Stats
Two Studios, One Team
We are an ambitious, award-winning studio driven to deliver high-quality design solutions. Collaborating as ‘one team,’ we guide projects from concept to completion with precision and creativity.
Our Exeter office is nestled within 85 acres of serene natural parkland, woodlands, and brooks at Winslade Park, providing our team with an ideal work-life balance. Meanwhile, our Plymouth office is situated in the centrally located and dynamic Thrive Offices, offering convenience and accessibility.
Sectors
Awards
years
projects
Frameworks
Joa Cassap
T-Level Student
Richard Cord
Chairman
The Chairman at KTA – a Chartered Architect who has worked with the Practice since 1995. During this time he has covered a wide range of successful projects from residential to hotels, schools and stadia covering a wide geographical area. His detailed knowledge of the “Building Schools for the Future” initiative ensured a successful delivery of £24m new Secondary School as well as designing the new developments at Sandy Park for the Exeter Chiefs including the New 250 Bed Marriott Hotel as well as other prominent Professional Sporting venues and Clubs in the South West. Richard oversees and maintains the confidence of all of our clients throughout the Development & Construction Community.
Outside of the office Richard pursues his love of sailing with his restoration of a 1914 classic yacht and watching the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.
Ajay Sharma
Managing Director
The Managing Director at KTA. Ajay has extensive experience across multiple sectors delivering multi award winning designs across the UK. He has led some of the regions significant projects including The Royal Clarence in Exeter and also a fantastic new multi-million pound Health and Wellbeing Centre in the heart of Plymouth shaping the future regeneration of this deprived area.
Ajay is involved with all design projects, initiating collaborative team design reviews and is responsible for the smooth running of the office. He directs a great studio in Exeter and promotes a team culture. He supports a ‘family-ethos’. As Director, he has great experience ranging from design excellence, front-end stakeholder, master planning and client engagement through to project execution, whilst coordinating the whole design team. He is a people person with a bubbly personality providing a fun yet professional level of service delivery.
He works closely with many schools in the South West, educating our future generation about the profession and also teaches at University of Plymouth School of Architecture. Ajay has also been influential raising thousands of pounds for many local charitable organisations and food banks as Vice-Chair for the successful Building Forum Devon and Cornwall.
Ajay enjoys going to the gym and visiting many beautiful local areas including our beaches, moors and paddleboarding.
Andrew Chaplin (Andy)
Associate Director
As Associate Director at KTA, Andrew brings a high level of experience, gained across a wide range of projects and client bodies over the last 25 years. Andrew spent 18 years in London holding senior posts at pedigree practices before relocating to the South West in 2003. Andrew has been responsible for numerous public and private developments locally and nationally, comprising; large scale residential, student accommodation, schools, innovation centres, airport terminals, business parks, public libraries and performing arts centres. Andrew takes a hands-on approach, being attentive to the needs of both client and user, is responsive to change, has a careful attention to detail, and is well versed in taking projects through briefing stage, from inception to completion. Andrew is also a Professional Examiner for the RIBA and a member of the Devon & Somerset Design Review Panel.
Beside architecture, Andrew hoards old guitars, enjoys far flung independent travel and indulges in self-build.
Kyrenia Tew (Kye)
Associate Director
An Associate Director at KTA, she has been with them for over 16 years. Kye looks after the Business Development for the company and also responsible for providing the Practice with Urban Planning to our Architectural teams and our Clients/Stakeholders on numerous capital projects. She also is responsible for our community liaison work on both new build and regeneration.
She is the Co-Chair of the Exeter Construction Group (ECG), organising some great events in Exeter for the Construction industry, as well as a board member for Six Degrees, a local network for like minded women to connect, grow and create opportunity. Kye is also a member of South West Women in Construction and Women in property.
Kye enjoys spending time with her friends, family and enjoying spending time on the water. After 7 years of R&D and planning obstacles, Kye and her husband are completing their new family home in the country. The Autarkic House is a para 79 home and will be the UK and Europe’s first fully off grid, self-sufficient, Solar-Hydrogen House.
