Alan Berman, MA (Cantab), Dip Arch, RIBA.  |  Consultant.

After graduating from Cambridge and University College London, Alan joined the pioneering practice of Maguire & Murray Architects. He set up his own practice in London in 1984 with Pedro Guedes and later moved the practice to Oxford, where in 1996 he teamed up with Roger Stretton to form Berman Guedes Stretton.

Alan is responsible for both multi-million pound projects and smaller schemes. He is a strategic thinker and puts a great deal of thought into identifying client needs and analysing complex briefs. A focus of Alan´s work is on realistic building strategies to ensure that economy and practicality are not sacrificed to imaginative design.

His knowledge of architectural history has gained him the respect of the Oxford historic societies as well as English Heritage. Many of his projects for traditional Oxford colleges have been constructed within sensitive and demanding environments.

Alan is actively concerned with sustainability issues, including energy conservation, environmental impact and waste management. He has lectured, part-time, at Oxford Brookes University School of Architecture and the University of East London. He is the author of several books on design and sustainability and a board member of Oxford Inspires. From 1999 to 2006 Alan was chair of Oxford Artweeks.

Bruce Cockburn, BSc (hons), Dip Arch, RIBA.  |  Managing Director, London.

Bruce joined Berman Guedes Stretton from RMJM London in 1998. He became an Associate Director in 2001 and Director in 2003. He is an active team builder, encouraging optimum results from all participants in the construction process. His strong design skills and ability to solve problems ensure that project potential is always maximised.

Bruce has developed a keen interest in planning and has contributed to the negotiation of a number of valuable permissions on behalf of clients. This has been achieved by identifying a clear strategy, maintaining good communication with authorities and demonstrating that buildings have been designed appropriately through clear and attractive documentation.

Bruce has particular experience in running complex commercial, residential and university projects. He has undertaken major projects for the universities of Oxford, Birmingham and Warwick and many of the Oxford colleges. He has been responsible for several commercial and leisure projects for clients including the Cathedral Group, Curious Hotels and AXA.

Marion Brereton, Dip Arch, RIBA.  |  Associate Director and Technical Manager.

Marion qualified and joined Alan Berman in 1998, becoming an Associate Director of Berman Guedes Stretton in 2001. She is a highly experienced Project Architect and pays particular attention to quality control issues. In addition to her technical design skills and attention to detail, Marion has considerable expertise in sustainable design solutions. Marion is responsible for the practice´s quality management system BS EN ISO 9001.

Marion has extensive experience in working with listed buildings for both private and commercial clients. She has also worked with housing associations, and on healthcare projects. Recent projects include the refurbishment of a listed building to make it more sustainable, and student accommodation for Wolfson College Oxford.

Hamish McMichael, BArch (hons), Dip Arch, RIBA.  |  Business Director.

Following his graduation from the Mackintosh School of Architecture, Hamish worked and studied in Edinburgh, Montpelier and San Francisco. He has experience of briefing, managing academic clients and organizing complex strategic and technical requirements.

Since joining Berman Guedes Stretton in 1999, he has developed an interest in scientific research buildings such as the extension to the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine in Oxford. This resulted in a collaboration with the MRC Human Immunology Unit to design a mobile AIDS Laboratory for Sub-Saharan Africa. This was short-listed in an international design competition. Hamish became an Associate Director in 2004.

Hamish is also interested in the challenges presented by inserting new structures into listed and historic buildings. This follows his dissertation which was a computer model exploring the historic fabric and architectural possibilities of the Sir John Soane Museum in Lincoln´s Inn Fields. He has developed successful proposals for projects, such as the feasibility studies for the Bodleian Library and Oxford Town Hall, and a new kitchen and dining facilities in the Grade 1 Listed buildings of Brasenose College in Oxford.

James Roach, BA (hons), MArch, FRSA, RIBA.  |  Design Director.

James studied at the Oxford Brookes University and the Mackintosh School of Architecture. After graduation he joined Edward Cullinan Architects where he was a Director for 8 years. Here James was Project Architect for a range of designs including the £58 million Centre for Mathematical Sciences at the University of Cambridge and the £12 million Gateway Building for the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. In 2005 James moved to Oxford and joined Berman Guedes Stretton.

His past and current experience has allowed James to develop all the skills required to manage complex projects and teams at both the strategic and detailed level. He is passionate about the important role good architecture plays in clients´ plans. He also brings to his work a wealth of experience on sustainability issues. While at Berman Guedes Stretton James has been involved in a number of projects including designs for buildings in school and university settings including a major development for Pembroke College, in Oxford.

