LAWRAY - Key Persons
Alan joined Lawray in 1996 after graduating from the University of Greenwich. His passion for architecture has witnessed his natural progression through the ranks of the practice from Architectural Assistant to Board Director. His experience spans multiple sectors including education, commercial, healthcare, multi and prime residential. His affable nature has made him an approachable character willing to listen and understand the needs of his clients and the team aboard. Alan believes the development of good architecture not only starts with a vision and a creative mind, but also with the ability to explore design to organise, communicate and process a brief. The culmination of this approach, he believes, promotes confidence and an inclination to physically develop an idea together as a team.
When delving further, Alan's architectural mindset has been influenced by his martial arts background. Seeking a subconscious feeling towards the formula of space, form and nature, Alan's philosophy is to avoid conflict and seek out a harmonious balance rather like ‘Yin and Yang'. Within his martial sphere, a simple purposeful movement can often create or have the necessary effect without the need to over-elaborate or be excessive. To explore the very technique is the way to perfect application and ‘when it feels right, often it is right'. Alan sees this concept translating into the very architecture he wishes to strive towards.
Alan believes in helping others where possible and part of this is his active role with the RIBA mentoring scheme and connection to various universities. In this, Alan endeavours to help Part 1 graduates prepare for their first steps towards internship.
Alice joined Lawray in July 2020 as a RIBA Part 2 Architectural Assistant after receiving an BA (Hons) degree in Architecture and a Masters of Architecture (MArch) with Distinction, from Liverpool John Moores University.
Alice joined Lawray Architects as HR Assistant in October 2022 and has recently promoted to HR & Talent Coordinator.
Before joining the practice, she completed a degree in Modern Languages and resided in France, Spain and Costa Rica to improve her language skills and explore various cultures.
She subsequently returned to Wales and began her career in Human Resources. Based in the Cardiff studio, Alice's role involves talent acquisition and onboarding, employee engagement, performance management, and supporting training and development.
In her free time, Alice enjoys travelling, keeping fit in the gym, and socialising with friends and family.
Based in the Cardiff Studio, Ben became a part of Lawray Architects in May 2023 as our first trainee. Over the course of a year, he'll gain real-life experience before commencing a part-time BSc Architectural Design and Technology degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
With a background in design, Ben is particularly interested in expanding his knowledge of design software such as Revit and AutoCAD. His goal is to enhance his skills in these areas to further progress in his career.
Outside the workplace, Ben enjoys sports, exploring the outdoors and spending quality time socialising with friends and family.
Brenda is a Part 2 Architectural Assistant who graduated from University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. Throughout her architectural studies, she has explored the relationship between users and their immediate physical environment, such as living, working, and public spaces. She believes that spatial interaction is key in designing meaningful, and comfortable spaces that promote wellbeing and proximity among users and the built environment.
During her year out, she was involved in a mixed-used project in Malaysia, and as a keen user of Revit has been involved in developing BIM level 1 & 2 models. She wishes to develop more knowledge and skillsets in the technical aspects of design projects to further understand the metrics behind a successful delivery of a built project.
In her free time, she enjoys exploring new cafes in London and as an enthusiastic foodie, loves learning new recipes.
Job Titles:
- Finance Director
- Chartered Manager and Management Accountant
Carrie is an experienced chartered manager and management accountant. With a very credible balance of managerial and administration experience she brings a pragmatic approach to any challenge.
Carrie's passion to realise our sustainable growth goals combined with her leadership and management attributes saw her promoted to Director in 2021.
As Finance Director she is entrusted to protect Lawray's revenue and profits, planning and deploying strategies to empower practice growth whilst overseeing the HR and administration aspects of the business.
Carrie believes the positive culture and strong values that guide the entire Lawray team is fundamental to the success of the business. Lawray nurtures at all levels, listening and talking to the team to find and develop individual strengths whilst having fun and creating great architecture.
In her spare time Carrie can be found agility training her four-legged friend, playing petrol-heads or desperately avoiding any DIY.
Chris is a long-standing member of the Lawray family who quickly progressed to Associate level in 2009 followed by Directorship in 2016. His experience spans multiple sectors but is best known for his focus in the education and blue light sectors.
