Business Details
23 Years
experience
Bespoke Architectural Design Services
Established in 2003, Oakland Vale is a team of architectural designers and build consultants with extensive experience in the construction industry. We specialise in creating bespoke homes, extensions, and commercial properties tailored to clients' unique requirements, with particular expertise in sustainable, oak-framed, and eco-friendly designs. Our services span the entire project lifecycle from conceptual planning to construction, supported by a fully managed design and build option through trusted partner builders. The team combines traditional hand-drawn design techniques with modern 3D modelling and CAD technology to deliver precise, client-focused solutions. With over 35 years of industry experience, our directors provide expert guidance through complex planning processes and building regulations.We prioritise energy efficiency and sustainability, exceeding minimum thermal requirements through fabric-first approaches and renewable energy integration. Based in East Sussex, we serve clients nationwide, offering measured surveys, topographical assessments, and detailed construction drawings. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our portfolio of award-winning projects, including contemporary and traditional oak-framed properties. We maintain strict data privacy standards and provide transparent, no-obligation consultations to help clients realise their project visions.
Services
Architectural Design
Oak Framed Houses
Sustainable Living Designs
Building Regulations Compliance
3D Modelling
Construction Drawings
Measured Surveys
Planning Applications
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of architectural design experience
- Specialists in oak-framed and sustainable construction
- Offer full project lifecycle management from planning to build
- Combine traditional hand-drawn techniques with modern 3D modelling
- Provide nationwide service with local expertise in South East England
Services
Architectural Design
We provide comprehensive architectural design solutions from initial concept to construction drawings. Our team creates bespoke designs tailored to client requirements, combining hand-drawn sketches with digital 3D modelling. Services include planning applications, building regulations compliance, and detailed construction documentation for residential and commercial projects across the UK.
Oak Framed Houses
Specialist design for oak-framed properties using sustainable timber construction methods. We create customised oak-framed homes and extensions that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern energy efficiency standards. Our expertise includes navigating planning permissions for oak-framed structures and ensuring structural integrity while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Sustainable Living Designs
Energy-efficient building designs exceeding current thermal regulations through fabric-first principles. We integrate passive solar gain, high insulation levels, and renewable energy systems like heat pumps and solar panels. Our sustainable approach reduces long-term maintenance costs while minimising environmental impact across all project types.
Building Regulations Compliance
Preparation of detailed technical drawings meeting building control requirements. Our team produces comprehensive documentation for regulatory submissions, including dimensional plans and construction specifications. We ensure compliance with safety standards while maintaining design integrity and cost-effectiveness during the building process.
3D Modelling
Computer-generated architectural models for spatial awareness and design validation. We use advanced 3D modelling tools to create accurate visual representations of proposed developments, helping clients understand spatial relationships and contextual integration before construction begins.
People
Darren Blackwell
Design Director
With over 35 years in construction, Darren specialises in hand-drawn conceptual designs for bespoke homes. He guides clients through planning processes and has extensive experience in oak-framed property design for self-builders across the UK.
Sue Ferguson
Co-Director
As co-director, Sue oversees project delivery and client relations. With 20 years in architectural design, she ensures projects meet sustainability standards while maintaining aesthetic and functional requirements throughout the design and build process.
Greville Thomas
Technical Director
Greville leads technical drawing production with 25 years' experience. He prepares detailed CAD documentation for building control submissions and ensures construction drawings meet regulatory standards while supporting accurate project costing.
Jason Kidman
Architectural Assistant
Jason supports design and technical teams with planning drawings and 3D visualisations. Proficient in Photoshop, AutoCAD, and 3D modelling software, he enhances design presentations and assists in preparing detailed construction documentation.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full architectural design services including conceptual sketches, planning applications, building regulations compliance, 3D modelling, and detailed construction drawings for residential and commercial properties.
Do you specialise in oak-framed buildings?
Yes, we have extensive experience designing bespoke oak-framed homes, extensions, and commercial properties using sustainable timber construction methods.
How do you incorporate sustainability into designs?
We use fabric-first principles with high insulation, air tightness, and passive solar gain. We also integrate renewable energy systems like heat pumps and solar panels to exceed energy efficiency standards.
Can you assist with planning permission?
Yes, we guide clients through the entire planning process including pre-application advice, preparing documentation, and submitting detailed applications to local authorities.
Do you offer nationwide services?
While based in East Sussex, we work with clients across the UK on residential and commercial architectural projects of various scales.
What is your design process?
We begin with client consultation to understand requirements, followed by conceptual sketches, planning submissions, building regulations documentation, and detailed construction drawings for project completion.