James is a part-time lecturer at Oxford Brookes University.

Joel Penwarden , BA (Hons), Dip Arch, RIBA.  |  Senior Architect.

Joel obtained his postgraduate Diploma of Architecture from Oxford Brookes University in 2000 and gained his professional qualification in 2003.

He joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2001 and has gained broad experience working on projects of different scales in the Higher Education and Leisure sectors, including an environmentally sensitive scheme to upgrade the library at Keble College in Oxford and a contemporary Conference & Leisure extension to a Grade I Listed 4* hotel. He is currently the Project Architect for a £12M refurbishment of two Listed College buildings in Cambridge.

Joel´s design philosophy encompasses his belief in developing simple solutions to complex problems. His motivation and innovative attitude are key components in achieving minimal yet practical designs which are sensitive to their historic contexts.

Joelle Darby, BArch, Dip Arch, RIBA.  |  Associate.

Joelle graduated from the University of East London in 1990 and worked for major London architectural practices at Senior Architect and Associate level before joining Berman Guedes Stretton in 2004.

She has been responsible for projects up to £15 million, primarily in the health, education and housing sectors. Joelle is experienced in overseeing projects to completion, using both Design and Build and traditional procurement.

Recent projects at Berman Guedes Stretton include: the refurbishment of a 1960s building to provide lecture and seminar rooms at the University of Birmingham; the creation of contemporary student accommodation and the restoration of Grade I listed interiors at Keble College in Oxford; and the design of dining and kitchen facilities at The Queen´s College, Oxford.

Elisa Fabbri.  |  Architectural Assistant.

Elisa obtained her Degree in Architecture within the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Studies of Florence in 2006. She has spent time in Siena working towards her Italian professional exam and joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2008. Elisa brings her skills in design visualisation and drafting to a number of projects in the London Office.

Nick Sinden, BA (Hons) (Architecture), BA (Hons) (Interior Design).  |  Architectural Assistant.

Nick joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2006 following completion of an Architectural Degree at the University of Greenwich. Whilst working at BGS, he has continued his studies part time and graduated with distinction from his post graduate diploma in 2009, having joined an Atelier group which focused on the design and masterplanning of sustainable cities. He was nominated for the RIBA Silver Medal in 2008 and 2009 for his Bio-Climatic Architecture project in Cairo, which focused on the exploration of Evaporative Cooling technology. In 2009, he also won the Diploma Thesis Prize for his paper entitled "Demystifying Hassan Fathy: Traditional Vernacular or Rethinking Modernism" which placed the Egyptian Architects work in the context of Western Modernism and its attempts to provide housing solutions for poor communities.

At Berman Guedes Stretton, Nick enjoys a good level of responsibility on several key projects within the London Office, including a modern extension to a Grade II listed building for the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum, which incorporates environmentally responsive strategies such as thermal mass, natural ventilation and locally sourced materials. This project has been pivotal in Nick´s development. Having worked on the initial competition winning design, Nick’s has grown into a job running role on the project and is responsible for the day to day tasks associated with the project´s completion. Nick is currently studying for his final Part 3 architects qualifications and hopes to complete them by 2012.

Alicja Urlewicz.  |  Architect.

Alicja Urlewicz joined Berman Guedes Stretton after graduating with a Master degree in architecture from the University of Technology of Poznan, Poland. Before she graduated Alicja also spent several months in Denmark as a Socrates Erasmus student at Vitus Bering University College in Horsens.

Before joining Berman Guedes Stretton, Alicja worked part-time for small practice in Poland. She also gained her on-site experience while working for a construction company Budimex Dromex S.A. on the housing development project: City Park, Poznan.

Alicja joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2007 and has been involved in preparation and delivering several projects for Imperial College of London and Natural History Museum. She has supported the Project Architects in all stages of the architectural process with the design and production information for projects in the conservation, commercial, residential and educational sectors. Her recent projects include £3 million refurbishment of listed building at Imperial College in London, where the main challenge is to transform existing teaching spaces into high standard laboratories.

Jon Du Croz, BSc BA DipArch RIBA.  |  Senior Architect.

Jon joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2000 after studying at the University of Liverpool and the Oxford Brookes University. During this time he has built up considerable technical, on-site and project management experience.

His recent work has included office, educational, commercial and domestic projects, and he has also developed a particular expertise in historic building work and laboratory design. Recently completed projects include the conversion of Grade II listed Victorian villas and a 1960s building to give Kellogg College a physical presence in the heart of Oxford. He is currently working on a project to modernise and rationalise the social, dining and catering facilities at Brasenose College to meet the needs of fellows, students, and conference delegates.

