- Walters Architects

Benefits of Improving vs Moving

When your home no longer meets your needs, the question arises: should I move or simply improve? Both paths have their merits, but as architects, we often find that extending or refurbishing can offer significant advantages for homeowners. A Familiar Feeling Extending your property allows you to stay in a home and community you’re already…

The Benefits of Using an Architect for Domestic Clients

Embarking on a new architectural project is an exciting journey, whether you’re building your dream house, extending your living space, or renovating an existing property. However, the process can also feel overwhelming, with countless decisions to make and technical hurdles to navigate. This is where engaging an architect becomes invaluable. At Walters Architects, we believe…

Is it Difficult Working with the Planners?

Clients always ask us, ‘is it difficult working with the planners?’ Truth is, some are easier than others but generally planners care and want the best for their areas of responsibility. Working with a pro active planner will definitely lead to a much better scheme. Planning officers know the character of a specific location, understand…

Architects wanted in Leicester/Oakham

Talented architects and designers wanted to assist Walters Architects on a variety of projects working from our Leicester and Oakham offices. Applicants must have at least 5 years post qualification experience and understand all stages of the RIBA plan of work. A working knowledge of RIBA contracts and Construction Design Management (CDM) regulations would also…

Walters Industrial Start on Site in Leicester

A building designed by Walters Industrial (our commercial building arm) has started on site in Leicester this month. The B2/B8 commercial unit is phase 4 of a 5 phase project in Hamilton, behind a couple of our completed buildings. Whilst visiting one of our other buildings last week, we popped in to see how things…

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Commercial Building Projects Leicester

Yesterday the judges from Pro Con Leicester visited one of our commercial building projects in Leicester for this years awards. We’ve been entered into the Small Non Residential category. What most don’t realise is that Walters Architects have two arms to the business; general Architecture and Industrial Architecture. Whilst some of the judges questions were…

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Do You Project Manage the Build?

One question we are often asked, is: ‘do you project manage the build?’ Managing a building project is usually associated with a Project Manager but the title is a bit misleading. In most cases the role means something completely different to what clients expect. Yes, Walters Architects oversee building projects from the clients perspective. In…

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Boutique Hotel within a Listed Building in Leicester City Centre

Walters Architects have just submitted a planning application for an interior design scheme in a Boutique Hotel within a Listed Building in Leicester city centre. An application is required due to the hotel being a Grade II Listed Building in a prominent part of the old town, within the Guildhall Conservation Area. Originally converted into…

Interior Design and Architecture

Walters Architects undertake both interior design and architecture projects. Most property’s we refurbish, extend and build require an element of interior design. You can’t seriously produce architecture without considering the interior. Our office lead in Leicester is a qualified interior designer and has extensive knowledge of hotel, retail, office and domestic interior design. Every scheme…

Planning Permission in Oakham, Rutland

Walters Architects have just secured their first domestic Planning Permission in Oakham, Rutland. This is the first house extension and refurbishment project we’ve had approval for which came from our new Oakham office last year. We’ve previously secured a project in Uppingham but that was commercial. We are currently working on a couple more homes…

Planning Permission in Leicester

Walters Architects have just gained planning permission for a 2 storey side extension, single storey rear extension and a loft conversion to this impressive detached family home in Leicester. There were a few challenges with this site and the planning process was slightly delayed (under resourced councils) but nothing the practice and client couldn’t handle….

Planning Permission for a Listed Building

Walters Architects have secured a second planning approval associated with a Listed Building in North West Leicestershire. The Grade II building is substantial, complicated and detailed so obtaining the permission was a real result. Listed Building Consents are very important as it’s a criminal offence to work on a Listed Building without formal permission. Obviously,…

Loughborough University Architecture Department

Yesterday Walters Architects had the privilege of listening to students present their final designs at Loughborough University Architecture Department as part of their BA studies. This was their final review before completing their portfolios for assessment and the standard was fantastic. The work was exceptional and the students all delivered well considered concepts which evolved…

UKREiiF

Walters Architects are attending UKREiiF this year and hope to learn more about key issues effecting the construction industry, meet interesting, like-minded consultants and possibly enjoy a bit of socializing with peers. We will be attending several fringe events and have selected some really good main events. If you’re attending and want to catch up,…

