Guest Blog -Architect or Interior Designer....or les deux?

Chris Dale • October 21, 2024

Guest Blog kindly written by Katie Hyde owner of A T E L I E R id

So, you've finally decided to take the plunge....

That dream new house build you've been sketching on napkins for years? That long awaited extension that will make family life SO much easier? Or that ambitious renovation you’ve been saving the pennies for? 
It's finally happening!
But as you dive headfirst into Pinterest boards and paint swatches, a big question pops up: Do I need an architect, or an interior designer, or both?
It feels like a fork in the road, where each path offers a unique version of your dream space. Let’s face it, navigating the world of design can feel like learning a new language. And who wants to end up with a "lost in translation" scenario for their haven.
That’s why we’re breaking it all down to explore and clarify the roles of architects like Artichoke and interior designers like A T E L I E R | id . Consider this your cheat sheet for understanding who does what and, more importantly, who you need on your team to turn your dream home into a reality.

Space dreams: when do I need an architect?


 Even before you think about what home you might want, or how you might want to make it bigger, a good architect will ask you questions. They will want to know why you're doing it, what your priorities are and what your budget is. It's only by knowing these things that they can help you to understand what options are possible and achievable.


Architects are the experts in helping you to develop a brief and then turn that into conceptual and detailed designs - and then into reality. They are designers, so of course, they can help you with space, form and light, but they are also organisers, so they will make sure that you have the right team to make sure that you have the right experts on board to achieve your priorities.


If you're planning a new build, an extension, or a major renovation, an architect should be a non-negotiable consultant. They'll collaborate with you on everything from the overall layout and flow of your home, to the strategic placement of windows to maximize natural light. In essence, Artichoke are the conductors of your home's symphony, ensuring every element is in harmony.

Beyond the walls: what does an interior designer bring to the table?


Once the architect has started the creative juices flowing, the interior designer joins in, working with you and the architect to infuse your space with even more personality and style. Think of them as the artists who paint life onto the architect's canvas.
 
Interior designers like A T E L I E R    id focus on maximizing functionality while reflecting your unique style. They guide you in selecting everything from the perfect paint colours and flooring to furniture, lighting, and those essential finishing touches that make a house a home. But their expertise goes beyond just aesthetics.


A skilled interior designer will work with the design team to consider your lifestyle, needs, and budget to create a space that's both beautiful and practical. They can produce lighting designs to compliment the architects design, but without compromising functional light. They can develop bathroom s to be aspirational spa envy spaces, and they can take cabinetry design to the real max. Not to mention they're also pros at sourcing unique furnishing pieces! Interior designers can take the stress away from you and manage the often-overwhelming logistics of an interior design project.

The power of collaboration: can an architect and interior designer work together?


Absolutely! Having both an architect and an interior designer can be a fantastic combination. They work together seamlessly to create a home that not only has the best design and space (and of course will be structurally sound and functional) but also visually stunning and perfectly suited to your needs.
 
When an architect and interior designer collaborate from the get-go, they can bounce ideas off each other, ensuring that the buildings' design and spatial elements and the intended interior design complement one another.


For example, the architect may specify an opened up space that requires new structural steel required for an extension, while the interior designer may suggest leaving this exposed to create a bold feature within a slightly industrial and eclectic interior.
 
This collaborative approach ensures a cohesive and harmonious design, where every detail, from the grand architectural gestures to the smallest decorative accents, work together to create a truly exceptional space.

Budgeting bliss: is hiring both professionals realistic?


I know what you're thinking:

"This all sounds amazing, but can I afford both an architect and an interior designer?" It's a valid concern, but the answer isn't as black and white as you might think.

Firstly, keep in mind that both architects and interior designers offer a range of services. You may opt for full design service for both, or take a more collaborative approach, working with the architect on structural elements and then bringing in an interior designer for specific rooms or aspects of the project.

Secondly, consider the long-term benefits. While hiring both professionals might seem like a significant upfront investment, it can save you money in the long run. Their expertise can help you avoid costly mistakes, ensure your project stays on budget, and ultimately increase the value of your home.


