Explore OA's commercial portfolio, from commercial workplaces and headquarters to mixed-use developments, creating flexible environments that support business, collaboration and long-term success.
OA ARCHITECTURE
OXFORD BRISTOL CAMBRIDGE
WORKING
We are a practice rooted in place, driven by design, and united by a belief that architecture should enhance everyday life - intelligently, responsibly, and beautifully.
OA ARCHITECTURE
3
Architecture that helps organisations thrive
Every place of business is shaped by the people who use it and the ambitions they support. Understanding these factors forms the foundation of our process. From commercial workplaces and customer-facing environments to mixed-use developments and transformative refurbishments, our approach begins with understanding how each organisation operates. By working closely with clients, consultants and end users, we create flexible, high-quality environments that strengthen identity, support productivity and collaboration, and remain adaptable as organisations evolve.
NSF International Proposal for 22,000sqft, 3-story new UK headquarters for NSF International
5
What’s built into every project
4 100%
1
Strategic briefing process
Key Design Lenses: brand, people, performance and flexibility
Projects tested for future adaptability
7
OA ARCHITECTURE
WORKING
How we work OA is a well-resourced Practice with a high Partner/Associate to staff ratio delivering excellent customer care, professional competence, commitment and delivery. We have a stable and loyal workforce of some 35 staff members in office in Oxford, Bristol and Cambridge, with the professionalism and experience to deliver the required service for any project. Additionally, we also provide Party Wall, Principal Designer, Graphic Designer and Clerk of Works services in-house. We operate a Partner/Project Architect-led approach to design and project running. The Partner and Project Architect will stay with the project from appointment through to completion and post project evaluation. As the project programme requires, they will be supplemented by our technical department and graphics support. We review programmes on a weekly basis to ensure that projects are properly resourced and managed. Technical delivery is assisted by our ISO 9001 Quality Management, and ISO 14001 Environmental Management accredited systems. We operate a wide range of computational design software. Our primary software for production of 3D models is Revit allowing us to be proficient in BIM delivery in compliance with ISO 19650 and the UK BIM framework. Sustainability is at the heart of our design process. All projects are cross referenced with our sustainability check list and we have an extensive portfolio of completed BREEAM projects.
3.
Pictured: European Space Agency, HQ
OA ARCHITECTURE
9
Luxe Fitness Gym, Bristol Refurbishment of Grade II Listed former library into a 715sqm fitness gym within the Bedminster Conservation Area
11
Respecting tradition, designing for tomorrow
100% Focus on long-term building performance
0 2040
Standard building types or solutions
Net-zero carbon commitment
13
OA ARCHITECTURE
WORKING
Workplaces Cities are not static entities; they evolve, shift, and grow, shaped by the architecture that rises within them. Streets and squares become centres of commerce, where workplaces, commercial buildings and mixed-use developments influence not just those who occupy them but the wider urban fabric. At OA, we have spent over 60 years engaged in this transformation, designing commercial environments that do more than accommodate businesses - they define identity, inspire collaboration, and contribute to the very essence of our towns and cities. A commercial building is never just a building. It is a manifestation of an organisation’s values and aspirations, a place where ideas are shaped, businesses grow, and communities engage. Our work spans a broad spectrum, from bespoke headquarters and speculative office developments to mixed-use schemes, customer-facing environments and masterplanned commercial districts. We understand that successful commercial spaces must be dynamic, flexible and future- proofed, capable of adapting to the evolving needs of businesses, organisations and the people who use them. Across the UK, our projects range from small-scale commercial units to multi-storey corporate headquarters, mixed-use developments and expansive business parks. Our approach is informed by the latest industry standards, working closely with organisations such as the BCO and BREEAM to ensure our designs meet the highest benchmarks for sustainability, efficiency and user wellbeing. Yet beyond the technical, we recognise that successful commercial environments must also inspire, engage and support the people who use them every day.
Through careful planning, material selection and an emphasis on natural light, we create places that enhance productivity, encourage interaction and enrich the experience of work and business. Sustainability is at the heart of our philosophy. While advanced technologies play a key role in minimising energy use, we believe that the most profound impact often comes from the simplest interventions - material choice, orientation and passive ventilation strategies - which shape a building’s long-term efficiency and adaptability. Our approach is one of holistic sustainability, where design and performance are seamlessly integrated to benefit both the environment and the end user. As an architectural practice, we take great pride in contributing to this ongoing transformation, crafting commercial environments where commerce meets community, and where ambition meets legacy.
3.
1 Carey Lane, London
OA ARCHITECTURE
15
1 Carey Lane, London Refurbishment of 2 office floors, building core facilities and reception of Central London office building
17
PRIVATE HOMES WORKING
31 Great George Street
Converting 3,600m² of Grade A office space to accommodate 360 staff from multiple University of Bristol departments required balancing standardised efficiency with departmental nuances - all within an exceptionally tight eight-week design programme. The scale of the project demanded rigorous coordination between multiple user groups while maintaining design quality throughout accelerated delivery. Early end-user consultation established common requirements - meeting rooms, conference facilities, AV support, and flexible workstations - while addressing subtle operational differences between departments. Our response prioritised openness and adaptability, positioning tea points within the open floor plate rather than behind closed doors to create informal gathering spaces that foster spontaneous cross-departmental interaction. We were appointed by the University to deliver RIBA Stages 0-4. The primary technical challenge involved modifying the landlord’s mechanical and electrical infrastructure to meet demanding layout requirements. The completed offices overlooking Brandon Hill demonstrate how thoughtful space planning and high-quality finishes can deliver exceptional workplace environments within compressed timeframes, creating prestigious offices that serve the University’s diverse departmental needs.