Although Chris now takes an active strategic role within Lawray where he leads the Marketing Strategy and Implementation, Chris remains hands on with many other parts of the business.
Chris is often seen as the face of Lawray within his region due to his affable and friendly nature. He believes that the success of the business and its projects are largely down to the people. Chris is inspired by our next generation and has most recently developed a strategy for Lawray's CSR activity that will support school leavers and graduates in gaining an alternative pathway into the industry.
Chris values his staff as the biggest asset to the business and continues to adopt and push for a culture within Lawray that ensures staff are always appreciated and valued.
In his spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with his young family and taking time out to socialise with his industry peers. Chris has a passion for sport including football, rugby, golf and national hunt racing.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- a Chartered Architect
Craig joined Lawray as a Chartered Architect in the spring of 2019, after obtaining his Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture at the RIBA North West. He previously studied for his undergraduate BSc (Hons) degree in 2011 and postgraduate masters (MArch) in 2014 at the Welsh School of Architecture in Cardiff.
Having previously worked on schemes throughout Manchester and the North West, Craig is experienced in running projects from inception through to completion, with direct involvement in high end residential, heritage and commercial projects. Craig enjoys working with buildings with historic value and has experience working on listed structures and buildings within Conservation Areas.
Away from work, Craig enjoys travelling and sketching cityscapes, with Tokyo and Venice particular highlights.
Job Titles:
- Senior Architectural Technologist
As Senior Architectural Technologist, Dai has worked mainly in the private sector on Design & Build schemes at all RIBA stages, from masterplans, feasibility and planning schemes to close co-ordination and delivery of projects on-site.
Prior to joining Lawray in 2022, he was responsible for delivering several large mixed-use developments including the 1m ft² Capital Quarter in Cardiff, where he built close long-term working relationships with the design team and specialist sub-contractors.
Dai is a self-proclaimed Rugby bore, frequently attending local club matches at all levels. Although now long retired from the game, he maintains his close connections with those he played with and against!
Dana graduated from the Pratt Institute School of Architecture, in New York City and completed her RIBA Part 3 at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL.
Dana has more than 10 years' experience working in London, during which time she's worked in several practices and contributed to various designs through the different stages, primarily residential and mixed-use projects.
She has particular interest in modern architecture, contemporary art and urban landscapes.
Job Titles:
- Architectural Technologist
Jason has over a decade of experience in architectural technology gained from working on a variety of projects in the healthcare, education, and residential sectors and gained his chartership with CIAT in 2018. He is currently working at Aberystwyth University to bring new life to Old College.
As a highly driven and technically savvy individual Jason is motivated by challenges and enthused by learning from new opportunities. He is imaginative and applies his creativity to generate unique designs delivered using a range of digital design software including BIM, Revit and Navisworks.
John has been working in the construction industry for nearly forty years. Starting as an Architectural Technician he diversified early on in his career into CAD, IT Management and Quality Assurance functions, within several well-known architectural practices. He is from the first generation to use computers in the architectural profession and has considerable experience of many different IT solutions and software applications.
John is a keen advocate for Building Information Modelling (BIM) and has been using the BIM practical processes and procedures long before BIM became a common requirement across the industry.
Joining Lawray in 2013 he is directly responsible to the Board of Directors. He has been instrumental enabling the business to become a holistic operational entity across its three studios. He has completely updated the business operational functions in IT and BIM, all governed under the ISO 9001 QA standards that he also leads. He has built a comprehensive IT infrastructure that is easily accessible and reliable for all staff, yet is secure and fully compliant with the Cyber Essentials certification programme for security operations. He has developed and enhanced working practices, IT infrastructure functions and Cloud based technologies. He enabled all staff to adopt agile working during the COVID pandemic. This enabled the business to continue providing its clients with high quality services, despite the constraints of COVID. All staff can work agilely anytime, anywhere and any place.
John provides staff with back and front-end support and training. He liaises with the IT supply chain and software developers to get best value to maintain Lawray's service deliverables across the business. He supports project teams with hardware and software support and BIM advice, writing BIM Execution Plans and other information to support project BIM activities. He is a keen supporter of new technologies, where these provide the business with value, added benefits and enhanced returns on investment.
