Heritage/Conservation Design:

It can be very daunting even knowing where to start with a building project, especially if your property is Listed or in a Conservation Area. The important thing to understand is that historic buildings are not museum pieces preserved in time and never changing. 

Historic England recognises that extension or alteration work is sometimes necessary and acceptable. The key is to demonstrate that the design of the proposals are thorough so that they can see that there would be no material harm done to the heritage value either of the building or its surroundings.

How we work:

It’s never too early to speak to us, even if initially we tell you that there are some other things you need to do before we really get involved. We’re very lucky to have a team that is as passionate about precious Heritage buildings as they are about their more modern counterparts. As well as years of experience working in Conservation Areas and on Listed buildings with the added benefit of having the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Advanced Conservation Course under our belt. This ensures we can always take the best approach with these very sensitive projects.
The first two things you need are;
  • To have a home or property that doesn’t fulfil your needs.
  • Have an idea on budget available for a project.
Do bear in mind that it’s completely normal for you not to have any idea what you might want to do to make it better – that’s also something that we can help with and it’s what we call ‘Developing the Brief’
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Our process:

  • Phase 1 – Survey & Sketches
    • Measured & Photographic Survey – Making sure we have all the relevant information about the property.
    • Develop the Brief – Making sure we have all the relevant information about what your main requirements are.  They might not be clear to you yet – that’s normal!
    • Concept Exploration – Making sure we explore enough different options to help you understand what would work best for you.   One of the most valuable parts of the process – making sure you get the best out of your project.
  • Phase 2 – Planning Information & Application
    • Checking whether you’re allowed to build it so that the proposals wouldn’t harm their environment (street scene, neighbours’ amenity, greenbelt, floodplain etc).
    • If your Building is Listed or within a Conservation Area, we will need to produce a Heritage Report, which evaluates the impact of your proposals.
    • If your building is Listed or part of a Scheduled Ancient Monument, we will also need to apply for Listed or Scheduled Ancient Monument Consent.  This may have to include some construction details, which would normally not be prepared until the Production Information phase.  It can be better to do this before submitting the application to avoid the delaying the project later by having to clear the Listed building conditions that would otherwise be imposed by the Local Authority.
  • Phase 3 – Full Plans (Building Regulations) Application

    Making sure the proposals comply with the technical building standards.  Typically, we’d also need to work with a Structural Engineer who would prepare structural designs & calculations.  Some of these things may already have been dealt with under the Listed building application so this pack often needs less work as a result.

  • Phase 4 – Production Information

    Making sure that the builders have all the detailed information about your project so that they don’t have to make any assumptions when they are preparing their quote and ultimately building.

  • Phase 5 - Tenders

    Making sure you have a selection of builders, who would be available, asking them to quote on the information they’ve been sent and helping you to choose which one you want to work with.


    We can help you to find builders with the appropriate skill level to work on more specialist restoration work.

  • Phase 6 – Contract Administration, Site Supervision & Post Completion

    Making sure you and the builder use the right build contract and that all parties stick to it (production information, stage payments etc).  This includes the period after the build to make sure anything that goes wrong is put right.

Other services:

  • Heritage statement

    Also available as a separate service if you need it.  We’re often more competitive on pricing as we tailor the pack according to the status of the building, the scope of work being carried out, to meet the Local Authorities specific requirements. (rather than preparing the same depth of information for all projects).

  • Kickstarter Package

    A high level exploration of the options, constraints, costs and planning possibilities of your project to give you an overall picture.

  • Pre-Planning Application Consultation & Feedback

    Asking the local authority informally if what you’re hoping to do might be acceptable.

  • 3D Images

    Computer generated views to help you (and us) visualise and design the proposals better.

  • Principal Designer Services

    Making sure the proposals have reduced the risk of harm or injury during construction and through the use of the building.

  • Value Engineering

    Revisiting and amending the designs to try and reduce the build costs so that you can afford to build it.

  • Build Costing Estimate (Quantity Surveyor)

    Checking project costs early so that we can help you decide what your priorities are and where costs could be reduced.

  • Thames Water Agreement

    Sometimes needed if you’re building near or over underground drains to make sure they won't get damaged.

  • Energy Assessment (SAP)

    Sometimes needed if your proposal has a lot of glazing proposed to show it complies with energy regulations.

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Recent conservation projects:

All projects

Client Testimonials:

“Artichoke were recommended by a friend of ours as being a practice that could help narrow down what we wanted as we had such a huge array of possibilities. Although we didn’t know exactly what would suit us when we started we put our faith in Chris & the team, who helped us find what scale and design of project we actually wanted - it wasn’t until we’d seen all their sketched designs that we could decide! We had been considering moving as we couldn’t see how it might be improved but now we’re completely in love with it as the house and the way we use it has changed so dramatically.”
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