About Us
Established in late 2013, our studio is founded on a close collaboration between Andrew Bolton and Karen Chalklin. Building on over 27 years of expertise in the high end residential sector.
ANDREW BOLTON — BArch (HONS) RIBA
With over 26 years of experience, Andrew’s work embodies a highly creative, principled, and refined design philosophy across architecture and interiors. Driven by creativity, detail, craftsmanship, and execution, his approach balances inspiration with structure, contemporary with tradition, and a commitment to lasting quality and functionality.
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Having worked for renowned architectural studios and with prominent interior designers in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand, Andrew brings depth, expertise, and refinement to each project. His work is underpinned by an intuitive understanding of our clients’ aspirations, knowing the design solutions required, and the delivery framework needed to realise a successful project. From concept to completion, he brings inspiration, clarity, and assurance founded in experience.
Andrew’s curated design approach reflects a love of creating beautifully proportioned spaces - layered with texture, light, materials, furniture and objects that resonate with our clients’ ways of living. His work draws on deep appreciation for the dialogue between old and new, and the importance of collaboration with all those involved in both the creative and construction process.
Over his career, Andrew’s projects have spanned diverse contexts, from contemporary coastal homes in Auckland to the restoration and quiet luxury of heritage properties in London and the English countryside. Each commission was characterised by complex requirements, talented teams, stunning settings and a shared pursuit of quality and value.
Andrew’s philosophy rests on the belief that the creation of a home is among the most meaningful expressions of design, a place for living well, for gathering and making memories, and a sanctuary that enhances the way we move through the world.
KAREN CHALKLIN — BArch (Hons) RIBA
Karen is a co-founder and director of Bolton Chalklin Architects, which she founded with Andrew in 2013. Having studied Architecture together in Auckland, NZ and after establishing themselves in the UK at different times and pursing separate careers, their friendship and professional paths remained closely intertwined ultimately leading them to found Bolton Chalklin Architects
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With over two decades of experience, Karen’s approach is defined by a deep respect for period architecture, an intuitive understanding of how people live, and a belief that great design should feel both timeless and personal. Her work reveals a refined sensibility, one that balances luxury and restraint, beauty and function, tradition and modernity.
Having collaborated with some of the world’s leading interior designers, Karen brings an exceptional eye for composition, proportion and detail. Her process combines creativity with rigour, ensuring that every project is as thoughtfully conceived as it is meticulously delivered.
Karen’s expertise lies in working with listed and heritage properties, sensitively weaving contemporary living into historic settings. Her work is guided by the conviction that the most successful homes are those that resonate deeply with their inhabitants, spaces that evolve gracefully and endure with integrity.
Origins
Instilled with our New Zealand values and based in London & Kent, we craft timeless homes with honesty, imagination, and ease. From design to delivery, we make the journey as seamless as the result - exceptional spaces, beautifully delivered.
Meet the team
Vicky Giannakis —
office manager
Born in South Africa to Greek parents, Vicky has always been inspired by warmth, light and a love of people. After 25 years in the UK, she brings a deep appreciation of culture, creativity and connection to her role at Bolton Chalklin Architects.
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With a background in law and extensive experience in HR and recruitment, Vicky combines organisational insight with an intuitive understanding of people. She helps foster a supportive, collaborative environment where the team and practice can thrive.
Outside of work, she enjoys curating beautiful homewares, cooking for family and friends, and spending time with her beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Buzz who often brings his own charm to the studio.
Shravan George —
PROJECT ARCHITECT (RIBA PART III)
Growing up in India as the son of an architect, Shravan developed an early appreciation for how architecture shapes everyday life. Shravan is a regisereted Architect and he joined Bolton Chalklin Architects in 2025, bringing experience from projects across the UK and India.
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Having studied in Liverpool, Glasgow and London, completing his Part 3 qualification at the Architectural Associatio, Shravan combines a refined design sensibility with an international perspective. His creativity is informed by a passion for music, photography and cricket, bringing depth and character to his architectural work.
Kate Dodds —
PROJECT RUNNER (RIBA PART II)
“Architecture is not based on concrete and steel and the elements of the soil. It’s based on wonder.” — Daniel Libeskind. For Kate, that wonder lies in creating innovative design solutions that enhance the quality of spaces and, in turn, the wellbeing of the people who inhabit them.
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I believe that everyone deserves access to thoughtfully designed environments that enrich daily life.
Before establishing myself in London, I spent summers volunteering on community-led construction projects in Morocco, Fiji, and Uganda. These experiences strengthened my commitment to socially and environmentally conscious design.
Outside of architecture, I find inspiration in music, art, and the natural world, all of which inform my approach to creating spaces that are both functional and uplifting.
Claudia Meads —
ARCHITECTUrAL ASSISTANT (RIBA PART I)
Claudia is a Part 1 Architectural Assistant at Bolton Chalklin, having recently relocated to London from New Zealand. She earned her Bachelor of Architectural Studies from Auckland University and gained early experience at a high-end architectural practice in New Zealand.
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Claudia’s design philosophy is inspired by the iconic Kiwi bach, simple, considered architecture that responds sensitively to its surroundings. Her work reflects a love of materiality, light and context, bringing thoughtfulness and clarity to every project.
Outside the studio, Claudia enjoys sewing, painting, and exploring the vibrant streets of London.
our approach
OUR APPROACH
Our work and commissions are a layered blend of period and contemporary, specifically tailored to each client.
We specialise in innovative design, bespoke craftsmanship and articulate delivery. Each project is director led with the support of our multi-disciplined talented team.
We offer a complete solution and the construction team collaborations necessary to create captivating, unique and expertly designed and executed projects.
OUR SOLUTIONS
We also have a wealth of experience in building regulation approvals, planning approvals, party wall matters, licence to alters and freeholder approval processes including Crown & Grosvenor Estate.
Our services
Interiors
Our studio provides a complete interior design service – from creating beautiful concepts, to sourcing fabrics and unique furniture pieces, to managing the on-site delivery and installation, including placement and styling of the interiors.
Approvals
We have a sound knowledge of town and country planning constraints and have the expertise to navigate through the national and local planning approval layers. Our portfolio includes instructions on listed buildings, conservation areas, green belt and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Management
We pride ourselves on our effective project delivery, particularly for complex commissions where there is the critical need to identify fundamental project parameters. We lead the consultant and construction teams to deliver high quality, cost controlled and time managed projects.
Architecture
We are a Royal Institute of British Architects chartered practice, specialising in both contemporary and restoration projects – ranging from rural properties to listed townhouses. Commissions involve new build work, interiors architecture, alterations and extensions.
Journal
Contact
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