PLACED - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Ambassador
- Architect from Sedbergh
- Co - Founder and Director of Hyrd Architects
Ali is an Architect from Sedbergh, and was educated in Edinburgh and London. Ali is a Co-Founder and Director of Hyrd Architects, based in Kendal. The practice prides itself on being an approachable architectural studio, offering close collaboration between Architects and Clients.
Alice is an Urban Designer at Mott Macdonald, with experience in Transport Planning and an academic background in Architecture and Planning.
Her job is to provide inclusive and innovative designs for human-centred streets and spaces, and she particularly loves bringing concept designs to life through masterplans, renders and photo illustrations.
Alice has experience working in consultancies and public engagement through pop-up events and door-to-door surveys and has organised and led several project-based workshops at the baseline stages. She has also been involved in The Big Bang Fair in Birmingham in 2019.
Alice's strongest inspiration is to better understand how the street environment influences the quality of life of those living, visiting and working there - and how to design more equitable spaces, making our cities more walkable and empathetic for everyone.
Aliza is a student at the Manchester School of Architecture and has been interested in architecture, and until recently the built environment as a whole, from all aspects of the scale, from surveying to the social impact a space can have.
Amy is a researcher, educator and PhD graduate from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). Her PhD focused on urban socially engaged art and examined critical engagements with the urban environment as a site of creative practice. She has a background in art history and academia and has taught at LJMU and Liverpool Hope University. Amy has also worked for a university access charity where she was a tutor in secondary schools across Merseyside, teaching pupils about art history and contemporary art's relationship to activism and social movements. In her previous role, she was a community organiser in Knowsley and worked with the borough's parent/carer community to respond to educational inequality and place-based struggles.
Amy joined the PLACED team in 2022 as a Project Officer. She hopes to bring her research background and experiences working with young people and communities to her work at PLACED and is looking forward to promoting the inclusion of the community voice in the design of the urban built environment.
Anuja is a Part II Architectural Assistant at Jon Matthews Architects. She is originally from India, where she achieved her Bachelors degree. In 2018, she completed her MArch RIBA II at Nottingham Trent University and worked for a small-scale firm in St. Davids, Pembrokeshire before moving to Manchester.
Anuja also has experience in working in Architecture in India before moving to the UK and she appreciates the different approaches towards design in both nations.
She enjoys working for Jon Matthews Architects, being able to look at the construction industry from yet another perspective.
Nilgun is a heritage consultant based in Lancaster. Trained as an architect in Turkey, she holds a PhD in cultural heritage conservation. Her main areas of expertise and interest relate to the conservation of historic environments and archaeological sites, management of conservation areas, public engagement in heritage projects, and assessing the impacts of awareness-raising projects.
Lancaster-based heritage consultant Nilgun is one of our Ambassadors, and holds a PhD in cultural heritage conservation.
Becca is a 4th Year Planning student at the University of Liverpool. She is passionate about creating places with community, sustainability and wellbeing at the centre, where both people and nature can flourish. The importance of community engagement in the built environment has become clear to her throughout her studies and she believes that everyone should have a say in the development of their communities to create a common vision for the future.
Beckie has a BA in Architecture from Loughborough University with her dissertation focus on the reuse of vacant buildings in Liverpool to provide a homelessness provision. Beckie has found her passions as an architect is built on an end-user focus and the effects on the community. In her previous role she worked as an architectural assistant within an urban design team in Nottingham with a firm that focuses on heritage and conservation.
Beckie completed the PLACED Easter school in 2017 before joining the team in 2023 as a Project Assistant. Having worked within the National Citizen Service leading and supporting groups of young people, Beckie is passionate about design being a catalyst for social change and a tool that communities can use to grow and develop of their own spaces. She believes that the user of the space should be vital in any design process.
Ben studied architecture at the University of Bath and completed his part 2 at the University of Liverpool, before working for award winning Liverpool Practice Brock Carmichael Architects, on projects such as Southport College, Liverpool Hope University, Bickershaw Zero Carbon Housing, and the Liverpool Science Park.
He set up his own practice, Prince Architects, in 2010, based in the Baltic Triangle in Liverpool. The practice has a collaborative approach to design, based on the belief that good design is not exclusive, and that a close working relationship with the client is key to achieving the most successful design solutions.
Ben studied architecture at university before on projects like Liverpool Hope University, Bickershaw Zero Carbon Housing and Liverpool Science Park.
Charlotte studied at Grenfell-Baines School of Architecture where she was a student representative for the university. She graduated in summer 2017 and completed one-year experience as an architectural assistant at Harrison Pitt Architects. She then went on to do her MArch course at the University of Liverpool 2021, which she completed in 2021. Charlotte is now studying for her Part 3 and working at Studio John Bridge Ltd.
Charlotte has a keen interest in the psychology of spaces within educational buildings, the value of leisure architecture and the design progression of residential dwellings. She is particularly interested in women's influence to using certain spaces, such as the kitchen, which continues to be viewed as ‘female' spaces, and how this has affected designing a home environment.
