The Feasibility Study
A feasibility study forms the foundation of any considered development.
At a small fixed cost, testing multiple design options, materiality, site constrains and indicative project costs and timelines, while ensuring we are the right architect for your project.
Feasibility Study for a Basement Extension to a Terraced Edwardian House in Fulham
1 The feasibility process engages with a broad field of influences, such as physical and regulatory condition:
Projects often involves working within tightly defined parameters - conservation areas, listed fabric, neighbouring rights, and complex planning controls. A clear understanding of these constraints allows opportunities to be identified early, before they become limiting.
Planning - local planning authorities and policy frameworks
Site - neighbouring properties and rights to light, site context
Listed fabric - conservation and heritage considerations
Access - highways, access, and servicing requirements
Environment - environmental factors such as flood risk and orientation
Infrastructure - utilities and existing infrastructure
2 Key Design Considerations:
Further, a feasibility study establishes the foundations of a project — testing what a site can accommodate, how it can perform, and how design, planning and viability can align. It brings clarity at an early stage, allowing informed decisions before committing to a defined scheme.
Light — Sun path and orientation studies test how the site can be shaped, guiding massing, openings and internal depth to reveal where spatial quality can be achieved within constraint
Material — Early decisions consider retention, adaptation or replacement of existing fabric, aligning material choices with context, construction logic and long-term durability
Spatial Capacity — The study assesses buildable volume, layout potential, access and thresholds, testing multiple options to understand both physical capacity and planning acceptability
Viability — High-level cost alignment, GDV, specification and long-term performance are reviewed to ensure the proposal is financially grounded as well as spatially considered
Design Testing — Massing studies, diagrammatic plans and comparative options explore different strategies, allowing one or more directions to be developed further
Performance — Environmental strategies such as insulation, airtightness, solar gain and ventilation are integrated from the outset, shaping the design rather than being applied later
Timing — Undertaken early, the study informs acquisition, planning strategy or project direction, reducing uncertainty and supporting confident decision-making
3 The Feasibility Document and Workshop:
The feasibility study explores aspects of sections 1 and 2 to to an appropriate depth, forming a structured document for clients to review and reflect on. It also provides the basis for a workshop discussion - either on site or at our offices - allowing the project to be examined in detail, aligning expectations, and establishing a clear direction for how to potentially move forward. Submit your details below for an initial discussion …
Feasibility Study 2 Storey Rear and Basement Extension to a Victorian House in Battersea
4 Our fees for the Feasibility Study Service
Feasibility studies are typically offered at a fixed fee, tailored to the scale and complexity of the project. This reflects the size of the property, the level of detail required, and any specific requests or constraints that need to be explored. As a guide, feasibility study fees typically range between £1,750 and £4,000, depending on the scope of the project.
In some cases, it is advisable - though not essential - to have accurate survey information available, such as measured plans or sectional data. Where this is not in place, initial assessments can still be undertaken based on available information, with further detail incorporated as the project develops.
We are also able to assist in identifying and coordinating appropriate surveyors, ensuring that any additional information required is obtained efficiently and to the appropriate level of accuracy.
Project Budgeting
Would you like to get an idea of how much your redevelopment will cost ?
Once we have an understanding of what is possible given the constraints of the site and the options available and what you would like to do with the property, then we can start to consider the list of materials, products and systems required. Prices are constantly fluctuating. Availability is constantly changing. Technology is constantly evolving. Choice is constantly increasing.
Depending on the level of detail required we can look at all the building elements affected; Floors, Walls, Windows and Roof and get a reasonable estimate of the likely costs spread over the length of a project.
