--- title: "When do you need an Architect ? | Andrew Catto Architects" description: "Expert planning permission guidance for Putney SW15 projects. Architects guide, inspire, simplify projects. We turn challenges into solutions smoothly." canonical_url: https://www.andrewcatto.co.uk/blog/when-do-you-need-an-architect/ language: en last_updated: 2026-04-12 copyright: © 2026 Andrew Catto Architects Limited --- [Back to Blog](https://www.andrewcatto.co.uk/blog/) Planning # When do you need an Architect ? Architects guide, inspire, simplify projects. We turn challenges into solutions smoothly. ![Melissa Lawrence](https://www.andrewcatto.co.uk/images/team/melissa-lawrence.jpg) Melissa Lawrence Director/Architect July 2025 2 min read ### Right now! Getting a project going is often the hardest part. You’ve probably not done this before and the world seems to be full of ‘guidance’ about what you can’t do. Your architect brings ‘can do’ and ‘how to’. Someone to tell you where to start, prioritise what needs doing, inspire you with a vision of the transformation to come, and hold your hand along the way. The first one you should appoint. ### When Setting your Brief! Small budget? Awkward space? No daylight? Can’t see how it can be done? You may know what needs fixing, not how? No problem, for us is just a fresh challenge and architects like those. And then draw the answer. ### Whenever you need cheering up! Even modest home alterations can seem like an impossibly long slog. But your architect has been there before, can come up with another way when your builder says it’s 12 weeks delivery (and he forgot to order it), yet still have the patience of Job when faced with planners, the gas company and all the others whose dictionary doesn’t include the words ‘quick’ or ‘soon’. Read more on our page about Putney architects. Related: [our architectural services](https://www.andrewcatto.co.uk/services/) ### About the Author #### Melissa Lawrence Director and RIBA-accredited architect with over 25 years of experience across Brazil and London. Specializes in residential and commercial projects, with particular expertise in client liaison and sustainable design solutions. Specializing in planning and sustainable design practices. [View Full Profile](https://www.andrewcatto.co.uk/team/#melissa-lawrence) ## Related Articles Continue exploring our insights on architecture, design, and construction ![Every journey begins with the first step... - Related architecture article](https://www.andrewcatto.co.uk/api/putney-architecture/media/images/variants/putney-architecture-blog-b76e0b9b-01e0-40bd-a764-d0327e5d081c-92568ec1-da3e32ac-1760993865678.jpg/putney-architecture-blog-b76e0b9b-01e0-40bd-a764-d0327e5d081c-92568ec1-da3e32ac-1760993865678_tablet.webp) July 2025•1 min read ### Every journey begins with the first step... Early roof extension sketches capture concept clearly, drawn onsite collaboratively. [Read More](https://www.andrewcatto.co.uk/blog/every-journey-begins-with-the-first-step/) ![Extensions in Putney: what's allowed and what to expect - Related architecture article](https://www.andrewcatto.co.uk/api/putney-architecture/media/images/variants/putney-architecture-blog-9c0db40c-44a4-4cef-9296-c414bfeb66fd-92568e3d-2e24efee-1760993828371.jpg/putney-architecture-blog-9c0db40c-44a4-4cef-9296-c414bfeb66fd-92568e3d-2e24efee-1760993828371_tablet.webp) July 2025•4 min read ### Extensions in Putney: what's allowed and what to expect What extensions are allowed in Putney and likely costs for rear, side, single and two storey building projects. [Read More](https://www.andrewcatto.co.uk/blog/extension/) ![Planning permission in Putney: how to secure approval - Related architecture article](https://www.andrewcatto.co.uk/api/putney-architecture/media/images/variants/putney-architecture-blog-f7f8b441-f21d-4c6c-ab3e-17bc871e779c-92568eb8-cc27716d-1760993827512.jpg/putney-architecture-blog-f7f8b441-f21d-4c6c-ab3e-17bc871e779c-92568eb8-cc27716d-1760993827512_tablet.webp) July 2025•5 min read ### Planning permission in Putney: how to secure approval Planning in Putney - Local expertise helps simplify and secure approval. [Read More](https://www.andrewcatto.co.uk/blog/planning-permission/) ## Ready to Start Your Project? Let's discuss how we can bring your architectural vision to life with our expertise and innovative approach. --- [Original page](https://www.andrewcatto.co.uk/blog/when-do-you-need-an-architect/) ## Sitemap [sitemap.md](https://www.andrewcatto.co.uk/sitemap.md) · [llms.txt](https://www.andrewcatto.co.uk/llms.txt)