To make sure you're aware of how far your budget can stretch and that all designers are maximising the spend of every penny, it can be well worth adding a Quantity Surveyor to the team. Then, just as you would for your personal budget, you can decide where it's best to allocate your budget and critically that you know from day 1 that someone is keeping an eye on the spending. By doing this, you significantly reduce the chances of running out of money and having to chop out beautiful bits of the designs. 

Finding my dream team: tips for choosing the right professionals


Whether you decide to go with an architect like Artichoke, or an interior designer like Atelier ID, or both, finding the right professionals for your project is crucial.

Here are a few tips to guide you:

  • Do your research: Look for local professionals with an established client base in your area who will have great relationships with local trades and supplier expertise.
  • Check out our portfolios: This will give you a good sense of our varied aesthetics and the wider expertise across different styles that we can bring to your project.
  • Read reviews and testimonials: See what past clients have to say about our experience and approach on our websites, or ask to talk to our previous local clients for a real second opinion.
  • Look for Professional Affiliations: Independent industry bodies like the British Institute of Interior Design have Codes of Conduct that reflect the quality and experience of its members that guarantee professionalism.
  • Schedule consultations: This is your chance to get to know Us, ask questions, and see if there's a good fit, and whether our approach resonates with you.
  • Trust your gut: Ultimately, you need to feel comfortable and confident with the professionals you choose.


Building or renovating a home is a significant undertaking, but it's also an incredibly exciting journey.

By understanding the roles of architects and interior designers, you can assemble the perfect team to bring your vision to life, creating a space that's not just a house, but a true reflection of you.

​

So get in touch to discuss your dream project further and together we can create your perfect home!

https://www.atelierinteriordesign.co.uk/


“Architecture is the learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the light” 


L E  C O R B U S I E R


Guest blog kindly written by Katie Hyde, owner of A T E L I E R id

A Guest Blog with Mark Taylor Design

By Chris Dale • September 3, 2025
1. Tell us a little about Mark Taylor Design — how did it start, and what defines your approach to bespoke interiors and kitchens? Mark Taylor Design was set up 29 years ago. I was trained in both furniture production and management and was also a keen designer. I had completed an MBA and wanted to apply all these skills to build a business, doing something I loved. I have always believed that you can design beautiful furniture and rooms without imposing a specific ‘look’. The company has built its reputation on listening to the ideas and desires of clients. We then help to steer their vision through space design, interior expertise and craft skills. What people have at the end of their design and build journey is their vision made beautiful – rather than ours. 2. What makes a truly successful kitchen or interior design in your view — and how do you balance aesthetics with day-to-day functionality? There is nothing quite like the beauty of bespoke. Having something created to your specifications is arguably the epitome of modern luxury. Bespoke is most commonly used to refer to hand-made suits and shoes. Now the concept has become much more sought after within the world of interiors and design – with bespoke kitchens leading the way. And it’s not too hard to understand why. Bespoke means not having to compromise - getting exactly what you want and how you want it. It also allows you to unleash your imagination and embrace your creativity. The end result is a room that is crafted, in every way, to embrace your lifestyle and personal taste. Importantly, by incorporating some elements of bespoke furniture into a custom made kitchen it’s possible to give people a unique room without breaking the bank. This could be a bespoke island or dresser for instance. By combining bespoke and custom made you can optimise the space so that the end result flows smoothly and looks amazing too. 3. How do you typically collaborate with architects on a project? What makes those relationships work well? Collaboration early on always helps. We ask architects not only about style and budget but also about the client’s favoured ways of working. Ideally, we like to meet the clients with the architect from the outset. Where this isn’t possible, we at least aim for a walk round the space or a chat through all the plans – even for the areas we might not be designing for, as this gives us a more comprehensive understanding of the clients’ vision.

