Discover OA's experience across schools, colleges and universities, delivering inspiring learning environments that balance heritage, innovation and sustainability.
OA ARCHITECTURE
OXFORD BRISTOL CAMBRIDGE
ACADEMIC
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
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Architecture that supports learning, research and student life Every academic institution is shaped by its own history, culture and ambitions. At OA we create spaces that respond to those qualities Our work spans schools, colleges and universities, often within complex live environments where heritage, operational demands and long-term estate strategies must be carefully balanced. Whether delivering new facilities, adapting existing buildings or guiding phased campus development, we focus on creating architecture that is clear, robust and adaptable over time.
St Catherine’s College, Oxford JCR post refurbishment and removal of RAAC panels from ceiling
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60 years of engagement in the academic sector
1962 2000+ 3
Year OA was founded
Projects delivered across sectors
Studios in Oxford, Bristol and Cambridge
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OA ARCHITECTURE
ACADEMIC
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.
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Pictured: Newton Lodge, Summerfields School, Oxford
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St Anne’s College, Oxford A new library for St Anne’s College constructed with a focus on natural sustainble building materials and methods
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Respecting tradition, designing for tomorrow
100% Focus on long-term building performance
0 2040
Standard building types or solutions
Net-zero carbon commitment
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OA ARCHITECTURE
ACADEMIC
Academic We bring extensive knowledge, experience, and expertise to the design and delivery of educational buildings, from schools to universities. Our portfolio spans a wide range of educational environments, including special needs schools, Nursery and Primary schools, Secondary and Sixth Form facilities, as well as both refurbishment and new-build projects. Whether utilising traditional or innovative procurement methods, we ensure every project is delivered successfully, meeting the specific needs of our clients. Our involvement begins at the strategic level with site masterplanning and development control plans for schools. We have experience in a full spectrum of educational facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, performing arts spaces, sports halls, learning resource centres, IT suites, dining areas, and more. Each space we design is carefully crafted to inspire and facilitate learning, with a focus on flexibility to accommodate changing needs. We are proud to have worked with a range of esteemed clients, including The University of Oxford and its colleges, The University of Bristol, St Hugh’s School in Carswell, and Summer Fields School in Oxford. With these projects, we’ve created environments that foster academic achievement, collaboration, and personal growth, while ensuring that the design of each building complements its educational mission. In the university sector, our focus is on creating spaces that not only meet the immediate needs of the campus but also encourage long-term innovation and understanding. Whether for research laboratories, teaching spaces, or student accommodation, we design with the goal of fostering collaborative, flexible environments that support both students and staff in their academic pursuits.
Educational buildings must evolve alongside the needs of students and the rapid advances in technology. At OA we understand the importance of creating spaces that are both adaptable and inspiring, supporting creativity, well-being, and the academic success of everyone who uses them. Our designs are built with the future in mind, ensuring that they continue to serve and inspire generations to come. Above all, our approach to education design is centred on collaboration. We work closely with each client, engaging with all stakeholders to ensure the final design reflects the unique vision and goals of the institution. Through ongoing dialogue, we create spaces that not only support educational outcomes but also contribute to a positive, dynamic atmosphere that enhances the learning experience for all.
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Dining Hall, St Catherine’s College, Oxford
OA ARCHITECTURE
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OA ARCHITECTURE
HISTORIC BUILDINGS RESTORATION ALTERATION & CONVERSION NEW BUILD
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
ACADEMIC
Summer Fields have found OA’s collaborative, ‘can-do’ attitude invaluable and greatly appreciate their expertise
JAMES KIRK, BURSAR - Summer Fields School
OA ARCHITECTURE
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ACADEMIC
St Hugh’s School
A distinguished independent school set within a Grade II listed Oxfordshire estate, providing inspiring education for children aged 3-13. The school was awarded Best Prep School 2024 by Tatler. We have developed a close partnership with St Hugh’s, delivering thoughtfully designed facilities that enhance educational opportunities while respecting the school’s historic setting. The Dovecote Library (2018) represents our most significant contribution - transforming the unused Grade II listed Dovecote into a vibrant library with lightweight mezzanine and sympathetic extension. Natural oak cladding and a memorial garden courtyard create an inspiring learning environment that preserves historic character. The Sports Hall and Pool project (2020) delivered a new indoor pool and changing facilities using local stone and timber cladding to complement the listed setting. Additional projects include the CDT Building (2010) and Music Room (2015).
