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Thames Valley Build & Design Live 2024

Chris Dale • Apr 17, 2024

Thames Valley Build & Design Live 2024



Hot on the heels of the hugely successful Windsor Design Live 2023 events, we are delighted to share with you details of our next event – Thames Valley Build & Design Live, being held at the beautiful Easthampstead Park Hotel in Wokingham on Saturday 11th of May. 

Private homeowners, self-builders and independent developers will visit Thames Valley Build & Design Live because they want to learn more about the opportunities and challenges of property development from a host of specialist consultants and suppliers with extensive experience of these types of projects. 

The consultants and suppliers will be available throughout the day at Thames Valley Build & Design Live to provide lots of really useful information, advice and will answer your questions and address your concerns.  

This is an in-person event where you can book one-to-one meetings with the consultants and suppliers, or you can just turn up on the day. 

Consultants and suppliers you can meet include:

• Architect
• Planning consultant
• Builder
• Interior designer
• Furniture designers and manufacturer
• Garden & Landscape designer
• Energy consultant
• Smart home consultant

Visit https://thamesvalleylive.com/ to find out more about the consultants and suppliers and to book one-to-one meetings on the day. 

They each bring specialist expertise and knowledge to the event and will answer all of your questions as well as provide brochures and information for you to take away.  
Easthampstead Park is one of Berkshire’s finest hotels and is set in 80 acres of woodland, parkland and formal gardens. There will be complimentary refreshments throughout the day.

In attendance will be a wide range of consultants to help you every step of the way including architects, planners, builders, electricians, energy experts, landscape gardeners, interior designers & furniture designers. 

About Artichoke


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



About 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

   


About Concept-Two


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



About 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



About 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



About 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



About 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



About 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




Frequently Asked Questions about Thames Valley Build & Design Live 2024

 


Q:   Is Thames Valley Build & Design free to attend?


A:    Yes, the event is completely free and includes tea, coffee, biscuits & fresh fruit


Q:  Who is the event for?


A:  It’s for anyone thinking of extending, refurbishing or building their property or for anyone who needs advice, ideas and inspiration in the short or long-term at whatever stage of the process they are.


Q: I don’t live near Easthampstead Park, is the event relevant to me?


A:  Most people attending the event live within 30 minutes’ drive of the venue and are coming from all over the Thames Valley including Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire & Surrey. Everyone is welcome, whatever your postcode.


Q: Do I need to book a time-slot in advance to meet a consultant or supplier?


A: No, but pre-booking is recommended to ensure you get to sit down with the consultants and supplier whose help you would like. You can book your one-to-one time slot with one or more consultants or suppliers by following this link


Q: How do I book a time-slot to meet a consultant or supplier?


A: You can book your one-to-one appointment with one of more consultants or suppliers by following this link


Q: Am I able to meet with more than one consultant or supplier on the day?


A: Yes you can, when you book online, you will need to book one consultant or supplier appointment at a time. Simply select May 11th then the company you’d like to meet with and the time slot. Then you’ll need to provide your contact details, agree to the booking terms and click ‘confirm booking’

On the next page, you’ll see links to be able to cancel or amend your booking, add the booking to your calendar and ‘book more’.


Q: I’ve booked but can no longer attend. What should I do?


A: If you can no longer attend, we’d be very grateful if you could let us know in advance so we can free up a time slot for someone else. There is a cancellation link in your confirmation email. Hopefully we’ll see you next time!


Q: I haven’t received a confirmation email of my time slot, what can I do?


A: Don’t panic! Firstly, please check your email spam or junk folders & if you can’t see it, please email office@artichoke-design.co.uk


Q: Is there any obligation to buy anything?


A: No, not at all. Thames Valley Build & Design Live 2024 is an opportunity for you to meet build & design professionals who can offer free expert advice and creative ideas to help you transform your home. It is free to attend with no obligation.


Q: Do I need to prepare anything in advance or bring anything with me?


A: No, not at all. You can simply come along and have a chat with the consultants and suppliers you wish to see. It will be helpful if you can think in advance about how you want to build or transform your home. The consultants and suppliers you book to meet may also ask you to consider specific things in order to get the most out of your meeting.


Q: That seems like a lot to take in, how will I remember everything?


