About

I studied architecture at The University of Manchester, qualifying as a chartered architect in the year 2000, and went on to head numerous projects at some of the UK’s most prestigious design practices in a career focused on housing and retrofit.

Following qualification I joined award-winning Urban Splash, largely based in the site-office, where I collaborated closely with contractors and fabricators, and went on to head the Manchester office for Urban Splash Architects while still in my 20s. This experience fuelled my interest, and developed my expertise, in linking design with methods of fabrication and construction techniques.

During my time in London, I worked for the design-lead practices Ian Simpson Architects and Glenn Howells Architects, as a senior member of the practice management at the latter. Projects included the extension to the Grade 1 listed Fellow’s Parlour at Trinity College at the University of Cambridge , the new office for Ian Simpson Architects in Clerkenwell and The Printworks building at Glenn Howells Architects, which won UK ‘Apartment Building of the Year’ in the British Home Awards.

I also lead my own practice and work on a variety of projects. My practice was one of only 6 practices out of over 100 worldwide to be shortlisted for the RIBA international design competition for the central promenade at Morecambe Bay, UK. The project was widely published, exhibited at the RIBA in London and was featured on a dedicated programme on BBC Radio 4 to which I contributed. I am a design researcher as a result of my work in practice and academia with a specific interest in the construction site.

Teaching

College of Social Sciences and Arts

My teaching is focussed in the final year of the postgraduate MArch course.  In addition, I contribute to the theory and technology teaching across the school of architecture at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

I led the design and development of the new curriculum for the undergraduate Architecture course which cemented the focus on sustainability in architecture but also facilitated the link between design, theory and making.

In 2017 I was one of only twenty academic staff from across the institution to win a University Inspirational Teaching Award. I have been nominated for the award every year since its inception.

I have taught at Liverpool University School of Architecture, The Manchester School of Architecture, Nottingham University School of Architecture, The Sheffield School of Architecture and HNUST School of Architecture in China.
 

Courses taught

BArch RIBA Part 1, MArch RIBA Part 2 & RIBA Part 3

Modules taught

Histories & Theories 3
Professional Practice
Design Studio 6
Architect End Point Assessment

Research

• Culture and Creativity Research Institute

Urban Splash Architects
• Budenberg Haus Project, Altrincham

Ian Simpson Architects
• Extension to the Grade 1 listed Fellow’s Parlour for Trinity College, University of Cambridge
• New office for Ian Simpson Architects, Clerkenwell, London

Glenn Howells Architects
• The Printworks Building for First Base & English Partnerships, London

Paul King Architects
• The EMD Cinema, London
• The Gate Theatre, London
• Sheffield Design Pavilion for Sheffield Institute of Arts
• Modular Architecture Exhibition. Design, Fabrication, Assembly and LiDAR 3d Scan, Sheffield
• Reuse and Circularity Research Project. Photogrammetry and Design, Sheffield

Other activities

 

•  Expert Panel Member for Architecture on The Sheffield Design Review Panel for Sheffield City Council (2021 – Present)
•  Chair/Vice Chair Member of the RIBA international and national validation panel (2017 – Present)
•  External Examiner for Architecture:
Nottingham University, (2023 – Present)
Northumbria School of Architecture (2021 – Present)
Queen’s University Belfast (2021 – Present)
The Leeds School of Architecture (2021-2024)
The Manchester School of Architecture (2015-2019)
•  Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (since 2000)
•  Registered with the Architect’s Registration Board (since 2000)
•  Academic Member of the Standing Conference of School of Architecture, SCHOSA (2016 – Present)
•  Reviewer for Routledge publications (UK and International)