Planning Application for a New Modern House

Walters Architects have recently submitted a planning application for a new modern house in Derbyshire for an existing private client. The new home is a detached 4 bedroom timber framed house which incorporates local stone and contemporary timber cladding. Lots of glass to the north and west elevations allow stunning views over the countryside. In…

Planning Permission in Uppingham, Rutland

Walters Architects have just secured planning permission in Uppingham, Rutland for the demolition of an existing single storey commercial building and the rebuild of a new two storey unit. The new structure will become a warehouse which connects to the neighbouring building. Both buildings are under the same ownership so there will also be a…

Conservation and Listed Building Works in Leicester City Centre

Walters Architects have secured planning permission to undertake Conservation and Listed building works in Leicester City Centre for the Diocese of Leicester. The project involves building a new wall, piers and railings at the rear of the building to form a secure enclosure. Being a Grade II Listed building which already has a number of…

New House in Charnwood , Leicestershire

Walters Architects have just completed the design for a new house in Charnwood, Leicestershire and are about to submit to the scheme for full planning. This is a contentious application as the site is considered to be in the open countryside. We are expecting this to be a difficult process so have put together a…

Planning Approval at Appeal

Walters Architects have won 2 Planning approvals at appeal this week. The practice doesn’t often go to appeal (4 in 18 years) because we pride ourselves on getting planning approval first time. In fact we very rarely receive a refusal. Our current planning success stands at approximate 95%. Also, the process can be very unpredictable…

Retail Design Leicester

We popped by our latest retail design project in Leicester to take a couple of shots last week. We didn’t have a lot to do with the fit out but, as always, did a great job in a conservation area. More projects like this please.

Health Care Building in Leicester

Objectives Walters Architects have just completed a design for a Health Care Building in Leicester for the charity PROSTaid. The proposed building is a treatment center for patients with or recovering from prostate cancer. The fundamental aim is to provide comfort and treatment to patients in an environment less clinical than a hospital. This early…

Domestic Planning Submission, Leicester

Our client has recently approved the latest version of their house extension, loft conversion and refurbishment design. The scheme is located in the Western Park area of Leicester and we are now preparing the Domestic Planning Submission for Leicester City Council. Hopefully we will have a decision by the new year with an intention of…

New Architects Office in Oakham, Rutland.

A New Architects Office in Oakham Walters Architects are pleased to announce, we have a new office in Oakham, Rutland. Close to where our Principal lives and surrounded by agricultural interests and great housing stock, the location is an obvious choice for our expansion. The town and its surrounding villages have a number of traditional…

Gaining Planning Permission

People often ask our practice ‘what’s the best way of gaining Planning Permission’ and we often advise these three easy steps. 01 Feasibility Studies One of the most important stages of obtaining planning permission is the feasibility study stage. It’s always advisable to produce a good feasibility study in order to understand the best approach…

Architects in Charnwood, Leicestershire

Walters Architects were based in Rothley, Leicestershire for a few years (ten in all) and are pleased to have become an Approved Planning Agent for Charnwood Borough Council. We were one of the ‘go to’ architects in the Charnwood area. Since moving to Leicester we have undertaken less work in areas such as Rothley, Quorn,…

Walters Architects Prize 2023

WAP is back! This years Walters Architects Prize was open to year 2 architecture students at De Montfort University. The prize was awarded to the student who produced the most coherent portfolio and was able to communicate and develop their ideas through sketch. And the Winner is… Our 2023 winner is Caleb Ernst, congratulations! Caleb…

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 to Deal with a Planning Enforcement Notice

Walters Architects often asked ‘how to deal with a Planning Enforcement Notice’. Our advise is simple, speak to the professionals as soon as you can. What Went Wrong? Most issues develop through a simple misunderstanding. A client didn’t realise they owned a Listed Building, are in a Conservation Area, haven’t understood the contents of a…

Conservation Architects in Leicestershire

When considering a Conservation Architect in Leicestershire look no further than Walters Architects. This month the practice won a project for a Listed Building Application to a Grade II Listed Building in Coalville, Leicestershire. The client recently bought a hotel and wanted assistance in dealing with the Listed Building design intention and application as well…

