Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Design Services In London

Bespoke extraction and ventilation design for new commercial kitchens, refurbishments and system upgrades across London.

Extractor Experts plans canopies, airflow, fans, ductwork, make-up air and associated extraction components around your cooking equipment, building constraints and operational requirements.

Ventilation Design

Plan extraction before the kitchen is built, not after

Extraction that’s squeezed in after a kitchen is finished rarely works as well as one planned from the start. Extractor Experts produces full ventilation design airflow calculations, canopy and ductwork layouts, and fan selection for new builds, refits, and change-of-use kitchens, coordinated with your architect or kitchen designer.

Airflow calculated before a single duct is cut

Every design starts with an airflow calculation based on your proposed cooking equipment not a generic figure per square metre. From there we produce canopy and ductwork layout drawings, select an appropriate fan, and confirm plant space and discharge point requirements before any installation begins.

This means ceiling voids, structural openings and plant room space can be agreed with your build team early, instead of extraction being forced into whatever space is left over.

Our Design Process

From brief to build-ready drawings

Initial Consultation

We discuss the business, proposed menu, cooking equipment, premises and project programme.

Site Survey

The available space, existing system, potential duct routes, fan location and discharge options are reviewed.

Information Review

We assess available kitchen plans, equipment schedules, architectural drawings and project requirements.

Airflow and System Development

Canopy requirements, extraction airflow, fan duty, ductwork, replacement air and other agreed components are developed.

Layout and Coordination

The proposed arrangement is coordinated with relevant members of the project team within our agreed scope.

Design Proposal

The customer receives the agreed drawings, specification information, assumptions and quotation.

Installation

Extractor Experts can quote for the associated canopy, extraction system and ductwork installation.

Testing and Handover

Where installation is included, agreed testing, operating information and maintenance recommendations are provided at completion.

Designed with Relevant UK Guidance in Mind

Depending on the project, commercial kitchen ventilation design may need to consider:

DW172 is recognised industry guidance, but it is not itself planning permission, Building Control approval or a guarantee of legal compliance.
Responsibilities may be shared between the customer, landlord, architect, M&E consultant, principal designer, fire engineer, gas engineer, contractor and other appointed professionals.

Only display BESA accreditation or claim authority to issue compliance certification if current documentary evidence confirms it.

Information We Review Before Designing the System

A reliable design begins with accurate information.
Where available, we review:

Kitchen Layout

The location of the cooking line, preparation areas, doors, windows and surrounding rooms affects canopy positioning and airflow.

Cooking Equipment Schedule

Appliance type, dimensions, fuel source and heat output influence canopy coverage and extraction demand.

Menu and Cooking Process

Frying, grilling, steaming, boiling and solid-fuel cooking create different heat, grease, smoke and vapour loads.

Operating Hours

A high-volume kitchen operating late into the night may need different noise, maintenance and control considerations from a school lunch kitchen.

Building Drawings

Architectural, structural and M&E information helps identify ceiling voids, risers, plant spaces, roof access and possible duct routes.

Existing Extraction Equipment

For refurbishments, we assess which accessible components may be retained, modified or replaced.

Ventilation Design for London Commercial Kitchens

We provide design support for suitable projects involving:

Restaurants and cafés
Takeaways and quick-service kitchens
Hotels, pubs and bars
Schools and colleges
Food-production kitchens
Retail food operations
Managed commercial properties
New developments and refurbishment projects

Recommendations are based on the actual cooking operation and premises rather than a standard sector template.

SERVICE AREA

Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Design Across London

Extractor Experts supports projects throughout London and Greater London, including:

London projects frequently involve mixed-use buildings, restricted roof access, conservation considerations, nearby homes and borough-specific planning requirements.
Contact us with the postcode, proposed equipment schedule and project stage so we can assess the required design scope.

FAQs

Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Design Questions

When should I involve a ventilation designer?

Ideally, before the cooking equipment, ceiling layout, structural openings and plant spaces are finalised. Earlier involvement provides more options and reduces the risk of redesign.

What information do you need to begin?

Useful information includes the address, kitchen layout, equipment schedule, proposed menu, operating hours, building drawings and any planning or landlord requirements.

Do you provide airflow calculations?

Airflow assessment can form part of the design scope. Confirm the required calculation detail, professional responsibility and documentation in the quotation.

Can you design around existing equipment?

Yes, subject to survey and adequate equipment information. We will identify which accessible components may be retained, modified or replaced.

Can you help with noise and odour requirements?

We can consider extraction-related noise and odour-control measures. A formal acoustic, odour-impact or planning report may require a separately qualified consultant.

How much does ventilation design cost?

Cost depends on kitchen size, project stage, survey requirements, drawings, calculations, revisions, planning support and coordination required. A brief and site information are needed before quoting.

Related Services

Planning a New Commercial Kitchen or Refit?

Send us your kitchen layout, equipment schedule, project address and proposed opening date. Extractor Experts will review the information and recommend the appropriate survey and design scope.