HISTORY
WWA is a multi-disciplinary design consultancy born from the merger of two renowned practices: West Waddy, originally founded in 1885, and Archadia.
In 2014, Oxford’s West Waddy and London-based Archadia Architects formed an association, combining their sector-specific expertise and extensive experience in delivering exceptional, high quality projects for their clients.
The practices already enjoyed outstanding reputations for the standard of their work in architecture, urban design, town planning and delivery of specialist housing.
Since then, the firms have operated as sister practices, supporting and enhancing one another’s specialisms for the benefit of their clients.
In 2021 the two firms combined to create WWA (West Waddy Archadia), a Practice that aspires to be a leader in the built environment, creating outstanding people-centric places and caring for our heritage.
TEAM
Philip Waddy
Managing Director
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PHILIP
WADDY
BA (HONS) DIP ARCH (OXFORD) RIBA FRSA AABC
MANAGING DIRECTOR
With over thirty years’ experience as a Partner or Principal in private practice, Philip has an outstanding reputation for project delivery, steering often complex developments to a successful completion. He is particularly adept at project management and his track record in getting results for clients is borne out by the number of repeat commissions received by the Practice.
Philip is an accredited conservation architect and has a special interest in historic building conservation having successfully undertaken a large number of sensitive conversions, repairs and restoration schemes to listed buildings during his career.
Philip is a past Chairman of the RIBA Southern Region and a former Trustee of the RIBA. He also currently Chairs the RIBA’s Expert Planning Group and helps to formulate the Institute’s policy on town planning. In these roles he has given recent papers and presentations to conferences on matters relating to architecture and town planning, conservation and sustainability.
Outside of work Philip enjoys choral singing and is also a Commercial Yachtmaster and can often be found on the water teaching others to sail.
Jean Hanna
Design Director
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JEAN
HANNA
BSC BARCH RIBA
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Jean has over 30 years’ experience in delivering large scale projects for new build and remodelled extra care, retirement housing and general needs housing schemes at a range of urban/rural locations. She has delivered schemes in Conservation Areas and on sites including Listed Buildings.
She is highly skilled in producing Feasibility Studies and is able to unlock the full potential of sites, Jean has worked at the Practice for over 20 years, being appointed as a Director in 2011. Jean is also a Client Design Advisor for a central London council.
Jean has successfully delivered projects throughout RIBA stages 0-6 including the recent mixed use project in Hounslow, and a large scale retirement scheme in Poole.
Her designs have been well received with some of projects having won local and European awards. Jean’s design scheme for Patching Lodge in Brighton was used in the HAPPI Report, a government publication outlining innovative housing examples from across Europe making recommendations to government, developers and housing developers, as was her scheme for Hanover in Egham.
Jean continues to broaden her knowledge and expertise in her specialist fields by being an active member of Housing LIN and member of WISH (Women in Social Housing).
Mark Slater
Design Director
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MARK
SLATER
BSC MARCH RIBA
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Mark specialises in developing innovative solutions to complex problems throughout all project stages and has a particular expertise in inclusive design and specialist housing.
Mark has led account teams on projects across sectors including extra care housing, retirement housing, affordable housing, specialist education and domestic residential throughout the south east and was part of the team that won the UK’s Best Designed Development Award.
He previously showcased the practice’s expertise in older persons housing design at the RIBA Core Seminar – Architecture for the Aging Population and have also presented at a Housing LIN Seminar regarding Older Person’s Housing Design.
Proficient in BIM and fully involved with developing the use of new technology throughout the company, Mark has undertaken the RIBA Principal Designer Course and has provided these services on several of our projects.
Mark continues to broaden his knowledge and expertise in his specialist fields by being an active member of ARCO, Housing LIN and the Access Association.
