Windsor Designs Live

Chris Dale • August 17, 2023

Windsor Designs Live is here!

Transforming your home with an extension or refurbishment, building a new one or redesigning your garden are major undertakings. And they can be a huge worry!

Artichoke Architectural Consultancy has created Windsor Design Live to help take some of the stress out of the process, by bringing together a group of partner consultants and suppliers who can offer you expert advice and creative ideas to help you on your journey to transform your home. 

Windsor Designs Live 2023 will take place on Saturday 9th September and again on Saturday 7th October at Thames Hospice’s The Education Centre in Bray. 

This is an in-person event where you can book a one-to-one meeting with the consultants and suppliers who can help you transform your home with no obligation. You can ask lots of questions and receive free expert advice and guidance alongside ideas and inspiration. This is all about alleviating your worries.

You can meet a wide range of consultants and suppliers who can help you transform your home, with complimentary refreshments throughout the day and a brochure to take home with contact details for all the consultants and suppliers. 

Pre-booking one-to-one meetings is highly recommended. All you need to do is follow this link.

About Artichoke: Architectural Consultancy


Artichoke loves designing homes! Most Artichoke clients live in East Berkshire, including Windsor, Maidenhead, Bracknell, Ascot. They also work on projects in Buckinghamshire and Surrey and are happy to work much further afield. The team at Artichoke understands that transforming an existing home or building a new home is a major undertaking for most clients and a huge financial investment. It can quite understandably be a huge worry. Artichoke’s priority is to take as much stress out of the process as possible. They are easy to talk to, great at listening and they ask all the right questions. They want to understand their clients from the outset and deal with concerns and offer solutions as the design and construction process unfolds. Artichoke: Architectural Consultancy delivers a reassuringly transparent service that is entirely personal to you.

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 and personal.

 

The company has a deep understanding of form, technique, design process and 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 Design is renowned for their use of innovative materials and for transforming clients’ homes into truly extraordinary spaces.


www.marktaylordesign.co.uk

mtd@marktaylordesign.co.uk

 

Wilton Farm, Marlow Road
Little Marlow

Buckinghamshire SL7 3RR

01628 486707 


About Atelier Interior Design 


 Atelier Interior Design is all about aesthetic performance and cohesion. We want form and function to unite in a big warm hug! It's all about the emotions a space can invoke and how it makes you feel.

 

Katie Hyde set up her studio in 2015 following twenty years of industry experience in the design, interiors and styling field. Katie spent time working in Paris in her early years - honing her craft and refining her eye. Over the course of her career she has collaborated with many industry figure heads, been published in the international press as well as appearing on the small screen. 

 

Katie believes that well designed spaces are not just an expression of a vision, but should function effortlessly and enhance the wellbeing of the user. Katie has the invaluable knowledge of ergonomics, spatial planning, and creative vision that is needed to form good interior design. Put simply, Katie will make your space work.


www.atelierinteriordesign.co.uk

hello@atelierinteriordesign.co.uk  

01753 479492

About John Padwick Landscapes


John Padwick started landscaping in his summer holidays when he was studying at Lancaster University and set up his landscape and maintenance business in 1987.
 
 Based in Datchet near Windsor, John and his team are dedicated to designing and creating beautiful gardens and drives and are proud of their strong reputation for quality work.
 
 Why choose John Padwick Landscapes? We have been trading since 1987 with hundreds of happy customers, we have written testimonials and references available on request. Our clients are our best advertisement.


www.johnpadwick.co.uk

johnpadwicklandscapes@hotmail.com

 

44 London Road
Datchet
Berkshire SL3 9JR 
01753 540376

About Thames Hospice


The venue for Windsor Designs Live 2023 on both dates is The Education Centre at architecturally inspiring Thames Hospice, overlooking Bray Lake. The venue address is Thames Hospice, Windsor Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2DN. For more information on how to find the venue please follow this link. Thames Hospice is one of the leading hospices in the UK, providing inpatient and community palliative and end-of-life care services across East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire for people from the age of 16. Proudly serving its community for more than 30 years, the hospice’s modern facilities include a 29-bed inpatient unit, a wellbeing centre offering day therapy services, physiotherapy, complementary therapy, lymphoedema services, counselling and bereavement support.