Chithra recently joined the AJ100 studio of Buttress as part of their senior management team. She has gained a wealth of experience over the last 25 years in architectural practice. Her track record covers projects in both the private and public sectors, including retail, industrial, residential, office, law and order and conservation.
Strategic ambassador Chithra recently joined AJ100 studio of Buttress as part of its senior management team, and has 25 years' experience in practice.
Chris has worked in construction for 40 years, being involved in many projects from all parts of the sector such as housing, commercial, education, healthcare, leisure, civils and industrial. It has allowed Chris to work and travel across the UK, the Middle East, Africa and North America.
Chris has enjoyed his time in the industry where two days are never the same and you gain valuable knowledge. Construction techniques and technology are changing the industry and Chris is eager to share his experience with the younger generation, especially as his son has just joined the industry as an apprentice.
Connah studied Art and Design at the city of Liverpool College and is currently studying Architecture at Liverpool John Moores University. He took part in Capital and Centric's Regeneration Brainery workshop in 2017 and attended a number of the PLACED programmes which strengthened the ambition to become an Architect.
Dilan is currently studying at the Manchester School of Architecture and has a profound interest in community based projects and the positive impact that architecture can, and should, have. He first had an interest in architecture in primary school, and has loved every bit of experience that he has endured so far. Dilan sees himself as a dedicated and punctual individual who will do anything to help others benefit.
Job Titles:
- Ambassador
- Civil Engineer at ARUP
Douglas is a civil engineer at ARUP, working on projects across the UK. His previous experience has included designing drainage, highways and utility networks and most recently has been supporting nuclear decommissioning.
Douglas is enthusiastic about the work he does and enjoys sharing his experiences and working with young people to introduce them to the engineering sector.
Job Titles:
- Ambassador
- Well - Respected Researcher
Dr Rob Rowlands is a well-respected researcher with over 20 years experience of helping organisations find the answers they need to make their difference. Rob is friendly, open and honest.
His passions include helping others to be more curious, to ask different questions and to help them find and use the answers they need to make a positive difference.
Eleanor is an Urban Designer at Pegasus Group, currently supporting the delivery of residential masterplans, urban extensions, and mixed-use developments in the North West. She graduated from Manchester University with a Masters in Urban Design and International Planning in 2022.
Since then, Eleanor's passion for the built environment has grown with interests within creating functional, mixed use and inclusive places for all.
Eleanor is currently an urban planner at Deloitte, working on a range of projects across Manchester City Centre, for both the private and public sectors. She has a particular interest in inclusive design and gender mainstreaming through planning, having written her MSc Urban Design and International Planning dissertation on female-led regeneration in Withington. Eleanor has a keen interest in conservation and heritage, having completed her undergraduate in BA History of Art in 2018.
Emily is a Student Planner at the University of Liverpool, studying Masters of Town and Regional Planning (MPlan), working towards chartered membership of the RTPI. Emily has an avid interest in urban design, city centre regeneration and truly environmentally sustainable development. Emily has work experience as an Assistant Planner for Maybern Planning and Development and is excited to be part of and inspire the next generation of planners, that will help shape the built environment and future society.
Gabriela is currently a Graduate Planner in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, specialising in design quality and placemaking. Her current work involves supporting communities in the application of design policy. Gabriela has a keen interest in engaging communities in the planning and design process, in particular, she is interested in neighbourhood planning and community land trusts having completed her dissertation on this topic last year at the University of Liverpool.
Hannah is an enthusiastic and passionate masters student at the University of Liverpool, with a desire to promote young people's interest in the built environment. With a degree in physical Geography, she is keen to get involved with PLACED to broaden her knowledge in the social aspect of design. With community being at the heart of planning, Hannah is excited to see first-hand experience.
Hayden gained his BArch and MArch at Manchester School of Architecture where he developed a keen interest in contextual architecture. He now works in Manchester as a Part II Architectural Assistant at Jon Matthews Architects.
Hayden is fascinated with architecture developed from an interest in construction and his desire for a creative career. Throughout his education, his focus on construction developed into an interest in designing buildings and environments that result from research into place. He believes that the buildings that make up our towns/cities should tell a story, responding directly to the local history and people.
Helen is a Reader at the Manchester School of Architecture and has been teaching in an inclusive and participative way for over 25 years, with a focus on the spatial implications of feminist theories into practice, alongside driving forward the feminist studio PRAXXIS.
She is keen to build things with people who do not normally build.
Helen sits on the RIBA Education and Learning Committee and in 2019, she was included in the list of influential women in architecture in the RIBA Ethel Day event, for her contribution to architectural education.
Jacob did his degree at the University of Leeds in Architecture and Structural Engineering. He now works at Harris McCormack Architects.
