About
ALM Architect is an architecture practice run by me, Anna Meredith. I’m a qualified architect with experience designing homes, as well as working on renovations, extensions, remodelling, and conversions. A couple of years ago, I left working in an architecture practice and retrained to work with vulnerable children and their families. But design never leaves you, and I’ve returned with fresh perspective and new skills. Now, through ALM Architect, I focus on truly understanding my clients and creating beautiful spaces that reflect their lives and enhance how they live every day.
My design process is people-first. I take the time to understand how you live, how you use your home, what you love about it, what you think could work better, and what you’d like to improve. This helps me propose unique ideas and solutions, resulting in a truly personal design that genuinely reflects you.
My approach to design considers every scale, from the overall feel and flow of a space to the finer details of how each element comes together. I enjoy resolving the technical details of a project and have done so throughout my career, making thoughtful detailing an integral part of my work. I take pride in ensuring my designs are simple and safe to build and maintain, and I work collaboratively with builders to develop clear details and find the most efficient way to deliver each project.
I care deeply about the future of our planet and work to minimise the environmental impact of the way we live. Guided by this ethos and a solid knowledge of sustainable design, my work is always environmentally conscious. For clients who prioritise sustainability, it can also become a central focus of the design.
My Design Ethos
People‑first
Lifestyle‑focused
Sustainability‑aware
Collaborative
Attention to detail
Process
01.
Brief
This is the 'why' of the project, I’ll come and meet you at your home or on site to understand your goals, what's not working for you, and what you want. We’ll discuss your timescales, budget, statutory requirements, and anything else that’s relevant. This is a collaborative stage, so I can get a real sense of what will work best for you.
02.
Sketch Design
Based on our discussions, I’ll create an initial sketch design for your project. We’ll then meet again to go through the sketches together, talking through ideas and finding the solution that feels right for you.
Survey
03.
I’ll carry out a survey of your existing home or site and produce an ‘existing’ 3D model, giving us a solid starting point for the design.
Design & Planning
04.
Using the agreed sketch design, I’ll develop a ‘proposed’ 3D model which I use to generate a full set of design drawings, usually at 1:100 scale. If planning permission is needed, I’ll handle the submission to the Local Authority, including all forms and supporting information, making the process as smooth as possible for you.
05.
Building Regulations
I’ll prepare a set of drawings for Building Control, showing how the project meets all relevant regulations. These typically include plans, elevations, and sections at 1:50 scale, with clear dimensions. Many builders ask for this information to provide accurate cost estimates.
06.
Construction
I can continue to support you through the construction stage, depending on your needs. This might include liaising with your builder, visiting the site, helping source materials or products, and working together to ensure the project comes together efficiently and as envisioned.
FAQs
If you don’t see your question answered here, please get in touch — I’m happy to help.
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I’m based in Northenden, close to South Manchester areas including Didsbury, Chorlton, Cheadle, Gatley, Heaton Mersey, Stockport, Levenshulme, Longsight, Edgeley, Wythenshawe, and Withington. I work across Greater Manchester and the North West, and I’m happy to consider projects further afield, having completed work in Cheltenham, Herefordshire, Leeds, and London.
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There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as I work to my client’s timescales rather than my own. Some clients like time to consider proposals and explore options, while others prefer to move forward quickly. I always discuss my own availability and timescales at the initial meeting, and I do my best to accommodate urgent requests when a quick turnaround is needed.
For planning applications, decisions should be made by the local authority within 8 weeks, though for more complex applications the limit is extended to 13 weeks. -
It depends on the type of work you’re doing and the rules in your local area. Some projects fall under Permitted Development, while others require a full planning application. I’ll always advise you on what’s needed for your home and guide you through the process from start to finish, so nothing feels overwhelming.
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Every project is unique, and my fees are tailored to reflect the scope and complexity of the work involved. I offer a free initial consultation where we can talk through your ideas, review your brief, discuss any planning requirements, and consider any project-specific details.
Following this, you’ll receive a clear, bespoke fee proposal tailored to your project. I typically work on a fixed-fee basis for the design, planning, and building regulations stages, with all fees agreed in writing before work begins — ensuring clarity and transparency from the outset.
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Building Regulations set national standards to ensure building work is safe, energy-efficient, and fit for use. They cover areas such as structure, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, and drainage. Most domestic projects — including extensions, loft conversions, and many internal alterations — require Building Regulations approval, even if planning permission is not needed.
I can prepare clear, detailed drawings for submission to building control and guide you through the process. Building control will carry out inspections at key stages during construction, and once the work is complete, they’ll issue a completion certificate — giving you reassurance that everything has been done properly.Most builders will need a set of Building Regulations drawings in order to prepare an accurate quote for your building work.
