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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

Guest Blog -Architect or Interior Designer....or les deux?

By Chris Dale • 21 Oct, 2024
So, you've finally decided to take the plunge.... That dream new house build you've been sketching on napkins for years? That long awaited extension that will make family life SO much easier? Or that ambitious renovation you’ve been saving the pennies for? It's finally happening! But as you dive headfirst into Pinterest boards and paint swatches, a big question pops up: Do I need an architect, or an interior designer, or both? It feels like a fork in the road, where each path offers a unique version of your dream space. Let’s face it, navigating the world of design can feel like learning a new language. And who wants to end up with a "lost in translation" scenario for their haven. That’s why we’re breaking it all down to explore and clarify the roles of architects like Artichoke and interior designers like A T E L I E R | id . Consider this your cheat sheet for understanding who does what and, more importantly, who you need on your team to turn your dream home into a reality.

Let the planning package commence!

By Chris Dale • 18 Sep, 2024
We’re beyond excited and honoured to have been appointed on the next chapter of this phenomenal project to revitalise and develop Manor Farm – a charming, partially Grade II Listed heritage farmstead in Laleham. We’ve been working on this project with our clients, Step Property, for over two years; they have a strong local connection and a true passion to make it something that will be a positive contribution with architectural merit and care. After two positive rounds of pre-application advice with Spelthorne Borough Council and another with 2 councillors directly – the button has been pushed and it's now full steam ahead! Working on any one of these projects individually would be good, so it’s incredible to be working on 11 separate buildings, all of which need special attention given the site’s planning constraints: Conservation Area, Flood Plain & Green Belt. - Farmhouse – Grade II Listed - 2 Hay Barns – Grade II Listed - A Sensitive Modern Extension to the Hay Barns - Granary – Grade II Listed - Milking Parlour – Curtilage Listed - A Replacement Commercial Barn/Office - 4 New Light Industrial Barns with extra architectural finesse See a short video of the listed part of the site (link in bio) - https://www.artichoke-design.co.uk/manor-fa rm Artichoke will be leading the designs of the buildings & site and are very lucky to be working with the following expert consultants to ensure the project will have the consideration it needs to maximise its chances of planning permission being granted. - Planning Consultant – Andrew Black Consulting - Heritage Consultant – Heritage Fusion - Highways Consultants – Motion - Flood Consultant – Motion - Ecology Consultant – Ecology By Design - Structural Engineer – TBA Step Property have been insistent from the outset that this development should not just be a commercial venture to maximise space to gain the maximum return. They have truly embraced the opportunity to create a ‘place’ which not only aims to have a unique & special character not only with careful thought to the restoration of listed buildings or the creation of sensitively designed modern barns but most importantly something that has longevity both in itself and as an asset to the local community. Consequently, a huge amount of thought has already gone into the conceptual design and the client’s instructions to progress the planning information couldn’t be more attractive as a passionate practice of architects – to spend the time that we need to spend to ensure a beautiful set of buildings set within a sympathetically developed site – all of which of course should lead to a far greater chance of planning success. It is always the case that you should consider the existing context; and often the case that you should work with it – especially with Listed Buildings and in Conservation Areas. That doesn’t always mean just to create pastiche copies of anything that’s already there. In this case it does mean that we spent months understanding the site, buildings and surroundings before we explored how we might resolve the designs, which concept was unanimously supported by the client, the entire design team and the local authority; which included a conservation & heritage expert, a senior planning officer and senior conservation office (and consultant in their own right). At a high level, the site will be split into two distinct Character Zones: 1. Heritage – Conserved, refurbished & new buildings – to match existing materials & style

Bright potential for Grey Belt Development

By Chris Dale • 21 Aug, 2024
Beautiful, Chilterns AONB home

Inspiring future architects

By Chris Dale • 29 Jul, 2024
 “Jackson is still raving about his work shadow day with you, Chris! He loved doing his own blueprints and chatting with your super friendly team amongst other things so thanks so much!!” Being passionate about something often also means caring about it. This obviously means caring about our clients and the buildings we design for them but also nurturing future architects through work shadow placements. At artichoke we all relish the opportunity to guide the next generation, believing that by sharing our expertise and enthusiasm, we can champion better architecture, ultimately resulting in better buildings, spaces & towns and happier, healthier communities. Fostering Talent Through Experience Work shadow placements are designed to provide aspiring architects with hands-on experience in the field. We believe it’s better to go beyond mere observation, immersing students in the real-world processes of architectural design. This is not just passive mentoring; we actively involve students in project discussions, site visits, design sessions and give them their own pretend project. This approach allows students to witness firsthand the complexities and challenges of the profession. By engaging with various aspects of architectural practice—from sketching initial ideas to refining final plans—students gain an understanding of what it means to create meaningful and functional spaces. Championing Better Architecture The team at Artichoke is driven by a belief that better architecture leads to better living environments for our clients. Through work shadow placements, we share these values with our mentees, hoping to inspire a new generation who foster quality and sustainability. Where students are with us longer, they learn about the importance of considering the environmental impact of their designs and the value of creating buildings that enhance the well-being of their occupants. By encouraging these principles, we aim to do our bit to encourage a generation that will push the boundaries of traditional architecture and lead the way in creating sustainable, liveable spaces. Building Better Communities One of the most rewarding aspects of offering work shadow placements is the potential to influence the future of architecture and hence our built environment. Today's students are tomorrow's architects, planners, and community leaders. By providing a platform for these young talents to explore and develop their skills, we are investing in a future where buildings and spaces are respected, designed with thoughtfulness and responsibility. The feedback from students who have participated in these placements is overwhelmingly positive. They often highlight the invaluable insights gained from working alongside experienced professionals. These experiences often solidify their career aspirations but also broaden their understanding of the responsibilities that come with being an architect. The Ripple Effect The impact of Artichokes passionate approach to work shadow placements will hopefully extend beyond the immediate experience of the students. It creates a ripple effect, where inspired young architects carry forward the principles and practices they have learned, which will have a positive influence on their own future projects and will improve the chances of a better built environment. By nurturing talent and championing better architecture, Artichoke is trying to help build a better physical and educational environment —one that values both aesthetic beauty and functional, sustainable design. This commitment to education and mentorship underscores the vital role that work shadow placements play in shaping the future of architecture and, by extension, the quality of life in our homes and our communities. Offering work shadow placements is not just a professional duty; it's a commitment to cultivating passion, responsibility and excellence in architecture, ensuring that future generations continue to create spaces that inspire and uplift us all.

Success! Thames Valley Build & Design Live 2024

By Chris Dale • 29 May, 2024
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.

Thames Valley Build & Design Live 2024

By Chris Dale • 17 Apr, 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.
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