Team

BA (First Class Hons) PgDip ARCH RIBA

Matthew joined WDA in 1999. He is an innovative designer with extensive experience in traditional and contemporary design. His work has included many affordable housing developments and award winning luxury houses. Matthew is skilled in masterplanning and detail design on large sites including Hanger Farm, a development of circa 350 individually designed dwellings, performing art centre, public park and tennis club. Matthew’s education experience recently includes built projects for Victoria Education Centre and Lytchett Minster School. Matthew is responsible for design and project management on small, medium and large-scale projects with contract values ranging from £200k to £20m.  His contract experience includes JCT- MW, IC, SC and PPC2000 partnering. Matthew has project management skills in the coordination of multi-discipline teams and with his extensive knowledge of building construction is adept at delivering successful projects. Matthew oversees all HR and financial issues within the practice. He is on the Architects Design Panel for Christchurch Borough Council and provides visiting critique at the Arts University College, Bournemouth.  Matt is our resident expert for planning in the New Forest National Park due to his close Verwood vacinity.

FAVOURITE PROJECTS

BA (Hons) Dip ARCH (Hons)

Matthew joined Western Design Architects in 1999 and became a Creative Director in 2004.  He has won numerous awards for his designs, with work published in Journals and Books. The majority of Matthews experience is in the residential sector having designed many of Western Designs outstanding houses including ‘The Moat House’, ‘18 Lakeside’ ‘Harbour View;’ and ‘Vision’.  He has carried out works to Listed Buildings and sensitive sites in conservation areas such as the recent scheme at Treloar and has been project leader for a number of flat developments converting Public Houses into apartments. Matthew has undertaken numerous master planning and concept design works for large housing schemes, including; Hangar Farm, Totton, Cuthbury Meadows, Wimborne and Curtis Fields, Weymouth. Matthew lives in Blandford having converted a small garage into a family home.

FAVOURITE PROJECTS

BA (Hons) Dip Arch, RIBA, ARB

Jonathan joined Western Design Architects in 2011 having relocated to Dorset from Ireland where he was a Director of an architectural practice. He was soon made a Director at WDA due to his wealth of design experience, professionalism and active interest in marketing. Jonathan is currently responsible for managing and running a range of master planning schemes across the south coast. Jonathan is also a member of the Bournemouth Borough Council Design Review Panel. As a Christchurch resident Jon has a personal interest in the locality and its developments.

FAVOURITE PROJECTS

Dip ARCH RIBA CA

Phil Easton established the practice in 1986. Phil has 40 years experience in the profession and worked on site for 5 years, building many of his own designs.  He has hands on experience in several trades as roofer, plumber, carpenter, electrician and plant driver. Specialising in Building Conservation, he frequently works with listed buildings, including Grade I, II* and II, buildings within Conservation Areas and in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Phil has an in-depth knowledge of the planning system and good relationships with Local Authorities and Planning Officers. Phil is involved in the Architecture course at Bournemouth Arts University and as a visiting tutor with Bournemouth University’s 3D Computer Generated Imagery course. Phil has been a juror on various awards, including Poole Pride of Place & RIBA Regional Awards 2013.  He sits on the Bournemouth Planning Design Panel and is a member of the Poole Borough Council Agents and Developers Working Group. Phil is an active member of RIBA Wessex and Dorset local branch. Phil has lived in and around Blandford most of his life, he has excellent knowledge of both the local area and Dorset in its entirety.

FAVOURITE PROJECTS

MSc Conservation of Historic Buildings, BA (Hons) Interior Design 

Nicola Yeates has recently completed a Master’s Degree in the Conservation of Historic Buildings at Bath University. Nicola is predominately responsible for overseeing, designing and submitting planning applications for the majority of the traditional builds in the office including conversions and extensions to existing historical and traditional buildings. She has always had a keen interest in building conservation and has worked on a number of Listed Buildings throughout her career. Nicola also has a wealth of experience in producing masterplans for affordable housing schemes for local authorities with a great understanding of relevant codes, standards and frameworks.

FAVOURITE PROJECTS

BA (Hons) Dip Arch (Distinction) ARB

Rosie has been with WDA since 2009, becoming a qualified Architect in 2015 (University of Bath) and more recently has become an Associate.  She has excellent presentational skills producing clear and concise client brochures. She is skilled at creating 3D computer models to illustrate design proposals to the client. Rosie has gained some great planning approvals for contemporary houses which she has seen through to completion.

