and contract administration and it gets five-star reviews.
This magnificent design, Goosefoot Barn, is a luxury new-build in the Green Belt and had to satisfy exceptional design criteria to win approval. It takes inspiration from a hay barn and the view from the road imitates an agricultural building. The subterranean section, comprising five bedrooms, makes it unique, with glazing giving views over open countryside.
Zub-Architecture
Zub-Architecture in Lytham St Annes specialises in bespoke home designs and offers a wide range of architectural services. They have a host of five star reviews and founder Thomas Zub said:
I believe every architectural project, no matter the budget, whether it’s an executive new-build home renovation or simple house extension, deserves the same amount of attention to detail.
This contemporary bungalow remodel involved three extra bedrooms, open plan living areas and a garden annexe. It was finished with render and textured timber cladding to the ground floor and modern apex glazing to the first-floor master bedroom. Zub-Architecture specialises in bespoke home designs and offers a wide range of architectural services.
SD Consulting
SD Consulting are based in Lancaster and provide affordable, flexible architectural services and packages, focusing on residential work, domestic extensions, loft conversions, eco homes and retrofitting schemes.
They get excellent reviews and can also provide advice and consultancy, concept and feasibility studies, construction drawings, applications for planning permission, listed building applications and building regulations applications. Here are four examples of their stylish work.
Next steps
These amazing designs have hopefully provided inspiration and demonstrated what’s possible when you hire the best architects.
We have shown just some of the accomplished local architects who can deal with everything from domestic extensions and loft conversions to commercial projects and major developments, as well as handling planning permission applications and project management matters.
Before reaching out to an architect’s firm, prepare the questions you want answers to. For advice on this, our article 10 things to ask your architect might be useful. When you have identified your preferred firms, make an appointment to discuss your project fully with them. Most practices offer an initial free discussion.