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Sports Centre
CDT
These projects demonstrate our understanding of independent education’s evolving needs while honouring architectural heritage.
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Music Room
Dovecote Library
OA ARCHITECTURE
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Dovecote Library, St Hugh’s School Refurbishment and repair of Grade II listed library with sensitive extension St Hugh’s School, Dovecote Library Refurbishment of the Grade II listed Dovecote and addition of a sympathetic extension to provide a new library and study space
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ACADEMIC
Summerfields School We have developed a long-standing relationship with Summer Fields School, supporting the ongoing evolution of its estate through a series of carefully considered interventions that balance heritage, functionality and the needs of a modern preparatory education. Working within one of Oxford’s most established school settings, our projects have focused on enhancing existing buildings while introducing contemporary elements that enrich the wider campus. From the creation of a new Pre-Prep at Newton Lodge, to the sensitive refurbishment of the school chapel and the transformation of the historic New Room into a vibrant library (pictured), each project reflects a carefully tailored response to both brief and context. Our work has improved environmental performance, increased capacity and introduced flexible, future-ready teaching spaces, all while preserving the character of the original buildings. Together, these interventions demonstrate how thoughtful, incremental design can support the long- term development of a school, reinforcing identity while enabling it to adapt and thrive.
OA ARCHITECTURE
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Newton Lodge, Summerfields School Contemporary extension to historic building to create new Pre-Prep School
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ACADEMIC
Ewert Place Set within a secluded courtyard within the school grounds, the new Lodge accommodation building has been designed to provide a safe, cohesive and contemporary residential environment for pupils and staff. Arranged over three storeys, the development accommodates 35 student bedspaces alongside a four-bedroom lodge parents’ house, three lodge assistants’ flats and shared common facilities, all carefully planned around a protected central courtyard. The project replaces outdated offsite accommodation and teaching facilities, bringing boarding provision back within the school boundary and strengthening the connection between pastoral care, teaching and wider campus life. The arrangement of the buildings creates a calm and secure external amenity space, while also forming a strong relationship with an adjacent dormitory building. Throughout the design process, careful consideration was given to safeguarding, supervision and the day-to-day operational needs of the school. Working closely with school governors, lodge parents and planning consultants, OA developed the project brief and accommodation schedule before leading the scheme successfully through planning. The building has been designed with a strong environmental focus, incorporating photovoltaic panels, natural ventilation strategies, solar control measures and integrated bat boxes. Alongside the new accommodation proposals, option studies were also prepared for the future reuse and redevelopment of the former lodge site, helping to support the school’s longer- term estate strategy.
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Summerfields School, Chapel Refurbishment of the ageing school chapel, included new flooring, lighting, roofing and redecorating
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OA ARCHITECTURE
HERITAGE CONTEMPORARY FIT-OUT MASTERPLANNING CONSERVATION
UNIVERSITIES
1964
1990
1993
2001
2025
ACADEMIC
Building Oxford’s future, honouring it’s past
For over sixty years, OA has contributed to the University of Oxford’s architectural evolution, balancing respect for its nine-century heritage with innovative responses to contemporary needs. Our relationship began in 1964 with Balliol College’s student accommodation scheme, a building that still stands as testament to its enduring quality. Former Partner Geoffrey Beard’s 1986 music room for Corpus Christi College exemplifies our approach: contemporary architecture that enhances rather than competes with Oxford’s historic fabric. At St Cross College, our 1991 south wing extension demonstrated seamless integration within Oxford’s collegiate environment. The Dorothy Hodgkin Building at Somerville College (1990) housed the Margaret Thatcher Centre, reflecting the evolving aspirations of Oxford’s pioneering women’s colleges. From St Anne’s College (2016) to our ongoing St Catherine’s College RAAC Replacement project, we continue addressing modern challenges while maintaining architectural excellence. Our enduring relationship with Oxford reflects deep understanding of this extraordinary institution. Each college possesses distinct identity and traditions, requiring bespoke solutions that honour individual character while serving collective purposes.
