Essex Architecture Practice

David – Director (MCIAT BSc Hons)

David leads the architectural side of the studio where his passion for high quality buildings is seen through our work and the day to day running of the practice. Through his career David has worked on a diverse range of projects which has given him experience and understanding of multiple forms and styles which is shared within the team. Having worked on many historic and listed buildings, he has the experience and understanding to enable designs to successfully be delivered on our more challenging projects.

David has a passion for high quality design and buildings where he shares this in his work and with his colleagues. His father is a carpenter, so he has grown up in construction however he wanted to pursue design so took the Architectural career path. David’s passion for high quality buildings and love for clean lines and sharp edges has given him an avid passion for minimalist contemporary architecture which can often be seen in his work.

After joining EPA in 2005 David continued his studies in Architecture and became a chartered member of the Institute of Architectural Technologists (MCIAT) in 2017. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, anything golf related, watching football, cycling and exploring the world of Architecture in greater depths.

Tom – Director (BSc Hons Eng)

Tom leads the Engineering side of the practice and is dedicated to providing both an economical and efficient design to all of our Client’s projects. The practices’ diversity in the scale and nature of previous and ongoing projects has enabled Tom to gain a vast experience across a wide range of sectors and materials, to which he utilizes to provide a sustainable and economic product to both our new and regular Clientele.

Tom has a keen dedication to continue to further his career experience in all aspects of Structural & Civil Engineering, and along with his team, strives to utilize modern sustainable construction techniques.

Tom has worked with EPA since 2007, after leaving school, and continued to develop his construction knowledge via additional studies at both college and university, where he attained a Bachelor of Honours Degree in Civil Engineering in 2015.

In his free time Tom enjoys spending time with his wife, as well as a variety of sporting activities, including both golf and football.

Di – Office Manager

Di joined in 1999 when EPA was based in Stebbing and consisted of just 2 Structural Engineers!  In 2007 Di helped organise the office move to West End Barn where her role as Office Manager includes managing daily administration tasks, providing stability to the office in a hectic and busy environment as well as heading the HR department. 

EPA has grown considerably since 1999 and Di is very proud to have been part of this, she has formed a great rapport with many customers over the years and enjoys working in a busy and very friendly office. In 2019 she helped arrange as well as complete the 3 peaks challenge along with other EPA colleagues and organised fundraising for which they raised almost £8k for MIND and Helen Rollason charities, a fantastic experience and achievement. 

In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family, grandchildren, taking long dog walks with Gracie who is part of the EPA meet and greet team, weekends in the family static caravan in West Mersea & dining out.


Scott – Associate Director (BSc Hons)

Scott came to study architecture through his love for design, drawing and manufacturing which was channeled from an early age through his education in Engineering, Design Technology & Business Studies. Scott had influences in the building trade from early childhood watching and helping his father, grandfather, and extended family work on the houses in which he was raised.

After joining EPA in 2011, Scott furthered his education into Construction & The Built Environment at Chelmsford College before progressing to university where he was awarded a First-Class Honors Degree in Architectural Technology. He was shortlisted nationally amongst the Top 6 Graduating Students for his final design project which comprised of proposals to create a multi-sports facility as an extension to a local heritage asset. Later the same year he was awarded the CABE Best Final Year Student and the CIAT East Anglian Region Student Award.

His natural flair for design and meticulous eye for detail combines well within the practice where Scott’s ideas are innovative and practical through all stages of the planning, design, and on-site construction of our projects. In recent years he has progressed his role within the practice and assists David with the internal management of architectural projects and day-to-day operations. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, fishing (although often not catching), socialising and most things outdoors.

Brad – Associate (BA (Hons) Arch. BSc (Hons) Arch Tech)

Brad Joined EPA in early 2021 to continue progressing his career. He specialises in a wide range of projects including, One-off Residential houses, Residential remodelling and extensions, Visitor centres, School expansion Projects. With a wide knowledge of design, technical and construction aspects of building he has proven himself very versatile to achieve practical solutions.

With two degrees, one in Architecture BA (Hons) and one in Architectural Technology BSs (Hons), Brad studied for 6 years while working within the industry and is always keen to learn from others in the construction industry to widen his knowledge. In 2020 Brad made it to the National finals in the CIAT student Project award in Architectural Technology, which to this date he is very proud of. This project consisted of a multi-disciplinary office for design and construction professionals which was constructed to Passive House standards.

