Inspiration for your project
Houzz and Pinterest are great starting points for collecting ideas for a domestic project.
Houzz - general architectural design and lifestyle portal with lots of inspirational domestic projects
Pinterest - general through to very specific design inspiration
ArchDaily - international architectural projects portal
Dwell - international house projects portal
Technical requirements
Planning
General advice on 'permitted development' and whether your project may require planning permission can be found on the government's Planning Portal. Local authorities may have local planning application requirements specific to their area in addition to national requirements. Also, there are likely to be different rules in Conservation Areas, National Parks and when working with or near Listed Buildings; we can advise you on this.
Planning Portal - advice as to whether you need planning permission
Sheffield City Council Planning Permission and Advice
Sheffield City Council Conservation Areas
Peak District National Park Authority Planning Guidance
Building Control
Planning Portal - advice on which projects require Building Control approval and what this entails
Sheffield City Council Building Control
Employing an Architect
The following links explain what you should consider and expect when employing an architect.
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Working with an Architect for your Home
Architects Registration Board Finding an Architect
Association of Environment Conscious Building (AECB)
RIBA Plan of Work 2013 - describes the project design and construction work stages
Designing and Building Sustainably
PassivHaus - portal for passive design information
AECB Silver Standard - UK eco standard for housing design and performance
Living Roofs - green and biodiverse roof projects and advice
Greening Grey Britain (Royal Horticultural Society) - advice on increasing green space around buildings, including gardens and paved areas
The Building Centre - portal for innovative design
Green Infrastructure Partnership - portal for sustainable development research
Sheffield is my Planet - portal for Sheffield-based businesses with an interest in sustainability