Alex Stewart
Associate Director
Alex started his KTA career way back in September 2000 as an apprentice technician and has worked his way up to being an associate.
Alex has worked on a huge variety of schemes in the south west covering Stadia, Education, Leisure & Residential. Including Sandy Park Stadium for the Exeter Chiefs and St. James Park, home of Exeter City FC.
Alex lives on the edge of Exeter with his wife and daughter. He enjoys spending time with his friends and family and he is also a keen golfer and a general sports fan!
Alex Lammie
Plymouth Lead
Alex has had a 20-year journey architectural in the South West. Prior to that he worked for Terry Farrell, and other prestige design practices in London.
The projects Alex has lead, demonstrates the diversity and depth of Alex’s work, all delivering high quality, sustainable design and intrinsically connected to the vibrant Southwest region. Each project has been an opportunity to work with a wide range of southwest based clients, consultants and contractors who’s collaborative work has left an indelible mark on both the community and Alex’s career.
Returning to his home town in Plymouth, Alex is excited to be now heading up the Plymouth office.
Alex lives by the sea, where he wastes much of his free time either on it or in it. He loves old cars, boats and hands on rebuilding the family home. He is a leader with the 6th Kingsbridge Sea Scouts, where he attempts to get kids to listen to him.
Stephen Bain (Steve)
Associate Architect
Steve is a Chartered Conservation Architect with extensive experience in leading and delivering complex project from conception through to completion. He has recently joined the KTA team having previously worked at Kay Elliott Architects, where he was responsible for the design and running on site of a number of major projects, including a Heritage Lottery Funded, Sir Peter Scott Legacy project at Slimbridge and a number of recent hotel projects with complex constraints. Most recently he achieved planning permission for a £16m, 160 bedroom hotel in Torbay.
His specialist areas of expertise include historic building conversion and delivering projects on challenging sites. He also has expertise in design review, design enabling, procurement and community consultation. He brings a broad range of practice experience and strong design and project management skills to all his work. Steve has over 12 years’ experience working in Autodesk Revit and recent experience working on BIM level 2 projects.
When not spending time with his daughter, Steve will either be continuing the renovation of their Victorian Villa in Newton Abbot or underneath a classic car.
Laura Freer
Associate Architect
Laura’s professional experience ranges from bespoke, residential, small scale projects to large complex multi-use buildings, this allows her to switch between a general and detailed perspective throughout the project stages.
Laura is a Senior Healthcare Architect and leads the healthcare design team.
Her experience ranges from acute and primary care, to mental health and community care. She thrives on complex projects with multiple stakeholders to establish a brief and work within operational and site constraints.
She combines problem-solving skills with a proactive approach that makes full utilisation of BIM technology to deliver collaborative designs that focus on end-user experience and healthy, sustainable spaces.
Outside of the office she can be found zooming around Devon on her mountain bike.
Catherine Heuer (Cath)
Office Manager
Cath works front of house and provides administration and clerical support to our thriving team. You will be sure to always receive a warm welcome from Cath when you visit or call our Practice. Cath joined the Practice over a decade ago. Cath is a vital part of the support team and oversees the Quality Assurance. An outgoing, full of life and a great sense of humour bringing the reception area to life with her friendly Zimbabwean accent.
Cath is happily married with 2 young children, who keep her very busy in her spare time.
Jolanda Butler
Company Accountant
Jolanda joined KTA in August 2024 as Company Accountant. Jolanda moved to the UK from Amsterdam, the Netherlands in 2003 and has moved around the UK and Germany since then as her husband was in the Army, they are happily married with 3 daughters.
Jolanda loves travelling and her next port of call will be somewhere in Oceania. In her spare time she likes to discover new music and loves eating at Pho in Exeter. If you can’t find Jolanda enjoying some Vietnamese soup you will find her reading fantasy/fiction or studying to complete her CIMA qualifications.
