Woking Architects

RIBA Chartered Architect Practice in Woking, Surrey

Architects in Woking, Surrey

Habito Designs is a RIBA Chartered architecture practice based in Woking, delivering bespoke home extensions, renovations, and new-build designs across the borough and beyond. With two decades of experience and deep knowledge of Woking Borough Council planning policies, we turn your vision into reality — on time and within budget.

Why Homeowners in Woking Choose Habito Designs

We are not just another architecture practice covering Woking from a distance — we are based here. Our studio is in the heart of Woking, and many of our most celebrated projects are right here in the borough. This local presence means we understand the specific planning constraints, architectural character, and opportunities that come with designing in Woking.
Based in Woking
Our practice is headquartered in Woking, giving us first-hand knowledge of the borough’s residential character, from the Edwardian conservation areas of Hook Heath to the 1920s bungalows near Horsell Common.
Woking Borough Council Expertise
We have extensive experience navigating Woking Borough Council’s planning department, including pre-application processes, householder applications, and development within the Green Belt and conservation areas.
RIBA Chartered Practice
As a RIBA Chartered practice, we are held to the highest standards of design quality, professional conduct, and client care — giving you confidence that your project is in expert hands.
End-to-End Service
From initial feasibility studies and concept design through to planning applications, building regulations, and construction management, we support you at every stage of the RIBA Plan of Work

Architectural Services for Woking Homeowners

Whether you are extending a Victorian terrace in the town centre, converting the loft of a 1960s semi in Horsell, or renovating a detached family home near Woking Park, our services are tailored to your needs and your property.

Before committing to a design, we assess your property’s potential. We consider Woking Borough Council’s planning policies, site constraints, and your budget to advise on what is achievable. This saves time and prevents costly surprises later.

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We prepare and manage your full planning application, from concept sketches to the final submission to Woking Borough Council. Our experience with the local authority means we know what planners expect, and we design accordingly to maximise your chances of approval.

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Our detailed working drawing packages comply with the latest Building Regulations, ensuring your project secures Building Control approval without delays. We work with structural engineers and other consultants to deliver a comprehensive, construction-ready package.

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We can oversee the construction phase, from selecting a builder and drafting contracts to conducting site inspections and managing payments. This ensures the finished build matches our carefully produced designs.

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Our Work in Woking

We have completed numerous residential projects across Woking. Here are some highlights that showcase our design approach and the range of work we deliver for homeowners in the borough.
Modern two-story house with grey facade and lush lawn under a partly cloudy sky. Urban buildings in the background.
Woking, Surrey

Wharf Cottage

Originally built in the 1870s as a worker’s cottage along the Basingstoke Canal, this property had undergone piecemeal extensions that left it lacking cohesion. We redesigned the cottage to create a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and family area with patio doors opening onto the garden. A first-floor extension in white render and tile blends with the original dwelling, while a contemporary zinc-clad entrance lobby bridges old and new. The existing triple garage was optimised for two vehicles with additional driveway space.
Woking, Surrey

Heathside

An Edwardian-era detached family home situated in the conservation area of Woking. We designed a rear and side extension in an orangery style that integrates with the existing five-bedroom property and its south-facing garden. The existing garage was relocated to the front to improve accessibility, creating space for a multi-functional room at the rear. Glazed doors and a roof light flood the new family room with natural light, while the design pays homage to the historic character of the original architecture.
Beautiful two-story brick and white house with large windows, surrounded by greenery and blue sky.
Two-story suburban house with brick accents, blue trim, and driveway next to a parked silver car on a sunny day.
Woking, Surrey

Sandfields

A 1920s two-bedroom bungalow transformed into a contemporary five-bedroom family home. Walls were selectively removed and a rear extension added to create an open-plan layout that maximises natural light. Planning approval was secured for four first-floor bedrooms and a master suite with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe in the converted loft space — a complete transformation while respecting the property’s original character.
Woking, Surrey

Elmsgate

An extension project in Woking that demonstrates our ability to work with existing residential properties to create additional living space that enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Modern kitchen with sleek countertops, built-in oven, induction cooktop, and bar stools, featuring a vase of tall flowers.

About Woking, Surrey

Woking is a thriving town in the heart of Surrey, situated approximately 25 miles southwest of central London. With excellent rail connections — Woking station offers fast services to London Waterloo in just 24 minutes — the town is one of Surrey’s most popular commuter destinations. This accessibility has driven consistent demand for quality residential property and thoughtful home improvements.

The borough’s residential areas offer a rich mix of architectural styles. You will find Edwardian villas in the conservation areas of Hook Heath and Old Woking, 1930s semi-detached homes throughout Horsell and Goldsworth Park, 1920s bungalows near Horsell Common, and more recent developments around West Byfleet and Sheerwater. This diversity means almost every project we undertake in Woking presents unique design challenges and opportunities.

Woking Borough Council manages planning applications for the area and has specific policies around Green Belt development, conservation area restrictions, and residential extensions. Our experience working with the council’s planning department means we can anticipate requirements and design proposals that align with local planning policy from the outset.

Key areas we serve within Woking borough include Woking town centre, Horsell, Knaphill, Goldsworth Park, Hook Heath, Old Woking, Pyrford, Sheerwater, Byfleet, West Byfleet, and Brookwood.

What Our Woking Clients Say

FAQ's Architects in Woking

Do I need planning permission for a home extension in Woking?
It depends on the scale of your project. Many single-storey rear extensions in Woking fall under permitted development rights, meaning no formal planning application is needed. However, properties in conservation areas such as Old Woking or Hook Heath may face additional restrictions. Habito Designs can assess your specific situation during a free initial consultation and advise whether a planning application to Woking Borough Council is required.
Architectural fees in Woking typically range from 7% to 12% of the total build cost, depending on the scope and complexity of the project. At Habito Designs, we offer transparent fee structures and can provide a detailed quote after understanding your requirements during an initial consultation.
Woking Borough Council typically determines householder planning applications within 8 weeks of validation. The full process, including design development, pre-application advice, and submission preparation, usually takes 12 to 16 weeks from your first meeting with us to receiving a decision.
We are based in Woking and cover all surrounding areas including West Byfleet, Byfleet, Pyrford, Horsell, Knaphill, Brookwood, Pirbright, Send, Ripley, and across the wider Surrey region. An extension project in Woking that demonstrates our ability to work with existing residential properties to create additional living space that enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Legally, you do not need an architect for small extensions. However, working with a RIBA Chartered architect like Habito Designs ensures your design maximises your property’s potential, complies with all regulations, and avoids costly mistakes. Our clients consistently report that professional guidance saves them money and stress in the long run.

Ready to Start Your Woking Project?

Whether you are planning a rear extension, a loft conversion, a full renovation, or a new-build home in Woking, we would love to hear from you. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your ideas and how we can help bring them to life.