Business Details
12 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Design Consultancy in Cheltenham
With over five decades of experience in architecture and design, I provide impartial, affordable advisory services tailored to clients' unique needs. My approach focuses on collaborative design counselling, helping clients clarify their vision through insightful questioning and practical solutions. From residential renovations to commercial projects, my expertise spans new builds, conversions, and heritage restorations, including award-winning designs featured on ITV.I prioritise early-stage guidance to prevent costly mistakes, offering flexible pay-as-you-go consultations backed by a comprehensive resource library. My career includes pioneering transdisciplinary projects, from patented bar systems to community cohousing initiatives, reflecting a lifelong commitment to innovative, client-centred design.
Services
Architectural design advice
Project feasibility studies
Home alterations consultancy
Extension planning
Design counselling
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of architectural expertise across diverse projects
- Our pay-as-you-go service provides flexible, affordable design guidance
- We specialise in clarifying client needs through insightful design counselling
- Our portfolio includes award-winning and nationally-featured designs
- We focus on preventing costly mistakes through early-stage feasibility analysis
Associations and certifications
- Royal Society of Arts
- Royal Institute of British Architects
- Architects Registration Board
What people say
Excellent Ideas
Stunning Design
Practical Brilliance
Innovative
Good Humour
Services
Architectural design advice
Professional guidance for residential and commercial building projects. Specialising in transforming ideas into feasible plans while maintaining budget constraints. Combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving to deliver practical solutions that meet both regulatory requirements and client expectations.
Project feasibility studies
Comprehensive analysis of proposed building projects to evaluate practicality and cost-effectiveness. Identifies potential challenges early in the planning stage to prevent expensive mistakes. Uses 50+ years' experience to provide realistic evaluations of design concepts and implementation strategies.
Home alterations consultancy
Expert advice on adapting existing properties to meet changing needs. Specialises in creating functional spaces that enhance property value while respecting original architectural character. Focuses on balancing aesthetic improvements with structural practicality and budget considerations.
Extension planning
Specialised guidance for residential and commercial property extensions. Combines spatial planning expertise with regulatory knowledge to create seamless additions that complement existing structures. Emphasises practical layouts that maximise usability while maintaining visual harmony.
Design counselling
Collaborative process to clarify client requirements and explore design possibilities. Uses targeted questioning to identify emotional, practical and financial priorities. Helps clients make informed decisions through visual aids and real-world examples from extensive industry experience.
People
Christopher Margenout
Architect & Design Consultant
Architect with 50+ years' experience in residential and commercial design. Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, former RIBA member, and holder of architectural qualifications from Gloucestershire College of Art & Design. Specialises in transdisciplinary design solutions and community-focused projects.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
I specialise in design advisory services for residential and commercial projects including new builds, renovations, extensions, and feasibility studies.
How does your pay-as-you-go consultancy work?
Clients receive flexible hourly consultations to develop ideas without long-term commitment, helping avoid costly mistakes through early-stage guidance.
What experience do you have with listed buildings?
I have extensive experience transforming Grade 2 listed buildings while preserving historical integrity, as demonstrated by multiple successful conversion projects.
Can you help with planning permission applications?
While I don't submit formal applications, I provide expert guidance to develop designs that meet regulatory requirements and maximise approval chances.
Do you work outside Cheltenham?
While based in Cheltenham, I consider projects across Gloucestershire and collaborate with local professionals to ensure location-specific expertise.
