Oak Cycles - Frame repair, custom build, welding/brazing

You'll be kicking yourself in years to come for not adding rear rack mounts in the first place. It can't hurt to have discreet ones there just in case surely?

Not really, if I were to go touring, I got the Genesis Croix de Fer for that, and even thought it have mount for a rear rack, I tend to bikepack instead, I no longer have the need for panniers.

Other than that it sounds like a pile of win. Will the mudguards be fabricated by Ryan and part of the frame or just designed around a nice pair?

Will have to talk to Ryan more, chance are it'll be a Gilles Berthoud 'guard, he's quite keen on this project as he mentioned he's thinking of making himself a similar bike.