Oliver Cradock
Senior Architect

Oliver is inspired in his work by a desire to give all people equal access to high-quality, creative architecture and design thinking. As a passionate, design-led architect, he values the importance of how spaces feel and are experienced as we interact with them, and thoroughly embraces the challenge of transforming an initial concept or big idea into a physical space.

Oliver has worked in Architecture since 2011, completing his BA(Hons) in Architecture at Oxford Brookes University in 2012 and MA Master of Architecture in 2016 at the University of Westminster. He has a keen interest in delivering design-forward buildings, with a creative approach to finding solutions in architecture.

Oliver joined AJA in 2021 after spending several years working for award-winning architecture practices in London and Hampshire, specialising in contemporary, high-end residential projects, alongside several commercial and listed building schemes. He became a Senior Architect in 2024.

At AJA, Oliver has broadened his expertise by working on a variety of diverse projects across multiple sectors, including highly specialist further and higher education projects, religious buildings, smaller-scale residential developments, as well as continuing to deliver bespoke designed schemes in the private residential sector.

Oliver has a multi-faceted skillset across all stages of a construction project, with excellent design and communication skills and a sound technical understanding, meaning he can explore designs with all involved in the project.

His favourite building is the saltwater tidal pools of Leca de Palmeira in Porto, completed in 1973 by architect Alvaro Siza. The design is fantastically simple yet creates a profound atmosphere and experience through its play of shadow and light, carefully selected views, and relationship with the landscape – all elements that Oliver seeks to consider in his designs. Linear concrete and timber forms take the user on a journey from the shore and out over rocky outcrops parallel to the sea. The architecture manages to simultaneously relate directly and harmoniously with the landscape, whilst also cutting across and dividing it to create a series of framed views.

Outside of work, Oliver loves nothing more than trying out all the independent cafes and restaurants that Nottingham has to offer.