Inspiring the next generation
Chris Dale • November 30, 2022
At Artichoke, we believe great Architecture is fundamental to the built environment we all inhabit and affects the way we feel and live. We want to ensure not just that we try to inspire our clients but also the next generation. We recently had the honour of mentoring our third work placement student, who was fantastic and says we’ve confirmed to her that she wants to become an Architect!
In the summer, I received a fairly typical email out of the blue from a local year 10 student asking if they could do work experience at Artichoke. I replied asking her to explain the why’s in a bit more detail.
The response she sent was so beautifully articulate, considered and particularly mentioned that the 'Bin Philiosophy’ was unique and appealed to her as being something that she could take into her future!
It was a yes with bells on and having had Ella here for a week, her approach in the office was the same as the thought that had obviously gone into her emails. We set her a sample project, where the clients were her parents and the project was her own house. We guided her though it and she thoroughly excelled at everything she was doing. I’m certain she will make an incredible architect one day and needless to say we’ve offered to keep in touch to help where we can with her journey and who knows – we might see her again one day!
“As architecture is a line of work I am interested in, I was able to spend some time at Artichoke in order to see how it works. After getting to know everyone’s stories
of becoming an architect - which gave me an insight in what education to get in order to become a qualified architect - they explained to me the stages that the job includes, which made me realise how significant the architect is in the development process. I was also able to go on site visits which enabled me to see architect’s work in progress and how the designs are conveyed to the clients, while being open to feedback in order to end with a design the client loves.
Something great about architecture is that you can be creative and use your imagination to design one of the endless possibilities for a specific brief the client has given you. Overall, this experience has been an eye-opener that’s made me confident that I want to pursue architecture.”
Ella
Architecture in terms of what we’re able to do for our clients is of course important to us as a business, at a base level, it pays the bills. It is so much more to use though and we’re lucky enough to thrive on the process and the projects but as well as this, we feel that it is important to champion the industry and what we do, which includes not just inspiring each other and our clients but the next generation of Architects.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