A: We’ll give you a helpful booklet with contact details for all of the consultants & suppliers at Thames Valley Build & Design Live. The consultants and suppliers can also send you further information, after the event & you can certainly ask them to do that in your meeting.


Q: What happens after the event?


A: If you meet a consultant who you think is able to help & provide you with the services you need, you can leave your contact details with them and they will be in touch to arrange a further meeting with you.


Q: Do I need to bring a ticket with me?


A: No, if you tell us your name and let us know who you’ve booked an appointment with, you’ll be able to cone straight in. Of course, if there are time-slots still available, you’re also very welcome to come in.


Q: When is the event?


A: Saturday May 11th 2024


Q: What time does it start & finish?


A: It runs from 9.30am – 5pm


Q: Where is Thames Valley Build & Design Live being held?


A: It’s in the Trumbull Room at the newly refurbished & magnificent Easthampstead Park Hotel, a Victorian mansion set in 80 acres of woodland, parkland and formal gardens.


The address is: Easthampstead Park, Off Peacock Lane, Wokingham, RG40 3DF.


Q: Is there parking available?


A: Onsite parking is widely available and is free of charge


If you have any more questions about the venue for Thames Valley Build & Design Live 2024, please contact Easthampstead Park directly on 0118 974 7576

The Building Safety Act

By Chris Dale • 14 Mar, 2024
The BSA has been a hot topic since it came into force in April 2022 and implemented in October 2023 albeit with some transitional arrangements. Architects must keep abreast of regulatory changes and much of the time this is fairly technical. Now and again there is new legislation that is so wide-ranging that we feel it’s important to ensure all our clients are aware of it. One such significant shift came with the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022. This legislation is designed to address concerns raised by tragic incidents like the Grenfell Tower fire. It has far-reaching implications for architects, their clients and the entire construction and property development sector. The Act came into force in April 2022 and implementation began last October. The Grenfell Tower disaster, which claimed 72 lives in 2017, highlighted critical flaws in existing safety protocols and brought into question the accountability of those responsible for ensuring building safety. The Act aims to rectify these shortcomings by imposing stricter requirements on building owners, developers, and architects to ensure the safety of occupants. The Act requires a revaluation of project management strategies and budget allocations. Compliance with the Act may mean additional costs and time constraints, particularly during planning and construction phases. Artichoke will work closely with our clients to navigate these challenges effectively. One of the key implications of the Act for clients, is the emphasis on accountability and transparency throughout the project lifecycle. Clients can expect greater scrutiny of building designs, materials, and construction methods to ensure compliance with safety standards. The Act introduces the concept of the "duty holder," placing specific responsibilities on individuals involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings. The Act also introduces a new regulatory framework for high-rise residential buildings, requiring the appointment of a Building Safety Manager and the development of a comprehensive safety case report. Clients undertaking projects in this sector must be prepared to allocate resources towards fulfilling these requirements and collaborating closely with architects to streamline the process. While the Building Safety Act 2022 presents challenges for architectural clients, it also offers opportunities for innovation and improvement within the industry. By prioritising safety and accountability, the Act lays the foundation for a more robust and resilient built environment. Clients as well as architects and other professionals, must embrace this shift and recognise it as a collective endeavour to safeguard lives and uphold the integrity of the built environment. By understanding and adapting to the requirements of the Act, architects and clients can navigate regulatory complexities more effectively and contribute to the creation of a safer, more sustainable built environment. We have produced a guide explaining our understanding of the Act and its implications, including a more detailed explanation of the responsibilities of a Duty Holders. Please contact us at office@arctichoke-design.co.uk if you would like a copy.

Did you know Artichoke does commercial property architecture?

By Chris Dale • 20 Feb, 2024
We love building design! This often involves designing a refurbishment or extension to a clients home. Or, designing a brand new house. But, we also work with commercial clients across East Berkshire and surrounding areas including Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey. Our commercial clients operate in the hospitality sector, in healthcare, industrial property and commercial development. Over the next few months, we’ll sharing more information about this exciting and growing side of Artichoke. Here are two examples.

The perfect match: are you the ideal client for Artichoke?

