Seasons Greetings from Walters Architects

As the year comes to a close, we want to thank our clients, partners, and community for your support throughout the year. It’s been a pleasure to work with you all and be part of your journey. We wish you a joyful Christmas, a restful holiday season, and a successful year ahead. We look forward…

Do I Need Planning Permission or Can I Use Permitted Development?

When planning a home extension or alteration to their home, one of the first decisions clients face is whether their project requires full planning permission or can be carried out under Permitted Development Rights. The distinction can feel confusing, particularly as the rules are detailed and vary depending on the property, its setting and the…

Planning Delays and the Role of Resourcing

For many clients, one of the most frustrating aspects of a project is waiting for planning permission. Understandably, delays can cause concern, with questions about why the process is taking so long and where responsibility lies. While the design and submission stages are within the architect’s control, the pace of decision-making once an application is…

The Value of Public and Community Spaces

Public spaces are the lifeblood of our towns and cities. They provide places for people to meet, connect, and feel part of something larger than themselves. In an increasingly urbanised society, where private living spaces are often compact and fast-paced routines dominate daily life, well-designed community spaces play a vital role in bringing people together…

RIBA Full Services

When clients approach us for a project, one of the first questions they often ask is what an architect’s role actually involves. The answer depends on the level of support they require, but the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) provides a recognised framework that outlines the full scope of an architect’s services. At Walters…

Understanding Paragraph 80

Building a new home in open countryside is something many aspire to, but for good reason, it’s heavily restricted. Paragraph 80 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) provides one of the few planning routes that allow isolated dwellings to be built in rural areas. However, this permission is not easily granted and requires an…

Mixed Use Developments: Rethinking the Town Centre

Town centres are changing. With the steady decline of high street retail and shifting patterns of work and leisure, many traditional commercial spaces now sit underused or empty. As architects, we see these changes not as losses, but as opportunities—particularly for mixed use developments that bring people back into the heart of towns and cities….

Do I Need an Architect for My Home Extension?

Deciding to extend your home is a significant step — whether it’s to gain more space, improve how your house functions, or add long-term value to your property. One of the first questions many homeowners ask is whether they need an architect. While not a legal requirement, the benefits of working with a qualified architect…

Multi-Home Developments

Designing multiple new homes within a single development requires a master planned approach that addresses layout efficiency, planning policy, and market expectations. At Walters Architects, we have experience of delivering multi-home developments that balance individual house design with the overall character and functionality of the wider site. Site Layout and New House Design Approach Successful…

New Builds Within Conservation Areas

Building within a conservation area presents a unique challenge, requiring a careful balance between modern functionality, contemporary design and historic sensitivity. These designated areas exist to protect architectural heritage, meaning any new development must respect the established character while meeting modern standards for design and sustainability. At Walters Architects, we specialise in navigating this complex…

Grade II Listed Building – Rothley Project

Working with listed buildings requires a deep understanding of heritage, history, context and considerate design, and an ability to navigate complex planning challenges. Our new Grade II listed project in Rothley, Leicester is a prime example of how issues can arise when these factors are not properly considered—and how we can step in to help…

How to Choose the Right Architect for Your Project

Choosing the right architect is one of the most important decisions you will make when embarking on a new project. Whether you are planning a residential extension, alterations to a listed building, or a commercial development, the architect you select will shape not only the design but also the experience and outcome of the entire…

Function and Aesthetics in Industrial Design

Industrial design has traditionally prioritized function over form, with the primary focus being on operational efficiency and practicality. At Walters Architects, we believe industrial spaces can be both highly functional and aesthetic, reflecting the identity of the businesses they serve while supporting operational success. The Evolution of Industrial Spaces Historically, industrial buildings were utilitarian structures,…

Recent Planning Successes

Planning Approval Walters Architects are pleased to announce we have received planning approval for a number of projects across several scales, sectors and local authorities. We look forward to working with the clients on the next stages of their projects. Future Projects If you would like to learn more about the projects we do or would like…

What is a Feasibility Study?

What is a Feasibility Study? Architectural feasibility studies are conducted to determine if a proposed building is viable and practical from an architectural perspective before any detailed design work is undertaken. These studies help clients assess whether a design concept can be successfully implemented within the given constraints and requirements. They are particularly useful when…

How Much Does an Extension Cost?

Balancing Time, Cost and Quality All construction projects are fundamentally defined by the balance of time, cost and quality. The time to deliver the project, the cost represents the amount of money or resources available (the budget including fees and VAT) and quality applies to the technique, materials and bespoke nature of the project. It…

Should I use a Local Architect

Walters Architects are frequently asked, ‘Should I use a Local Architect?’ The answer really depends on what it is you expect from the architect and how involved you would like them to be. Most clients think that the architect will need to make endless site visits but this is not entirely true. They will visit…

Love Architecture Festival 2022

Love Architecture Festival 2022, Leicester’s annual architecture festival is underway, as part of the city’s Design Season. Leicestershire and Rutland Society of Architects are hosting a number of events across the month, in celebration of local architects and local architecture. Events are free and booked via the society’s eventbrite booking page. Walters Architects look forward…

What is Paragraph 80?

Paragraph 80 – National Planning Policy The term Paragraph 80 refers to a section of the 2021 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which sets out the principles for erecting a new isolated dwelling in the open countryside. The policy allows the possibility to gain planning permission for an exceptional piece of design that reflects the…

Planning Success in Blaby, Leicester

The Proposal Walters Architects are pleased to announce we have received planning approval for two new dwellings in Blaby, Leicester. The proposal is for the conversion of an existing coach house to a two-bed dwelling and a new two-bed dwelling. Both properties benefit from off road parking and private garden spaces. Planning Approval In planning…

Recruiting Architectural Staff

What we need Walters Architects are recruiting architectural staff to join our expanding creative team. Situated in the centre of Leicester, we work on exciting projects locally and nationwide. Varying from one off houses and domestic extensions to commercial buildings and business parks. Our projects involve working for private and professional clients, individuals and company’s,…

How Long Does Planning Permission Take?

What do we do? At Walters Architects we help clients achieve planning approval all the time but are often asked, ‘how long does planning permission take?’. The truth is, it varies between application types and planning departments. How long does the Planning process take? Domestic applications should take approximately 8 weeks to be decided. A…

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