Kingston upon Thames · South West London

Architects in
Kingston upon Thames

Kingston is one of the most active boroughs in our portfolio. We have delivered loft conversions, mansard extensions, basement conversions, double storey extensions and wraparound extensions across Kingston, Surbiton and New Malden - and we handle both design and construction under a single contract.

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Loft conversion with Juliet balcony in Kingston, KT2 - Rosace Design Studio

Working in Kingston

Extensions, loft conversions and basement conversions across KT postcodes

Kingston's housing stock is well suited to extension projects. Victorian terraces in Surbiton and New Malden lend themselves to rear extensions, side return infills and wraparound extensions. The semi-detached and detached houses across Coombe, Kingston Hill and Norbiton offer scope for larger double storey extensions and new build opportunities.

Loft conversions are popular across the borough. We have delivered both dormer and mansard loft conversions in Kingston, including within conservation areas where planning approval is needed. Basement conversions are also increasingly common, particularly in Surbiton where plot sizes limit outward expansion.

As experienced residential architects in London, we manage the full process from initial design through planning and construction. One team, one contract, one point of contact.

Services in Kingston

What we design and build across the borough

Kingston is the borough where we have completed the most projects. The range reflects the variety of homes across the area - from compact terraces in Surbiton to larger properties on Kingston Hill. We tailor each project to the property, the street and the planning context.

Kingston Council expects clear, well-considered design submissions. Our design-and-build model means the quality shown in the drawings is exactly what gets built on site.

  • Rear, side return and wraparound extensions
  • Double storey extensions
  • Dormer and mansard loft conversions
  • Basement conversions
  • Whole-house renovations
  • Interior design and specification
  • Conservation area applications

Planning in Kingston

Conservation areas and permitted development

Kingston upon Thames has several conservation areas, including Kingston Old Town, Surbiton Hill, parts of Coombe and areas along the riverside. Properties within these zones have restricted Permitted Development rights and typically need a full planning application for any external changes.

Outside conservation areas, many extension types fall within Permitted Development. Standard rear extensions, dormer loft conversions and some side extensions can proceed without a planning application, subject to size and design limits. Mansard loft conversions always need planning permission because they alter the roofline.

Properties near the Thames or the Hogsmill River may require a flood risk assessment. We advise on the planning position for every property before starting any design work, so there are no surprises down the line.

Cost Guide

What projects cost in Kingston

Construction costs in Kingston typically range from £2,200 to £3,500 per square metre, depending on specification and complexity. A single storey rear extension usually costs between £60,000 and £130,000. Double storey extensions typically come in at £100,000 to £200,000.

Loft conversions range from £50,000 to £100,000 depending on the type. Mansard conversions are usually £65,000 to £120,000. Basement conversions start from around £120,000 and can reach £300,000 or more depending on size and ground conditions.

Professional fees for architecture, structural engineering and building regulations usually add 10 to 15 percent on top. For broader London pricing, see our house extension cost guide and loft conversion cost guide.

Property Types

Kingston's housing stock

Kingston has a broad range of residential property. Victorian terraces dominate parts of Surbiton and central Kingston, many with side returns and rear gardens suited to extension projects. Edwardian and inter-war semi-detached houses are common across New Malden, Norbiton and Tolworth, often with loft potential and space for rear or double storey extensions.

Coombe and Kingston Hill have larger detached properties on generous plots - these tend to suit more ambitious projects including new builds and substantial renovations. The riverside areas around Kingston Bridge and Hampton Wick include a mix of period cottages and more recent apartment conversions.

Nearby Areas

We also work across South West London and Surrey

Alongside Kingston, we regularly take on projects in Surbiton, New Malden, Norbiton, Coombe, Tolworth, Chessington, Hampton, Thames Ditton and Esher. We also work across Richmond, Wimbledon and Wandsworth.

Beyond South West London, we cover all of Greater London and within a 30-mile radius, including Chelsea, Kensington, Hampstead, Islington, Hackney, Camden and Surrey.

Recent Projects

Selected work across Kingston upon Thames

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Common Questions

Architecture in Kingston - answered

Do I need planning permission for an extension in Kingston? +
It depends on the scale and your property's planning status. Standard rear extensions within Permitted Development limits do not need planning permission. However, Kingston has several conservation areas - including Kingston Old Town, Surbiton Hill and parts of Coombe - where PD rights are restricted. Mansard loft conversions and larger extensions almost always need a full planning application. We check the planning position for every property before starting design work.
How much does a house extension cost in Kingston? +
Construction costs in Kingston typically range from £2,200 to £3,500 per square metre depending on specification. A single storey rear extension usually costs between £60,000 and £130,000. Double storey extensions typically come in at £100,000 to £200,000. Loft conversions range from £50,000 to £100,000. Mansard conversions are usually £65,000 to £120,000. Basement conversions start from around £120,000 and can reach £300,000 or more. Professional fees add 10 to 15 percent on top.
Can I do a mansard loft conversion in Kingston? +
Yes. Mansard conversions are common across Kingston, particularly on terraced and semi-detached houses where a rear dormer alone would not provide enough headroom. A mansard raises the rear roof slope to near-vertical, creating a full-height room. They require planning permission because they alter the roofline. We have delivered multiple mansard conversions in the borough, including within conservation areas.
What areas near Kingston does Rosace also cover? +
Alongside Kingston, we regularly take on projects in Surbiton, New Malden, Norbiton, Coombe, Tolworth, Chessington, Hampton, Thames Ditton and Esher. We also cover Wimbledon, Richmond, Wandsworth and all of Greater London within a 30-mile radius, including wider Surrey.
Can I convert my basement in Kingston? +
Yes. Basement conversions are increasingly popular in Kingston, particularly where extending outward is limited by plot size. Properties near the Thames or Hogsmill River may need a flood risk assessment. Kingston Council requires structural method statements for basement excavation. We handle the full process from feasibility through to completion.
How long does a typical project in Kingston take? +
A rear extension typically takes 8 to 12 months from first meeting to completion. Loft conversions take a similar timeframe. Double storey extensions usually take 10 to 16 months. Basement conversions take 12 to 20 months depending on size and ground conditions. Mansard loft conversions typically run 10 to 14 months. If your property is in a conservation area, add 8 to 12 weeks for the planning application.
Does Kingston Council support contemporary extensions? +
Kingston Council generally supports well-designed contemporary additions, especially at the rear where they are not visible from the street. Front-facing changes and properties in conservation areas are scrutinised more closely. The council expects applications to show how the proposed design responds to the existing building and its context. We prepare applications that demonstrate this clearly.

Kingston upon Thames & South West London

Planning a project in Kingston?

Tell us about your property and what you would like to achieve. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your brief and the planning position - no obligation.

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