Success! Thames Valley Build & Design Live 2024

Chris Dale • May 29, 2024

Thames Valley Build & Design Live 2024 - success! 

It was brilliant to get an opportunity to talk at length with people who are planning an extension, renovation or garden project at our recent Thames Valley Build & Design Live event.They were seeking help, advice and inspiration for how they might go about their projects with the professional support and guidance from us and our fellow consultants and suppliers. 

Everyone who came along to the event said how brilliantly helpful it was. Not only because of the advice from each of the consultants and suppliers they spoke with, but also being able to meet with more than one consultant on the same day, in the same place. This provided the answers they needed, giving them the confidence to push on with their project. 

By attending the event, they now have a much better understanding of the steps along the process, which professionals they need to engage with and an understanding of the costs involved. 

Easthampsted Park Hotel was the perfect venue, providing a beautiful, relaxing & spacious backdrop to the event. And the sun shone all day so our visitors were able to take a stroll in the landscaped gardens. 

We also had an unexpected performance from Chris’s son’s barber-shop quartet who were absolutely brilliant and provided some incredible entertainment. 



The consultants who attended the event were:


Artichoke: Architectural Consultancy


We love design! There’s nothing more rewarding than the buzz we get when a client is beaming with joy at what we’ve helped them to create.


From our studios in Windsor and Reading, we work with private homeowners and commercial clients across East Berkshire and surrounding areas including Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey. 


Investing sometimes millions of pounds in your own home or a commercial project is a major undertaking. Using our empathy, skill and experience we take as much of the stress out of building design and construction as possible. 


We’re easy to talk to and great at listening. And, we ask all the right questions, challenging you when we need to. We want to understand you from the outset, deal with your concerns and offer solutions and enable you to make educated decisions.


Our service is reassuringly transparent and entirely personal to you.


   01753 830422

   office@artichoke-design.co.uk

   www.artichoke-design.co.uk



Atelier Interior Design


A T E L I E R  |  id believes that well-designed spaces are not just an expression of a vision,

but should function effortlessly and enhance the well-being of the user.

Katie and her team have the invaluable knowledge of ergonomics, spatial planning, and creative vision that is needed to form good interior design.

​

A T E L I E R  |  id can help open your eyes to ideas and possibilities you may not have thought of,

enabling you to make informed decisions about all aspects of your project.

Their strong client-facing intuition and industry experience mean that Katie and her team are able to understand and respond to you or your brands’ emotional and physical needs

and envisage your aspirations.

 

Put simply, A T E L I E R  |  id will make your space work.

 

We want to enhance your experience of a physical space in a positive manner - as your unique creative art.

It's all about the emotions a space can invoke and how it can ultimately make you feel.

​

We're all about aesthetics, performance and cohesion. We want Form and Function to unite in a big warm hug!


Great design can deliver all of this! 


   01753 479492

   hello@atelierinteriordesign.co.uk

   www.atelierinteriordesign.co.uk

   


Concept-Two: custom-builder


If you've been looking for the perfect home without success, it's most likely because it doesn't exist...until now. Partner with us to build your perfect home. Established in 1971, we are a family-owned Custom Build home specialist working across the Home Counties. 

 

As experienced multi award winning developers and bespoke house builders, we recognised a gap in the market for home buyers with specific lifestyle aspirations that simply weren’t being addressed. Our solution? To create fully bespoke, luxury homes with fully customisable interior finishes and floor layouts, designed and built from the finest materials to the highest standards.

 

Most importantly, in addition to building a home that perfectly suits your lifestyle, we like to build a strong relationship with you. Nothing is more rewarding than making your property dreams a reality. Come and see us at Thames Valley Build & Design and we can show you our selection of available plots, explain our process and answer all the questions you are bound to have.

 

   0118 449 2848

   hello@concept-two.co.uk

   www.concept-two.co.uk



ET Planning


ET planning is an independent town planning consultancy providing expert planning advice to land and property owners, developers & investors. The company was founded by Emily Temple in 2017 following 12 years of experience in the public & private sectors at Test Valley and Wokingham Borough Councils and a national, multi-disciplinary consultancy.