Ethan Ahlberg, BA Architectural Studies.  |  Project Architect.

Ethan graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies. Prior to joining Berman Guedes Stretton in 2008, he spent seven years in the United States working on public sector projects including recreation centres, community centres and libraries.

Ethan is interested in gaining a global perspective in design while working on buildings that enrich the public realm and day-to-day lives of the communities they serve. Based in Berman Guedes Stretton´s London Office, he is currently developing designs for the extension to the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum.

Also a LEED Accredited Professional (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) he values environmentally conscious designs that respond to the given site and programmatic controls, while embodying a modern language and material richness.

David Bonta, BArch (Hons) Dip Arch RIBA.  |  Associate.

David has wide experience drawn from a diverse range of completed projects and competition designs, primarily at the offices of MacCormac Jamieson & Prichard, and Allies & Morrison. These include a number of award winning buildings. Since moving to Oxford in 2006, he gained local experience at Adrian James Architects before joining Berman Guedes Stretton in 2008. Projects have varied in scale and complexity from single family dwellings to large scale multi-use developments over a broad range of building types and levels of specification. David is currently working on a £15 million scheme at Pembroke College in Oxford, which will create a new quad, conference facilities and student accommodation. At The Queen´s College in Oxford, he is working on a design to create a new lecture theatre.

David has site experience on projects of a few hundred to over one million sq ft and as Project Architect he has been responsible for the delivery of projects up to £15 million. Forming good working relationships with clients, consultants and construction teams alike, he has an excellent appreciation of the process from inception to completion.

His expertise is in design development and detailing with particular emphasis on the external envelope. His overriding preoccupations are quality, clarity, appropriateness and the enjoyment of building as a creative endeavour. The desire to achieve these goals is a challenge renewed with every project.

Patrick Stimpson, BArch (Hons), MCSE.  |  Architectural Assistant.

Patrick joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2006, and in that time has been lucky enough to work on a number of prestigious projects, including the RIBA Prize-shortlisted Kitchen and Dining room at Queens College, Oxford.

One of Patrick´s earliest projects was refurbishment of the practice´s Oxford office, which included remodeling of the façade and the creation of a new meeting room and kitchen space.

Patrick is finishing his RIBA part 2 qualification at Oxford Brookes University, and is responsible for the offices´ IT.

Natalie Shorter, BA (Hons).  |  Architectural Assistant.

Natalie joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2006 after graduating from the Oxford Brookes University with a degree in Interior Design. Her ambition is to continue her studies and to qualify as an architect.

Recently Natalie has been responsible for preparing graphic presentations and CAD visualisation for a major development for Pembroke College in Oxford.

Matthew Tromans, BA, Dip Arch.  |  RIBA  |  Project Architect.

Matt studied at Kingston University and Oxford Brookes before joining Berman Guedes Stretton in 2006. To quote Reed Kroloff: he believes that ´architecture is the built form of our cultural ambitions´, and during his Part II he specialised in architecture and cultural studies.

Matt has worked on a wide range of projects, most notably a major conversion to create a hotel and conference facility.

Anna Algne, MA.  |  Interior Designer.

Anna joined Berman Guedes Stretton in June 2004 and worked part-time while studying Interior Architecture at the Oxford Brookes University. In 2008 she graduated from Westminster University with a Masters degree.

Anna´s ambition as a designer is to maximise the potential of interior space by analysing the usage, circulation, surroundings and the possible future demands of a building. Her main interest lies in the refurbishment of historic buildings: creating spaces for new uses and adapting them to meet modern environmental demands.

Recent projects include the £5 million refurbishment of listed buildings at Brasenose College in Oxford, where the main challenge is to create harmony between the historic interior and proposed new design.

Anna has been responsible for computer aided design, graphic presentations and working drawings on a number of interesting projects and competitions including: Sibford School, Keble College, St Hugh´s College and Kellogg College in Oxford.

Anna is a member of the Swedish Association of Architects.

Stephen Trevett , BA (Hons), Dip Arch. RIBA.  |  Project Architect.

Stephen joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2005 after graduating from the Oxford Brookes University with a commendation in graphical presentation. He completed his Part Three Professional Diploma in 2009 and has a Diploma in Humanitarian Development.

Stephen has a keen interest in community development, and has participated in building and educational programmes in Oxford, Chile and Tajikistan.

