About Blackrock
Blackrock was established in 2005 and from the outset, we have focused heavily on building up good working relationships with local contractors, planning departments and building control companies. We run a multidisciplinary design practice specializing in both residential and commercial projects across the south-east. The ongoing success and in increased security for our clients prompted us to make the company limited in 2012.
Small Team... Big Results
John Payne HNC, DipOCDEA, CSH
Director and principal of the company
[email protected]
John’s passions for architecture started at a young age, wishing to follow the footsteps of his well-respected uncle who ran his own architectural practice in Kent. Having successfully completed schooling at the age of 16 John went immediately into an apprenticeship working for the largest and most respected practice in the southeast and studying architecture locally in the city of Canterbury. Having received excellent training in a vast range of disciplines via the apprenticeship programme, once qualified, John at the age of 20 years old setup his own practice which has been running continuously since.
John also has a keen passion for sustainability and subsequently qualified as a Code for Sustainable Homes & Domestic Energy Assessor, whilst these fields would generally be outsourced to specialist consultants, the skills gained have proven invaluable enabling the company to offer very specific advice in house at no extra cost to our clients. The practice, Blackrock Architecture, has gone from strength to strength and has now been running since 2005 with John working in the industry since 2001.
Sam Holmes HNC
Senior Architectural technician
[email protected]
Similar to John, Sam’s passion for architecture also started at a young age with his dad & grandad both working in construction, one as a builder and one as a designer. Sam went immediately to college after finishing schooling at the age of 16 to begin his architectural education. Sam successfully completed the first part of his education and then finished the remainder via an apprenticeship scheme with a large local firm all in Canterbury.
Sam later gained experience working for a practice who specialises in schools, hospitals and general commercial design achieving an excellent all-round overall concept of architecture. Sam felt his passion lies with ‘one off’ residential design and subsequently joined the firm in 2015 who we can say has been an invaluable member of the team. Sam has excellent design and technical skills and we are extremely pleased to have him on board.
Lewis Quinney, HNC
Architectural technician
[email protected]
Lewis joined the firm in 2017 as a school leaver. We were delighted to employ Lewis and take him through a modern-day apprenticeship scheme and pleased to say he qualified in 2021 and his skill has grown year on year. Having a young, keen member of staff has been fantastic with Lewis showing a real passion for rendered visualisations.
Lewis has really championed Photoshop enabling the company to prepare planning work to the highest level. A well-presented planning scheme is everything and Lewis is an invaluable member of the team with excellent AutoCAD skills and the ability to prepare a detailed technical package. Quite simply, Lewis is an ever-improving all-rounder and we couldn’t be without him.
Kimberley Payne
Accounts and admin
[email protected]
Kim joined the firm in 2012 to aid with the general running of the business. Due to the busy nature of the practice it became clear that assistance was required with general office duties such as accounts, filing and keeping the men in check!
Kim’s input has been essential for the smooth operation of the company, handling administrative tasks, coordinate schedules, facilitate communication, and provide support to other employees. Kim has also shown a keen interest in general design from architectural to landscaping to interiors and often gives very valid opinions and design input. Kim has a very practical outlook on things and her input has been invaluable on many occasions.
Practice Ethos
We believe in local knowledge. We look for work opportunities in Herne Bay, Whitstable, Canterbury and Thanet with the vast majority of our projects being in the south of Kent. We take pride in the fact we run an efficient, well-established company. We are confident that your experience with Blackrock will result in an end product that meets all of your desires and aspirations. The principal of the company, John Payne, will be your direct point of contact from initial discussions, through the design process and through to completion.
We understand the importance of achieving a design that works for you — blending our expert advice, taking into account local knowledge while incorporating your ideas. We genuinely care about every project, whether it's a porch extension or an extensive new build development. At Blackrock we value our clients, you will not become a number getting lost within a large company.
As well as providing quality designs, we have a considerable amount of onsite practical knowledge along with an understanding of build costs and construction methods. Our experience stems from our 35+ years of combined experience, alongside the direct relationship we have with Structural Engineers, we have partnered with over the years. These partnerships have enabled us to have a far greater understanding of structures over your average designer.
At Blackrock we also care for the environment around us. We are proud to be qualified sustainable housing consultants, with the ability to provide SAP calculations and Energy Performance Certificates in house. This certification enables us to offer expert advice on how to efficiently incorporate sustainable measures into your build. Thus, reducing future running costs while doing your bit for the environment.
We work alongside many local Architects as consultants providing technical support. Blackrock regularly provides architectural services and consultation to Architects to help overcome challenging technical situations and to prepare building regulation compliant packages of information on their behalf.
We have an excellent professional and construction-based team around us. We are confident that your project will be completed to the highest standard, on time and budget, all with our assistance and support.
While Blackrock are currently not looking to expand, we would be more than happy to offer careers advice to those in the field of construction. We will also accommodate work experience candidates as long as we have capacity at the required time.
Testimonials
John and the team were fantastic from start to finish. They listened to our ideas and provided us with great designs and advice for our loft conversion. We now have an amazing new space and love it. We will recommend Blackrock Architecture to our family and friends every time. Thank you again.
