Business Details
11 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Design Services in Windsor & Reading
At Artichoke Design, we specialise in transforming architectural visions into reality through a client-centric approach. Our team prioritises understanding individual client needs, offering tailored solutions that balance creativity with practicality. With studios in Windsor and Reading, we serve East Berkshire and surrounding areas, including Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Surrey. Our process begins with thorough consultation and site analysis, ensuring every project aligns with planning regulations, budget constraints, and long-term usability. We embrace the 'Bin Philosophy,' encouraging iterative design to refine ideas until the optimal solution emerges. Our expertise spans new builds, extensions, heritage projects, and commercial developments, supported by services like feasibility studies, quantity surveying, and 3D visualisation.We pride ourselves on transparency, guiding clients through every stage from initial concept to construction completion. With over a decade of experience, our architects combine technical precision with a passion for design excellence. Client testimonials highlight our ability to turn complex challenges into elegant, functional spaces that exceed expectations. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability ensures every project meets modern standards while respecting its environment.
Services
Design Services
Kickstarter Package
New Build Design
Extension Design
Heritage Projects
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- Our Kickstarter Package offers fixed-fee feasibility studies from 750 to reduce project risks
- We provide transparent, step-by-step architectural guidance tailored to individual client needs
- Our team combines 20+ years of combined experience in residential and commercial architecture
- We specialise in complex heritage and conservation projects with local authority expertise
- We offer end-to-end project management from initial concept to construction completion
What people say
Completely in love with it
Delighted with the outcome
Exceeding expectations
Creative solutions
Professional team
Services
New Build Design
We create bespoke new build designs tailored to site conditions and client requirements. Our process includes topographical surveys, planning applications, and technical compliance with building regulations. We coordinate structural engineers and specialist consultants to deliver functional, aesthetically pleasing homes that maximise investment value while meeting sustainability standards.
Extension Design
Our extension designs optimise space functionality while maintaining architectural harmony with existing structures. Services include measured surveys, planning submissions, and detailed construction drawings. We address technical challenges like drainage agreements and party wall arrangements, ensuring seamless integration of modern requirements with period properties where needed.
Heritage Projects
Specialising in listed buildings and conservation areas, we navigate complex planning constraints while preserving historical integrity. Our expertise includes period-appropriate material selection, heritage impact assessments, and collaboration with local authorities to achieve approvals for sensitive restoration and adaptive reuse projects.
Kickstarter Package
This fixed-fee service evaluates project viability through site analysis, planning policy review, and budget estimation. We deliver sketch designs, planning likelihood assessments, and cost projections to help clients make informed decisions before committing to full architectural services.
Quantity Surveying
Our build cost estimation service identifies budget priorities and potential savings. We provide detailed cost breakdowns during early design stages, helping clients allocate resources effectively while maintaining design quality and regulatory compliance across residential and commercial projects.
People
Chris
Managing Director
With over 20 years' experience, Chris founded Artichoke in 2015 after working with volume housebuilders and bespoke developers. He specialises in residential architecture, combining technical expertise with creative problem-solving to deliver client-focused designs that balance aesthetics and functionality.
Adrian
Associate Architect
Adrian brings 20+ years of architectural experience, particularly in contract administration and site management. His expertise in resolving design challenges ensures practical solutions that maintain project timelines while achieving high-quality outcomes for residential and commercial developments.
Gabrio
Architect
Gabrio specialises in residential and heritage architecture, with 15 years' experience in Italy and the UK. His technical proficiency in project management ensures seamless delivery of complex renovations and new builds, particularly in conservation areas requiring specialist planning knowledge.
Esther
Architect
Qualified in 2019, Esther focuses on residential projects with meticulous attention to detail. Her expertise in technical design ensures compliance with building regulations while creating innovative spaces that balance modern living requirements with architectural integrity.
Juliette
Office Manager
Juliette oversees administrative operations, ensuring smooth project coordination. With retail and bridal industry experience, she applies organisational expertise to support the architectural team, managing client communications and business logistics efficiently.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full-service architecture including new builds, extensions, heritage projects, feasibility studies, 3D visualisation, and end-to-end project management for residential and commercial clients.
Do you specialise in heritage or conservation projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with listed buildings and conservation areas, including navigating complex planning requirements and historical preservation standards.
What is your Kickstarter Package?
Our fixed-fee Kickstarter Package (from £750) offers feasibility studies exploring planning potential, budget estimates, and design options to reduce project risks before major investments.
How do you handle project timelines and budgets?
We provide detailed cost estimates, timeline projections, and value engineering services to ensure projects stay within budget while maintaining design integrity.
Do you work with commercial clients?
Yes, we handle commercial projects ranging from office spaces to mixed-use developments, with expertise in regulatory compliance and functional design optimisation.
Reviews (2)
Peter Daley
May 22, 2017
Report
We engaged Chris to design a rear extension for our Victorian semi in Windsor. He encouraged us from the outset to consider a more contemporary look, and although we were hesitant at first, when he showed us some images on Pinterest of some old buildings with new additions we were happy to go in that direction. The finished look is even better than we had thought it would be based on the designs, and we are really glad we had faith in Chris's ideas.
Right from the beginning, he helped to make the process very straightforward, and was very clear about how things would work at every stage. We would definitely recommend any of our friends who needed an architect to talk to Chris first.
Right from the beginning, he helped to make the process very straightforward, and was very clear about how things would work at every stage. We would definitely recommend any of our friends who needed an architect to talk to Chris first.
Maddie Birch-Jackson
May 12, 2017
Report
An engineer we'd used in the past, who works with a lot of Architects suggested that we give Artichoke a call as he knew we would need quite a creative solution for our Edwardian cottage. When we first saw Chris's concept sketches it put the fear of God into us as there were such drastic changes to so much of the existing house. After having given it a lot of thought though, we realised that to turn our little house into a big house, we did actually need to do something substantial. It's built now and everyone that walks in just says 'Wow!' and can't believe it's the same house! We absolutely love it, thank you SO much Artichoke!
