Business Details
44 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural & Construction Partner in Edinburgh & West Lothian
Established in 1982, Plan-It-Design-Design is a trusted architectural and construction company serving homeowners in Edinburgh and West Lothian. With over four decades of experience, we specialise in guiding clients through the complexities of home extensions, alterations, and improvements while they continue residing in their properties. Our services encompass feasibility reports, architectural design, planning permissions, building warrants, and full project management. Backed by our sister company Build-It, we deliver end-to-end solutions, from initial sketches to construction completion.Our team, led by RICS-qualified professionals, prioritises transparency, compliance, and client satisfaction. We assist with insurance-related repairs, maintenance, and commercial projects, ensuring every client receives tailored support. Recognised by industry bodies like RICS and the Chartered Institute of Building, we combine expertise with a personal touch to make home improvement journeys seamless and rewarding.
Services
Architectural Services
Construction Services
Project Management
Feasibility Reports
Home Extensions
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer 40 years of experience in architectural and construction services.
- Our sister company Build-It provides seamless design-to-build solutions.
- We are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
- We manage projects from initial consultation to completion.
- We visit clients at home for no-obligation discussions.
Associations and certifications
- ROYAL INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS
- CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF BUILDING
- ASSOCIATION OF PROJECT SAFETY
- FEDERATION OF SMALL BUSINESSES
What people say
Professional service
Expert planning guidance
Seamless project management
Reliable construction team
Excellent communication
Services
Architectural Services
We provide architectural services including building surveys, sketch schemes, floor plans, and planning permission applications. Our team negotiates with local authorities and submits building warrants, ensuring compliance with regulations. Clients receive stamped drawings and completion certificates for future property transactions.
Construction Services
Our construction services cover extensions, alterations, repairs, and insurance-related works. We coordinate trades like joiners, plumbers, and electricians, offering solutions for bathrooms, kitchens, windows, and driveways. Commercial maintenance contracts are also available for offices and shops.
Project Management
We manage projects from start to finish, including cost control, quality monitoring, and liaison with local authorities. Our services include preparing legal contracts, advising on stage payments, and securing completion certificates to ensure smooth project delivery.
Feasibility Reports
Our feasibility reports assess planning permission, building regulations, and cost implications. They include floor plans, elevations, and indicative costs to help clients make informed decisions before committing to full-scale projects.
Home Extensions
We specialise in home extensions, loft conversions, and garage conversions. Our process includes planning permission applications, building warrant submissions, and construction management to ensure extensions blend with existing properties and meet regulatory standards.
People
Bruce Fairbairn
Principal
A RICS-qualified professional with over 40 years of experience, Bruce leads Plan-It-Design-Design. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building and a member of the Association of Project Safety. He has managed projects across the UK and internationally.
Colin Fairbairn
Project Manager
Colin oversees construction projects for Plan-It-Design-Design and manages Build-It. He coordinates trades teams and ensures project completion to client satisfaction. He holds qualifications in construction project management and automotive engineering.
Questions
What services does Plan-It-Design-Design-Design offer?
We provide architectural design, construction services, project management, feasibility reports, and assistance with planning permissions and building warrants for home extensions and renovations.
Do you assist with planning permission applications?
Yes, we handle planning permission submissions, negotiate with local authorities, and ensure compliance with building regulations and environmental requirements.
Can you manage full construction projects?
Yes, through our sister company Build-It, we coordinate all aspects of construction, including trades, materials, and timelines for extensions and renovations.
Are payment methods listed on your website?
Payment methods are not explicitly stated in the provided text. Please contact us directly for payment-related inquiries.
Do you serve areas outside Edinburgh and West Lothian?
Our primary service areas are Edinburgh and West Lothian. Contact us to discuss projects in other locations.
Is emergency service available?
We do not offer emergency services. Our focus is on planned architectural and construction projects.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Dl C.
Nov 25, 2020
Report
Beware this company and its associates. This man IS NOT an architect. We had original plans drawn by him but when we said we did not want to use his other company to build the extension he became rude and unresponsive. We contracted another architect who was horrified at what she was looking at. Unsafe and unworkable was the consensus and when she investigated further he is not what he claims! Be careful!
Stuart Montgomery
Nov 21, 2020
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
I would like to thank PLAN- IT for all there help from start of works to completion , I would use there service again and recommend them without hesitation
I would like to thank PLAN- IT for all there help from start of works to completion , I would use there service again and recommend them without hesitation
Ronnie Crawford
Oct 13, 2020
Report
Would not recommend this guy. Extremely disappointed please do not pay anything up front as you will be disappointed !! He is not registered as an architect and will present you with basic drawings which you can download from land registry. ! Provided very basic information which anybody can access. I have basic CAD and could make better drawings. Really disappointed please be warned !!
Ronnie
Ronnie
Eddie Thomas
Sep 13, 2020
Report
PLEASE do your research before using this chap. As others have said he IS NOT an architect and the difference between him and an actual professional is night and day. I had a frightful time with him and his son. Neither are qualified. If you are considering using the services of Fairbairn Senior or Junior, get a second opinion from an industry recognised competitor first. I guarantee that you will be staggered at the difference between the two.
Decan Usmic
Jun 25, 2020
Report
We asked Plan-It to undertake the required drawings and all associated paperwork (Building Application etc) with regards to converting our garage into an en-suite bedroom. Very informative initial discussions and sound advice given regarding what we were looking for and what would be allowable under current building regulations. Vast technical knowledge and prompt with drawing completions and application submission etc. Quick to kept us updated as to progress and we are really happy with the end result ! Would definitely recommend Plan-It to others. Genuinely happy customer !
Charles Wardman
Aug 14, 2019
Report
What a hideous experience. Plan It is an exercise in the avoidance of responsibility. We took comfort in the "architect" (Architects Registration Board later confirmed not an architect), the local reputable position and links to a small family building firm. What we've been left with is two independent structural reports calling for a rebuild, basic considerations missed and horrifying attempts to hide incompetence.
Horrendous.
Horrendous.
Eve W.
May 27, 2019
Report
Simply cannot convey how bad our experience with Bruce has been. He has left us with an extension that needs completely demolished, plans that were not followed, and his very strong recommendation that we use his son at Build It was the worst advice we have ever been given. Don't be fooled by him like we were - he is not what he would have you believe.
