We are a close-knit studio of creative architects and designers, committed to the people we design for and their unique needs.

My practice of architecture is influenced and motivated by designing for people and their activities, underpinned by the belief that good design can engender social change and community cohesion. The immersive approach I adopt listens to the end-users’ needs, recognising them as the experts, and designers as creative facilitators. I respond to design challenges pragmatically and innovatively, appreciating the importance of long-term economic sustainability; an aspect valued by commercial and not-for-profit clients alike.

The relationship between public health and urban planning is of particular interest to me. I believe that wellbeing starts with a sense of belonging, fostered in the way the public realm is designed. I believe that social inclusion starts with equality in this space, rooted in safe, affordable and enjoyable pedestrian, cycle and public transport infrastructure.

Much of my effort outside work is focussed on putting my community principles into action, pioneering my own local projects.

I attained my BA from Central Saint Martins, London, before returning to Birmingham to gain my MArch, and later, my Part 3. During my MArch, I was lucky enough to have my thesis project nominated for the inaugural AJ Student Award, and since then I have been involved in various architectural delineation competitions and journal entries.

My interests within architecture revolve around the design of ‘happier’ spaces and a people centred approach. I believe that design of space should be collaborative and democratic, and the design process is a tool to develop deep, meaning relationships.

By empowering people in a collaborative design process, there is potential to develop stronger relationships to each other and the spaces around them. The architect is the spatial investigator and translator, utilising their knowledge and experience to guide people through the process.

I first joined the APEC team in 2013 after graduating from Newcastle University, and completed my Masters at Birmingham City University in 2017. At APEC, I have been involved in projects from the initial sketches to seeing them completed on site and have worked closely with a range of clients and community groups.

I enjoy exploring participatory and collaborative approaches to architecture and working with local community groups. During my Masters, I favoured more traditional methods of hand-drawings and physical model making. I had the opportunity to travel to Gibraltar to exhibit my final year work. During this visit, I explored the abandoned tunnels in the rock and appeared on the front page of the Gibraltar Chronicle.

After graduating from University of Liverpool School of Architecture in 2018, I worked at a conservation practice and continued to do so while I completed my Master’s degree part-time at Birmingham City University in 2022.

I worked on a range of historic buildings, learning conservation practices and repair techniques.  During my master’s thesis module, I had the opportunity to work closely with a community organisation, exhibit work on multiple occasions on Dudley High Street, and organise my own engagement workshop. It was at this point that I found a love for participatory architecture and the value of engaging with the wider community to together create a scheme that serves all.

I started at APEC to continue my interest in working with historic buildings to make them more suitable for current needs while designing closely, and engaging with, locals on community-led projects.

I have been one of APEC’s directors since early 2015, having first joined the practice back in 2007. I carried out my architectural studies at Manchester School of Architecture and then RIBA North West, becoming a Chartered Architect in 2012.

I have led the design team on a number of significant projects covering a variety of sectors, including community, residential, church and education uses, and am developing a specialism in Conservation. I am interested in bringing heritage assets back to life through sustainable redevelopment; finding new uses that secure the long-term viability of a building.