Conservation Architect Leicestershire Heritage Architects

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…

The Value of Architectural Visualisations

The value of Architectural visualisations within the planning process should not be underestimated. Visuals, also referred to as photorealistic images or 3D renders, are a more realistic interpretation of building designs and help the planners/clients really understand elements such as massing, colour, material, light and shade. These type of presentations are so much easier to…

Courtyard view of a zinc and timber clad barn conversion

Next Stage of our Class Q Project

Walters Architects have recently finished the final renders of a new Class Q project in Leicestershire/Warwickshire. These images will form part of the Prior Approval process which demonstrates the scheme conforms with the Local Authorities design requirements. The image attached to this news reel is a simple early massing model and the finished renders can…

Properties Next to a Listed Building

Is it Difficult? Walters Architects work with a lot of Listed Buildings and believe the process to be straightforward. But on occasion, we work with properties next to Listed Buildings, and this can become more complicated than an actual Listed Building itself. Essentially, the Conservation Officer is concerned with the context of the Listed Building…

New Domestic Architecture Projects

Walters Architects are really happy to have secured three very important domestic projects this month. One of which is a stunning interior projects for a Grade II Listed Building in south Leicestershire. The other two schemes are domestic Architecture projects for contemporary extensions and interior alterations on traditional houses. Whilst we like the heritage projects,…

New Build Retail Unit – Huddersfield

Walters Architects have been preparing a Planning Application for a new build retail unit in Huddersfield. The application should be ready for submission by the end of this week. People always ask if we work outside of Leicester and if we work on buildings other than private homes. Truth is, we work with all sorts…

RIBA House of the Year 2022

RIBA House of the Year The RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) House of the Year 2022 award process is underway and currently being televised in partnership with Channel 4’s Grand Designs. Architectural Awards The TV series showcases of the best one-off houses designed by architects in the UK, celebrating excellence and innovation in home…

Copper Corner Featured in Listed Heritage

Great to see Copper Corner featured in November/December’s issue of The Listed Property Owner’s Magazine. For further project information, visit the project page.

Industrial, Commercial and Domestic Architects

Walter Architects are trying to give clients a clear message about what we do. Essentially, we are Industrial, Commercial and Domestic Architects. To make things slightly easier we have now split our business and services into two main areas, Domestic and Industrial architecture. Our services have been simplified further by producing two separate websites. The…

When is the Best Time to Apply for Planning Permission?

Walters Architects are often asked ‘when is the best time to apply for planning permission?’ Truth is, it really depends on the project. If it were a domestic extension, we would recommend October or November. We’d encourage a month or two to develop the design with your architect and apply for planning before Christmas. This…

Commercial Site Visit

Walters Architects visited site yesterday to check on the progress of a new vehicle valeting and servicing workshop. Safe to say, the contractor is making great progress and the building is really starting to take shape. The shell and landscaping is expected to be complete by December with the fit out being finished in February…

Planning Application for Commercial Fit Out

Walters Architects have submitted a planning application for a commercial Fit Out project to Leicester City Council just two weeks after receiving the commission. The client emphasised the importance of time from the outset, and our flexibility has been very much appreciated. This is a large project working with a new client so it’s really…

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…

Design & Build of a New Retail Store

New Commission/Existing Client Walters Architects have secured a reduced services appointment for the Design & Build of a new Sainsbury’s retail store in Huddersfield. The appointment involves working alongside one of our existing clients and their preferred Project Manager. Our scope of works will include securing Planning Permission and providing a Working Drawing package to…

Build a New Home in the Countryside

Walters Architects often get asked about how to build a new home in the countryside, ‘is it difficult?’ Truth is, it can be done but it’s a bit tricky. Unfortunately, national planning policy is against one off houses in the open countryside but if there are existing buildings on your plot or its an exceptional…

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…

Do I Need an Architect?

Why Ask? Walters Architects are often asked ‘Do I need an Architect?’ and we totally understand why. Usually, people don’t really know what an architect does. It’s quite easy really, you need an architect to either design a building or to achieve permission to build. Possibly both. It’s probably best to be clear at this…

Update to the Building Regulations.

The Building Regulations are being update as of the 15th June this year. The previous standards will apply for the next12 months. Walters Architects attended a seminar led by the RIBA and Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to find out more about the proposed changes. There are a couple of new changes…

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