Andrew Morris
Architect
Andrew has been at KTA since the beginning of 2019 after spending a year living and working in Shenzhen, China. Whilst there he worked on several projects across China, he also purchased a DJI drone and enjoyed exploring the country from various different perspectives. Since joining KTA he has worked on a variety of jobs particularly focusing on the detailed design and construction phases of projects. He thoroughly enjoys solving on site problems alongside contractors and their supply chain.
In his spare time Andrew enjoys various different extreme sports such as Skateboarding, BMX and Surfing, he has also recently renovated his first house which has filled much of his time since completing his RIBA Part 3 qualifications. Andrew is also an associate lecturer at the University of Plymouth School of Architecture and teaches part time on the BA first year course, one of the live projects he helped teach on was shortlisted for The RIBA Journal MacEwan Awards in 2020.
Alex Wightman
Architect
Alex is an experienced Project Architect with a wide experience of delivering projects across the Southwest of England. With qualifications from both Plymouth University and the University of the West of England, Alex has a particular interest in the social aspects of Architecture and sustainable construction.
Alex’s completed projects include leisure, residential, educational, ecclesiastical, and commercial projects at a range of project scales.
Alex lives on Dartmoor, enjoys an active lifestyle and can often be found trail running, wild swimming, or (when the weather permits) paddle boarding.
Darrel Bennett
Architect
Darrel joined KTA in 2022 as an Architect; with experience over multiple project sectors including housing, commercial, retail, and education. He has variety of project management experience and excellent technical knowledge used in building and construction with significant on-site knowledge.
He has been responsible for the management and job running of multiple projects, which has involved careful co-ordination of the various RIBA work stages and the management of multiple technical interfaces; ensuring clear communication with all stakeholders, including clients, contractors and other lead consultants which was critical to the successful delivery of the work.
Experienced working on BIM level 2 using Revit software, collaboratively working to improve the quality of information provided over RIBA work stages.
He enjoys Taekwondo and Running.
Robert Nickels (Rob)
Architectural Technologist
Rob joined us in 2016 after graduating from Plymouth University with a degree in Architectural Technology. He has since gained experience in a wide range of sectors and enjoys working in the detailed design stage of a project transforming planning schemes into technical packages. In early 2020, Rob qualified as a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT).
Rob enjoys living on the edge of Dartmoor and has a passion for mountain biking and keeping fit.
Shannon Ciriaco
Architect
Shannon started at KTA in August 2018 as a Part I Architectural Assistant having graduated from the University of Plymouth. She has since advanced in her studies and then undertook her Masters in Architecture at the Birmingham School of Art and Design, BCU. Shannon has since undertaken her Part 3 exams and is now qualified as an Architect having gained vast experience working on projects at different scales and sectors including healthcare, residential and listed buildings. She enjoys seeing the progress of each project she works on from the initial design stages through to on-site construction and dealing with the challenges which come at each stage.
Outside of the office, Shannon is a regular at the gym and enjoys testing her strength week on week!
Elliot McCall
Architectural Assistant
Born in the South West, Elliot is an experienced Architectural Assistant, with a passion for Passive House design, having qualified as a Certified Passive House Designer. Elliot also has a knowledge of NET Zero Carbon driven projects, and has experience in implementing this within the Healthcare sector. As well as having a keen eye for these important pursuits within the industry, Elliot is concurrently undertaking his RIBA Part 02.
Alongside work, Elliot maintains the social side of the practice, arranging multiple social activities and events for the team. In his spare time, Elliot enjoys skiing, mountain biking, the gym, outdoor pursuits, as well as movies and cooking.
Joshua Crook (Josh)
Architectural Assistant
Josh joined the practice in July of 2019 having completed his degree in Architecture and Planning at the University of the West of England. Currently Josh is working towards his Part 2 and 3 qualifications through an Architectural Apprenticeship at UWE, being one of the first within the South West to undertake the program, which he is on track to complete in 2024.
Josh previously participated in an Erasmus exchange programme studying at the Polytechnical De Milano, using this experience to develop his interest and experience in Heritage and Urban architecture.
Outside of the office Josh enjoys an active lifestyle with a passion for long distance Cycling and Kayaking.