3.
3.
OA ARCHITECTURE
19
COMMERCIAL
36 & 37 Boutport Street Set within the wider regeneration of Barnstaple Town Centre, the redevelopment of 36 and 37 Boutport Street demonstrates how thoughtful conservation and contemporary intervention can work together to revitalise historic urban fabric. The scheme combines the meticulous restoration of the Grade II Listed No. 36 with the redevelopment of the fire-damaged No. 37, creating new homes and flexible workspace while strengthening a key pedestrian gateway into the town centre. Careful attention has been given to preserving the character and legacy of the site, from the repair of historic lath and plaster finishes and repointing of existing masonry, to the retention and reuse of salvaged ironwork and stone detailing from the original façade. Alongside the delivery of modern accommodation, the project also embraces environmental responsibility, including the integration of bespoke bat roosting and hibernation features within the new roof design. The result is a sensitive and forward-looking regeneration project that balances heritage, sustainability and long-term community value. Our aim is to deliver architecture that provides dignity, comfort, and long- term value - ensuring that affordable housing means quality housing.
OA ARCHITECTURE
WORKING
OA’s imagination and diligent approach have created a beautiful environment for everyone to enjoy
FATHER GREGORY - St Patricks Church, Bristol
OA ARCHITECTURE
23
WORKING
No. 1 Carey Lane, London Repositioning an existing commercial building within London’s competitive office market required more than a cosmetic upgrade. The refurbishment of No.1 Carey Lane focused on creating a welcoming arrival experience, modernising shared facilities and delivering flexible, high-quality office accommodation capable of attracting a diverse range of future tenants. The reception was reimagined as a bright, contemporary entrance, establishing a strong first impression and setting the design language for the wider refurbishment. CAT A refurbishments to the third and fifth floors created adaptable office space, while the fifth-floor roof terrace was remodelled with bronze detailing that complemented the new material palette throughout the building. The project also included the refurbishment of the building cores, lift lobbies and WCs, alongside the replacement and reconfiguration of the mechanical and electrical services. Careful coordination was required to integrate full air conditioning within restricted service zones while preserving valuable floor-to-ceiling heights, resulting in a contemporary workplace that enhances both occupier experience and long-term commercial appeal.
OA ARCHITECTURE
25
31 Great George Street, Bristol 3,600 sqm of open place office space spread over 3-floors and designed to accomodate 360 people.
27
Technical Capability
Current Capability & Training
All projects in OA are currently operating within the BIM environment and delivering projects to a level that best suits the clients requirements for construction and post hand over. We are competent and experienced in delivering projects to ISO 19650 (BIM Level 2) standards with the ability to offer fully coordinated design and data enriched information via common data exchange platforms. We are actively working towards BSI ISO 19650 1-2 accreditation on the strength of our BIM experience on previous projects and the processes we have adopted. We now aim to deliver all projects using Revit, allowing us to comply with the processes and standards set out in ISO 19650, even if this is not required by the client or design team as we feel this offers the best design service for our clients. From the inception of the project within Revit, we have the ability to draw on large amounts of embedded information within the 3D model to support both the client and contractor. We also utilise additional software that integrates directly with Revit, such as ADB, which is designed to support HBN and HTM compliance through the delivery of 3D room layouts, room data sheets and component scheduling. Our models utilise rich embedded data developed throughout the course of the project, incorporating modelled information from the wider design team including M&E engineers, structural engineers, landscape architects and civil engineers. By linking these disciplines into our own architectural model, we are able to undertake active model and construction coordination as the design develops and matures.. We have the ability to deliver scheduled COBie information linking specific manufacturer and maintenance attributes to objects and assemblies within the 3D model to the Level of Detail identified in the Employer’s Information Requirements (EIRs).
We have been operating an in-house BIM training programme since August 2013. Our third party BIM consultants ‘AIS’ have enhanced our embedded BIM and Revit knowledge with additional in-depth training sessions. We are actively developing and growing our in house digital design team to utilise computational design as part our design and delivery process.
CAD Software
OA operate Autodesk Revit and Bentley AECOsim Building Designer, both supported by Bentley PowerDraft and Autodesk Autocad for 2D drafting. We use Solibri Model Checker software as a tool to review and run clash detection on federated BIM models. We also run ADB, Autodesk ‘Navisworks’ and Autodesk ‘Design Review’ as required by the client. We have experience using common data environments such as 4projects or A-site, as well as the ability to host and manage projects via SharePoint. Visualisations are exported to Lumion or Enscape for photorealistic renders, with additional Photoshop manipulation setting the models into context.
ISO 19650, EIR and BEP
We work to the latest standards set out in the UK BIM Framework ISO 19650 series of standards and our Digital Production manual, MPDT, TDIP, BEP and EIR documentation has been developed in accordance with these standards.
Luxe Fitness Gym, Bristol Refurbishment of Grade II Listed former library into a 715sqm fitness gym within the Bedminster Conservation Area
29
OA OXFORD Bagley Croft Hinksey Hill Oxford OX1 5BS Tel: 01865 329 100 OA BRISTOL The Workshop 254 Southmead Road Bristol BS10 5EN Tel: 0117 958 1500 OA CAMBRIDGE Milton Hall Ely Road Cambridge CB24 6WZ Tel: 01223 828 340
www.oa-architecture.co.uk
Page 1 Page 2-3 Page 4-5 Page 6-7 Page 8-9 Page 10-11 Page 12-13 Page 14-15 Page 16-17 Page 18-19 Page 20-21 Page 22-23 Page 24-25 Page 26-27 Page 28-29 Page 30Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator