Business Details
14 Years
experience
Trusted Architects in Folkestone, Kent
We are a local architecture practice based in Folkestone, Kent, dedicated to delivering cost-effective design solutions tailored to our clients' needs. With over 12 years of experience, our team specialises in residential projects while also offering expertise in education and commercial sectors. Our approach combines creativity, functionality, and sustainability, ensuring each project reflects the unique aspirations of our clients and the communities they serve. We act as lead consultants, designers, and project managers, assembling bespoke teams to achieve successful outcomes. Our trusted network of consultants and specialists, selected for their expertise and local knowledge, collaborates with us to maintain a shared commitment to quality and teamwork.We pride ourselves on delivering projects on time, within budget, and with a focus on exceeding client expectations through meticulous attention to detail. Our services span the entire project lifecycle, from initial consultation and planning to construction administration and final handover. With a passion for innovative design, we strive to create spaces that are not only functional but also inspire a sense of place and timelessness. Our founder, John Verkaik, brings over 20 years of industry experience, supported by a team of skilled architects and designers who contribute their expertise to every project. We are committed to fostering long-term relationships with our clients, ensuring their vision is realised with professionalism and precision.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Design
Planning Applications
Building Regulations
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We have over 12 years of experience in residential, education, and commercial architecture.
- Our team includes specialists with over 20 years of industry expertise.
- We offer end-to-end project management from concept to completion.
- We prioritise sustainability and contextual design in every project.
- We collaborate with trusted local consultants to ensure quality and reliability.
Services
Residential Architecture
We create tailored residential designs that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Our process begins with understanding your lifestyle and aspirations, ensuring every space enhances quality of life. With expertise in Kent's local planning requirements, we deliver homes that harmonise with their environment while meeting modern living standards.
Commercial Design
Our commercial architecture focuses on creating efficient, inspiring workspaces that reflect brand identity. We prioritise spatial optimisation, accessibility, and future adaptability, ensuring environments that boost productivity and client engagement. Our experience spans retail, office, and mixed-use developments across Kent.
Planning Applications
We guide projects through the planning process with strategic pre-application consultations and detailed submissions. Using 3D visualisations and CAD drawings, we present proposals that address local authority requirements while maximising design potential. Our success rate reflects our deep understanding of Kent's planning policies.
Building Regulations
Our team prepares comprehensive building regulation drawings and coordinates with consultants to ensure full compliance. We manage technical specifications and tendering processes, guaranteeing projects meet safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility standards while maintaining design integrity.
Project Management
We oversee projects from contract signing to completion, managing client-contractor relationships and conducting site inspections. Our administration ensures adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality benchmarks, with meticulous documentation to facilitate smooth project handovers.
People
John Verkaik
Founder/Principal Architect
With over 20 years of experience, John leads JV Architects, delivering thoughtful designs that balance style and functionality. He oversees all projects from inception to completion, leveraging his deep knowledge of Kent's architectural landscape to support clients.
Shilong Wang
Architect
Shilong joined JV Architects in 2019, returning after completing his Part 3 qualification in 2025. He contributes expertise in residential and commercial projects, combining academic excellence with practical experience across diverse design typologies.
Doru Manaila
Senior Architectural Designer
Doru has been with JV Architects since 2016, applying his meticulous approach to projects of varying scales. His work spans residential and education sectors, where he focuses on detailed design solutions that align with client aspirations and regulatory requirements.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide residential, commercial, and education sector design, planning applications, building regulation compliance, and full project management services.
How long have you been operating in Kent?
We have served Kent since 2012, with our team possessing over 20 years of combined local architectural expertise.
Can you handle complex planning applications?
Yes, we specialise in strategic planning submissions, including pre-application advice and 3D visualisations to secure approvals for challenging sites.
Do you work with other professionals on projects?
We collaborate with trusted consultants and specialists, assembling bespoke teams to ensure every project meets quality and compliance standards.
How do you ensure project deadlines and budgets are met?
Through rigorous contract administration, regular site inspections, and proactive communication, we maintain strict control over timelines and costs.
What makes your approach sustainable?
We integrate energy-efficient materials, passive design principles, and lifecycle considerations into every project to minimise environmental impact.