Ifti Maniar
Director of Planning
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IFTI
MANIAR
BARCH (HONS) MSC MA MRTPI
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING
With dual expertise in architecture and planning, Ifti has an eye for detail and a genuine interest in sustainable design, having worked on private and public sector projects including retail, leisure, education, residential and commercial developments.
He has an appetite for challenging projects and enjoys finding innovative solutions to difficult planning problems, particularly on heavily constrained sites and those in the Green Belt. He also enjoys the aspects of policy interpretation, case law and appeal precedents. He has worked on projects across the country and has an extensive experience of delivering small, medium and large scale projects through the planning process.
Kathryn Gundry
Design Associate
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KATHRYN
GUNDRY
BARCH MARCH RIBA ARB
DESIGN ASSOCIATE
Kathryn is a fully qualified Project Architect, leading projects through RIBA stages 0-7 She has worked on projects ranging in size from domestic extensions to a large housing scheme, preparing planning applications, producing construction drawings and working in BIM. She is fully proficient in Revit software and is producing her latest projects in BIM.
Kathryn is currently working on several housing projects on garage sites for a local housing association, disabled facilities grants, as well as a large social housing projects in West London.
She leads the Practice-based research programme, working closely with councils and universities and continues to broaden her knowledge and expertise in her specialist fields sitting on the board of WISH London (Women in Social Housing) and an active member of Housing LIN.
Johnathan Headland
Urban Design Director
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JOHNATHAN
HEADLAND
BA(HONS)
URBAN DESIGN DIRECTOR
Johnathan has developed a wealth of experience in delivering residential and mixed-use schemes from feasibility study through to consented projects across 1-1500 units.
He is interested in the processes to facilitate development through the planning system; especially the role design and consultation plays in delivering implementable high-quality places.
Jonathan is passionate about the development sector and interested in all stages from conceptual design, through the planning system and into use.
Wendy Kelly
Practice Manager
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WENDY
KELLY
PRACTICE MANAGER
Wendy has been with the Practice for more than 10 years. She is a key member of the Management Team and heads up our busy support team.
Wendy’s role, working closely with the Directors and the remainder of the WWA team, is to ensure the efficient and smooth running of the business. Her tasks include all aspects of HR, personnel support, office management, marketing activities, and general day to day management of the business.
Ewan Green
Associate Architect
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EWAN
GREEN
BA DIP ARCH RIBA
ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT
Ewan has recently passed his Passivhaus exams after intensive training at the Building Research Establishment. This low energy design approach will feature more commonly in creation of the built environment as we move towards the RIBA’s target of zero carbon buildings by 2030. Ewan is particularly looking forward to using these skills for residential, bespoke housing and deep retrofit, upgrading existing building stock.
Ewan’s passion lies in the education sector and he has led recent education projects including a hydrotherapy pool building for a school for children with autism and development feasibilities at a private school in south west London.
He has excellent project management skills and has delivered projects in the private residential, public commercial, educational and healthcare sectors. His delivery of a new retirement development in Lyndhurst was named as ‘Best Larger Development’ at the New Forest National Park Authority’s Building Design Awards.
Ewan is the Office’s BIM Champion and is fully proficient in Revit software. By fully integrating BIM into all his projects he saves time during the design and production stages.
Lee Golder
Finance Manager
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LEE
GOLDER
BA (HONS) MAAT
FINANCE MANAGER
Lee is a key member of the Management Team and heads up all aspects of financial management and IT.
Since qualifying as an Accounting Technician Lee has worked within accounting and legal practices and expanded her skills into financial reporting, budget planning, office management, HR and personnel support.
Formerly a Graphic Designer at Oxford Brookes University, Lee transitioned to accountancy work in 2007 to work more closely with people and businesses, focusing on financial and office management.
Ralph Saull
Project Architect / Marketing Coordinator
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RALPH
SAULL
BA (HONS) MARCHD PCTHE FHEA RIBA
PROJECT ARCHITECT / MARKETING COORDINATOR
Ralph has delivered a diverse array of projects, ranging from large scale masterplans to extension and alteration works. He is experienced in community and stakeholder management – including public consultations – and in the production of clear and simple graphic information.