Outside of work John is keen on history, particularly war history, classic British movies, gardening, food - not alcohol, and model railways.
Job Titles:
- Architectural Technologist
Joe joined Lawray in May 2021 as an Architectural Technician having graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Design and Technology. During his career Joe has gained extensive experience in high-rise student accommodation and educational projects.
Joe is confident in using a range of design software including Revit, AutoCAD and NBS Chorus. He enjoys problem solving and utilises his skills to help resolve issues and coordinate construction details to ensure the design process runs smoothly.
Josh joined Lawray in December 2023 after completing his degree at the Manchester School of Architecture. As a member of the Infrastructure Space atelier, Josh developed a strong interest in sustainable technology and infrastructure design. This led him to focus on environmental analysis and modular construction, and he is keen to bring this valuable experience into his work at Lawray. Throughout his studies, he gained expertise in REVIT, AutoCAD, and SketchUp, and his ambition is to become a Chartered Architectural Technologist in the future.
Josh approaches each task with enthusiasm and meticulous attention to detail. When he's not working, he enjoys watching football or rugby and participates in activities like walking, climbing, and fitness. Additionally, he has a deep fascination for history and architecture and loves exploring new parts of the world.
Krishan joined Lawray Architects as an Architectural Assistant in 2018 after graduating from London South Bank University with a distinction in his Master's earlier that year, and qualified as an Architect in 2023.
Krishan is passionate about the social impact of design and looks to his problem-solving skills to address context with a positive outcome using creative design solutions, addressing materiality and energy production.
During his time at Lawray he has become proficient in Revit and has ambitions to be an expert in utilising the software for design and modelling from concept through to the occupation of a project.
Kurt joined the practice in 2013 and was promoted to Associate in 2021 and Director in 2023. He has a vast amount of experience working across public and private sectors and has delivered a range of residential, hospitality and education projects. He applies his creative skills and strong technical background to the delivery of all work stages from design development through to completion.
As part of the senior management team, Kurt has a proven track record of leading teams and efficiently organising, managing and utilising all resources to deliver high-value and complex schemes to the utmost quality and within budget.
Having a lively and assertive character, Kurt confidently communicates with all stakeholders throughout the design process, which he believes is crucial to the success of every project. This has enabled him to build exceptional relationships with clients, contractors and the site team.
Kurt's extensive site experience and technical knowledge allows him to clearly convey and explain intricate details. He thrives in high-pressure environments, where solutions to potential problems are needed in a fast and efficient manner.
Job Titles:
- Senior Architectural Technologist
Kyle's journey in architecture began in South Africa, after achieving a Bachelor of Architectural Technology from the University of Johannesburg in 2008. He honed his skills for several years before embarking on a new chapter in the UK. Kyle joined Lawray Architects in October 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a passion for innovative design.
Inspired by his earliest memories of construction and fuelled by his love for people and diverse challenges, Kyle thrives in his role, creating meaningful spaces that reflect the unique visions and needs of his clients. His most rewarding projects have come from the educational sector, including his own secondary school, as well as a nursery and junior school for children on the autism spectrum.
Aside from a passion for nature photography, Kyle's spare time is taken up by spending time with his family, travelling, and watching documentaries.
Job Titles:
- Architectural Technologist
Leon joined Lawray Architects as a graduate Architectural Technologist in 2018 after completing a BSc (Hons) degree in Architectural Design & Technology at Cardiff Metropolitan University. He has gained experience in residential schemes during part time work alongside college and university.
Leon is passionate about sustainable design and exploring new technologies within architecture. He particularly enjoys using design software such as Revit, where he is always looking to learn new features and expand his knowledge. He is a member of the Charted Institute of Architectural Technologists and aspires to progress to full membership (MCIAT).
Leon has also been involved in Lawray's ‘The Future is Green Scheme' a CSR programme aimed at college pupils and students of architecture. This involved working in a team to create a university course which will be delivered to architecture students over a series of six workshops. The result will be students creating a basic hotel building where they will implement the basic principles of BIM to prepare them for their professional careers as an architect / architectural technologist.