He has been responsible for projects in the conservation, commercial, residential and educational sectors. Recent projects include a garden lecture theatre at the Queen´s College in Oxford and the remodeling of the St Mary´s Medical Library and the Alexander Flemming Museum for the Imperial College in London. His presentation skills have played an important part in winning a number of architectural competitions including a Memorial Gateway for Imperial College in London.

Neil Clarke. BA (Hons) Dip Arch (Oxon) RIBA  |  Senior Architect.

Neil graduated from the Oxford Brookes University in 2002 and worked for regional architectural practices as Architectural Assistant and Project Architect before joining Berman Guedes Stretton in 2008.

He has built up considerable experience in both new build projects and refurbishment including: commercial development, residential housing, community projects, infrastructure, office space and a large PFI project for Gloucester Constabulary.

Since joining Berman Guedes Stretton, Neil has been responsible for feasibility studies for the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, and is currently developing accommodation schemes for a couple of Oxford University Colleges.

Neil´s ambition as an architect is to constantly strive to exceed client´s high standards and expectations through a close collaborative way of working. His main interests lie in the application of modern architecture to a variety of historical contexts.

Neil also teaches part-time at the Oxford Brookes University.

Kim Revell  |  Office Manager.

Kim joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2001, she manages all of the administrative activities including Human Resources and Finances thereby enabling the smooth running of both the Oxford and London studios and supporting the Management Team.

Kim previously worked for a large Building Contracting company, PA to a Publisher and Assistant Manager at a branch of a building society.

Matthias Veldboer  |  MSc Arch, Dipl-Ing Arch, Architectural Assistant.

Matthias joined Berman Guedes Stretton in October 2007 after graduating from Wuppertal University in Germany. His master´s thesis explored the development of a system to measure the actual and long-term impact of sustainable refurbishment on a building´s energy efficiency, economy and the well-being of its residents. Before joining Berman Guedes Stretton, Matthias worked at the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, and with Professor Mandler Architects in Cologne.

Designing and redeveloping listed buildings in difficult historic contexts is one of Matthias´ key interests. He is currently working on two projects for The Queen´s College in Oxford: one to create a new garden lecture theatre and the other to provide new kitchen and dining facilities. Both projects will reveal and celebrate previously hidden historical features, some believed to have been designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor.

Matthias enjoys working with the wide range of different consultants, and believes that communication is vital in the delivery of high quality projects.

Chris Hale, BA, Dip Arch.  |  Business Director.

Chris worked as an architectural technician before joining Berman Guedes Stretton in 2000. He qualified as an architect in 2006 after studying part-time at the University of North London and the Oxford Brookes University. In 2007 he was promoted to Associate Director.

Chris has managed a variety of prestigious projects ranging in value from £1 million to £10 million. Clients include: The National Gallery, The Courtauld Institute and Ely Cathedral. Many of these projects have involved building conservation and sustainable design.

More recently Chris has been responsible for managing a framework contract for Imperial College in London. Now in its third generation, projects delivered to date include: laboratories, research spaces, lecture theatres and office accommodation. Chris is currently working on the reconfiguration of the historic library located within St Mary´s Hospital in Paddington.

Chris enjoys solving challenging and complex design briefs and has an excellent working knowledge of detailing and materials. He is an articulate and confident communicator and is good at managing and motivating the team to deliver complex strategic and technical requirements.

Gary Collins, BSc, Dip Arch, RIBA.  |  Design Director.

A graduate of Dundee University and Oxford Brookes University, Gary joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2002 from Hopkins Architects in London. He became an Associate Director in 2005 and Design Director for the London office in 2011.

Gary has considerable experience of leading large teams on a wide variety of projects, from £2 million up to £20 million. He has worked on award-winning buildings for prestigious clients in the education, healthcare, scientific research, commercial, and arts sectors. Some of these clients include: the Parliamentary Estates Directorate, St Thomas´ Hospital, the Natural History Museum and Cheltenham Art Gallery.

Gary has a reputation for delivering considered design solutions through his thorough knowledge of detailing and materials. Projects include a lecture theatre for the Queen´s College in Oxford and a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility at the University of Birmingham, which won a ´Built in Quality´ Award. Gary has led many successful competition teams and is responsible for winning a national RIBA competition to design an extension to Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum.

Natalie Belson  |  Secretary.

Natalie joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2007 and provides administrative support throughout the practice. She previously worked as PA for an executive coaching company in Oxford.

Caroline Bothway  |  Practice Administrator.

Caroline joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2007 and keeps the London Office running smoothly with practice administration and project support.

She previously worked as an on-site massage therapist in Canary Wharf and the West End.

Russell Potter. BArch Hons, DipArch.  |  Project Architect.

