Business Details
18 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Solutions in Croydon
Established in 2008, Shorplans Developments is a multidisciplinary design and build practice with over two decades of expertise in planning, design, and construction. As a RIBA and ARB Chartered Architects Practice, we deliver informed, honest, and realistic advice alongside comprehensive architectural services. Our team specialises in residential and commercial sectors, offering planning applications, building control, party wall surveys, and structural engineering solutions.With a 97% planning approval success rate and experience across 32 London boroughs, we combine local knowledge with innovative design to meet client needs. Our commitment to quality is reflected in over 1,000 completed projects, ensuring compliance with regulations while prioritising functionality and aesthetics.
Services
Architectural Design
Structural Engineering
Party Wall Services
Residential Projects
Commercial Projects
Planning Permissions
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of architectural and planning expertise
- RIBA-certified architects with local council knowledge
- 97% planning approval success rate
- Serves 32 London boroughs with tailored solutions
- Transparent pricing with 20% discount on services
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- ARB
What people say
Excellent and flexible
Super ideas
Heaps of communication
Highly functional spaces
Excited to start project
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design service combines creativity with technical expertise to deliver bespoke solutions for residential and commercial properties. From concept to completion, we ensure compliance with planning regulations and building standards while maximising space and aesthetics. With local knowledge across 32 London boroughs, we provide tailored designs that meet client visions and budget requirements.
Structural Engineering
Specialist structural engineering services cover residential and commercial projects, including extensions, loft conversions, and load-bearing wall removals. We provide detailed calculations, steel beam specifications, and foundation designs to meet Building Control requirements. Our in-house coordination with architects ensures seamless project delivery from initial assessment to final sign-off.
Party Wall Services
Comprehensive party wall services include notice preparation, schedule of conditions, and award documentation in accordance with the Party Wall Act 1996. Our surveyors ensure legal compliance for extensions, basement works, and boundary-related projects, minimising disputes and delays while protecting both building and adjoining properties.
Residential Projects
We specialise in residential architecture covering new builds, extensions, and renovations. Services include planning applications, permitted development assessments, and interior design solutions. Our focus on sustainability and space optimisation creates functional living environments that align with modern lifestyles while maintaining compliance with local authority requirements.
Commercial Projects
Commercial architecture services address office refurbishments, retail fit-outs, and mixed-use developments. We ensure compliance with building regulations while enhancing operational efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Our team provides end-to-end support including structural assessments, planning submissions, and construction coordination to deliver projects on time and within budget.
People
Carl Shorter
Founder - Architect
Founder of Shorplans Developments with 20+ years' experience in architectural design. BA (Hons) in Architecture from London South Bank University, skilled in AutoCAD and construction drawings. Demonstrated expertise in navigating planning regulations and delivering client-focused solutions.
Maria Silva
Senior Architect
Experienced architect specialising in urban voids with a MArch degree in Architecture. Qualified Technician of Management of Construction Works, ensuring projects meet the highest standards. Provides expert guidance on residential and commercial developments across London's urban landscape.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer in London?
We provide residential and commercial design, party wall services, structural engineering, planning applications, and building control submissions across all London boroughs.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide free no-obligation consultations to discuss project scope, feasibility, and costs with clear fee structures.
How does the party wall process work?
We prepare legally compliant notices, coordinate surveys, and draft Party Wall Awards to ensure compliance with the 1996 Act and prevent disputes.
Are your architects RIBA-certified?
Yes, we are a RIBA and ARB Chartered Architects Practice with strict adherence to professional standards and local planning requirements.
What areas do you cover?
We operate across all London boroughs and Surrey, with specialist knowledge of local planning policies in 32 boroughs.
Do you handle planning permission applications?
Yes, we prepare and submit planning applications with a 97% success rate, ensuring compliance with council standards and minimising delays.
Reviews (1)
David Huntley
Sep 13, 2019
Report
This has been a very poor service from Shorplans, especially from yourself Carl, in which you have to be the most incompetent, unprofessional and impolite person I have ever encountered. The amount of errors encountered on the requested drawings were beyond ridiculous, and if it was not for the fact that I deal with technical drawings on a daily basis these would not have been picked up. I feel very worried for the people that have received drawings from Shorplans and not realised the amount of errors and incorrect information that can be found on them. When bringing errors or changes to the attention