About ET Planning


ET Planning is an independent town planning consultancy providing expert planning advice to land and property owners, developers and investors. The company was founded by Emily Temple in 2017 following 12 years of experience in the public and private sector 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 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. 


www.etplanning.co.uk

crowthorne@etplanning.co.uk

 

200 Dukes Ride

Crowthorne RG45 6DS 

01344 508048

About King Brothers


King Brothers is a family run building contractor established in 1986 and based in Windsor. We are proud of our customers relationships and we make sure they are involved every step of the way during their projects.

 

Our professional team is highly motivated and totally committed to delivering the highest standard possible. We undertake all types of contracts, either domestic or commercial, with experience from extensions to refurbishments, conversions to maintenance.

 

To maintain our good reputation we have brought together a team from local trades and craftsmen. Our customers appreciate our commitment to quality workmanship and with their support our business has continued to develop and grow. New customers are always welcome so please do not hesitate to contact us on the details above for free estimates and advice.


www.thekingbrothers.co.uk

info@thekingbrothers.co.uk

 

68 Clewer Hill Road

Windsor SL4 4BW 

01753 858883

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 and storage and then installing the whole system, commissioning and testing.  Once the system is running our service engineers will look after the system to ensure correct working and operation. So it really is a turnkey solution for building energy.

 

We employ a team of consultants that 3D thermal model buildings and design, supply and 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 installers under the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme). We are certified by CHAS, CONSTRUCTION LINE, RECC, F-GAS, Trustmark and Gas Safe registered.


www.xpertenergy.co.uk

install@xpertenergy.co.uk

 

2 Hercules House

Calleva Park, Aldermaston

Reading

Berkshire RG7 8DN 

0118 930 3600

Frequently Asked Questions about Windsor Designs Live 2023


 

Q            Is Windsor Designs Live 2023 free to attend?

A            Yes, the event is completely free and includes tea, coffee and biscuits!

 

Q            Who is it for?

A            Anyone thinking of extending or refurbishing their property, or needing advice, ideas and inspiration in the short or long term at whatever stage of the process they are.

 

Q            I don’t live in Windsor, is the event relevant to me?

A            Most people attending the event live within 30 minutes’ drive of Windsor, from Marlow to Bagshot to Twyford. But you are more than welcome to attend wherever you are from.

 

Q            Do I have 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 suppliers 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 see a consultant or supplier?

A            You can book your one-to-one time slot with one or more consultants or suppliers by following this link.

 

Q            Can I see more than one consultant or supplier on the day?

A            Yes you can. When you book online, you need to book one consultant or supplier at a time. Choose the date, the company you want to see and the time slot. Then provide the contact details required, agree to the booking terms and click “Confirm booking”. On the next page you’ll see links to cancel your booking, add the booking to your calendar and “Book more”. You can also click “Back to services” to choose a different date.

 

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

A            If you cannot attend, we’d be very grateful if you’d let us know in advance so we can free up your time slot for someone else. There is a cancellation link in your confirmation email. Just click it and follow this instructions. And 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 worry. First, please check your email spam or junk folders. If you can’t see please email office@artichoke-design.co.uk

 



 

Q            Is there any obligation to buy anything?

A            No, not at all. Windsor Designs Live 2023 is an opportunity for you to meet consultants and suppliers who can offer expert advice and creative ideas to help 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 transform your home. The consultants and suppliers you book to meet may also ask you to consider specific items in order 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 helpful booklet with contact details for all the consultants and suppliers at Windsor Designs Live. The consultants and suppliers you book to meet may also send you further information and you can certainly ask them to do so.

 

Q            What happens after the event?

A            If you meet someone who may be able to help you, you can leave your contact details with them and they will get 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 you’ve booked (or if there are still slots available) you’ll be able to come straight in.

 

Q            When is the next event?

A            Saturday 9th September and again on Saturday 7th October.

 

Q            What time does it start?

A            Windsor Designs Live 2023 starts at 9.30am on both Saturday 9th September and Saturday 7th October. The event finishes at 5.30pm on both days.

 

Q            Where is Windsor Designs Live 2023 being held?

A            The Education Centre at architecturally inspiring Thames Hospice, overlooking Bray Lake. The venue address is Thames Hospice, Windsor Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2DN. For more information on how to find the venue please follow this link.

 

Q            Is there parking available and what is the cost?

A            Onsite parking is available free of charge.

 

If you have any more questions about the venue for Windsor Designs Live 2023, please contact Thames Hospice directly on 01753 848964. 

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.

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.