FAVOURITE PROJECTS

BA (Hons) Dip Arch RIBA ARB

Jessamy joined WDA in 2011 as a student, becoming a fully qualified Architect in 2015 and has recently become an Associate. She is a valued member of staff having achieved a number of successful planning approvals including a new contemporary house next to a Grade I Church. Jess is a talented designer and is interested in detail and good craftmanship. She has worked on building sites to gain hands on experience of various trades. Jess fulfils an important role, working with Kathryn in IT support and Marketing. She mananges communications for RIBA Dorset Group organising events and social media.

FAVOURITE PROJECTS

BA (Hons) Interior Design

Kathryn has multiple responsibilities at Western Design from designing houses, supporting in the production of client brochures, assisting Phil and providing an important support role to her colleagues. She manages all aspects of the IT and office technology and most importantly oversees all aspects of the practice marketing. She works to raise the profile of the practice by writing material for the practice brochures, updating and production of images for the website, social media and preparing press releases. Kathryn is responsible for awards submissions documentation and organising exhibitions.

FAVOURITE PROJECTS

BA (Hons) Dip Arch, March, Arb

Kelly worked for Western Design as a Part I Student back in 2007. She has since studied for a Masters & Part II qualification at Oxford Brookes University and Bath University for her Part III. Kelly is a fully qualified Architect. Having worked for ADP for 2 years, she has expertise in large scale projects in the Healthcare and Education sectors. Kelly is highly experienced in BIM software and has great illustration skills.

FAVOURITE PROJECTS

BA (Hons) MArchD RIBA ARB

Peter joined Western Design in 2014 and has established himself as a valuable member of the team. He is very efficient with quick 3D computer modelling skills and excellent presentation abilities. He is experienced at submitting planning applications and has a particular interest in historical architecture and the integration of contemporary design. 

FAVOURITE PROJECTS

HNC Building Design

Steve has been with Western Design since 1998. His main interest is in producing technical drawings for contemporary builds. Noteworthy projects have included award winning scheme ‘South Point’, sustainable house ‘Moat House’, ‘Box House’ and ‘Cherry Orchard’. Steve has experience with large housing schemes, affordable housing and the conversion of existing buildings such as Motcombe Grange a retirement care home and Shepherds Hut. Steves roles include all aspects of construction and detail drawings as well as preparing tender packages. 

FAVOURITE PROJECTS

BA (Hons), MArchD
Rachel, a talented designer, first joined WDA in 2012 during her placement year and has returned sporadically whilst completing her RIBA Part II at Oxford Brookes University. Since graduating, she has re-joined the team full-time, having worked on projects ranging from large scale housing layouts to one off contemporary dwellings, making use of her skills in design, 3D modelling and graphic visualisation.

FAVOURITE PROJECTS

BA (Hons) Arch

Tom joined WDA in 2011 as a Part I student providing us with excellent visual graphics skills and a passion for design and architecture. Tom has had a number of planning applications approved and has even been Highly commended at the North Dorset Design Award for his extension to an existing thatched cottage.

FAVOURITE PROJECTS

BA (First Class Hons)

Rianna joined WDA in 2015 after graduating her Part 1 degree with a First Class Honours from the Arts University Bournemouth. Throughout her degree, Rianna took part in various collaborations including a live project to design and build a 1:1 Future Proof Beach Hut for the National Trust. Rianna has also curated four architectural exhibitions for the RIBA, AUB, TheGallery at AUB and The Lighthouse Poole.

Rianna is a valued member of the team, working on planning drawings (both small and large scale) and producing excellent 3D visuals and graphics. She is also involved with marketing and assists the team in raising the profile of WDA through social media, events organisation and mentoring programmes.

FAVOURITE PROJECTS

Donna joined the WDA team in August 2016 and will be the first point of contact you make with Western Design via either email or directly on the phone.

Donna is responsible for all of Principal Architect Phil’s correspondence as well as assisting other members of staff and supporting Gemma with the day to day running and organisation of the office. 

FAVOURITE PROJECTS

Gemma joined Western Design in early 2015. Gemma’s role as office manager for the practice is vital, she gives support to the Directors and Architectural Team and oversees them and the Admin Staff with HR matters, Finance, Office Procedures, Health and Safety and Communication. Gemma helps us to be more efficient and serve our clients more effectively.

FAVOURITE PROJECTS

Robert has worked as a contract architectural technician for Western Design since 2012 bringing with him hands on construction experience and technical knowledge from his background working for large contractors. Robert enjoys a challenge and resolving difficult technical problems.

FAVOURITE PROJECTS