Russell joined BGS in March 2010 having previously worked with the practice as both a year out student and part-time throughout his studies.

After completing his degree at University of Nottingham Russell was featured in the Architects Journal Student Showcase. Russell then worked in Oxford and London before continuing his studies at the University of Westminster where he graduated with a distinction for his "pulsating bioluminescence research centre" - a project exploring art, science, street-theatre and bio-mimicry.

Russell fully-qualified as an Architect in 2008 and since then has worked on a number of high profile projects including conversions of a number of listed buildings in Central London. He has had work featured in a number of magazines and enjoys working on complicated buildings and briefs - striving to achieve simple, clean and modern solutions to complex problems.

Russell approaches each and every project with the firm belief that they should have a unique and intriguing feature. Subsequently, he is constantly on the lookout for an interesting artist, film or piece of music for the inspiration to create it.

Mojdeh Moasser. BA (hons), Dip Arch, MArch.  |  Architectural Assistant.

A graduate of the University of Westminster and the Oxford Brookes University, Mojdeh joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2007. She has a Masters degree in Vernacular Architecture and is interested in community consultation work and design in a cultural context. She is currently studying for her Part 3 qualification.

As an Architectural Assistant, Mojdeh´s work includes surveys, design development, 3D and 2D visualisation, planning and building regulation applications, and compiling tender documents.

Recently she has been responsible for the masterplan and the first phase of design development at Sibford School, a Quaker school in Oxfordshire. The school´s ethos is rooted on simplicity, honesty and purity and the curriculum is based on a ´learning by doing´ principle. This project gave Mojdeh the opportunity to look at various sustainable construction methods with the school.

Mojdeh aspires to design buildings that avoid materials that harm the environment and that are enjoyed by their users.

Rebecca Tomlinson. BA (hons), Dip Arch, MSc.  |  Architectural Assistant.

Rebecca originally joined BGS after graduating for Oxford Brookes University with a BA (Honours) in Architecture and the Les Townsend Memorial prize for the highest performance in Environmental Science and Technology. She has since gone on to complete her diploma in architecture and her MSc, specialising in Sustainable Building: Performance & Design. She has just completed a second placement year at BGS and has mainly been involved in the Kitchen and Dining Refurbishment of Brasenose College.

Roger Stretton. Dip Arch (Oxford), RIBA.  |  Managing Director, Oxford.

After qualification, Roger worked with London Transport Architects, Canterbury City Council and the Oxford Regional Health Authority before becoming principal architect for IDC Consultants. He set up his own practice in 1989, and joined Alan Berman to form Berman Guedes Stretton in 1996.

Roger has particular expertise in the design and co-ordination of complex laboratory projects and has written and published articles on the subject. His experience has been instrumental in securing framework agreements for scientific research facilities at leading Universities including: Birmingham, Warwick, Oxford, Queen Mary College and Imperial College, London. Roger is also Framework Manager for Paradigm Housing Group.

Creating modern interventions in historic buildings is another area where Roger has a great deal of experience. He has lead teams converting and refurbishing listed buildings for a number of high profile clients. The conversion of a former mailing shed for the Oxford University Press won the practice the RIBA South Conservation Award in 2008.

Roger has been a RIBA Part 3 external examiner at the University of Portsmouth and at the Oxford Brookes University.

Mick Scott. Bsc (Hons), Dip Arch.  |  Architectural Assistant.

Mick studied at the Queen´s University in Belfast and at The Oxford Brookes University where he specialised in Development and Emergency Practice.

Before joining Berman Guedes Stretton in 2008, he gained an interesting variety of architectural experience. In Ireland he worked for a number of small architects in his home County of Dhún na nGall, then in Belfast he worked with Community Technical Aid: a not-for-profit architectural practice working in disadvantaged interface areas which experienced extreme conflict between Catholics and Protestants during the troubles. Mick also spent time in Maribor, Slovenia working for Komunaprojekt architects, and in Shanghai, China, for Jun Hun Architects.

Mick is interested in the field of of humanitarian relief and development, and would like to complete his masters degree on space and armed conflict. He is also involved with Architecture Sans Frontières: a not-for-profit group formed to broaden the role and responsibility of architecture in disadvantaged sectors of society. He is currently developing a workshop for undergraduates in Universities in the UK, which highlights the role architects can play in improving lives. The first pilot was held at the Oxford Brookes University in September 2008.

Mick is currently working on a number of projects preparing feasibility studies, visualisations, detail designs and bid documents.

Mark Vice. BA (Hons), MASI, ARPS.  |  Graphic Designer.

