Business Details
Expert Architectural Services in Bicester, Oxfordshire
Ora Design is a small, independent architectural practice based near Bicester, serving residential clients across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and the home counties. With over 20 years of professional experience, the practice specialises in delivering high-quality architectural services tailored to residential projects, including self-builds, loft conversions, barn conversions, home extensions, eco-friendly building designs, and conservation projects. The practice prioritises close collaboration with clients to ensure architectural detailing that results in functional, aesthetically pleasing, and practical solutions. Founded by Ian Shirvell, a Chartered Architectural Technologist with extensive experience in both traditional and modern construction methods, the practice combines technical expertise with a client-focused approach.Ora Design offers feasibility studies, detailed architectural drawings for planning and building regulations, and project management support to ensure seamless project execution. The practice has worked on diverse projects, from listed building conversions to eco-friendly developments, utilising systems like timber framing, SIPS, and ICF. Client testimonials highlight Ian's responsiveness, creativity, and commitment to delivering high-standard services at competitive prices.
Services
Self Build
Loft Conversion
Barn Conversion
Home Extension
Eco-Friendly Design
Conservation Projects
CAD Training
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in residential architectural design.
- Our tailored feasibility studies help clients explore project potential.
- We deliver detailed, accurate drawings to minimise delays and manage costs.
- Our team specialises in both modern and historic building conservation.
- Client testimonials highlight our responsiveness and creative problem-solving.
Associations and certifications
- Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
What people say
Inspirational ideas
Responsive service
High-standard work
Excellent value
Seamless project execution
Services
Self Build
Ora Design offers bespoke self-build services tailored to clients' visions, whether modest or ambitious. Our approach combines technical expertise with creative design to transform concepts into functional, aesthetically pleasing homes. We provide comprehensive support from initial feasibility studies to detailed construction drawings, ensuring clarity and precision throughout the process.
Loft Conversion
Our loft conversion service maximises unused attic space, creating additional bedrooms, studies, or living areas. We focus on practical layouts and structural integrity, delivering detailed plans that comply with building regulations. Clients benefit from cost-effective solutions that enhance property value and usability without compromising design quality.
Barn Conversion
Specialising in barn and stable block conversions, we blend historic preservation with modern living requirements. Our team produces detailed drawings for planning and building approvals, ensuring sensitive adaptations that respect original structures while meeting contemporary standards. Projects often involve listed buildings, requiring meticulous attention to conservation guidelines.
Eco-Friendly Design
We integrate eco-friendly materials and systems like timber framing, SIPS, and ICF into residential projects to reduce environmental impact. Our designs prioritise energy efficiency and sustainability without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality. Clients receive tailored solutions that align with green building principles and regulatory requirements.
Conservation Projects
Ora Design specialises in conservation projects for listed buildings and historic structures. We prepare detailed applications for statutory approvals, ensuring compliance with heritage guidelines. Our work includes sensitive extensions, repairs, and adaptive reuse, balancing preservation with modern functionality to maintain architectural integrity.
People
Ian Shirvell
Chartered Architectural Technologist
Ian Shirvell, founder of Ora Design, is a Chartered Architectural Technologist with over 20 years of experience. He specialises in residential architecture, conservation, and eco-friendly designs, combining technical expertise with a client-focused approach to deliver high-quality projects.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We specialise in self-builds, loft conversions, barn conversions, home extensions, eco-friendly designs, and conservation projects, along with feasibility studies and detailed planning drawings.
How do you approach the design process?
We follow a client-friendly 5-step process based on the RIBA Plan of Work, including consultation, surveys, planning applications, building regulations, and project management to ensure seamless execution.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and the home counties, with experience in both rural and urban residential projects.
How are your fees structured?
Fees are either hourly rates for specific services or fixed percentages (8–12% of build cost) for full projects, with transparent breakdowns across work stages.
Can you assist with listed building projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience in conservation and listed building adaptations, including preparing detailed applications for statutory approvals and sensitive design solutions.
What sets you apart from other architects?
Our combination of technical expertise, responsiveness, and commitment to tailored solutions ensures projects meet both practical and aesthetic goals, as highlighted by client testimonials.
Reviews (2)
Jane Cooper
Nov 13, 2020
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Ian did the drawings for our kitchen extension and the redesigning of our ground floor plan. He listened to our requests and was able to give us some useful advice along the way. He provides an excellent service. He is very obliging and goes the extra mile to ensure the job is done to a high standard. He offers good value combined with a top class professional approach. We would highly recommend Ian to anyone wanting architectural work doing!
Chris Taylor
Jun 20, 2020
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We invited Ian to quote for producing our plans and application documents relating to our two storey home extension. He visited the site for photographs and discussions and we liked his approach. We wanted to manage the project ourselves, using local craftsmen to do the building, so plenty of detail was required. Ian provided this as well as being on hand to help out when needed. The project went very well, the result is excellent, and was very cost effective too!
