About Us - RIBA Chartered Architects - OPEN Architecture
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Director

STEPHANIE MASON

Go-getter. People person. Vodka and cucumber tonic enthusiast. Spa dweller. Works hard, plays hard.

Stephanie joined OPEN architecture back in 2017 and has since then taken over the reins of the business with Glyn in 2019. At OPEN, Stephanie is not only Director of the company, but champions the Interiors sector with a small dedicated team in the studio.

She has a passion for designing inspirational spaces, with client satisfaction and the end user’s needs being the paramount force behind the original design idea and process. She has a wealth of experience in Interior Architecture, ranging from prestigious Developer led projects in London (such as Belvedere Gardens and 190 Strand) to projects further afield in Kuala Lumpur when working at Foster + Partners.

Stephanie’s educational background is impressive and varied; with qualifications beginning with a Master of Architecture from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA and later gaining a Master of Art from the Architectural Association, London in Housing and Urbanism. She has also gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Interior Design from the British Academy of Interior Design, London.

In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys getting lost in a good book with the precious time alone given her young family commitments, spending time with friends and family and relaxing over some enthralling TV.

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Director

GLYN FRIEND

Detail orientated. BMX racer. Family man. Fruity cider lover. Outdoors explorer.

Glyn is the Director principally heading the Retail Sector with an impressive varied experience across sectors prior to working at OPEN architecture. Glyn has been with the company nine years and he and Stephanie have been running OPEN architecture together since 2019. As a team they are a force to be reckoned with!

His past experience is wide and varied and includes working on prisons, residential, education, Master Planning and urban design and leisure resorts. Of this vast arena of sector expertise, Glyn is particularly interested in the Retail, Education, Urban Design and Housing fields. He is a graduate of Greenwich University culminating in his Post Grad Professional Studies (Part III) here too.

Glyn is driven by concentrating on the details be it at the macro or micro scale of architecture and the built environment. He strongly believes that good architecture and design can and does have a positive effect on people’s lives and how they live, work and travel through spaces; it is our duty as designers to embrace this when delivering projects to clients. He brings this passion in detail in all the Retail projects in the studio at OPEN architecture.

Glyn is a keen mountain bike rider, BMX racer and Judo champ. He enjoys walking, outdoor activities and visiting new places, be it cities, buildings, urban developments or our fantastic national parks.

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Director

PAUL MORRISH

Creative. Practical. Bread and Pizza maker. Photographer & Outdoor adventurer.

Paul is the Director who predominantly looks after the commercial/development projects within the practice.  He is an Architect with more than 25 years experience working on projects in the UK and abroad.  He has worked across many  building sectors including: residential, education, development and ecclesiastical projects of which a number have won RIBA National Awards.

At OPEN architecture, Paul successfully leads projects through all stages of the design process – from site appraisal and concept, through planning, detailed design on to completion on site.  He has delivered a variety of projects, of varying scales, from small private dwellings up to £15M mixed-use developments.  He has a keen eye for design which is supported by his in-depth knowledge on construction and building methodologies.

Paul loves the outdoors and volunteers as a local Air Scout leader.

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Senior Architect

JOANNA LOIZOU

Gets the job done. Baking queen. Multi tasker. BMXer.

Joanna has over 15 years' experience, working in mainly the residential sector with past experience working in education, healthcare and development sectors.

In the past she has worked closely with Housing Associations across London to achieve deliverable schemes, which include high end apartments to affordable social housing. She is a graduate of the University of Greenwich and is RIBA accredited.

In more recent years Joanna has developed a specialism for the private residential market, with an emphasis on good design achieved within often tight budgets. At OPEN she has had a pivotal role in developing and improving the domestic housing technical packages. She has the ability to work across a project for all stages and has a mentoring role within the office to make sure consistent technical information is being delivered across all domestic residential schemes.

Outside of OPEN, Joanna enjoys a hectic home life with her two sons and with any free time remaining loves a good book and baking.

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Architect

CHRIS PAIN

Whodunnit devotee. Novice gardener. Trekking enthusiast.  

Chris has over 25 years of experience of working in architecture and property development. He started his career in Sevenoaks whilst still a six former and by way of Cardiff, Cologne, London, Winchester, Bristol, Barcelona and Guangzhou, Chris returned to work in Sevenoaks a few years ago. Chris has considerable experience with projects in the education and retail sectors. Since returning to Sevenoaks, he has worked mostly on residential schemes, and has designed for large developers, super-prime private new builds, a variety of private housing, as well as smaller remodelling and extensions. He has had a wealth of experience making planning and building regulation applications for projects in the South East and London.