John was most helpful in advising on our loft conversion project drafting initial sketches, sorting the planning application and providing the final package to be able to go out for prices from builders. Nothing was to much trouble even when we wanted to make some changes to the drawings. The price I thought was reasonable as well. A pain free experiance.
We applied for planning consent to erect double garages with a pitched roof that could accommodate rooms. We had problems getting these approved due to objections and had to go through an appeal process. John Payne of Blackrock Architects did a brilliant job getting our planning approved. John's help and support throughout the whole process was exemplary. We would highly recommend the services of Blackrock Architects.
What can i say, amazing service from the phone first call to the submission of plans. Nothing was too much trouble, multiple revisions and a beautiful end result. Would not hesitate to use to John and the team again, in fact i wouldn't even consider going elsewhere!
John and the team have been incredibly helpful, their approach is very customer focused and they have been quick to offer support along every step of the way. We can’t fault the service and I have no hesitation in recommending Blackrock, thank you
I have dealt with John at Blackrock for over 10 years and have always found the Company to be very professional, helpful and knowledgeable plus very good at keeping to a time frame on projects. Recently used them for an urgent time sensitive project and again they excelled.
We have use John @ Blackrock for all of our design and planning requirements in our various home projects since 2011 and wouldn’t go anywhere else. John and the team are responsive, turn around design changes and variations in no time at all. They listened to our ideas and dreams and delivered in spectacular fashion whilst keeping us grounded and expectations realistic and achievable. Nothing is too much to ask for and just the right amount of guidance and assistance is given to ensure planning was granted. We simply wouldn’t consider using another practice.
Fantastic Architectural Services for a Fabulous Extension We had the pleasure of working with Blackrock Architecture Ltd to design and build a single storey wraparound extension for our home, and we cannot express our satisfaction enough. From initial consultation to construction, their expertise and professionalism shone through at every step of the process. First and foremost, we were impressed by John's ability to truly understand our vision. He took the time to carefully listen to our ideas, requirements, and preferences, and translated them into a design that exceeded all expectation. His attention to detail and creative approach ensured that every aspect of the extension blended seamlessly to create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing result. John's expertise was evident throughout the entire project. He navigated the planning and approval processes with ease, ensuring compliance with all regulations and guidelines. His exceptional communication skills kept us well-informed of progress, and he was always available to address any concerns or queries along the way. This level of responsiveness and transparency provided a sense of trust and reassurance, making the entire experience enjoyable and stress-free. The result was a fabulous extension that delivered on functionality and added aesthetic appeal to our home. Overall, our experience with Blackrock Architecture Ltd for our extension was nothing short of exceptional. John’s professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail resulted in a space that has transformed our home, both aesthetically and functionally. We highly recommend Blackrock’s services to anyone looking for an architectural designer who can bring their vision to life with precision and creativity.
Very impressed with the service received from John and Sam at Blackrock and how quickly they were able to help us when we'd previously been let down by another company. Very happy with the drawings produced. Thank you 🙂
We have worked very close with black rock Amazing architecture service! Would recommend highly
Hands down best designers I have ever dealt with. Professional, timely and above all impeccable communication and transparency. Very knowledgeable and great input into our extension plans. Wouldn't hesitate to use again or recommend to anyone looking for a competent service to turn their project into a success.
The team at Blackrock were fantastic in helping to get down our vision onto paper. The end result is exactly what we were after and really added that touch of luxury only a designer can give. Despite being a difficult space the team managed to fit in our lengthy list of demands beautifully. We were supported from pre planning, right the way through the build process and any issues that arose were directly addressed with the builders making it as smooth as possible. Having worked with many architectural design firms over the years BlackRock have really stood out - Highly Recommended!! Thanks again guys.
I am writing this review to say how blown away we have been with Blackrock and especially John. We had plans drawn up 2 years ago that due to ill health we was unable to proceed. I contactes John to ask if I could update the plans and he did this immediately with out extra charge, there have been further ammendments added too. John has appointed both Structual Engineer and also Building Control to help us progress as we are on a tight scedule and this was done straight away. John has been in touch all the time and kept us in the loop. I would have no hesitation in recommending Blackrock to anyone needing plans they are a great firm.
We have used Blackrock for our projects on our home and previous home, easy to deal with from start to finish and always there for advice if needed, we found John to go above and beyond to help us on our way.
