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 MCIAT, HNC, DipOCDEA
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.
Dexter
Dexter joined the team in 2015 and quickly promoted himself to chief morale officer. As a lively Cocker Spaniel, he brings boundless enthusiasm, wagging tails, and a knack for brightening even the busiest of days. His core skills include welcoming visitors with gusto, keeping meetings light-hearted, and mastering the art of the power nap. Dexter makes sure the team never takes life too seriously.
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
Thank you John and Sam for smooth process and always being there to answer our questions! You patiently took all of our considerations and listened to us for any changes.
Let’s be clear at the beginning; I had gone to John at Blackrock Architecture for a report I didn’t want at a cost I didn’t want to pay. But I went along anyway and met John for a brief chat about what I needed him to do for me and he told me what I information I needed to provide to him. This I duly did, even being chased by him to get the info to him asap, which I personally quite liked, I can be a bit of a procrastinator. Within the next 2 days I got the full report through with a covering email précising what it said and a simple instruction to forward the whole email to the relevant person who insisted I get the report done. How simple is that for me to do! So now I think John is absolutely brilliant. Completely professional, knowledgeable and quick. And I’m completely grateful for the report he has done for me ….. a bit of a turn around from my initial thoughts!!!!
I have worked with Blackrock on two projects now, and they have been excellent throughout the entire process. They provided great support during each stage and continued to be helpful even after the projects were completed. I highly recommend their services.
John has been helping us with ideas and plans for an extension which we hope to complete next year. The experience has been faultless so far, and I look forward to working with John later this year to solidify our plans. In the meantime, I needed some advice on a chimney breast which we're looking to remove, and John's support and guidance on this was invaluable. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Blackrock.
I was very happy with the service provided by Blackrock Architecture. John took time to answer all my questions and the drawings were provided quickly. Happy that Planning Permission was granted.
We could not have asked for more from John and co at Blackrock...we have just been granted planning permission for our two storey extension and it honestly will be life changing for us. Without their expertise and experience, I don't think the journey would have been as smooth as it has been to date. We have had excellent communication from them and know they will support us where possible moving forward. The designs themselves were fantastic- we had some initial thoughts on how we wanted our extension/existing floorplan to look but they guided us towards something we can now see is a hugely more efficient use of space, allowing us to make the most of the views across our garden and bordering fields. Top notch firm, very personable and really took the time to understand our needs. Would absolutely recommend and have already sung their praises to friends and family.
After a very bad experience with another company and money lost, company that been recommended😏 I find Blackrock Architecture Ltd on Google. A little bit scared to don't go on same route I contact John and he arrange a meeting with me. He come to my house check all my documents and drawings and took his time to explain everything step by step. He didn't took pay in advance and he done the "work" that was necessary from the Start. He answer to all my stupid questions and give me advice all the way. He help with sewer agreement, building regulations, structural engineer and other professional involved on a two storey extension. He was always there on the other side of the phone/email when needed(sometimes even after his working hours). And never to bother or busy to listen and advise. A big Thank You to Jhon and his team. Happy to collaborate with you and your team in other projects for the future.👏
Great experience with initial design, follow-up amendments and then during the extension build, including liaising with contracted builders throughout the process.
Had a great experience working with John to design a wraparound single story extension. The pricing was clear from the outside, no hidden costs, he dealt with all stages of the design and planning applications. Also responded to any queries in a timely manner. Would definitely recommend
I recently had the pleasure of working with John and his team at Blackrock Architecture Ltd, and I can't recommend them highly enough. From day one, their service has been exceptional. They were attentive to my needs, provided insightful recommendations, and maintained excellent communication throughout the project. Their professionalism and expertise truly set them apart. I will definitely be using their services again in the future! Thank you, John and team!
I highly recommend John and Blackrock. Friendly, very knowledgeable and very collaborative. Lots of great ideas but also gives space for your own reflection to realise your goal.
John and the team at Blackrock have been absolute stars. Nothing was too much trouble...they took us through the initial design stage, were patient and thoughtful with our (numerous) questions, they created a vision for our home that excited us...and then managed the planning application from start to finish. SUPERB
We were so impressed by John Payne at Blackrock Architecture. He was professional, reliable, helpful and his work was detailed, accurate and always delivered in a timely fashion. We would definitely recommend John and Blackrock Architecture.
John and his team were fantastic, not only in drawing up plans and building regs for an extensive addition to our house in a conservation area in Canterbury, but also navigating through planning. He has been on hand throughout the process, advising us, answering our extra questions and helping us to identify local tradespeople. We cannot recommend him highly enough.
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.
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.
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.