The Architecture of Relaxation: Designing Spaces That Feel Like a Holiday

By Chris Dale • August 19, 2025
It’s summer holiday season — and as clients return from coastal cottages, mountain cabins, or sun-drenched villas, one theme keeps coming up: “How can I bring this feeling home?” That sense of ease, simplicity, and quiet joy isn’t just about being away—it’s about how those spaces are designed. At Artichoke: Architectural Consultancy, we help clients capture that same serenity in their everyday environments, with thoughtful design that’s tailored to how they live. Restful spaces aren’t created by chance. They’re the result of purposeful decisions—about layout, light, flow, and function. And often, it’s the small, well-considered changes that make the biggest difference. With decades of experience navigating UK planning, building regulations, and complex design briefs, we know how to deliver spaces that feel effortless, yet are deeply intentional. A calming home doesn’t need to be minimalist or expensive—it needs to be clear. That might mean reconfiguring a hallway to reduce visual clutter, introducing built-in storage to keep surfaces free, or designing a garden connection that invites you to step outside. These aren’t grand gestures—they’re subtle shifts that support a more peaceful way of living. Previously, on projects such as Halfacre (pictured below) we have found that storage, in particular, plays a quiet but very powerful role. When clutter is tucked away with care, rooms feel lighter, more spacious, and more welcoming. We design storage that’s integrated, intuitive, and tailored to your lifestyle — so your home supports simplicity without sacrificing function.

Should we save or borrow for our extension?

By Chris Dale • July 16, 2025
Like many, I am generally a saver rather than a borrower by default. A client recently told us that they planned to delay their project, so that they could save the additional money they needed to be able to do the extension that they really wanted, rather than compromising. Wisely they had asked us to carry out a costing exercise, so they knew this and could assess the situation and plan for it. In that instance they had £75,000 and needed save roughly another £25,000 to do what they wanted to do, which they thought they might be able to do over the course of 3-4 years. Their question was actually when they should resume the process, which we answered and I suggested that they give themselves a year to be comfortable to get planning, building regulations and find themselves a builder (it’s always better to allow more time than less!). However, it occurred to me that whilst saving rather than borrowing (in my mind at least) is an admirable and patient approach, it made me wonder what other factors should be considered.

How good advice can pay for itself...and then some

By Chris Dale • June 17, 2025
When you're planning a new build, a renovation, or a quirky conversion project you've been dreaming about, there’s one aspect that might not make your heart race like the design itself—VAT. Yes, VAT might sound as thrilling as watching paint dry, but believe me, getting it right can make a significant difference to your overall budget. So, why should you care about VAT? At Artichoke, we are not just here to design good architecture — we are also here to ensure everything from design to delivery is as smart and cost-effective as possible. In some cases, VAT is a hidden savings opportunity. By understanding exactly how VAT applies to each part of your project, we might be able to help make sure you put your money into the right places on a project. And with a trusted team of consultants, including a Quantity Surveyor and a VAT specialist, we'll be well-equipped to secure savings that might just cover all our fees (and perhaps even fund that bit extra for those quirky design touches our clients love). Let’s take a quick look at some common VAT opportunities: • New Build Dwellings – 0% VAT (Zero-rated): When you're constructing a completely new residential home—even if we keep a few charming features like the façade or party walls intact—the project could qualify for a zero VAT rate. • Renovation of Empty Homes – 5% VAT (Reduced rate): If your property has been unoccupied for at least two years before the work starts, the renovation might be eligible for a reduced 5% VAT rate. • Conversions – 5% VAT (Reduced rate): Turning one home into two (or the other way around) or converting a non-residential building (say, an old office or barn) into a cosy home can also save you a bit on VAT. • Energy-Saving Materials – 0% or 5% VAT: Thanks to recent UK legislation, most energy-saving improvements like insulation, heat pumps, or solar panels installed in a residential setting usually attract a 0% VAT rate—though sometimes it might be 5% depending on specifics. • Adaptations for Disabled Persons – 0% VAT (Zero-rated): Any modifications made to help a disabled person can make the VAT bill disappear entirely (well, not actually vanish, but zero-rated, which is just as good). • For Businesses and Developers: If you're VAT-registered—whether as a business or developer—you might reclaim VAT on various building works and professional services (yours truly, the architect, included!). • Grant Schemes and Self-Builds: There are also a couple of schemes out there where, either through grants or self-build VAT reclaims, you could see even more savings—sometimes effectively reducing your VAT cost to zero.

Guest Blog: What makes a Great Architect (& why it matters for your family home)

By Chris Dale • May 20, 2025
 Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of working with many architects on residential projects across Windsor and beyond. Some collaborations stand out — not just for the results, but for the journey we take together with the architect and the client. And if there's one thing we've learned, it's this: the quality of your architect doesn't just affect drawings and design. It shapes your entire experience as a homeowner. So, what makes an architect good to work with? And why should it matter to you as a residential client? Here’s our take — drawing on decades of experience and a particularly valued partnership with the team at Artichoke . 1. Clear, Considered Design That Works in the Real World It’s easy to be wowed by a glossy design on paper — but the real test is how well that design comes together on site. The best architects don’t just create something that looks good in a portfolio. They design spaces that feel right , work well , and reflect how families actually live . Artichoke are a great example. Their designs are not only amazing — they’re deeply thoughtful. We’ve had clients pause during site visits to comment on how right the proportions feel, how naturally the light falls, and how every part of the layout seems to anticipate their daily routine. It makes our job as builders a pleasure — and it gives families a home that genuinely enhances their day-to-day life. 2. Drawings That Speak for Themselves Nothing slows down a site — or adds hidden costs — like unclear drawings. The best architects give us the clarity we need to keep things moving smoothly, safely, and accurately. One of the things we value most about working with Artichoke is the clarity and completeness of their drawings . From structural details to finishes, everything is laid out with care and precision. That means fewer questions for the client, fewer delays on site, and far less risk of costly misinterpretation. When drawings are this clear, you don’t have to keep ringing your architect or making decisions under pressure — it’s all been thought through ahead of time. 3. A Relationship Built on Trust and Communication A long-standing working relationship between builder and architect is something no client can buy — but they benefit from it immensely. We’ve worked with Artichoke on numerous projects over the years, and that mutual trust makes a huge difference. Communication is quick, problems get solved collaboratively, and we’re always pulling in the same direction. That means less stress for clients and a more enjoyable build all round. It also allows us to head off potential issues before they arise — because we know how they work, and they know how we build. More Benefits for Homeowners: Why the Right Architect Pays Off When you choose a good architect — like the team at Artichoke — you're not just buying a design. You're investing in: Peace of mind. You’re not being constantly bombarded with decisions or left to second-guess site details. Efficient timelines. Fewer revisions, clearer drawings, and smoother communication mean your project stays on track. Cost control. Good drawings reduce site errors — and that helps protect your budget. Better long-term value. Thoughtful design means your home will stand the test of time — functionally and aesthetically. In Summary A good architect isn’t just a creative mind — they’re a cornerstone of a successful build. As builders, we love working with architects who respect the realities of site work while pushing for the best possible outcomes for the client. That’s exactly what we get with Artichoke . Great design. Clear documentation. Easy, honest collaboration. And most importantly, happy homeowners at the end of it all. If you’re planning a residential project — especially one that’s going to be a long-term family home — choosing the right architect is just as important as choosing the right builder. Choose wisely, and the process can be as rewarding as the result. So please do get in touch if you’d like to speak to The King Brothers or Artichoke, who would love to discuss your ideas and questions with you. http://www.thekingbrothers.co.uk/

Butterflies, Brickwork & Biodiversity: Why Building in Windsor Just Got More Interesting