Drew Dennehy
Part 1 Architectural Assistant
Drew joined KTA in August 2024 as a Part I Architectural Assistant after graduating with a First-Class Honours degree in Architecture at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
During his time at university, Drews’ projects had a strong focus towards sustainability, most notably his vertical farm. This project was recognised for its expressive innovation, leading to nominations for both the RIBA Bronze Medal Awards and the RSAW Student Awards 2024. His commitment to BIM also saw him representing the university at the WorldSkills UK competition, showcasing his skills at a national level.
Outside of work, Drew is a qualified plumbing and heating engineer, he is an avid reader and enjoys surfing, camping, and travelling around the UK.
Joa Cassap
T-Level Student
Richard Cord
Chairman
The Chairman at KTA – a Chartered Architect who has worked with the Practice since 1995. During this time he has covered a wide range of successful projects from residential to hotels, schools and stadia covering a wide geographical area. His detailed knowledge of the “Building Schools for the Future” initiative ensured a successful delivery of £24m new Secondary School as well as designing the new developments at Sandy Park for the Exeter Chiefs including the New 250 Bed Marriott Hotel as well as other prominent Professional Sporting venues and Clubs in the South West. Richard oversees and maintains the confidence of all of our clients throughout the Development & Construction Community.
Outside of the office Richard pursues his love of sailing with his restoration of a 1914 classic yacht and watching the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.
Ajay Sharma
Managing Director
The Managing Director at KTA. Ajay has extensive experience across multiple sectors delivering multi award winning designs across the UK. He has led some of the regions significant projects including The Royal Clarence in Exeter and also a fantastic new multi-million pound Health and Wellbeing Centre in the heart of Plymouth shaping the future regeneration of this deprived area.
Ajay is involved with all design projects, initiating collaborative team design reviews and is responsible for the smooth running of the office. He directs a great studio in Exeter and promotes a team culture. He supports a ‘family-ethos’. As Director, he has great experience ranging from design excellence, front-end stakeholder, master planning and client engagement through to project execution, whilst coordinating the whole design team. He is a people person with a bubbly personality providing a fun yet professional level of service delivery.
He works closely with many schools in the South West, educating our future generation about the profession and also teaches at University of Plymouth School of Architecture. Ajay has also been influential raising thousands of pounds for many local charitable organisations and food banks as Vice-Chair for the successful Building Forum Devon and Cornwall.
Ajay enjoys going to the gym and visiting many beautiful local areas including our beaches, moors and paddleboarding.
Andrew Chaplin (Andy)
Associate Director
As Associate Director at KTA, Andrew brings a high level of experience, gained across a wide range of projects and client bodies over the last 25 years. Andrew spent 18 years in London holding senior posts at pedigree practices before relocating to the South West in 2003. Andrew has been responsible for numerous public and private developments locally and nationally, comprising; large scale residential, student accommodation, schools, innovation centres, airport terminals, business parks, public libraries and performing arts centres. Andrew takes a hands-on approach, being attentive to the needs of both client and user, is responsive to change, has a careful attention to detail, and is well versed in taking projects through briefing stage, from inception to completion. Andrew is also a Professional Examiner for the RIBA and a member of the Devon & Somerset Design Review Panel.
Beside architecture, Andrew hoards old guitars, enjoys far flung independent travel and indulges in self-build.
Joa Cassap
T-Level Student
Richard Cord
Chairman
The Chairman at KTA – a Chartered Architect who has worked with the Practice since 1995. During this time he has covered a wide range of successful projects from residential to hotels, schools and stadia covering a wide geographical area. His detailed knowledge of the “Building Schools for the Future” initiative ensured a successful delivery of £24m new Secondary School as well as designing the new developments at Sandy Park for the Exeter Chiefs including the New 250 Bed Marriott Hotel as well as other prominent Professional Sporting venues and Clubs in the South West. Richard oversees and maintains the confidence of all of our clients throughout the Development & Construction Community.
Outside of the office Richard pursues his love of sailing with his restoration of a 1914 classic yacht and watching the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.
