At Anthony Hicks, we provide a comprehensive design and planning service for oak framed buildings, combining craftsmanship, experience, and technical knowledge to bring your vision to life. With over 45 years of experience working across Kent and Sussex, our design team understands how to create plans that respect heritage and meet modern expectations.
From bespoke new builds to sensitive restoration projects, we work closely with clients, architects, and conservation officers to ensure every design is both practical and beautifully crafted.
Designing and planning oak framed buildings demands a balance of creativity, accuracy, and respect for tradition. Our dedicated team ensures every project receives expert attention from concept to completion.
Over 45 Years of Experience: Proven expertise in oak frame design and planning across Kent and Sussex.
Specialist Heritage Knowledge: Skilled in traditional building techniques and materials.
Planning & Regulatory Support: Assistance with listed building consents and local authority requirements.
Collaborative Approach: Experienced in working directly with clients, architects, and conservation officers.
Precision & Quality: Detailed plans and drawings that guide each stage of construction with confidence.
If you would like to discuss your project and book a free consultation please contact us.
01797 366895
Anthony Hicks has an experienced design team with years of combined specialist knowledge of traditional oak timber framed buildings and the techniques and materials used to build them, working on a variety of projects from the repair and modification of existing structures to the design of new oak framed houses and oak framed extensions.
Our designers have extensive experience of producing plans and drawings and can call upon our expert knowledge of traditional timber framed buildings allowing us to work with as much or as little input from our client in order to achieve the best results possible. The flexibility of the team mean that while we often create buildings from scratch, we also work in unison with architects as frame designers and are happy to be a specialist part of a design team.
Our experienced design team has created a wide range of oak framed extensions and buildings that complement and blend in with existing properties and their immediate surroundings. AutoCAD or hand drawn plans are used to illustrate our designs through the various stages of the proposal. This approach allows every project to be clearly visualised and refined before construction begins, ensuring accuracy and consistency from the initial design phase through to completion.
Anthony Hicks has a long track record of successful negotiations with conservation officers and local authorities, resulting in many successful builds and installations. The frame drawings we provide are detailed enough to allow a structural engineer to make necessary calculations to ensure all relevant building regulations are met, whilst allowing our craftsmen to build the frame to the agreed design. With over 45 years of experience working across Kent and Sussex, our understanding of planning procedures helps projects progress smoothly and efficiently. Whether supporting listed building consent applications or preparing documents for planning approval, we ensure compliance without compromising the architectural integrity of your design.
Occasionally an existing oak frame will need to be repaired or replaced and according to the nature of the work undertaken we offer a survey and drawing service to meet these needs.
A barn conversion is a typical example where we would initially visit the property to assess the condition of the existing timber frame on site. As a result of this inspection a repair schedule would be created which could include a detailed drawing of the frame elevations. The repair schedule is laid out in a logical manner making it easy to understand and ensures that both the Conservation Officer and client can see exactly which timbers need to be repaired or replaced.
At times, works to historic buildings will occasionally require an historic building report to highlight the important architectural and historic elements of the structure, including its development and previous alterations. We have extensive experience at producing historic building reports with our specialist focus on the timber-framed element of the building.
1. Initial Consultation
We begin with a detailed discussion about your vision, assessing your requirements and the property’s unique features.
2. Survey & Concept Design
Our designers prepare initial ideas, sketches, or digital plans to visualise the project and ensure alignment with your goals.
3. Technical Drawings & Detailing
We produce accurate plans and elevations using AutoCAD or hand-drawn methods, allowing for clear communication with engineers and planning authorities.
4. Planning & Consent
We support you through applications, liaising with local councils and conservation officers to meet all listed building and planning standards.
5. Final Design & Project Support
Once approved, we provide the final set of drawings and remain available to assist throughout the build to ensure the design is realised faithfully.
If you would like to discuss your project and book a free consultation please contact us.
01797 366895