By Chris Dale • April 23, 2025
If you’ve ever tried to extend your kitchen in Windsor and been met with more red tape than a royal ribbon-cutting, you’ll know this area isn’t exactly straightforward when it comes to building projects. Listed buildings, conservation areas, green belt, flood plains—and now, just to keep us all on our toes— biodiversity net gain . Yes, that’s right. The butterflies are now part of the planning process. And we’re absolutely here for it. We’re a small, design-obsessed architectural practice in Windsor, and we love a challenge. If your project comes with layers of complexity, maybe a 300-year-old wall or a site that’s prone to the odd flood, then you’re speaking our language. We’ve spent years navigating the quirks of this patch of Berkshire, and we know how to make the tricky stuff feel like the exciting stuff. So if you’re thinking of building, extending or reimagining your home (or even your business), let’s talk about why now is actually a brilliant time to get going—and how the new planning rules might just be the thing that pushes your project from good to gorgeous. What on earth is Biodiversity Net Gain? Let’s start with the buzzword: Biodiversity Net Gain , or BNG to those in the know. As of 2024, new developments in England (yes, even the small ones!) have to leave the natural environment in a better state than it was before. In simple terms, if you knock down a shed and build a garden office, you might also need to give something back to nature—think wildflower beds, hedgehog highways, green roofs, bird boxes, ponds… that kind of thing. And the aim is not just to replace what was lost, but to increase biodiversity by at least 10%. The government has officially asked us all to get a little greener—and in a town as leafy and heritage-laden as Windsor, that’s actually a lovely thing. What does that mean for your dream extension? Well, don’t panic. You’re not going to have to turn your back garden into a nature reserve. But it does mean the design process now includes a bit more imagination and a lot more collaboration with nature. For us, it’s like being handed a new palette of materials—only this time the materials are living, breathing, and occasionally fluttering. We might be talking about: Planting native species in your landscaping (the kind the bees actually like) Installing green roofs that soak up rain and look brilliant from above Creating little corridors for wildlife to move through (so the hedgehogs can get to their Friday night pub, presumably) Using permeable surfaces to reduce flood risk while still looking sharp It’s a challenge, yes. But it’s also an opportunity to make every project that bit more thoughtful—and beautiful. Why this is actually good news for Windsor Let’s be honest—this area is full of hoops to jump through when it comes to planning. But BNG actually fits in quite nicely with the way we already work. Here’s why: We already love working with heritage – Listed buildings don’t scare us. We know how to celebrate old features while sneaking in modern comforts and wow-factor spaces. We’ve got the green stuff down – With years of experience building in the green belt and flood-prone zones, we’re no strangers to weaving nature into the design. We believe in better – Whether it’s your forever home or your first leap onto the property ladder, we think good design should improve everything it touches: the lives inside the building, the neighbourhood it sits in, and now—the environment too. And let’s not forget—Windsor is special. We’ve got a town full of character, history, and people who genuinely care about where they live. So making things just a little bit wilder, greener, and more alive? It feels like exactly the right direction. But isn’t this going to make things harder? Well… maybe a little. You will need to work with someone who understands the new rules and can guide you through them without the process feeling like an uphill battle with a clipboard-wielding bureaucrat. But here’s the thing—we’re already doing this. We’re already weaving these ideas into our designs, already chatting to ecologists and planners, already sketching up ways to turn “requirements” into design features you’ll actually love. Think: a living wall on your new garden room, or a hidden bin store that doubles as a bug hotel. (Yes, that’s a thing. And yes, it can look great.) So… what kind of projects are we excited about? If you’ve got a listed cottage in a conservation area that needs a contemporary extension—let’s talk. If you’ve got a patch of green belt and a wild dream of a modern eco home—call us. If you’re a local business owner looking to build something bold but sensitive to its surroundings—we’re in. And if you’re just not sure where to begin, but you know you want a team who cares about getting it right—not just for the planners, but for the people and the planet—we’d love to help. Final thoughts (and an open invitation) Building in Windsor isn’t always straightforward, but that’s what makes it brilliant. There’s a richness to the fabric here—a layered history, a complex geography, a deep connection to landscape and place. And now, there’s a renewed call to design in harmony with the natural world. If that sounds like your cup of tea (preferably sipped in a light-filled extension overlooking a wildflower garden), then let’s chat. We’re here to help you navigate the quirks, embrace the challenges, and create something truly special. And who knows? You might even make a hedgehog happy in the process. Get in touch  We're a friendly bunch, and we’d love to hear what you’re planning. Whether it’s a single-storey extension, a new home, or something totally unexpected—we’re all ears. And sketchbooks. And strong tea.