Ajay Sharma
Managing Director
The Managing Director at KTA. Ajay has extensive experience across multiple sectors delivering multi award winning designs across the UK. He has led some of the regions significant projects including The Royal Clarence in Exeter and also a fantastic new multi-million pound Health and Wellbeing Centre in the heart of Plymouth shaping the future regeneration of this deprived area.
Ajay is involved with all design projects, initiating collaborative team design reviews and is responsible for the smooth running of the office. He directs a great studio in Exeter and promotes a team culture. He supports a ‘family-ethos’. As Director, he has great experience ranging from design excellence, front-end stakeholder, master planning and client engagement through to project execution, whilst coordinating the whole design team. He is a people person with a bubbly personality providing a fun yet professional level of service delivery.
He works closely with many schools in the South West, educating our future generation about the profession and also teaches at University of Plymouth School of Architecture. Ajay has also been influential raising thousands of pounds for many local charitable organisations and food banks as Vice-Chair for the successful Building Forum Devon and Cornwall.
Ajay enjoys going to the gym and visiting many beautiful local areas including our beaches, moors and paddleboarding.
Andrew Chaplin (Andy)
Associate Director
As Associate Director at KTA, Andrew brings a high level of experience, gained across a wide range of projects and client bodies over the last 25 years. Andrew spent 18 years in London holding senior posts at pedigree practices before relocating to the South West in 2003. Andrew has been responsible for numerous public and private developments locally and nationally, comprising; large scale residential, student accommodation, schools, innovation centres, airport terminals, business parks, public libraries and performing arts centres. Andrew takes a hands-on approach, being attentive to the needs of both client and user, is responsive to change, has a careful attention to detail, and is well versed in taking projects through briefing stage, from inception to completion. Andrew is also a Professional Examiner for the RIBA and a member of the Devon & Somerset Design Review Panel.
Beside architecture, Andrew hoards old guitars, enjoys far flung independent travel and indulges in self-build.
Kyrenia Tew (Kye)
Associate Director
An Associate Director at KTA, she has been with them for over 16 years. Kye looks after the Business Development for the company and also responsible for providing the Practice with Urban Planning to our Architectural teams and our Clients/Stakeholders on numerous capital projects. She also is responsible for our community liaison work on both new build and regeneration.
She is the Co-Chair of the Exeter Construction Group (ECG), organising some great events in Exeter for the Construction industry, as well as a board member for Six Degrees, a local network for like minded women to connect, grow and create opportunity. Kye is also a member of South West Women in Construction and Women in property.
Kye enjoys spending time with her friends, family and enjoying spending time on the water. After 7 years of R&D and planning obstacles, Kye and her husband are completing their new family home in the country. The Autarkic House is a para 79 home and will be the UK and Europe’s first fully off grid, self-sufficient, Solar-Hydrogen House.
Alex Stewart
Associate Director
Alex started his KTA career way back in September 2000 as an apprentice technician and has worked his way up to being an associate.
Alex has worked on a huge variety of schemes in the south west covering Stadia, Education, Leisure & Residential. Including Sandy Park Stadium for the Exeter Chiefs and St. James Park, home of Exeter City FC.
Alex lives on the edge of Exeter with his wife and daughter. He enjoys spending time with his friends and family and he is also a keen golfer and a general sports fan!
Alex Lammie
Plymouth Lead
Alex has had a 20-year journey architectural in the South West. Prior to that he worked for Terry Farrell, and other prestige design practices in London.
The projects Alex has lead, demonstrates the diversity and depth of Alex’s work, all delivering high quality, sustainable design and intrinsically connected to the vibrant Southwest region. Each project has been an opportunity to work with a wide range of southwest based clients, consultants and contractors who’s collaborative work has left an indelible mark on both the community and Alex’s career.
Returning to his home town in Plymouth, Alex is excited to be now heading up the Plymouth office.
Alex lives by the sea, where he wastes much of his free time either on it or in it. He loves old cars, boats and hands on rebuilding the family home. He is a leader with the 6th Kingsbridge Sea Scouts, where he attempts to get kids to listen to him.