Having gained experience across a range of sectors and RIBA workstages Lucy has successfully led the design and delivery of public sector new build projects. These projects were subject to intense client engagement and stakeholder consultation for which Lucy played a major role in developing the brief. Lucy's ability to build strong working relationships with clients, consultants and contracting teams has been central to the successful delivery of her projects.
A design-led architect with strong technical ability, Lucy is experienced in using Revit and has gained previous experience working for international firms such as IBI Group and BDP.
She is motivated by providing clients with tailored design solutions which can improve the building users' experience as well as the health and wellbeing of the occupants.
Out of work Lucy enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and making progress on her allotment.
Lucy joined Lawray in 2021 after working in an accountancy firm for five years. There she gained a level 2 qualification in accounting and is now working towards her level 3. Lucy has a keen eye for detail and communication, which is key for her role as it requires liaising with her wider colleagues and clients. She also provides administrative support across the practice including credit management, marketing, and sales ledger.
Luke recently graduated from the University of the Creative Arts - Canterbury and joined Lawray in 2022 as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant.
During his bachelor's degree Luke focused on a variety of projects, mainly in the residential and commercial sectors, achieving a first-class honours.
Luke has a passion for sustainability and looks for ways to reduce waste and carbon use in his projects. He is developing his expertise in design software such as Revit and seeks to promote a more sustainable way of living through construction and design.
Visual representation is important to Luke, and he uses graphic design to creatively express and professionally present his work. Utilising textures and colours, he believes, helps to illustrate an atmosphere within a design, to evoke feelings and communicate the inhabitation of the buildings.
In his spare time, he enjoys sports and being in the outdoors, particularly cycling and hiking. He is also currently learning German.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Architect With Experience of UK
- Design Team Leader
Lyn is an Architect with experience of UK and international projects, he joined Lawray in 2015 following 12 years working with a multi-disciplinary team in Cardiff. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Manchester School of Architecture and his formal architectural training at the RIBA North West.
Lyn strives to deliver all projects professionally, he is an accomplished designer, draughtsman and is an advanced Revit user. Lyn applies his understanding of construction coordination across a broad range of project types, he thrives in running design teams that use BIM collaboratively and is a fluent Welsh speaker.
Lyn's experience covers a range of specialisms and sectors which include leading teams to deliver education, healthcare, MOD and high-profile workplace projects. He also has a keen interest in refurbishment where he likes to explore opportunities and breathe new life into existing buildings. His innovative thinking, rigorous application of detail and collaboration with the project team results in design solutions that help to re-imagine and repurpose existing buildings. He has been fortunate to work oversees and enjoys opportunities to meet and work with new teams.
Within our team, Lyn works as design team leader on a range of projects offering his skills in developing the client's brief through to the realisation and coordination of many projects. Lyn acts as the key interface between the client and consultant teams to ensure that the communication of brief and its implementation is successful.
In his spare time, Lyn loves watching rugby, he enjoys cycling and travel when possible.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Head of Operations
- Senior Architectural Technologist
Mark is a Senior Architectural Technologist, and with over 30 years of experience within the industry, he brings a huge amount of knowledge in the delivery of projects which span multiple sectors.
As a Director, Mark leads a strong well-balanced team in Cardiff, as well as managing resources across the whole practice, making sure that projects run smoothly and on time.
Over many years Mark has delivered projects from concept to completion and now mentors the Senior Management Team on these processes. Mark's role has become more central across the practice leading operations and inputting into the overall business strategy.
As Head of Operations, Mark leads and oversees Lawray's operations and procedures and is responsible for the overall efficiency of the business. The Head of Operations plays a critical role in the development and integration of cross studio systems and processes to ensure increased operational efficiency.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Chartered Architect
Martin has been a chartered architect for more than forty years. He promotes a collaborative approach to work, both within the company and in the wider construction sector. He encourages the sharing of ideas and knowledge at all levels to give the client the best experience of the building process.
He believes architects are uniquely placed to offer clients a complementary set of skills based not only on the immediacy of a design solution, but on a greater awareness of humanity's place in nature, and the responsibilities that this carries, now and for future generations.