He has worked on heritage-led projects including grade I and grade II listed buildings, as well as the design of contemporary dwellings including Herons, a one-off home in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Ralph also acts as the Practice’s Marketing Coordinator, heading up, along with other members of the team, the smooth running of the Marketing of the Practice.
In addition to his role in the Practice as a designer and Marketing Coordinator, Ralph is also an Associate Lecturer in Architecture, teaching at Oxford Brookes University on the year one undergraduate programme.
JAY
WRIGHT
PA TO THE DIRECTORS
As PA to the Directors, Jay oversees and coordinates the Directors busy schedules, as well as offering them high quality and confidential support.
Prior to joining the Practice in 2017, Jay gained a wealth of transferrable skills whilst working at the Churchill Hospital providing full administrative and secretarial support across a variety of NHS teams and services.
Originally from Oxford Jay now lives in Abingdon, where she enjoys walking her dog and spending time with her family.
In addition to this, Jay offers administrative support to the remainder of the team, together with organising Practice events and offers day to day assistance with the management of social media platforms.
Jay Wright
PA to the Directors
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Stephen Pickles
Policy Planner
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STEPHEN
PICKLES
BA MSC DIP TP MRTPI DIPLOMA IN ENV CONS
POLICY PLANNER
An experienced planner, Stephen has delivered a range of advice and solutions for the Practice, working on historic buildings, green belt schemes, creation of feasibility studies, and secured allocation of sites in Local Development Frameworks.
Prior to joining the Practice, Stephen worked in Planning Policy at Oxford City Council for 18 years from 1989 until 2007 working on policy issues (particularly in relation to the universities, hospitals, environmental issues and sports/recreation), which gave him extensive knowledge of planning policy in a local government context.
Stephen has experience of preparing planning applications and co-ordinating other professionals involved in the team, monitoring planning applications once deposited with the local planning authority and liaising with clients throughout each project.
Matt Hinkins
Project Architect
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MATT
HINKINS
BA (HONS) MARCH RIBA
PROJECT ARCHITECT
Matt has developed extensive experience in contract administration, overseeing several projects on site including a contemporary, sustainable new build property. He has also designed and delivered a variety of historical refurbishment projects, including a Grade II listed Farmhouse. Currently Matt is working on a Grade II* listed barn complex in Bristol, with works due to complete in 2020, as part of an HLF scheme
Throughout his university placement, Matt provided unique solutions including the ‘Northgate Cable Car System’ in Oxford which won the ‘Best Sustainable Portfolio Award’. Whilst prior large schemes during placements have helped develop an eye for proportionality and composition, his interests lie in smaller bespoke schemes where a unique and innovative solution is required.
Mariana Panchelli
Architect
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MARIANA
PANCHELLI
ARB
ARCHITECT
Mariana is vastly experienced in the production information stages of projects, coordinating consultants’ and specialist subcontractors’ information.
Mariana has delivered work for significant residential projects for housing associations including an Extra Care scheme in the Reading area and a 7-storey housing scheme in the London Borough of Hounslow.
A technical expert, she has been working in BIM for several years and is capable of producing construction drawing packages within tight deadlines.
Stephen Simkins
Consultant
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STEVE
SIMKINS
BA (HONS) DIP ARCH (OXFORD) DIP URBAN DESIGN RIBA
CONSULTANT
Having initially joined West Waddy in 1998, Stephen became a partner in 2005 and is now a Consultant to the Practice with a particular interest in conservation, heritage work and the preservation of historic buildings.
An able motivator and team leader Stephen is responsible for encouraging and monitoring professional development and acts as a mentor for our younger staff.
