Looking to the future; the evolution of our leadership team
Reflecting on our 30 years in practice has given us the opportunity to look at how our leadership structure has changed over time, and given us pause to think about our aspirations, the future direction, and continued vitality of the business. As a result of these discussions, we are excited to announce the next evolution of our leadership team; adding a diversity of thought and expertise at the top level, to help support and shape the future of Studio PDP.
We are delighted to announce the expansion of the Partnership with three new Partners, Luke Richardson-Brown, Matthew Jones, and Rebecca Campbell. Each of them has been at Studio PDP for more than a decade, and their passion, vision and commitment have helped shape our practice and culture. They are a huge part of who we are and what we do, and we’re excited that each of them brings a unique perspective and a passion for advancing the business.
Luke Richardson-Brown
Luke qualified as a Passivhaus Consultant in 2012 and has a passion for creating lasting, sustainable and low carbon designs. With an in-depth understanding of building physics, this breadth of knowledge both informs his own project work and provides additional expertise across the practice.
With project experience on a number of heritage buildings, Luke has been team lead for the Grade I listed Regent’s Crescent and the Grade II listed Eighty Strand (formerly Shell-Mex House). Currently he is working on Claridge House, a residential retrofit project which is targeting net-zero carbon ‘in use’ by prioritising energy efficiency through fabric improvements, low carbon heating and onsite renewables. Luke also provides mentoring support for those who are pursuing professional architectural qualifications.
“I have worked with Rebecca and Matt for 13 years, so while we may be new partners, we already have a long-established working relationship and know how to bring out the best in each other. We each bring different approaches, skill sets, and strengths that complement and enhance the partnership we are joining.
What excites me the most about stepping into this role is the opportunity to help set the agenda and steer the practice’s vision in a way that honours both its heritage and potential. My personal mantra, which guides my decisions in design, practice, and life, is simply: "respect for people and planet". This ensures that everything I do aligns with those core values.
Studio PDP shares a similar ethos, reflected in the internal value statements that were collaboratively developed and agreed upon by all staff. We are united in our belief that the highest-quality design, approached through an environmental lens, achieves the best economic and social outcomes for our clients.”
Matthew Jones
Matthew deftly combines his interest in technology and its application to architectural processes, with a desire to balance buildability and high quality design. He is passionate about sharing knowledge, enhancing skills and exploring design ideas collaboratively; hosting regular workshops in-house, mentoring colleagues and guest lecturing at universities. As a trained Mental Health First Aider, he is an advocate for creating a supportive and positive environment in which to encourage professional growth.
With experience that ranges from large mixed-use schemes, to high-end housing and masterplanning, Matthew has a broad range of skills. His most recent project is The Gaumont on the King’s Road, a complex mixed-use development that includes a rooftop bar, cinema, ‘creative cluster’, meticulously restored heritage façade and a major new public art commission alongside retail, office and residential space.
“Studio PDP is an exceptional practice with a rich 30 year legacy, and I am deeply honoured to step into the role of Partner, and help lead it into an exciting new chapter. As we move forward, I am keen to expand our portfolio, building on the exceptional in-house skills that allow us to deliver high-quality, well-designed schemes.
For those who know me, you’ll know I thrive on challenges — whether it’s trail running, climbing mountains, or leading teams through complex projects. I’m passionate about empowering our talented team to achieve beyond their own expectations and fostering a collaborative, exciting work environment. My goal is to honour the practice’s provenance while ensuring a bright future for both the team and our work — learning, growing, and enjoying the journey together.”
Rebecca Campbell
Rebecca is our technical lead and is experienced at leading multi-disciplinary teams through both the design and construction phases. Additionally, Rebecca has undertaken Principal Designer, building physics, low energy design and retrofit training. Past projects include the refurbishment of a Grade 2* listed private house in Regents Park and she is currently working on a mixed-use listed residential building in Mayfair. Outside of the practice, Rebecca is a member of the NLA’s Expert Panel for Technical Competency and a Part 3 examiner for the University of Westminster.
“In my (almost) 15 years here I’ve had the privilege to contribute to a range of inspiring projects and learn from the exceptionally talented individuals who make this practice what it is. Mentorship has played a vital role in my development, and I am deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of talent to ensure the long-term success and growth of the practice.
We have a reputation for delivering quality design, and our expertise in working with listed buildings, and our deep in-house technical knowledge of retrofit, sustainability, and building physics positions us as leaders in shaping thoughtful, future-focused environments. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues, clients, and fellow Partners as we continue to push the boundaries of what great design can achieve.”
In joining Alec Howard, Andrew Davidson and Pedro Roos in the Partnership, Luke, Matt and Rebecca will take on new responsibilities; driving innovation, fostering and strengthening client relationships, and ensuring we all continue to grow and thrive. Their promotions reflect the incredible depth of talent within our practice and our commitment to cultivating leadership from within to ensure continuity and excellence in all aspects of our work.
Farewell to Mel
As we welcome the new Partners, we also wish to acknowledge the significant contributions of Mel Perkins, who will be leaving the practice to pursue her interest in social impact, as she joins Sheffield Council Capital Delivery Services. Mel joined the practice in 2001 and has been an invaluable member of our leadership team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and empathy to her role as Partner. Beyond her project work, Mel has been a passionate advocate for learning and mentoring; championing initiatives to broaden access to architecture for underrepresented groups and inspiring the next generation of architects. We know she is excited about this next step in her career - making a difference in her local community and helping to create positive change - so please join us in wishing her the very best for her next exciting chapter.
The next generation
In addition to the Partner promotions, we also celebrate the advancement of seven people to Associate level. Each has demonstrated outstanding leadership, technical expertise, and dedication, playing a key role in bridging senior leadership and project teams. Their efforts are vital to the success of our projects and the overall growth of the practice. Congratulations to Andres Hernandez, Chin Lye, Jokin Asiain, Leslie van der Veen, Rasa Pravilone, Ron Villamor and Santiago Rizo Zambrano who join Chris Hinchcliffe, Iain McLellan and Navin Veeroo.
Looking ahead
This evolution in our leadership team represents more than just promotions; it’s an investment in the long-term vitality of the practice and a celebration of our collective growth. By nurturing leadership at every level, we’re building a practice that’s resilient, innovative, and full of possibility. This is a big step forward for us and we hope you are as excited about the future as we are. Here’s to the next chapter!