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

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.