As well as being passionate about architecture and good design, he enjoys weekends pottering around the garden, and weather-permitting going on trekking adventures in the UK and abroad.

 

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Architect

SARA SANTOS

Keen Traveller.  Music Lover.  Book worm.  Skier.

Sara moved to the UK in 2012 from Portugal where she completed her Masters degree at Lusfona University in Lisbon.  Her thesis explored the vital impact of architecture in urban renewal and regeneration within historic neighborhoods of Lisbon.

Since making the move she has mainly worked on residential and hospitality projects, whilst developing a keen interest in 3D modelling and rendering techniques.

She passionately believes in reinventing and enhancing buildings by maintaining cultural heritage through adaptive reuse. Her favourite challenges are contemporary projects in sensitive sites and existing buildings.

Outside of work she enjoys reading, travelling and listening to some good old vinyl records whilst spending time with her family. She has recently discovered a passion for skiing as well.

 

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Architectural Designer

SHANDOFF BANDOH-DANQUAH

Passionate.  Efficient.  Life Ponderer. Music Lover.

In 2010 Shandoff graduated from the School of Architecture Saint Luc (University of Liege) in Belgium. Two years later he completed his Masters in Town Planning and Urban Design then he relocated to the United Kingdom to complete his professional Training with Kuma Environmental Design based in Croydon. He became fully qualified as an EU/Belgium Architect in 2015 and was successfully elected as a RIBA Chartered member in the following year.

Shandoff has 10+ years of EU and UK experience within multi-cultural, ecological and environmental practices. He has gained strong technical knowledge and know-how from Ecological and Environmental Practices. He has a keen interest in high-end sustainable designs and has fascinating knowledge and skills in sustainable development and partnership working.

Shandoff has a passion for architecture and is keen on taken on new challenges and addressing problems in a creative manner. His upbringing in an African home, educational background in Europe and professional experience in UK has enabled him to develop key qualities such as Respect, Creativity and Efficiency that have allowed him to achieve award winning designs in several competitions he entered in.

In his little spare time; he is a father of a young family of three children, he enjoys listening to music, walking and thinking about life and people in general.

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Part II Architectural Assistant

KATHERINE LUNANI

Lover of contemporary spaces. Enjoys fine dining. Wedding Planner.

Katherine earned her Masters in Architecture from Greenwich University in 2021. Since then, she has immersed herself in various projects primarily focused on residential spaces. Her dedication lies in crafting functional designs that surpass clients' expectations, creating environments they adore. With an interest in contemporary architecture, she makes sure to follow evolving trends and innovative concepts. Her aspiration is to venture into international design projects in the future.

Beyond her architectural pursuits, Katherine finds joy in dining out, attending concerts, and cherishing moments with her family. She also enjoys co-ordinating weddings and events to ensure memorable experiences for others and revels in exploring different cultures through travel and continuous learning.

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Part II Architectural Assistant

ADRIAN SEMPA

Lover of People. Art Enthusiast. Music Connoisseur. Community Champion. 

Adrian earned his Master’s in Architecture from Oxford Brookes in 2023. With four years of experience across various sectors, including residential and educational projects, he is passionate about creating user-centred architecture that is completely tailored to the needs and desires of its users. He believes that everybody deserves a space that resonates with them.

During his time volunteering in Zambia, Adrian gained firsthand insight into the challenges posed by inadequate infrastructure. This experience highlighted the importance of proper facilities for community development and well-being. One of his favourite projects, the Lycée Schorge Secondary School, emphasized the significance of ventilation in fostering a comfortable learning environment. He understands that limited access to basic utilities like clean water, electricity, and transportation can impede growth and quality of life, and he aims to design architecture that enhances the well-being of both students and staff.

Outside of architecture, Adrian enjoys supporting and uplifting others, particularly youth in his local church, where he encourages them to explore their faith. He is also a music enthusiast, playing both acoustic and electric guitar, and loves to express his creativity through art in his free time. Additionally, Adrian enjoys creating digital and physical art that pushes conventional boundaries, experimenting with various forms to provoke thought and inspiring dialogue.

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ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER

TANYA UCHENA

A creative soul. Big dreamer. Lover of tequila!

Tanya graduated with an honours degree in Interior Architecture and a CertHE in Architecture from the University of Lincoln. She is currently doing her Masters degree at University of Westminster specifying on the role of Art in Architecture.