Our friendly and approachable team includes fully qualified Chartered Town Planners who have worked for many Local Planning Authorities including Wokingham, Bracknell, London Borough of Ealing, Hertsmere, Wycombe, South Buckinghamshire, Chiltern, Test Valley, Hart, Chichester, Portsmouth and Shropshire as well as various private consultancies.


We offer a personalised service to help you to navigate the planning system, including strategic planning advice, site appraisals, planning applications, planning appeals and the resolution of enforcement disputes. We negotiate on your behalf as your planning agent to find solutions.


   01344 508048

   crowthorne@etplanning.co.uk

   www.etplanning.co.uk



Linsey Evans Garden Design


Garden design practice specialising in designing sloping gardens. Linsey has been working as a garden design in Berkshire and the home counties for 20 years. She has extensive knowledge of the technical aspects of garden construction and creates bespoke contemporary gardens to the highest possible standard. 


Gardens are designed with passion, flair, creativity, and attention to detail for clients who want something really special. Each garden is a unique response to the client’s brief and the site conditions, ensuring that no two gardens are the same. 


Linsey’s focus is on creating outdoor spaces that function as an extension to the house, with a seamless indoor/outdoor flow. A strong structure to the hard landscape provides a cohesive link between house and garden, and a skilful combination of plants provides a soft and elegant overall aesthetic.


   07901 852731

   linsey@linseysgardens.co.uk

   www.linseysgardens.com



Mark Taylor Design


Mark Taylor Design is a British manufacturer of high-end bespoke furniture, cabinetry and specialist joinery. Our ambition is to create extraordinary environments for our clients that are beautiful, useful & personal.


The company has a deep understanding of form, technique, design process & materials. We specialise in Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms, Studies, Bars, Home Cinemas and individual furniture pieces.


As well as bespoke kitchens, Mark Taylor Design has also developed a concept kitchen range MeThD. Mark Taylor is renowned for their use of innovative materials and for transforming client’s homes into truly extraordinary spaces.


   01628 486707

   mtd@marktaylordesign.co.uk

   www.marktaylordesign.co.uk



Pro-Teck


Pro-Teck is a growing family business with a passion for the exciting, innovative electronics technology of the future. 


Established in 2008 in Woking, Surrey, we have over 10 years of hands-on experience, employing the best & most creative electricians southwest London has to offer.


Our expansion into ‘ Smart Homes’ began 9 years ago and has become our flagship work. Home automation technology is an exciting, new way of living and we are proud to be at the vanguard of its’ home installation. We can make your home into an ‘intelligent’ home with technology that enables your home to ‘think’ as you do and run itself.


Our electricians are specialists in installing cutting-edge smart systems for your home and your office alongside our clever software.


   01483 822555

   electrician@pro-teck.co.uk

   www.pro-teck.co.uk



Xpert Energy


Xpert Energy offers bespoke solutions for individual property energy requirements.


This can include specifying systems to provide heating, hot water, ventilation with heat recovery and electrical production & storage and then installing the whole system commissioning & testing. Once the system is running, our service engineers will look after the system to ensure correct working & operation. So, it really is a turnkey solution for building energy.


We employ a team of consultants who 3D thermal model buildings & design, supply & model new or replacement systems. We also employ a team of specialist engineers from a wide range of backgrounds to carry out installation projects within new-build and domestic sectors. 


As you would expect, we are fully accredited under the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme). We are certified by CHAS, Construction Line, RECC, F-GAS, Trustmarked & Gas Safe Registered.


   0118 930 3600

   installs@xpertenergy.co.uk

   www.xpertenergy.co.uk

“We Thought We’d Save Money… Here’s What It Actually Cost Us.”

