Artichoke Architectural Consultancy

Trust is probably the most essential parts of any relationship. Aside from the obvious mission to create beautiful things that fix a problem our basic business mission is to do a good job at a fair price and that the rest will (with some help from the team) take care of its self.

Our team are good at different things. This works incredibly well as we will always be looking over each other's shoulders and chipping in with comments, which consider different viewpoints and results in a much better design than with just one persons' creativity and experience.

Our approach to design is neither to do as we think is best nor to do what our clients think is best but to explore a range of alternatives (sometimes radical), so that our clients can (with our advice) guide the project and design towards what will ultimately suit them the best. The key ingredients here are to look at the site and its surroundings and to listen and understand what the client needs and how they are likely to get the most value out of the building in the future.

Although each of the team have their own design & stylistic preferences, as a practice we understand that our role is not to try and push any of our ideals; proportion, rhythm, scale, colour and texture apply whatever style you want to achieve. It is always a huge balancing act trying to avoid 'trends' in architecture, so our aim is always to try and design with how the building may be viewed in years to come.

Conservation

Don’t fear the old and wonky! A historic building can often add value to your project rather than tying your hands. It's important to understand what makes it special and how to deal with the level of care and respect that it deserves. We can help you with realising the potential of your building or site, guiding you through the black art of dealing with historic buildings.