Tanya’s professional journey in the design environment has been marked by her profound understanding of the theoretical frameworks that bridge art and architecture. She has adopted the notion of understanding the integration of art in architecture as indispensable for creating spaces that are not only functional but also emotive, cultural and aethetically pleasing. By bridging the gap between practicality and creativity within her designs, she aims to ensure that our built environment reflects the diverse tapestry of human expression, making our living, learning, and working spaces more engaging and fulfilling.

When she’s not reimagining spaces, Tanya indulges her passion for food. As a true foodie at heart, she loves exploring new cuisines and discovering hidden culinary gems. Whether she’s experimenting with new recipes at home or trying out the latest restaurant in town, her love for food is as vibrant as her designs. Of course with a side of tequila to cleanse the pallet.

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PART I ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT

HARVEY MALLALIEU

Creative. Sports fanatic. Bit of a nomad.

As a recent addition to the team, Harvey graduated from the University of Kent – KSAP (School of Architecture, Design and Planning) after the successful completion of his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. He is a team player who thoroughly enjoys working in collaboration with others whilst being equally proactive when working independently. Harvey is fluent in both French and English having grown up in a small bastide village in the South West of France. He later moved to England in 2013 to continue his education.

Harvey developed a love for architecture whilst working in the summers for a musical theatre company in France, Germany and Hong Kong. Tasked with the design and construction of sets for shows such as Hamilton and Les Miserable under the expertise of other designers and architects.

Beyond his architectural endeavors, Harvey has a great love for travelling and sports. Especially in rugby, travelling around the world to enjoy the sport and play in two tours of South Africa and Canada.

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Receptionist & Office Coordinator

ANITA DUCK

Dog lover. Runner. List maker. Prosecco and Champagne enthusiast.

Anita has over 20 years experience in various roles in administration dealing with reception, customer care, qualifications, financial claims and everything in between. Mainly working in the charitable sector; firstly in education and latterly in healthcare, she has enjoyed the opportunity to help support people to achieve their goals and live their best lives.

Outside of OPEN she likes to going running, taking her dog for long walks in the local countryside and tackling various craft projects. Whenever she can she likes to explore the canals and waterways of Britain and has ambitions to travel the entire waterways network by boat.

 

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Accounts

PAULA HUDSON

Maths whizz. Beach lover. Detail orientated. Globe trotter. Quick witted. Green fingered.

Paula is our wonderful accounts person. She is a delight to work with and has helped us out enormously since she started with us in 2019. She has over 20 years' experience in looking after people’s accounts. Her OPEN architecture clients are obviously her favourites by far to work with.

Paula loves being outdoors in the countryside but also takes every opportunity she can to nip down to the coast. Devon is one of her most favourite places to be. She’s an avid gardener and loves to deepen her horticultural knowledge whenever possible. Her garden is a place she has become very proud of. Paula enjoys broadening her horizons and adores visiting one of her sons in whichever foreign city he’s currently living in (five to date).

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Marketing Manager / Executive Assistant

CATHERINE RIDGWAY

Design lover. Keen swimmer. Give it a go gardener.

Catherine started her career in marketing, working for a number of advertising agencies in London, developing campaigns for a wide range of brands, both big and small.

In the last few years and before joining OPEN, Catherine pursued her interest in all things interiors and worked for a furniture and lighting agency, promoting their Scandinavian portfolio to interior designers and architects.

Outside of OPEN, Catherine is running around after two young daughters. Any spare time is spent in the garden or at the swimming pool.

LOCAL ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS

Whether you are planning an extension to your home or a full refurbishment of an office block, choosing an Architect can be one of the most important decisions you make. To ensure that you’re looking at the perfect build at the end of the project, you need to make sure you get off on the right foot by working with the best local Architects for your endeavour.

Ideally, the firm you choose will be familiar with the local area. They should have a thorough knowledge and understanding of local authority planning rules and the latest building regulations.

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We listen to your needs to produce the design that is right for you. Our wide portfolio covers a range of Private Residential, Development and other types of properties, with both traditional and contemporary architectural requirements. We ensure we oversee your project from start to finish.

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With over 25 years’ experience in architecture planning, our team of RIBA Chartered Architects offer services throughout Royal Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas. Our aim is to create both beautiful and functional spaces with innovative design, produced to the highest technical standard, starting with our design team who will fulfil your vision in their meticulous design plans. We make sure to get every detail about your requirements to produce a design that is right for you.

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