Mark´s career began in a drawing office in north London, working for Laing Technology Group, a subsidiary of John Laing Plc. Starting as a Graphics Trainee he soon moved into 3D CAD modelling and visualisation and was in a team working closely with Autodesk Ltd to develop programmes like ADT, 3DStudioMax/Vis, and AutoCAD. He helped create visualisations for some exciting architectural projects such as the Cardiff Millennium Stadium, The Millennium Dome, The Heathrow Express Link, Daiwa Europe House, The World-Cargo Centre, Heathrow Terminal Five and Portcullis House. He was also involved in producing animations, multi-media presentations, and various site safety and progress videos for a variety of other projects.

When Laing Technology Group moved to Dartford, Mark made the break and enjoyed working for an architectural practice in Hertfordshire supporting them with all their graphic requirements, together interior and exhibition design. Mark also completed a degree in Photography and Multimedia.

Mark joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2008 and is now happily providing them with an in-house graphic design, photography and visualisation resource.

Beatriz Leon. BA (Hons) Dip Arch.  |  Project Architect.

After graduating from Venezuela´s Central University, Beatrice studied and worked in Paris before working in London, Seattle and Vancouver at Senior Architect and Associate levels. She joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2007.

Beatrice has considerable international experience in new build and refurbishment, designing buildings in the housing, leisure, commercial and cultural sectors. She has managed projects ranging in value from £1 million to £250 million pounds.

During her career she has developed a wide range of skills with strong emphasis on design and attention to detail. She has considerable expertise and interest in sustainable design solutions and is a qualified LEED Assessor, with a LEED 2.0 AP certification from the US Green Building Council.

Gemma Loving. BA (Hons), Dip Arch.  |  Architectural Assistant.

After graduating from Oxford Brookes University, Gemma was part of the project team that designed the award-winning Haringey Sixth Form Centre (a Partnership for Schools showcase Academy). She joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2007. She was nominated for the RIBA Silver Medal in 2008 for her design of the hamlet, Little Silverdale, neighbouring the RSPB reserve in Leighton Moss.

Gemma´s aspiration is to create buildings that enrich people´s lives, enliven communities, and consciously relate to their context, while effectively contributing to the design team and the design process.

At Berman Guedes Stretton, Gemma has been involved in the refurbishment of the St Mary´s Medical Library and the design proposal for the Energy Futures Centre at Imperial College in London. She also undertook a Conservation Study for The Queen´s College, Oxford, as part of the project to extend and modernise the College´s catering and dining facilities.

Jonathan Lerwicki. BSc (Hons)  |  Architectural Assistant.

John joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2008, after graduating with a BSc Honours in Architecture from the Oxford Brookes University. He won the ´RYB: Konsult Prize´ for his contribution to sustainability and the Scott Brownrigg Prize for the best hand-drawn 3D visualisation.

As a year out placement student, his responsibilities include Computer Aided Design, 2D and 3D visualisation and design development. Some of the projects he has been involved in, include, a major development for Pembroke College and the creation of new dining facilities at Brasenose College in Oxford.

Eva Mendez, BSc, Dip Arch, MSc  |  Architectural Assistant

Eva Mendez joined Berman Guedes Stretton in October 2009 after graduating with a Masters degree in architecture from the Polytechnic University of Madrid. This was followed by an MSc in Historic Conservation from the Oxford Brookes University.

Before joining Berman Guedes Stretton, Eva worked part-time for two small practices in Spain. Here she gained on-site experience while doing an internship for Acciona Inmobiliaria S.A., on the development of 114 flats in Madrid. While at Berman Guedes Stretton, Eva has been involved in the preparation of a feasibility study for the Oxford University Press and a design for Jesus College, Cambridge - won in competition. Eva is now assisting with the design and producing Autocad drawings and Sketchup visualisations for the refurbishment of historic Chapel Court to provide en-suite student accommodation.

Eva is very interested in contemporary additions and refurbishments to historic buildings. The projects she is involved in at Berman Guedes Stretton is giving her a great opportunity to build up expertise in this field.

She is also a chartered architect in Spain, registered at the School of Architects of Asturias.

Luke Evans. BA.  |  Architectural Assistant.

Luke recently joined BGS in 2010 after graduating from the University of Portsmouth with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture.

Prior to studying for his degree, Luke gained experience of the construction industry through work at CITB post A-levels.

Luke aspires to find elegant design solutions contextual to the project´s location/purpose. He particularly enjoys working for BGS as this is an ethos both he and the practice share. His ambition is to continue his studies and to qualify as an architect in the near future.

