Business Details
11 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Design & Structural Engineering in Surrey
Established in 2015, Better Living Space is a leading architectural design and structural engineering studio based in Surrey. We specialise in delivering innovative, tailored architectural plans and cost-effective engineering solutions that transform homes across the South East. Our services encompass residential architectural projects including house extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, and custom new builds, supported by comprehensive house plan design, feasibility consultations, and structural calculations. We utilise advanced 3D modelling, BIM-integrated modelling, and PlusSpec PlusDesignBuild to ensure technical robustness without compromising visual impact.Our collaborative approach integrates architecture and engineering, ensuring every project aligns with client lifestyles, spaces, and budgets while maintaining compliance with local authorities such as Elmbridge, Mole Valley, Guildford, Kingston, and Woking. With headquarters in Cobham and a home office in Woking, we serve homeowners, developers, and commercial clients across Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, and the wider South East. Our proven track record in managing planning permissions and building control compliance, combined with our use of Virtual Reality technology for immersive design previews, ensures a seamless project flow from ideation to completion.
Services
Architectural Design
Structural Engineering
Virtual Reality Previews
Interior Design
Building Control
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer over 8 years of experience in architectural design and structural engineering since 2015.
- Our integrated approach combines architecture and engineering for cohesive project outcomes.
- We utilise Virtual Reality technology to visualise projects before construction begins.
- Our team maintains strong relationships with local authorities for streamlined planning approvals.
- We provide client-centric services tailored to individual lifestyles and budget requirements.
What people say
Prompt, efficient and affordable
Excellent ideas and budget-friendly
Highly recommended for expertise
Creative solutions and attentive service
Knowledgeable and personable team
Services
Architectural Design
We create tailored architectural designs for residential and commercial properties, including extensions, conversions, and new builds. Our process uses 3D modelling and Virtual Reality technology to visualise projects before construction. We ensure technical precision while aligning with client lifestyles and budgets, managing planning permissions and building control compliance across Surrey and the South East.
Structural Engineering
Our structural engineering services integrate with architectural designs to ensure technical robustness. We use MasterSeries 3D analysis for beam design, wind load evaluations, and compliance with British Standards. This approach eliminates costly surprises, streamlining approvals and construction for residential and commercial projects across Surrey and surrounding regions.
Virtual Reality Previews
We employ cutting-edge Virtual Reality technology to create immersive 360-degree project previews. This allows clients to explore spatial layouts, furniture placement, and design details before construction begins. The service enhances communication, reduces revisions, and ensures client expectations align with final outcomes for extensions, conversions, and new builds.
Building Control
Our team manages Building Control processes directly with local authorities, ensuring compliance with regulations. We prepare technical documentation, coordinate inspections, and resolve issues efficiently. This service covers Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, and the South East, leveraging our established relationships with planning departments to streamline approvals.
Interior Design
We collaborate with established interior designers to offer bespoke styling services for residential and commercial properties. Our packages include decor, furnishings, and layout optimisation tailored to client preferences and budgets. The service extends to private residences and commercial projects for hotels and hospitality clients across the UK and internationally.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide house extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, new builds, and structural engineering solutions using 3D modelling and Virtual Reality technology.
Which areas do you serve?
We operate across Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, and the wider South East, with offices in Cobham and Woking.
How does your Virtual Reality service benefit projects?
Our VR previews allow clients to explore designs immersively, ensuring alignment with their vision before construction begins.
Can you manage planning permissions?
Yes, we handle Local Authority Planning submissions and Building Control compliance with our established council relationships.
Do you work on commercial projects?
Yes, alongside residential work, we undertake commercial property extensions, conversions, and new build projects.
Reviews (7)
Irene C.
May 14, 2021
Report
5 Star Review! I cannot recommend Ed at BetterLivingSpace highly enough. He recently provided structural calculations and structural plans for a renovation project on my home. I am a worrier but immediately felt at ease on meeting Ed, who was so calm and took the time to help me understand the structural components. He clearly has so much knowledge of his trade. He answered my questions and queries with patience and clarity. I was extremely grateful also that Ed, and also Clair the company's marketing manager, were always at the end of the phone continuing to give answers, advice and reassurances
Vanda Stanley
Mar 14, 2021
Report
Ed is friendly, knowledgable, reliable and went above and beyond what is required. Weve not had the easiest project to date but Ed has been there every step of the way to offer invaluable advice and revised our plans at the last minute both quickly and efficiently. We would highly recommend his services.
David Shipway
Mar 06, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
I've worked with Mr Ollett from BetterLivingSpace twice now. On both occasions he has provided an excellent and efficient service. I look forward to working with him again in the future
I've worked with Mr Ollett from BetterLivingSpace twice now. On both occasions he has provided an excellent and efficient service. I look forward to working with him again in the future
Chris Moon
Sep 02, 2020
Report
Very comprehensive service, Ed was extremely personable and easy to deal with. He was able to quickly adapt when when we asked for some changes and produced revised drawings quickly. Plans were of a very high standard and complemented by builders.
LukeC
Jul 28, 2020
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
Ed has worked with us on the internal renovation of our kitchen/dining room and garage conversion. He is knowledgeable and came up with some excellent ideas to make the space flow whilst keeping our budget in mind. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend his service and in fact have already recommended him to others.
Ed has worked with us on the internal renovation of our kitchen/dining room and garage conversion. He is knowledgeable and came up with some excellent ideas to make the space flow whilst keeping our budget in mind. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend his service and in fact have already recommended him to others.
Tristan Dunk
May 28, 2019
Report
We were recommended Ed through a trusted local builder who has worked on several projects with him. We had our initial plans drawn up by an architect but it was Ed who has truly brought them to life and finessed every detail while incorporating a few extra things after listening to our needs and wants. His business manner and his general character is better than you would hope for when dealing with a project that is so personal like your home. He is very approachable and listens. I would highly recommend him for any project you are thinking of. Hopefully we get in a position to use you again. Thanks
Paul Douglas
Nov 17, 2018
Report
Ed helped us with the removal of a connecting wall between the kitchen / dining room including the first floor chimney breast. As it was a main structural wall Ed's structural engineering skills were invaluable. We also enlisted Ed's project management skills so the work could be completed while we were on holiday. It was great to return with all the work complete and not having to live through the mess. Something that wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for Ed - monitoring the builders and keeping us updated on the progress. I wouldn't hesitate in using Ed again and highly recommend, He was