ST CROSS COLLEGE
HERTFORD COLLEGE
SOMERVILLE COLLEGE
ST CATHERINE’S COLLEGE
BALLIOL COLLEGE
OA ARCHITECTURE
Over 8000sqm of RAAC - bigger than a full sized football pitch
As Jessica Inglis, Physics School Manager at the University of Bristol, notes, “OA helped us with a tough refurbishment
UNIVERSITIES
St Catherine’s College, Oxford
St Catherine’s College stands as one of Britain’s most significant modernist masterpieces - Arne Jacobsen’s Grade I listed 1960s campus represents a complete architectural vision where every element was meticulously designed. When Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was identified in roof structures across 8,074m² of the original buildings, the College faced the complex challenge of remediating this material while preserving the integrity of Jacobsen’s design. We are working with the College to address RAAC across the Kitchen, Dining Hall, Junior and Senior Common Rooms, Administration Block, Wolfson Library, Bernard Sunley Building, and accommodation blocks. The remediation programme requires exceptional sensitivity - these aren’t simply listed buildings requiring repair, but internationally significant examples of mid-century modernism where architectural authenticity is paramount. Following approval of Planning and Listed Building Consent by Oxford City Council in 2024, construction works commenced in early 2025 with contractor Beard. The phased approach prioritises central facilities - Kitchen, Common Rooms, Dining Hall, Library, and Bernard Sunley Building - ensuring the College can maintain operations while safeguarding these critical spaces. This project exemplifies the technical and heritage challenges inherent in maintaining post-war modernist architecture. The work requires balancing structural necessity with conservation philosophy, ensuring remediation preserves Jacobsen’s vision while guaranteeing long-term building safety and demonstrating how careful intervention can extend the life of irreplaceable modernist heritage for future generations.
OA ARCHITECTURE
2013
2017
2017
2017
2018
ACADEMIC
Shaping Bristol’s Academic Future OA has established a strong partnership with the University of Bristol, one of the UK’s leading research universities and a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group. Founded in 1909, Bristol consistently ranks among the top universities globally. Our work demonstrates our ability to enhance both historic and contemporary university environments. At the H.H. Wills Physics Laboratory (2013), we sensitively upgraded the 1960s extension of this listed building within Tyndall’s Park Conservation Area, including new curtain walling and enhanced thermal performance while respecting its prominent hilltop location. The Centre for Innovation in the Richmond Building (2017) exemplifies our understanding of modern pedagogical needs, creating flexible teaching and research spaces to support Bristol’s innovative Joint Honours programme across eleven degree courses. Our expertise in transforming existing spaces is evident at 33 Colston Street (2017), where we rebuilt student accommodation following severe fire damage, enhancing facilities with en-suite bathrooms and improved social spaces. At One Cathedral Square (2018), we delivered a complete Cat B fit-out across 2,500sqm, accommodating 320 staff in Bristol’s city centre. The Indoor Sports Centre project increased gym capacity by 30% while creating transparent façades that advertise activities to the campus community. At 31 Great George Street (2017), we delivered 3,600sqm of prestigious open-plan offices overlooking Brandon Hill for 360 university staff.
31 GREAT GEORGE STREET
ONE CATHEDRAL SQUARE
H.H. WILLS PHYSICS LABORATORY
33 COLSTON STREET
CENTRE FOR INNOVATION
OA ARCHITECTURE
PARCI VAADTEEMSI C H O O L S
OA’s leadership through planning, listed building consent and construction has been exemplary, guiding a complex heritage project with skill, care and outstanding technical competence.
BYRON W BYRNE - Bursar, St Catherine’s College
OA ARCHITECTURE OA ARCHITECTURE
Balliol College, Oxford New Student Accomodation Block, one of OA’s earliest projects, completed in 1964
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.
St Hugh’s School, Dovecote Library Refurbishment of the Grade II listed Dovecote and addition of a sympathetic extension to provide a new library and study space
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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
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