It's been a busy 2023 here at Artichoke!

Chris Dale • December 13, 2023

Here's a summary of what we've been up to in 2023.

Artichoke news

Happy 15^th Anniversary Artichoke!

It was in the summer of 2008 when Chris Dale was in a (seemingly secure) role with a bespoke house builder in Maidenhead when – CRUNCH – a global financial crisis hit. Chris was made redundant with a week’s notice and with another child on the way!. It certainly focussed his mind and Artichoke was born. Initially Artichoke delivered very small projects and freelance work for other local architects and grew over the years to be working on projects over £5m with an incredible team of five. The approach has been the same from day 1 – do a great job for every client.

New office for Artichoke

For 12 years, we worked in an office affectionately known as 'The Shed'. We had a year (or so) working from home during Covid and a year working out of Chris's living room (Chris has an incredibly understanding wife)!

So, we were delighted to move into a purpose-built office. Being our own client showed first-hand the worries and considerations our own clients have. Budget is always a big one, but as with every project, simple and cost-effective materials like agricultural cladding, rough-sawn roofing battens and plyboard were detailed to create a refined finish.

We welcomed Esther back from maternity leave!

It seems like a long time ago that Esther left with the exciting news that she was having a baby! Nathan is now a year old and we couldn’t be happier to have Esther's experience, enthusiasm and skill back at Team Artichoke.

And we welcomed a new super-Admin Assistant

We were sad to see Ola leave back in November as she was Artichoke's first Admin Assistant and was fabulous. Nevertheless, we couldn't be more delighted to welcome Juliette to the team who is already embracing the role and making an incredible difference!

Artichoke hosts ‘Windsor Designs’ Live #1 & #2

Being a client isn’t easy and there are a lot of different professionals for them to consider when planning their own grand design.

To try and help, Artichoke created and hosted ‘Windsor Designs Live’ at the stunning Thames Hospice near Bray. Eight different consultants attended including - Architects, Interior Designers, Builders, Smart Homes, Eco Consultant, Planning Consultant and Landscaper. They were all available for clients to meet in person and one-to-one so they could all ask those questions they need to to give themselves the knowledge & comfort they need.

The feedback from both guests and consultants was that it was a huge success, so much so that we’re already planning to host another event in 2024.

The Singing Artichoke

It’s definitely not all work, work, work making Chris a very dull boy. Since January, he’s been singing with the Royal Harmonics, who are one of the top five A Capella Barbershop Choruses in the country. Chris was also asked to sing in a quartet at the prestigious Cowarth Park Hotel and for dinner guests at the RAC Club in Epsom as well as various charity events in and around Windsor. It's a steep learning curve, but great fun!

We delivered some exciting projects too

Sonning, Contemporary Pavilion – PLANNING APPROVED!

Planning permission for one of Artichokes most stunning projects was granted before it was put on hold because of the clients personal circumstances. Adrian then came up with the idea of transferring the basement accommodation to an outbuilding, which would save the client a lot of money and mean an incredible project could still go ahead. Planning was granted without any hiccups and the project is due to start in 2024.

Contemporary Chilterns AONB Home – Completion!

It was pure delight to see this incredible project completed on site.

The design's two splayed wings allowing virtually 360 degree views of the surrounding Chilterns' Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty through the floor to ceiling panoramic doors, windows and first floor roof terraces.

The interior is as stunning as the views. The double-height entrance hall has a vaulted roof with a huge rooflight spanning the entire central crown making it bright and spacious. All other spaces lead from the central hall, which also has views through an internal glazed screen into the dining room to the fields beyond.

Manor Farm Pre-app 2

We submitted an updated design to Spellthorne Borough Council for a second pre-application on one of the most incredible sites which we have the privilege to work on.

The site comprises a listed house, a barn, a granary and a parlour. It's in a conservation area, greenbelt and flood plain. But with expert heritage and heritage consultants in the team, the Local Authority's initial concerns have been addressed.

We’re now awaiting their response and aim to be preparing and submitting a full planning application for the site in 2024, so watch this very exciting space!

New Build: Wraysbury Riverside – PLANNING APPROVED

This amazing project was approved the first time partly because our fabulous client took our advice and put together a team of experts to ensure we were fully prepared for the application (and of course in no small part thanks to the great design). That due diligence will be even more important as the project progresses to minimise the chances of any unpleasant surprises. We couldn’t be prouder of the design, which speaks for itself and achieves everything that the client dreamed of.

Slough Medical Surgery extension completed

Thuis surgery was one of two run by the same medical practice. in 2017, they took the decision to close the smaller surgery because it was no longer fit for purpose and extend their main surgery which has been built in the late 1990s.

This surgery building had a very strong architectural language and was built in the heyday of medical rebuilding where budgets were generous and architectural endeavour was high. In 2018 we worked with the client to prepare a scheme for two extensions to the existing surgery. One is a single-storey providing an additional 4 consulting rooms around a private and calm garden area. The other is a two-storey extension containing a new pharmacy.

Following a successful planning application and detailed design the project was interrupted by Covid and subsequently the volatility in materials and build costs. Works started on site and completed in early 2023.

The completed scheme references the very strong architectural detailing and design of the original building undertaken within the client’s budget. Particular attention was taken to form, roof detailing of pitches and overhangs and to the choice of brickwork. We think the design of the extensions successfully blends into the original, complementing it and not competing with it.

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Is It Still Worth Extending Your Home?

By Chris Dale • September 30, 2025

For many families, extending or renovating their home has long been the dream solution — more space, a better layout, and a home that works for modern life. But in today’s climate, with projects in the £100,000–£300,000 range, things feel a lot more challenging. So what’s changed, why is it harder, and how can you still make your project work? The Main Challenges • Planning is getting pricier – application fees are higher, and councils are demanding more specialist reports (heritage, ecology, flood risk, transport, sustainability). • Build costs keep rising – materials and labour are much more expensive than even a few years ago. • Tougher regulations – stricter building rules on energy efficiency, fire safety and accessibility add extra costs. • Financing is harder – borrowing is still more expensive than it was pre-2022. • Trades are stretched – good builders and subcontractors are in high demand, pushing prices and timescales up. • Delays and uncertainty – planning decisions are taking longer, especially in sensitive areas like the Green Belt, Conservation Areas or with listed buildings. • Budgets are squeezed – with the cost of living rising, homeowners are weighing up whether extending or simply moving makes more sense.

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/