During his career, Martin has seen the process of designing and presenting solutions to his clients evolve from pencil or pen on paper, through the early computer aids to the highly organised information modelling being delivered by the latest computer programmes. His own curiosity has driven him to understand and become proficient in each new development, but he still retains a strong belief in the need to retain the traditional skills of observation and recording, which are highly transferable to these new forms and promote the concept of the architect as an artist.
Michelle joined Lawray in 2018, after completing a BSc degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University where she was awarded 1st Class Hons in Architectural Design and Technology. Having spent the first four years with the company working as an Architectural Technologist, Michelle developed a keen interest in the requirement to fulfil her duties as a designer under the CDM Regulations 2015, which subsequently led to a role change within the company. Now a CDM Consultant, and in thanks to her previous role ‘on the other side of the fence', she has experience working in a multitude of sectors across the industry. Michelle is also well versed in the building regulations and can read and fully comprehend design and construction drawings, putting her in good stead to develop and progress within the CDM Consultant role.
A typical day for Michelle consists of reviewing design information and visiting construction sites, helping to ensure that the life cycle of a building is a safe one.
If she's not in the office or on site, she can usually be found outdoors either riding her horse or walking the dog with her family, and occasionally curled up on the sofa with a good book!
Nick has been with the Practice since 1993, promoted on various occasions Nick now oversees all aspects of technical delivery within the London studio. This complements his unrivalled site-based practical expertise and experience.
As well as managing the technical aspects of delivery, Nick also provides valuable building conservation advice for all three studios. He is trained and qualified in historic building repair and conservation which resonates through many of Lawray's refurbishment and repair projects and he has also undertaken expert reporting on various building defects. Nick was admitted to the Architects Registration Board in 1995 and is also a member of the Society of Construction Law.
Nick studied at the Welsh School of Architecture (BSc & BArch, 1993), University of Wales in Cardiff, and took his postgraduate diploma (DiplCons AA) at the Architectural Association in 2001 in London.
In his spare time, Nick has also renovated his own properties in a hands-on, practical capacity, further enhancing his practical skills, though he freely admits these have been ‘hobby projects'.
Olga joined Lawray in October 2021, as a RIBA Part 2 Architectural Assistant. She has been working on a variety of projects including commercial, social, residential and prime residential sectors. Prior to joining Lawray, she worked on large scale urban design developments in Russia.
With a BArch on Urban Planning & Architecture at Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Olga completed her DipArch and MArch at Mackintosh School of Architecture, Glasgow School of Art. Her Architectural approach has always been accompanied by passion for arts, not only in the sense of visual and theoretical aspects but also in the greater changes that can be realised in social and spatial contexts.
After competing her architectural studies, Olga dedicated time to realise her passion for art and undertook an MRes in Art Theory & Philosophy at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. Alongside her studies, she worked as a Curator in a non-profit contemporary art gallery, collaborating with several independent art platforms and galleries. This experience has crystallized Olga's interest in ‘Phenomenology of Perception', which she is now exploring in her PhD at Goldsmiths, University of London.
In her free time, Olga is a keen traveller, Polaroid and watercolour enthusiast. She also enjoys volunteering for large scale sports events and organisations supporting people with disabilities and health conditions.
Rhys brings enthusiasm, organisational rigour and a solid work ethic to the delivery of every project. His affable nature has made him an approachable character willing to listen and understand the needs of his clients and team.
His wealth of experience across multiple sectors ensures that Rhys can adapt to the specific requirements each individual project presents, while ensuring deadlines are met.
Rhys is a fluent Welsh speaker and regularly communicates with clients, contractors and members of the design team in both Welsh and English. He believes that communicating with team members in their preferred language is an advantage to any project.
As an Associate, Rhys leads a team within the Cardiff studio and develops relationships with clients and contractors to ensure projects run smoothly. Rhys's meticulous eye for detail and passion for the industry ensures that projects achieve the client's ambitions.
Rhys can deliver projects from concept through to completion. His conscientious and thorough approach throughout the design and construction process is vital in steering a project in the right direction.
Outside of work Rhys has a passion for the great outdoors. You'll often find him cycling, hiking, camping and rock climbing on the weekends or after work.