Stephen is currently an external examiner for the RIBA Part III Professional Practice examinations at both Oxford Brookes University and The Bartlett, University College London. Stephen also adjudicates the WWA award each year at the Oxford Brookes final year show, which recognises design excellence in the joint fields of architecture, planning and urban design.
Charlie Kirby
Architectural Assistant
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CHARLIE
KIRBY
BA (HONS)
ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT
With keen interest in biomimicry, sustainable architecture and building for a changing environment, Charlie joined the Practice following the completion of her undergraduate degree at Oxford Brookes University.
As part of her degree course, her unit designed ‘The Hill’ Oxfords Health Innovation Hub, to facilitate a discussion of healthcare at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
Charlie is currently working on various residential schemes and large-scale projects as part of her year out and once completed will return to studying for Part 2 of her qualification.
As a child, Charlie spent time in Tokyo, Chennai and Geneva, experiencing a diverse array of architectural styles that influence her designs.
Matthew Jackson
Project Architect
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MATTHEW
JACKSON
BA (HONS) MARCH
PROJECT ARCHITECT
Matt joined the WWA team in 2021. His previous project experience includes a range of project scales and types. He has been involved with a number of education projects including new build secondary schools in Bicester and Faringdon and a new specialist SEN School, for pupils with specific educational and behavioural needs plus work for Reading University and Oxford Brookes University where he led a project to fully refurbish several existing student accommodation blocks, to provide an upgrade to the student cluster flats and reconfigured the communal student space and staff facilities in a building of local historic significance. He also brings experience of smaller scale heritage work through some minor works projects with the Grade II listed buildings at Somerville College in Oxford, and healthcare experience, with the refurbishment and fit out of an existing hospital ward building for the relocation of an outpatients department for the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Helena Gatland
Architectural Assistant
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HELENA
GATLAND
ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT
Helena joined the Practice in May 2021 as a Part I Architectural Assistant following completion of her studies at Oxford Brookes University.
Stanislav Brezden
Architectural Assistant
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STANISLAV
BREZDEN
ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT
Stanislav joined the Practice in September 2019 as an Apprentice Part I Architectural Assistant starting his apprenticeship at Southbank University. He provides support to our architectural team and works on a variety of projects, and as part of his employment he spends a proportion of his time studying architecture and developing his design skills.
Michael Paginton
Arboricultural and Town Planning Consultant
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MICHAEL
PAGINTON
PGDIP BA (HONS) DIP ARB L4 (ABC) PIEMA TECHARBORA
ARBORICULTURAL AND TOWN PLANNING CONSULTANT
Michael has worked with the Practice as an Arboriculturist since 2017. He is a skilled environmental and arboricultural consultant who provides advice and support to clients relating to green infrastructure planning, environmental assessment, arboriculture and town planning.
Michael is a Practitioner Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and Technician Member of the Arboricultural Association. He has a broad multi- disciplinary skill set having gained consultancy experience in both forward and development planning including preparing environmental assessments and green infrastructure strategies for local authority development plans.
Neil Gibson
Consultant
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NEIL
GIBSON
BA (HONS) T&CP DMS DEM MRTPI FCHIT
CONSULTANT
Neil currently provides the Practice with strategic advice on planning, housing, the environment and general business development.
Neil has over 25 years of senior executive experience at board level, embracing vision & strategy development, partnership development, change management & delivery, innovation and organisational & executive leadership development.
He is a Member of the RTPI, a Fellow of the CIHT and a recent Past President of ADEPT, a national Association in which he remains active.
Bhamini Patgiri
Graduate Town Planner
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BHAMINI
PATGIRI
MSc (URBAN PLANNING), BA Arch
GRADUATE TOWN PLANNER
A recent graduate of Newcastle University, in addition to her Town Planning credentials, Bhamini brings her experience as an architectural intern and assistant to the role of Graduate Town Planner at WWA Studio. Bhamini also volunteered as a researcher at Climate Action North. Carrying out action oriented projects with businesses in the North of England like Pollinator Parks and Green Heart.