By Chris Dale • 17 Jan, 2024
Finding the right architect for you might seem a daunting task. And a good working relationship between a client and architect is crucial to the success of a project. So here are our thoughts on the ideal client-architect relationship… Our ideal client is someone who appreciates the uniqueness of custom design, the creative process and the value both can bring to their project. You don’t need a clear-cut plan, but a willingness to trust our expertise and journey with us through the design process is key! Collaboration Working with Artichoke is wholly collaborative. We look for clients who are eager to engage in a creative partnership and we especially love clients who are responsive and engaged, providing insights and feedback to ensure we shape the project together. Your involvement is crucial – it is your project and we want it to echo your aspirations. Collaboration is important at all stages of a project. It’s especially important at the initial design phase, prior to regulatory approvals and construction. Understanding and establishing your brief is fundamental so we can develop designs to suit you. We ask the right questions and we listen so that the outcome is something beyond your expectations. At Artichoke, we love to invest time in the sketch design process. Sketching helps us present several design proposals quickly and effectively so that we can collaborate with our clients to tweak and refine the design.

It's been a busy 2023 here at Artichoke!

By Chris Dale • 13 Dec, 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. Read more: https://www.artichoke-design.co.uk/exciting-news-at-artichoke-thinking-architecture

Local Authority Design Guides - What do you think?

By Chris Dale • 21 Nov, 2023
Our love of great design is plastered all over our website and (hopefully) seeps through everything we write and do. We’re passionate about the built environment but there is a perpetual obstacle… Local Authorities (Planning) perform a vital function; to ensure that proposed developments are appropriate and don’t harm our build environment or the people that use it. That’s not an easy job and carries an awful lot of responsibility, after all, who can actually decide what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ design? Many iconic pieces of architecture, that are now cherished and loved were loathed when they were originally built. Guggenheim, Tour Eiffel, Sagrada Familia to name a few and not just quiet discontent, Pablo Picasso wished those responsible for the world famous Spanish landmark would be “sent to hell” while George Orwell described it as “One of the most hideous buildings in the world!” How can it be that buildings that are held as beautiful and iconic were so utterly scathed when they were first designed?? The answer is (I think) quite simple; people are afraid of what they don’t know or understand and almost by definition, this is what contemporary architecture (and art) tries to do, to push design boundaries. How on earth are Local Authorities supposed to assess a design proposal or style of which they have little or no experience, or anything to compare with? Again, the answer is (or seems) simple in principle but not in practice; those judging design should be suitably qualified to do so (although seemingly – even designers can’t agree on good (contemporary) design – see Sagrada Familia!). Nevertheless – whilst there will always be disagreements between (qualified?!) designers and the general public, there seems some logic in having someone, who is qualified (?!) and experienced to make such a critical decision. For larger more significant building, there are review panels, attended by architects, amongst others – which on balance seems to be a sensible approach because it hopefully means on balance there will be more good decisions than bad. This is all very well for larger projects, but what about all of the tiny projects that make up the majority of the residential streets that make our towns and villages where we actually spend most of our lives? This is where (from most of our experiences) the system seems to fall apart. Obviously, Local Authorities, which are already stretched to say the least, do not have the resource to allocate an experienced or qualified designer to every single smaller project (for small, read a handful of dwellings or less). The solution is seemingly quite logically, intended to help the less experienced officers to assess the wide variety of proposals they must consider by creating some design guidance for them (also to try and ensure consistent decision making). In principle this sounds very sensible, however, trying to distil the almost infinitely broad ranges of sites, situations, clients, desires and hence (viable and good) possibilities into a single design guide is not possible. The result is a design guide which is based on a very narrow set of ‘typical’ and ‘traditional’ instances of examples or situations that are known to work well. That also actually sounds great…doesn’t it? This is where my heart sinks and genuinely sometime brings me to the verge of tears. Because it’s typically placed in the hands of junior officers (see LA resourcing issues above) without design experience the well intentioned ‘guidance’ is taken as gospel and 99% of the time they then also do not have the confidence to deviate (at all) from the well-intentioned document. The consequences, in my eyes are truly catastrophic. Without the realistic opportunity for designs, which don’t conform to the guidance, to be approved, but which can still be full of passion, beauty and respect for the built environment – the variety, diversity, interest and creativity of the built environment is already suffering. In all but the most historic densely populated towns (where there is generally less scope for development), you usually don’t have to walk very far to see how many buildings and extensions there are which are so ‘safe’ and so ‘magnolia’ – pastiche copies of styles gone by, that there is nothing that looks new, interesting, breaks any moulds or inspires anyone. Full circle - here we go right back to the start of this blog. There is no doubt, a risk of allowing anything new or different, as inevitably there will be new building(s) that are labelled as ‘carbunkles’ - and some of them may be. But, others (and the appreciation can take time!) will be seen as iconic and will be loved and this even (especially?) applies to the smaller projects, in the streets which make up the majority of our villages, towns & cities. What it really comes down to is trust and it’s no different with the planning system than it is in everyday life; we have to make decisions whether to trust someone or something. Most of the time we’ll probably get it right – other times we won’t and it might have a small consequence or it might have significant consequences. As in life though, it’s a choice and a fight not to allow the let-downs to make you cynical – who wants to live in that world?? Of course, I’m not recommending blind or uneducated trust, that just leaves a big wide open door to abuse but without some more trust in the ability of experienced and passionate designers to do what they’re (generally) good at, what a hideously bland world we will all live in. The thing that led to this blog was reviewing once small element of RBWM’s Borough Wide Design Guide regarding one of the smallest types of development – the dormer window. This is an example of their ‘guidance’ – you can read the rest in full here https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/home/planning/planning-policy/planning-guidance/adopted-supplementary-planning-documents-spds/borough-wide-design-guide-spd