Since joining BGS, Luke has been involved with various projects and has been responsible for design applications being made in Oxford, Cambridge and Banbury.

Ryan Holland, BSC.  |  Architectural Assistant.

Ryan joined Berman Guedes Stretton in October 2009 after graduating from the University of Westminster with a BSc in Architecture with Engineering.

His experience prior to Berman Guedes Stretton has included the construction of a Lego facade for a primary school in North West London. Being a very practically-minded person, this was a grown-up take on a childhood hobby which he thoroughly enjoyed.

At Berman Guedes Stretton, Ryan is working on projects for Imperial College and to date has produced surveys and office layouts for office modernisation, and feasibility reports for student accommodation.

As a young architect, Ryan is very interested in the sustainability agenda and is looking forward to expanding his knowledge of sustainable design within the practice.

James Renfrew, BA (Hons), Dip Arch.  |  Architectural Assistant.

Having spent several years ´doing other things´, amongst them studying history and a spell as an English teacher in Catalunya, James returned to education to study architecture. He completed his undergraduate degree at Bath University, being a joint recipient of the Basil Spence Prize in his final year. An enjoyable year working at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios under Stirling Prize winning studio leader Mike Keys preceded the commencement of his diploma at the Oxford Brookes University.

Joining Berman Guedes Stretton in the Autumn of 2009, James has worked on two projects for Pembroke College in Oxford: the refurbishment of the historic dining hall, and a major development of five new student residencies. He aims to become a fully fledged architect in the not-too-distant future!

Neil Eaton, BA (Hons), Dip Arch,Riba.  |  Associate.

Neil brings considerable experience from other design-driven practices on a variety of project types, and has a wealth of experience working with academics - research scientists in particular. Proven management experience with large project teams coupled with in-depth technical knowledge and an eye for detail means he thrives on large scale and complicated challenges.

Magdalena Cheda, MSc.  |  Architectural Assistant.

Magdalena joined Berman Guedes Stretton after graduating from Gdansk University of Technology with an MSc diploma in architecture and urban design. Her thesis focused on access for all design, considering building accessibility for users, not only as visitors or clients but also as employees, creating equal opportunities for professional development.

Magdalena is also passionate about smaller scale design. During her studies she spent a year at Politecnico di Milano, where she had the opportunity to expand her architectural studies through courses in product and furniture design.

Since joining Berman Guedes Stretton she has been working on a new academic wing and lecture theatre for Wolfson College.

Clare Diggins, BArch.  |  Architectural Assistant.

Clare recently jointed BGS in 2010 after graduating from Oxford Brookes University with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture.

Her experience prior to Berman Guedes Stretton has included marketing for an overseas property company, and developing designs for high end residential projects in Surrey.

Having completed her dissertation on the ‘Experiential Architecture of Terminal 5’, Clare is very interested in how spaces enhance the user experience. This notion was also key in her final year project, an Institute of Art, which relied heavily on public interaction.

Clare is excited to be working for Berman Guedes Stretton and since joining has been involved in both residential and commercial projects in South Kensington and Soho.

Ciaran Gallagher, BArch.  |  Architectural Assistant.

Ciaran completed his Part 1 at Queens University in Belfast and at the MAC in Glasgow, completing a Diploma in Architecture in 2009.

This is his second appearance in the London previously working with RHWL on projects such as the Norwich City Football Stadium and the Urban Splash Morecambe Bay competition. He has a passionate interest in global housing and development and is an active member with Habitat for Humanity building trips to Bolivia and Nicaragua.

Before joining Berman Guedes Stretton at the start of 2011, Ciaran was self-employed, working on a series of small builds and house extensions in his native little province of N. Ireland. He entered competitions individually and with friends receiving praise for his Galway Pavilion Competition last year.

He hopes to achieve a broad familiarity of working in a practice with a focus to gain a knowledge of building beyond the conceptual into the daily practical challenges that face architects.

Maria Ferreiro, MA.  |  Architectural Assistant.

Maria graduated from the Polytechnic University of Madrid in 2008 with a Masters degree in architecture. Her thesis focused on a proposal to expand the School of Dramatic Art in the Spanish capital. She worked with several practices in Madrid and collaborated in competitions developing institutional, cultural, health and educational buildings, as well as social housing.

A desire for professional experience abroad led Maria to Berman Guedes Stretton in October 2010. Since joining the firm, she has been involved in the decant strategy project for the Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Labs for the University of Oxford. She has also collaborated on other feasibility studies for the Chemistry Building at the University of Birmingham, and for a student accommodation complex in Oxford. Her work at Berman Guedes Stretton has also provided her with greater experience of Building Information Modelling (BIM).