In his spare time Brad relaxes by going to the Gym, seeing his friends and family and is a big football fan, and enjoys watching football come home… one day.

Chris – Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT BSc Hons)

Chris’s journey in architecture started at the age of 18 where he has since grown into a bright young designer with his strengths based on the technological side of architecture. His ability to build good rapport with clients enables designs that utilises spaces to suit user needs and lifestyle.  Combined with his knowledge and understanding of architectural technology, Chris often provides practical and economical solutions without aesthetical compromise. 

One of his proudest moments was when he achieved an upper second BSc Hons degree in Architectural Technology and was handpicked to deliver his class year’s graduation speech to the hundreds present that day. Chris has also recently gained his full chartership this year!

When he is not busy being creative at work, Chris likes to travel with his friends and family and can be found anywhere with good food or good music.

Jon – Architect (RIBA )

Jon has more than 30 years’ experience in the construction industry over a wide range of sectors from education and healthcare to small scale residential. He worked for multi-disciplinary design consultancy Atkins for many years as a project manager before qualifying as an Architect in 2006 and pursuing his longstanding passion for design, winning an Essex County Council ‘Best Building’ Award for Matching Green School in 2009. In addition to his core skills of architectural design, contract administration and project management, Jon has significant experience in design and build, off-site prefabrication, risk analysis and mitigation, and the implementation and maintenance of quality, safety and environmental management systems. He takes a proactive stance on environmental issues and is always keen to explore new and innovative ways of addressing the current climate emergency, at every level.

In his spare time, Jon is an enthusiastic amateur gardener and occasional chef who enjoys foraging for ingredients in the fields and hedgerows of his native Suffolk. He is also passionate about live music and is a regular attendee at the annual Latitude Festival.

Thomas James – Architectural Assistant

Tom is one of the newest members to EPA after joining in the summer of 2023 from a multidisciplined practice specialising in commercial architecture. Since the beginning of his career after obtaining his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the Leicester School of Architecture, Tom has worked on a wide variety of architectural projects, bringing a different approach to the environment of EPA. With a keen eye for problem solving and a keen thirst for knowledge Tom is looking forward to following in similar footsteps and refining his skill and eye for detail that goes into the high-level work produced by EPA.

In Tom's spare time he remains a keen athlete most weekends and in his down time travelling and exploring across the country on the search for his next adventure.

Tom Hogg – Architectural Assistant

Tom is an undergraduate architectural assistant whose journey with EPA started in 2019 after being offered the chance of two weeks work experience after he finished his A-Level Studies, where he could explore his desires of becoming an architect. 

Shortly after the work experience, Tom worked full-time for a year at EPA before starting his apprenticeship degree in 2020, studying Architecture BA (Hons) course part-time at Anglia Ruskin University, following in the footsteps of fellow colleagues. Tom is currently pursuing a range of projects at his university, widening his knowledge, and gaining experience in multiple skills, allowing him to better himself and improve his work to the highest quality at EPA. 

In Tom's spare time you will find him participating in multiple physical activities such as, football, gym and riding his trials/motocross bike around multiple areas in the UK.

Alex – Architectural Assistant

Alex is an undergraduate architectural assistant and aspiring architect who joined the team in 2019 after the completion of her A Level studies. Work experience with the company during her time in sixth form gave her an insight of the architect’s role within the industry, which led to her desire to pursue this further.

She is currently enjoying her studies on the Architecture BA (Hons) course at London South Bank University where her ambition and motivation to expand her architectural knowledge is engaged. Accompanied by her cooperation in current projects, ranging from a variety of residential to commercial developments, Alex continues to gain experience and strives to produce high quality work. She hopes to fulfil her passion for architecture by becoming fully qualified and a fundamental member of the team.

In her spare time, you can find Alex channeling her creativity through the art of painting and photography. She also enjoys day trips visiting art galleries and museums.

Nathan – Senior Structural Engineer (BEng (Hons) GMICE)

Nathan joined EPA in 2022 as part of the structural engineering team. Coming from a background of predominantly working on mid to high-rise concrete frame structures, he joined EPA to apply his knowledge into smaller scale projects and gain experience in bespoke residential projects that require innovative, low-cost solutions. Nathan uses his previous experience of working for a multi-disciplinary company to his advantage along with his background in bespoke steel design.