Job Titles:
- Senior Architect
- Team Leader
Rob is a highly accomplished Senior Architect with over 35 years' experience working with leading UK architectural practices. During this time, he has delivered projects across a wide range of public and private sectors including retail, commercial, industrial, science, leisure, hospitality, and education.
Before joining Lawray, Rob worked in an award-winning consultancy leading concept design and technical development on a wide range of projects. He is committed to the delivery of high-quality architecture and combines his technical ability with creative flair to ensure that all design considerations are met and delivered affordably. He capably handles change, challenges, and complexity.
As a confident, articulate, and hard-working team leader Rob is good at building relationships and motivating others, as well as generating new business. He believes that people are at heart of any project and listening to their needs is central to the consultation process.
Inspired by the natural ventilation of termite mounds, the biomimicry design of the renowned Eastgate building in Harare, Zimbabwe, informed Rob's approach to sustainability when he was part of the design team. He believes that simple person-centred sustainable solutions should be considered integral to design rather than an afterthought.
Job Titles:
- Architectural Technologist
Rupert joined Lawray Architects in May 2019 after graduating with a BSc (Hons) Architectural Design & Technology degree. Based in the Cardiff office, Rupert provides support to the design team with the production of different drawing packages.
Rupert is passionate about architectural technology and enjoys finding new and innovative ways to utilise software to benefit projects. In particular, he enjoys working with Revit and hopes to continue developing his skills to help improve the efficiency of the office as much as possible.
When not working on architectural solutions, Rupert enjoys staying active by either swimming or cycling.
Sam became a member of the Lawray team in 2012 and has since developed his skills in all aspects of a senior role leading to him becoming Associate in 2023. He now specialises in the management and technical delivery of projects across a wide range of sectors including healthcare, IT, industrial, commercial, education and residential.
With an approachable manner and strong work ethic, Sam's exemplary communication skills have helped him build excellent working relationships with clients, stakeholders, contractors and other design team disciplines. Sam believes that a collaborative approach encouraged by excellent working relationships are the foundations for project success.
His vast technical knowledge and wealth of experience enables Sam to manage and deliver a projects from early design stage through to completion. This together with his natural ability to present clearly and concisely, enables him to translate a concept or technical detail into a format that people with no design or construction knowledge can easily understand.
Sam's forward thinking, innovative approach to problem solving, and advance knowledge of Revit, is instrumental when it comes to supporting others in developing their own skills and learning in the practice. In his day-to-day role Sam also works closely with the BIM and technical managers to develop innovative and efficient methods of delivering information to keep ahead of the curve.
Job Titles:
- Head of Communications
- Member of the International Building Press
Sarah's fascination for cities, cultures and art inspired her to study design at Nottingham Trent University then architectural history at The Bartlett School of Architecture, before applying this knowledge in her approach to marketing. For nearly two decades she has worked with leading architects and construction firms prior to joining Lawray in 2021.
Sarah supports and collaborates with people across the practice to deliver integrated marketing and communications that respond to business needs across sectors and markets. With a genuine interest in people, she is committed to unearthing compelling stories that narrate Lawray's values, purpose and impact.
Sarah is a member of the International Building Press, a visiting lecturer on the RIBA Part 3 Professional Practice course at Birmingham City University, former chair of Constructing Excellence Oxford, and a volunteer for the Oxford Civic Society and Open House, London.
Her love of architectural history and design led Sarah to train as a Clerkenwell and Islington guide and she leads urban walks in her spare time. She is also a keen photographer and traveller, and when she is not working can be found cycling, walking and kayaking in the great outdoors, exploring new places, and discovering new music at festivals and gigs.
Shengwei has been working with the team preparing construction packages for OPSS & Blashford tower by utilising BIM software.
Shengwei is an outdoor lover and enjoys travelling, and he often goes cycling and camping to explore what our planet has to offer. He is also a member of National Trust, and spends his spare time making the most of it by exploring some fascinating stories behind the buildings and the landscape.
Job Titles:
- Architectural Technologist
Job Titles:
- Business Development Manager
Job Titles:
- Architectural Technologist
At Lawray our philosophy is simple - to make the everyday inspirational.
We create unique buildings with a legacy that has a positive impact on the people that use them and the areas that surround them.