Eager to enhance his technical skills, Jacob wants to contribute creatively to various live projects and is currently undertaking a L7 Architectural Apprenticeship at Nottingham University with an aim to qualify as an Architect.
James is a consultant at RealWorth, focusing on social value and placemaking in the built environment. He is interested in bettering the built environment to improve social outcomes for the people that live, work, and play in it.
Jamie has always found it important when designing to know the community and their needs. As an international student in Manchester, she has been looking for ways to volunteer, interact and enable communities through the act of designing. She is largely inspired by Cedric Price and his call for participatory and anticipatory design. From this experience, Jamie hopes to understand more about the city that she lives in, how community can be involved in the design process, in what ways engagement can take form, and personally, what impacts that could have on architecture.
Jan is a Part II Architectural Assistant working at Jon Matthews Architects, Manchester. The firm specialises in larger-scale projects within urban environments; such as civic masterplans, offices, and residential/PBSA schemes. The firms design philosophy follows principles of proportion, detail, and a celebrating of the primary form of construction.
Jessica is an Urban Regeneration and Planning student studying at the University of Liverpool and hoping to complete a Masters in Town Planning. Specialising in Urban Regeneration and Urban Design, she hopes to contribute to the planning field and local community through sharing her passion and knowledge of the subjects at hand.
PLACED director Jo completed a BA in Architecture at Sheffield University and a Masters in Interior Design at UCE Institute of Art and Design.
John is a Graduate Urban Design Consultant with a keen interest in the planning sector. He recently finished studying Town and Regional Planning M/CD at The University of Liverpool. He is interested in the community
Josh is currently a 3rd year student, studying Town and Country Planning (Mplan) at the University of Liverpool. He is enthusiastic about the subject and has a special interest in politics and green belts in
Kim is a Geography graduate from Edge Hill University with interests in heritage, place identity and sustainability. Her passions for community engagement within the built environment stem from her undergraduate degree, with a dissertation based
Laura is a Part II Architectural Assistant at Jon Matthews Architects, where she works on a variety of masterplan and urban regeneration projects. Laura graduated from the University of Limerick in 2022. While at University,
Job Titles:
- Ambassador
- Chartered Architectural Technologist
Liam is a Chartered Architectural Technologist who has worked at Buttress Architects Limited for almost 5 years. He currently supports the delivery of residential projects, including both apartment buildings and housing developments across the Manchester
Lily is an architectural designer with a background in urban design, construction and architecture. Before joining PLACED, Lily was a Project Lead at Build Up, where she led projects across London to support young people
Lucy is currently in her final undergraduate year at Manchester School of Architecture. Passionate about sensitive and sustainable design, she believes in architecture's responsibility and capability to tackle the urgent climate issues. She is inspired
Mahishini's interests lie in socially engaged and place based architecture. Co-design, civic participation, exploring practices of space and place, theories of place based solidarity and practicing architecture that goes beyond its physical limitations have been
Maria is a skills coach who helps young employees with work and personal issues, assigning them to suitable health and wellbeing and career upskilling courses. She has experience as a CV screener and recruitment focal
Matt supports our education projects, working on the development and delivery of workshops for young people.
Matt is a people-centred individual with significant experience in increasing access to the arts, community engagement and educational curriculums. Before joining PLACED, Matt was the Northwest project manager at Create, where he planned, managed and
Having just completed an MSc in Urban Design and International Planning in Manchester, Megan is passionate about aiding the delivery of inclusive and sustainable places, as well as the importance of meaningful public engagement in
Neil has worked at FWP for more than 25 years, developing a diverse portfolio with specialist knowledge of sports stadia design and master-planning.
Peter is a Part II Architectural Assistant at Jon Matthews Architects, where has has been involved in delivering a new office building in the centre of Manchester. Peter has experience in the healthcare sector, working
Róisín works both as an architect at Austin-Smith:Lord, as well as an architecture design tutor at University of Liverpool. Her work in practice has had a strong focus on educational spaces - universities, colleges and
Sam is an associate director at Jon Matthews Architects. At JMA, they bring together a love of buildings, cities and making. The creative culture of the studio is one of a learning office where the
Project manager Sam did his PhD at the University of Manchester and worked as a planning academic for seven years before joining PLACED.
Sarah has recently graduated from Manchester School of Architecture where she has become increasingly interested in sustainable design and ecological approaches to everyday projects. Working with the environment is of huge importance to Sarah, allowing
Job Titles:
- Research and Evaluation Officer
Tamrin has an MA in Sustainable Heritage Management from the University of Liverpool and a bachelor's in architecture. She has international experience in youth leadership and non-formal education, with a passion for the built environment,
Tara is studying for her MArch at Manchester School of Architecture. With interests in restoration and conservation, she completed her part I at WAJW in Stockport. Tara's hobbies include painting, football and hockey, having captained
Thomas is a research-led spatial designer with expertise in (re)generating places that centre around creating community and lasting experiences. With 12 years of international experience, he has led the development of award-winning museums, galleries, public