Nathan achieved double distinction ONC in Civil Engineering at college and gained a first honours degree in Civil Engineering at university in 2012. He is working hard towards his chartership with the ICE and IStructE and hopes to attain IEng status in the near future.

In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, travelling, boxing and martial arts.

Lewis – Civil Engineer (BSc Hons )

Lewis has substantial experience in the traffic, transportation and highways industry. Lewis has an excellent knowledge of computer aided design and has experience of using AutoCAD, AutoTrack, Keylines, Civils3D, Site3D, PDS & Micro Drainage among other industry acknowledged design packages and is always eager to expand his skills and knowledge in the use of these. Lewis also has a good understanding of the relevant industry design standards and regulations needed to complete complex design solutions and he always aims to provide simple and elegant solutions for our clients. Lewis completed his BSc in Civil Engineering in 2015 and has worked on a variety of projects in the UK and also in the US, these include London 2012 Olympics, Crossrail, HS2, Harvard University Science & Engineering Complex, Logan International Airport and Sizewell ‘C’ Reactor Enabling Works.

In his spare time Lewis is a keen DIYer and has been renovating his house tackling all the trades involved with this.

Will – Structural Draughtsman

Will is an undergraduate structural engineer. He first came to EPA in 2014 for work experience, then continued to come back during the school holidays until 2016 when he joined full time, whilst studying the Construction & The Built Environment at Chelmsford College. He then moved onto Anglia Ruskin University, where he is currently studying civil engineering, with the view to becoming a qualified structural engineer.

At EPA Will works closely with the other engineers on a range of projects, varying from wall removals to large residential developments, gaining valuable experience every day.

In his spare time Will enjoys playing video games, watching football, listening to music and attempting to play the guitar!

Sacha – Office Administrator

Sacha joined the team in the summer of 2023, working alongside Di as our Office Administrator. Sacha helps with the running of the office, supports accounts, completes admin duties and keeps the team organised. Sacha has also taken over our social media and hopes to bring a refreshed insight into our company’s projects and social activities.

After 5 years as a legal assistant, Sacha decided that she was ready for a new challenge and wanted to expand her admin, management and HR knowledge so sought out a new opportunity with EPA.

Sacha fills her private time with many hobbies including going to the gym and spending time with her dog, Bailey.

Gracie – Meet and Greet

Gracie- Gracie pops, Lady G

Gracie is a Golden Retriever and our oldest doggie. She is a big mommy’s girl so you will always find her wherever her owner is. Gracie perfectly positions herself in the office doorway, knowing that she will get some love every time someone walks in or out of the office. The skilled thief in the office is definitely Gracie. She knows who is likely to have food in their bin or leave their lunch in a bag on the floor (Brad!) and she will wait until they have left the office and sneak over to their desk for a cheeky afternoon snack. Gracie loves swimming so never says no to a weekend trip to her favorite place, Mersea.

Bailey – Meet and Greet

Bailey- Bai Bai

Bailey, our Sprocker Spaniel, is a calm presence in the office, but he's a real food lover. He's been recognized at local County shows for his ever-wagging tail and unique Mickey Mouse-like markings on his back. If you visit our office, he'd happily demonstrate his favorite trick, "sit pretty," in exchange for a treat.

Bonnie – Meet and Greet

Bonnie- Bon Bon

Meet Bonnie, our Scottie dog. She's our little guard with a big personality. Give her apples, and you've won her heart. At mealtime, her tap dance shows how excited she is. Bonnie also has a soft spot for our Engineer, Lewis, following him around with affection.

Basil – Meet and Greet

Basil- Big Bas

Meet Basil, our lovable Golden Retriever, the baby of our pack! He's a super affectionate pup, always ready for cuddles. Basil enjoys the company of people, loves days at the beach, and relishes long walks through the countryside.

Cooper – Meet and Greet

Cooper- Coops 

Meet Cooper, our friendly working Golden Retriever! You'll often find him chilling in his owner's office, but he's easily convinced to join the action with a bit of food or a ball. 

Coops comes to life during play fights with Basil, our other lively pup. Things can get a bit wild with these two big dogs, creating a lot of joyful noise around the office!