New Build Design:

New builds are some of the most exciting and challenging projects on which we get to work. For you, building your new dream house should also be exciting, but will probably feel immensely daunting as well, when you’re faced with a so many more questions than answers. We specialise in understanding what the most important questions are for you and then helping you to answer them, and helping you create your dream home! If you've got a project in mind, get in touch and we can discuss how we can help.

How we work:

Whatever stage you are at, it is never too early to speak to us; we’ll not only help with obvious things like design but will help you to understand the process you will need to go through to get the house built - and where the possible pitfalls can be, so that we can ensure we avoid them. Our first conversation may initially consist of us explaining what things you might need to do before we fully get involved.
The first two things you need are;
  • To have a property or site on which you want to build a house/s.
  • Have an idea on budget available for a project.
We think it’s best to speak to us to understand what we can do to help you, how we do it and why we might be the right people for you, but if you’re interested in a summary of what our architects and the wider team do, we’ve put this together for you below.
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Our process:

  • Phase 1 – Survey & Sketches
    • Topographical Survey – We will get quotes for and coordinate on your behalf a detailed measured survey undertaken by specialists of the site and existing house (if there is one) including street schemes.
    • Arboricultural Survey – We will get quotes for and coordinate on your behalf a detailed arboricultural survey undertaken by specialists of the of the trees on site.
    • 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 the environment (street scene, neighbours’ amenity, greenbelt, floodplain etc).

  • Phase 3 – Full Plans (Building Regulations) Application

    Making sure the proposals comply to the technical building standards.  Typically we’d also need to work with a Structural Engineer who would prepare structural designs & calculations.

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • 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.

  • Structural Design Services

    The design of the structure of the house along with below ground drainage and any basements being proposed on the scheme.

  • Energy Assessment (SAP)

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

  • Detailed Mechanical and Electrical Design Services

    Providing detailed designs of the house’s electrical systems, its smart systems, whole house ventilation systems, green energy elements etc.

  • Landscape Design Services

     Providing landscape designs including planting and maintenance specifications for planning and beyond.

  • Ecology Survey Services

    Providing services to survey the existing site and propose solutions and mitigation measures to deal and improve the sites ecology.

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Recent new build projects:

New Build, Sonning, Architectural Design
New Build, Ascot, Architectural Design
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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