In Oxford, Maria was excited by the possibility of reutilising buildings and renewing their lives. She is enjoying the opportunity to expand her portfolio to include more refurbishment work.

Simon Chung, BA (Hons), Dip Arch, MSc.  |  Architectural Assistant.

Simon spent his architectural education at Oxford Brookes University, specialising in sustainable and energy-efficient building in his final year. His research was based on a Post-Occupancy Evaluation of three eco-refurbished houses in Oxford, where his key findings showed that occupant behaviour can play a significant role in the reduction of energy use in housing. Simon is an advocate of user feedback in buildings, which he believes is crucial to understanding the quality and success of design.

Prior to joining Berman Guedes Stretton, Simon worked at a number of practices in London and Oxford, predominantly in the housing sector, where he most enjoys designing environmentally responsive and responsible buildings for people to live in. Most recently he has put his specialist skills into practice, working on several Passivhaus and zero-carbon projects around the UK. Upon successful completion of the internationally-recognised Certified European Passivhaus Designer Course, Simon is now a qualified Passivhaus Designer.

Nancy Edwards, BA (Hons).  |  Graphic Designer.

After completing a degree in Textiles at Goldsmiths College, Nancy worked for Helen Yardley, a rug designer. Aside from assisting Helen with running the studio, she also learnt to make rugs and designed the promotional literature, which she has continued to do since. After 3 years, she left Helen’s and moved to an architectural practice; Levitt Bernstein where she stayed for 6 years as Resources Manager. Her role was a varied one, developed around her creative skills, and included promoting and marketing the company, building their brand and developing their website.

Nancy moved to BGS Architects in 2011 where she is providing Graphic Design support for the London studio on a part time basis. She continues her own graphic and illustration work in her own time.

William Usher-Smith, BA (Hons),Dip Arch.  |  Architectural Assistant.

After completing a degree in Textiles at Goldsmiths College, Nancy worked for Helen Yardley, a rug designer. Aside from assisting Helen with running the studio, she also learnt to make rugs and designed the promotional literature, which she has continued to do since. After 3 years, she left Helen’s and moved to an architectural practice; Levitt Bernstein where she stayed for 6 years as Resources Manager. Her role was a varied one, developed around her creative skills, and included promoting and marketing the company, building their brand and developing their website.

Nancy moved to BGS Architects in 2011 where she is providing Graphic Design support for the London studio on a part time basis. She continues her own graphic and illustration work in her own time.

Simon Gabe, BA (Hons),Dip Arch.  |  Graphic Designer.

Having previously worked for the practice’s Oxford office for his part 1 year out, Simon has returned to work in the London office after achieving a distinction in Diploma at the University Of Portsmouth School Of Architecture. During his Diploma he was a member of the Architecture, Culture and Identity Studio which allowed him to fully interrogate his interests not only within the realms of architecture but sociology, literature and history as well. This culminated in his Thesis which explored the ritualistic parallels between public bathing and museum culture.

During his time at the Oxford office Simon worked on a number of high profile projects including the Queens College Fellows Dining Room and Kitchen Facility and well as the Pembroke College master plan. Since joining the London office Simon has completed a number of successful feasibility studies for Imperial College as well as private clients. Simon has also spent a large part of his time on a project for Cambridge University.

The decisions Simon has made and experiences he has had within architecture have allowed him to develop a strong interest in the cultural influences and sustainability within design. His practical work experience opportunities have taught him to apply a more haptic vernacular approach to design.

Clara Byrne, BA (Hons),Dip Arch.  |  Graphic Designer.

Clara joined Berman Guedes Stretton in 2008 after completing her BA degree at Newcastle, before returning to university in Nottingham to complete her Diploma. In 2011 she graduated with Distinction. Her final thesis project, set in the dramatic context of an historic ruined building in Soho, was nominated for the RIBA President’s Medal. Clara is currently studying for her Part III qualifications at the University of Cambridge.

With a particular interest in the renovation and conversion of existing and historic buildings, Clara shares the practice’s philosophy for creating modern interventions within historic buildings, in a contemporary but sympathetic way.

During her time at Berman Guedes Stretton, Clara has worked on a variety of projects, including refurbishment work at the Natural History Museum and Imperial College London, and a new contemporary gallery in Cheltenham. Currently, Clara is working a number of refurbishment projects for the University of Cambridge.

Clara is a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, the Georgian Group and the 20th Century Society.