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Blackrock Architecture on a recent design build project, and I can't speak highly enough of their exceptional services. From start to finish, John and his team proved themselves to be true professionals who not only deliver top-notch architectural designs but also alleviate the inherent stresses of managing such a venture. One of the standout qualities of Blackrock Architecture is their dedication to going the extra mile. John and his team didn't just provide a standard service – they exceeded expectations at every turn. The support we received throughout the building control process was invaluable. It's rare to find a team that not only creates stunning architectural plans but also guides you through the intricacies of regulations and permits, making the entire process remarkably smooth. Navigating the world of architecture and construction can be overwhelming for anyone without a background in the field. However, John's innate ability to grasp our vision and interior requirements was truly remarkable. It was as if he could read our minds! His swift translation of our ideas into comprehensive plans and specifications was nothing short of impressive. This meant that everyone involved in the project, from contractors to stakeholders, could understand the direction we were headed in, fostering a seamless collaboration that propelled the project forward. Timeliness is often a critical factor in any project, and Blackrock Architecture excelled in this regard. Their efficiency in transforming concepts into actionable plans ensured that we stayed on schedule without compromising on quality. The clear and concise communication that permeated every interaction made working with John and his team an absolute pleasure. In summary, working with Blackrock Architecture was a game-changing experience. Their ability to understand, execute, and communicate transformed what could have been a daunting endeavour into a rewarding journey. If you're seeking a team that not only designs spaces but also supports you through every step of the process, then look no further. John and his team are the epitome of professionalism, creativity, and dedication, and I wholeheartedly recommend them for any architectural project.
I’ve used John and his team professionally and personally. He has always delivered a professional and customer focused experience, excelling at turning an idea into reality and bringing a vision to life.
Excellent service, very professional I always recommend to all friends and family , John was always contactable and fantastic at solving any problems along the way .
We are really pleased with the plans that John and team pulled together for us. He listened carefully to our list of requirements and prepared a great set of drawings based on these ideas and helped us make changes as our thinking evolved through discussions. The planning application was approved first time with no alterations required. Looking forward to the next stages of the process and the ultimate completion of the project. Many thanks John.
We used Blackrock for three projects and have always found them knowledgeable and easy to deal with. Johns designs are really good and he has always been quick to respond to any revisions or alterations that were required. Highly recommended
I’ve worked with John at Blackrock Architecture for many years and always been happy with the service provided
Great service from start to finish, would definitely recommend helped us out loads with our extension
We have used John and the team for all planning and architecture matters for the last 5+ years. Knowledgable, reliable and most importantly successful in all work undertaken. We highly recommend John.
We have used Blackrock on multiple occasions and quite simply couldn’t possibly use anyone else. They continue to provide an excellent service to us in every aspect of architecture and planning. The interaction with John has always been very insightful and he clearly has a wealth of knowledge within the profession. We will continue using their services as we have received an excellent experience to date! Oakwood Acquisitions Ltd
The end results!!!! 🥰🥰🥰 Me and my wife love it! Thanks again guys, absolutely brilliant throughout. Ended up slightly cheaper also on original invoice. Thanks John Thanks Sam!!!
Amazing, efficient team at Blackrock Architecture! Open and very informative and helpful throughout, would highly recommend! Thank you.
Helped design our dream home 5* professional service with great knowledge and advice.
Very happy.. great understanding of the local area and knows what works. Will use and recommend on future developments AAA*
John and his team at Black Rock provide a very professional service and are always approachable, providing excellent advice.
I went to a few architects before I found John, he came highly recommended. I wanted someone that I could work with long term. He’s brilliant really knows his stuff and I know he will support me along the way. He’s also got good ideas and vision and will tell you when he thinks something just will not work. Do not hesitate to use him.
John and the team are great to work with, and produce good designs. Ive used them for 2 projects and all went smoothly. Their service is good value also
I have now used Blackrock for two projects and have no hesitation in highly recommending them. They are knowledgeable and reliable with great customer service. We've worked with John Payne who made the whole process easy with helpful guidance and support.
Been working with Blackrock for almost 10 years and produced several successful projects with their assistance. The teams support goes above and beyond and aftercare is excellent even when the project is complete. Very knowledgeable and professional company. 5 Stars.
I have used Blackrock Architecture on many occasions and always found them to be very proactive and dynamic. They are quick to respond at design stage and to technical queries during the construction process which is invaluable when building trades are on site. Many thanks to John and the team.
Brilliant service from start to finish. The team at Blaackrock have done a couple of jobs for me over the years and have always been very friendly, helpful and informative.
On our own home and many projects I’ve worked on Blackrock Architects have provided excellent advice and service. Have recommended them many times.
Brilliant company! John is great and goes above and beyond. We've used this company many times and have recommended to friends and family.
A fantastic architectural company with great attention to detail and a speedy service. I highly recommend!
Extremely professional and easy to work with not one issue that couldn’t be resolved always positive and helpful and very well priced.
Great service, really helpful and friendly. Was able to produce ideas and more space than I could come up with. Thank you
Great service from beginning to end of our extension, always prompt to respond to any queries and offers a great deal of knowledge and experience at a great price. Will definitely use for future projects.
We have been working with Blackrock for about 5 years and John has always been very helpfu, he has designed both our extensions adding his own ideas and listening to our thoughts and proposals. He has made the process very straight forward and has communicated well throughout. We wouldn’t hesitate recommending Blackrock Architecture.
John and the team were great, can’t thank them enough from start to finish they were on hand to assist. We are extremely happy with the end result and look forward to our next project with them
Very happy to recommend John and Blackrock Architecture. As an experienced developer, John was easy and efficient to work with. Look forward to working with John in the future.
