Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Sustainable Architects in Oxford
Established in 1974, Jessop and Cook Architects has cultivated a reputation for excellence in architectural design with a steadfast commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Our practice specialises in creating impactful spaces for education, community initiatives, heritage conservation, and residential developments across Oxford and the Thames Valley region. With five decades of experience, we combine meticulous attention to detail with innovative approaches to address contemporary challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Our team of dedicated professionals adheres to the principles of the Oxford Living Wage and actively participates in the Architects Declare initiative to promote sustainable practices. We offer comprehensive services spanning project management, Passivhaus design, retrofit coordination, and Principal Designer responsibilities under CDM 2015 and the Building Safety Act 2022.Recognised by RIBA South East, Oxford Preservation Trust, and Thames Valley Property Awards, our work consistently demonstrates technical expertise and creative vision. We prioritise collaborative working relationships with clients ranging from local councils to universities, ensuring tailored solutions that meet specific needs while maintaining transparency throughout the design process. Our ongoing pursuit of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications underscores our dedication to quality management and environmental stewardship. Through active involvement in community projects and charitable initiatives, we strive to create meaningful architectural solutions that positively transform urban and rural landscapes alike.
Services
Project Management
Heritage Consultancy
Passivhaus Design
Retrofit Coordination
Principal Designer Services
Community Consultations
Building Regulations
Feasibility Studies
Space Planning
Conservation Surveys
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We have 50 years of architectural experience in Oxfordshire
- Our team includes Passivhaus-certified designers
- We hold RIBA South East award-winning credentials
- We pioneered Oxford's Living Wage architectural practice
- Our ISO certifications demonstrate quality and environmental commitment
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
- Architects Declare
What people say
Award-winning conservation work
Passivhaus expertise
Community-focused approach
50 years experience
ISO-certified practice
Services
Passivhaus Design
Our certified Passivhaus designers create ultra-low energy buildings that maintain comfort through superior insulation and air-tightness. We apply this standard to new builds and retrofits across residential and educational sectors. Clients benefit from reduced energy costs and enhanced environmental performance while meeting modern sustainability targets.
Heritage Consultancy
Specialists in historic building preservation, we provide expert guidance for listed properties and conservation areas. Our team manages sensitive renovations that maintain architectural integrity while incorporating modern requirements. This includes condition surveys, material analysis, and planning submissions for period buildings across Oxfordshire.
Principal Designer Services
We fulfill Principal Designer responsibilities under CDM 2015 and the Building Safety Act 2022, ensuring health and safety compliance throughout projects. Our role coordinates design teams, manages risk assessments, and maintains regulatory documentation for both commercial and residential developments.
Community Consultations
We facilitate public consultation processes for planning applications, particularly for community-focused projects. Our approach gathers stakeholder input through workshops, surveys, and exhibitions to ensure developments meet local needs while achieving planning approval.
Retrofit Coordination
Our retrofit specialists assess existing structures for energy efficiency improvements and regulatory compliance. We coordinate whole-house retrofits and commercial building upgrades that enhance performance while preserving architectural character across Oxfordshire's diverse building stock.
People
Graham Jessop
Founding Director
Co-founder with 50 years architectural experience, specialising in sustainable design principles and community-focused projects across Oxfordshire's historic environments.
John Cook
Founding Director
Established practice ethos combining technical excellence with social responsibility, driving award-winning conservation projects and educational facility designs since 1974.
Dan
Director & Conservation Architect
Leading heritage projects with specialist knowledge of period building materials and planning requirements for listed structures across Oxfordshire's protected sites.
Harry
Project Architect
Passivhaus-certified designer implementing energy-efficient solutions for new builds and retrofits, balancing modern sustainability with traditional architectural values.
Juliet
Director
Managing complex projects from feasibility through to completion, with particular expertise in educational facility design and community consultation processes.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in sustainable design, heritage conservation, educational facilities, residential developments, and community projects with Passivhaus and retrofit expertise.
Do you work outside Oxfordshire?
While based in Oxford, we accept select projects across the Thames Valley region and maintain strong local knowledge for effective design solutions.
How do you handle listed building projects?
Our conservation architects conduct detailed assessments, prepare planning applications, and implement sensitive renovations that preserve historical integrity while meeting modern requirements.
Are you certified for sustainable design?
Yes, we have Passivhaus-certified designers and are working towards ISO 14001 environmental management certification to formalise our sustainability practices.
What community initiatives do you support?
We actively participate in local charity projects, public consultations, and the Architects Declare initiative to address climate change through responsible design practices.
How do you manage large-scale developments?
Our team provides full project management from concept to completion, including feasibility studies, planning applications, and Principal Designer services under CDM regulations.
