Basement Architects in London
Basement extensions can be a great way to transform how you use your home, adding significant extra living space and value without changing the footprint. Planned and designed with purpose, a basement extension is ideal for a home cinema, gym, playroom, guest suite, wine room, utility room and so much more. If you’re planning to dig-down and looking for a basement that is much more than a hole on the ground, CATO creative are here to help.
Why choose CATO creative for your basement extension
We help our clients make sure that a basement extension is the right solution, that they understand the process, and that the space will add genuine value. We then create a new space that blends seamlessly with their existing home and the way they live.
With a proven track record across most London Boroughs, we understand the character, planning requirements, and property styles of London homes. We have completed loft conversions, extensions, basements, full renovations and flat refurbishments projects in Barnes, Bayswater, Chelsea, Chiswick, Clerkenwell, Earls Court, Earlsfield, Fulham, Hampstead Heath, Hampton Court, Hammersmith, High Street Kensington, Islington, Kensington, Kingston-upon-Thames, Knightsbridge, Parsons Green, Pimlico, Putney, Richmond, Soho, South Kensington, Southfields, Teddington, Wandsworth, West Hampstead, Westminster and Wimbledon.
At CATO creative, we believe that any extension should feel light, spacious, integrated and be a natural addition to your existing home. When if comes to basements, we maximise the use of internal glazing, lightwells, courtyards and walk-on glazed panels to train light into the darkest of corners. Where possible, staircases are positioned under rooflights and with a direct view of the sky above. Ceiling heights are stretched to create a feeling of space - or coziness - that reflects the floors above, while the layout provides a natural flow and flexibility for everyday living.
Light, spacious and integrated
Planning Made Simple
Some basement extensions can be built using Permitted Development rights, avoiding the need for a full planning application. For larger basements and those with lightwells, full planning permission is a must. CATO creative has a 100% success rate in securing planning or permitted development approval for basement extensions. We produce and submit all the drawings and reports, while coordinating specialist third-party inputs where required. By getting this right first time, we help you avoid costly redesigns, planning refusals or months of delay that can set projects back significantly.
Design by Architects, Built by Specialists
The successful basement extensions happen when each stage is handled by the right team. Specialist basement companies are excellent at excavation and structure, and the right choice can deliver a fast, hassle-free, quality build. At the same time, these companies are not necessarily focused on design ambition or the finer details of how the space will be lived in. That’s where we come in.
We design basement extensions that maximise light, space & storage, while integrating essential functional requirements such as ventilation, drainage & climate control. This avoids the common pitfalls of poorly planned basements — dark, underused rooms, wasted investment, or systems that are expensive to retrofit later. By working with experienced builders and basement specialists, we make sure you get the best of both worlds: brilliant design, quality construction and seamless coordination.
Building down often beats building out, or moving. With sky-high stamp duty and purchase prices, extending is often smarter, more cost effective and provides the opportunity to shape your perfect home. Digging down also preserves your outdoor living and avoids restrictions on size or scale.
There are things to consider as a basement is big decision. CATO creative, will help you decide if a basement is the right solution, balancing benefits with practical considerations. We make sure that you understand the process & how the space will add genuine value to your life and property.
Is a Basement Extension the right decision?
Full Design & Project Coordination
Following the RIBA Plan of Works approach, CATO creative can design, specify and coordinate every project stage for your basement extensions so the process is clear and as stress-free as it can be. During the design phase, we produce concept ideas, develop the detail, specifying all the furniture, fittings and equipment and then deliver technical packs for tender and construction. We produce and submit all the planning and statutory approvals, such as building control and party wall agreements.
When come to construction, we bring in and coordinate al specialist consultants such as structural engineers, waterproofing experts, and M&E designers. We then complete the competitive tender, before working closely with the contractors and suppliers to make sure the build runs smoothly and to the highest standard
Start Your Basement Transformation
Ready to see what’s possible for your basement extension? As a full service architecture and interior design practice, we help our clients plan, design and deliver their basement projects. Simply send us a message, ping over an email or call us and one of the team will be in touch to arrange a free, no obligation, consultation.
Here’s how we can help:
• Project feasibility
• Pre-application advice
• Planning permission
• Building Regulations & construction drawings
• Architectural & interior design
• Specifying fixtures, fittings & equipment (FF&E)
• Scope of works, tender & contract preparation
• Project delivery