By Chris Dale • March 3, 2026
At Artichoke, we don’t push our services and for some projects, Building Regulations information is enough, where the client has both experience and a competent builder. Sadly, sometimes we get that call from a client after things have gone wrong. Recently, a lovely client of ours generously agreed to share her experience of undertaking a “relatively simple” extension without: • Detailed production drawings • A formal tender process • A proper building contract • An architect acting as Contract Administrator Her story isn’t about blaming anyone. It’s about process - and why it matters. Q&A Q: What made you decide not to appoint an architect to manage the build? Client: We felt it was a straightforward project — kitchen extension, some internal changes. We thought we could save money by not having full architectural drawings or someone overseeing the build weekly. The builder seemed confident and experienced and had been recommended. Looking back, we underestimated how complex even a “simple” project becomes once work starts and just how many things there are to actually tie up. Q: When did you first feel something wasn’t quite right? Client: Delays started early. Windows were months late. The skylight was boarded over for weeks. The house was insecure at times. But what really concerned us was when we started reviewing the finish — we realised it wasn’t just snagging. There were things unfinished, incorrectly installed, or potentially unsafe. Q: What kinds of issues arose? Client: There were dozens: • Appliances not secured properly • Sink only held in place with silicone • Hob extracting into a cabinet and wall cavity • Boiler flue incorrectly fitted • Faulty air admittance valve (not compliant with Building Regulations) • Cladding not finished properly • Drainage incomplete • Roof drain missing • Skylight not installed There were also safety and security concerns — the house left open, heating turned off without notice, keys left accessible. What we thought would be a short snagging list became a long schedule of incomplete and unacceptable work. Where Process Would Have Helped 1. Detailed Production Information Without full construction drawings: • Appliance housing dimensions weren’t properly coordinated • Extract ventilation routes weren’t clearly defined • Drainage details weren’t fully resolved • Cladding interfaces lacked clarity • Boiler clearances weren’t formally checked Production drawings remove ambiguity. They define responsibility. They reduce interpretation on site. When drawings are light, site decisions fill the gap – and those decisions aren’t always coordinated – or compliant.

Manor Farm Regeneration: Planning Application Finally Submitted

By Chris Dale • December 1, 2025
This marks a huge milestone in what has been one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding projects our practice has ever worked on. An Opportunity and a Privilege When we were first approached by Step Property almost five years ago, it was immediately clear that Manor Farm was a once-in-a-career project — a historic farmstead with five Grade II listed buildings, a sensitive Conservation Area setting, Green Belt & flood plain constraints, a struggling commercial yard and collapsing historic buildings that all urgently needed a coherent long-term vision and a strategy to achieve that. To be entrusted with leading the design and coordination of such a significant site has been a genuine privilege, one which we have not taken lightly.

Why Our Kickstarter Package Could Be The Smartest Investment You Make

By Chris Dale • November 3, 2025
Across the UK, many homeowners and small developers are pausing their plans. Construction costs are at record highs, planning requirements have become more complex, and professional fees are also increasing, so even a seemingly simple home extension or redevelopment is much more of a risk. Possibly the greatest concern we hear is – “What if we spend thousands of pounds only to find out it’s not even possible?” That’s exactly why we created the Kickstarter Package — our fixed-fee feasibility study that helps you to make informed decisions at a nominal cost in comparison to house purchases and developments. What is the Kickstarter Package? The Kickstarter Package is a design-led feasibility consultation that explores the planning, budget and design potential of your property. For a modest, fixed fee (from £750 excl. VAT), our experienced architects help you understand whether your ideas are likely to be achievable, affordable, and aligned with current planning policy — saving time, stress and money later on. You’ll receive clear answers to the key questions every homeowner faces: Is planning permission likely to be granted? What might the project cost? How long could it take? What could it look like? What’s Included — and Why It Matters Each element of the Kickstarter Package offers exceptional value compared with typical early-stage architectural or consultant fees. 1. Initial Consultation and Site Visit We start with a detailed discussion about your goals & requirements — from extending your home to redeveloping a site or purchasing a property. Then we visit the site to review opportunities and constraints in person. This early visit often uncovers crucial planning, drainage or design issues before you spend thousands on detailed drawings.

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.