Windsor Designs Live #2 – a second success!

By Chris Dale • 12 Oct, 2023
Building a new home, extending or renovating is riddled with the unknown and hundreds of questions. It’s no surprise that so many people in exactly that position came to speak to the array of experts available to start getting help, advice & inspiration how they might start (or continue) with that journey to take away some of the stress. Everyone who has come to either of the two Windsor Designs Live has said how incredibly helpful it was. Not just to get guidance from one of the consultants but rather than having to try and see each individually it was possible to meet them all in one place at the same time. This enabled them to deal with virtually all of the big questions they had to help them push on with their projects, in some cases after months of not knowing where to start. The Thames Hospice couldn’t have been a better venue and building for this event as it embodies design that will have factored all of the input from consultants similar to those that were there on Saturday: • Planning Consultants – Critical where the proposal is likely to push planning policy. Even a small amount of initial guidance can avoid wasted design time. Then ensuring an application is worded in the strongest way to show compliance with multiple policies. For more help contact: www.etplanning.co.uk • Architects – Typically the main consultant, both helping the client to establish the best possible design, ensuring initially that the brief is right and then co-ordinating (with) the wider team to bring the design proposals as close to it as possible. The requirements might be more or better space(s), light – to improve the wellbeing of the user, specific technologies – environmental or audiovisual or cost. It’s likely to be a combination but the artichoke will help assemble the right team. For more help contact: www.artichoke-design.co.uk • Main Contractor – As with the architect being the design lead & co-ordinator, the main contractor will lead and manage the build project on site and co-ordinate materials, the subcontractors, be they groundworkers, roofer or one of the ‘Designer Contractors’ attending Windsor Designs Live. For more help contact: www.thekingbrothers.co.uk Although not employed on every project there are significant benefits in seeking the guidance of other’s who attended, especially if their field of expertise is something which is important to you and your project. Most of what they do will be evident by their title, the key thing to remember is that they have a lot of experience and can ensure not only that the design and specification are exactly what you need but that they will be properly implemented and suit your budget. • Landscape Designer & Contractor – www.johnpadwick.co.uk • Interior Designer – www.atelierinteriordesign.co.uk • Bespoke Furniture Designer & Contractor – marktaylordesign.co.uk • Smart Home Consultant & Contractor – www.pro-teck.co.uk • Energy Consultant & Contractor – www.xpertenergy.co.uk Even though it’s often clear that our clients are desperate to push on with a project, we wholly appreciate the amount of different things to consider can make it so daunting and overwhelming that sometimes the project just stalls before it even starts. Whether it’s at one of the Windsor Designs Live events or separately, Artichoke and all of the other consultants will be more than happy to talk to you to help you to better understand what you need to consider and who would be best placed to give the guidance to ensure your project is a success. If you want to arrange a call or a meeting, please do give us a call or email and we’d be delighted to discuss your project with you. We couldn't have done it without the help of my team and of course, my amazing wife - Emma, whose idea it was to have the event at the Thames Hospice, as she works for this great company.
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