Strengthening Our Presence Across the South East
This year saw the opening of our new design studio in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, marking an exciting milestone in the continued growth of the practice. Building on the success of our established Canterbury headquarters, the new studio strengthens On Architecture’s presence across the South East and provides a dedicated base to support clients throughout Sussex and the wider South East. The expansion reflects the practice’s commitment to delivering high-quality, design-led architecture while offering local knowledge, responsive service and technical expertise to an increasing client base across the region.
Led by Director Pete Bland
The Haywards Heath studio is led by Director Pete Bland, a local resident and Chartered Town Planner with nearly 40 years of distinguished experience in residential development. Throughout his career, Pete has combined strong project management, planning expertise and a comprehensive understanding of the entire development lifecycle to deliver award-winning, design-led schemes. His extensive knowledge of Sussex and the wider South East makes him ideally placed to lead the practice’s expansion across the region.
Pete began his career in site management in 1987 with Charles Church before working across a range of commercial developments. This practical construction experience led him to study Planning Studies with a specialist focus on Urban Design at Oxford Brookes University, providing the foundation for a career that has successfully bridged planning, design and delivery.
Four Decades of Award-Winning Experience
Following graduation, Pete joined Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern), where he worked on a number of acclaimed residential regeneration and conversion projects, including the historic Morland Brewery redevelopment in Abingdon and the award-winning Oxford Waterside and Oxford Waterways developments.
In 2002, Pete joined Millwood Designer Homes as Design Manager, playing a key role in expanding the company’s portfolio from traditional executive housing into higher-density residential developments. During this time he delivered landmark schemes including St Augustine’s Park in Westgate-on-Sea and Henley Park at Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne.
Pete later returned to Berkeley Homes Southern Region, leading further regeneration and heritage conversion projects, including Royal Clarence Yard in Gosport and the redevelopment of All Saints Hospital in Eastbourne. Rejoining Millwood Designer Homes in 2009 as Associate Director of Design and Planning (latterly Elivia Homes Eastern), he went on to lead the design and planning of numerous award-winning developments, including Orchard Gate in Ditton, Kent and Lavender Fields in Isfield, East Sussex alongside many other high-quality residential schemes across Kent, Sussex and Surrey.
A Dedicated Focus on Sussex
The opening of the Haywards Heath studio represents a natural next step for both Pete and On Architecture. Having delivered many successful residential developments throughout his career, Pete now leads the practice’s expansion into Sussex, where the new office will focus on residential, commercial, education and mixed-use projects across Sussex and the wider South East.
Supported by the expertise of On Architecture’s Canterbury studio, the Haywards Heath office will offer architecture, planning, urban design and masterplanning services, providing clients with a collaborative, design-led approach from concept through to delivery.
Looking Ahead
The opening of the Haywards Heath studio marks an exciting new chapter for On Architecture. Combining the strength of its established Canterbury office with Pete Bland’s extensive planning and development expertise, the practice is ideally placed to support developers, landowners, local authorities and private clients across Sussex and the South East.
As the practice continues to grow, the new studio reinforces On Architecture’s commitment to creating thoughtful, sustainable and commercially successful places that positively respond to their context and stand the test of time.
Discover more about Pete’s career, experience and professional achievements by visiting his LinkedIn profile here: Pete Bland