Stephen Bain (Steve)
Associate Architect
Steve is a Chartered Conservation Architect with extensive experience in leading and delivering complex project from conception through to completion. He has recently joined the KTA team having previously worked at Kay Elliott Architects, where he was responsible for the design and running on site of a number of major projects, including a Heritage Lottery Funded, Sir Peter Scott Legacy project at Slimbridge and a number of recent hotel projects with complex constraints. Most recently he achieved planning permission for a £16m, 160 bedroom hotel in Torbay.
His specialist areas of expertise include historic building conversion and delivering projects on challenging sites. He also has expertise in design review, design enabling, procurement and community consultation. He brings a broad range of practice experience and strong design and project management skills to all his work. Steve has over 12 years’ experience working in Autodesk Revit and recent experience working on BIM level 2 projects.
When not spending time with his daughter, Steve will either be continuing the renovation of their Victorian Villa in Newton Abbot or underneath a classic car.
Laura Freer
Associate Architect
Laura’s professional experience ranges from bespoke, residential, small scale projects to large complex multi-use buildings, this allows her to switch between a general and detailed perspective throughout the project stages.
Laura is a Senior Healthcare Architect and leads the healthcare design team.
Her experience ranges from acute and primary care, to mental health and community care. She thrives on complex projects with multiple stakeholders to establish a brief and work within operational and site constraints.
She combines problem-solving skills with a proactive approach that makes full utilisation of BIM technology to deliver collaborative designs that focus on end-user experience and healthy, sustainable spaces.
Outside of the office she can be found zooming around Devon on her mountain bike.
Catherine Heuer (Cath)
Office Manager
Cath works front of house and provides administration and clerical support to our thriving team. You will be sure to always receive a warm welcome from Cath when you visit or call our Practice. Cath joined the Practice over a decade ago. Cath is a vital part of the support team and oversees the Quality Assurance. An outgoing, full of life and a great sense of humour bringing the reception area to life with her friendly Zimbabwean accent.
Cath is happily married with 2 young children, who keep her very busy in her spare time.
Jolanda Butler
Company Accountant
Jolanda joined KTA in August 2024 as Company Accountant. Jolanda moved to the UK from Amsterdam, the Netherlands in 2003 and has moved around the UK and Germany since then as her husband was in the Army, they are happily married with 3 daughters.
Jolanda loves travelling and her next port of call will be somewhere in Oceania. In her spare time she likes to discover new music and loves eating at Pho in Exeter. If you can’t find Jolanda enjoying some Vietnamese soup you will find her reading fantasy/fiction or studying to complete her CIMA qualifications.
Andrew Morris
Architect
Andrew has been at KTA since the beginning of 2019 after spending a year living and working in Shenzhen, China. Whilst there he worked on several projects across China, he also purchased a DJI drone and enjoyed exploring the country from various different perspectives. Since joining KTA he has worked on a variety of jobs particularly focusing on the detailed design and construction phases of projects. He thoroughly enjoys solving on site problems alongside contractors and their supply chain.
In his spare time Andrew enjoys various different extreme sports such as Skateboarding, BMX and Surfing, he has also recently renovated his first house which has filled much of his time since completing his RIBA Part 3 qualifications. Andrew is also an associate lecturer at the University of Plymouth School of Architecture and teaches part time on the BA first year course, one of the live projects he helped teach on was shortlisted for The RIBA Journal MacEwan Awards in 2020.
Alex Wightman
Architect
Alex is an experienced Project Architect with a wide experience of delivering projects across the Southwest of England. With qualifications from both Plymouth University and the University of the West of England, Alex has a particular interest in the social aspects of Architecture and sustainable construction.
Alex’s completed projects include leisure, residential, educational, ecclesiastical, and commercial projects at a range of project scales.
Alex lives on Dartmoor, enjoys an active lifestyle and can often be found trail running, wild swimming, or (when the weather permits) paddle boarding.
Darrel Bennett
Architect
Darrel joined KTA in 2022 as an Architect; with experience over multiple project sectors including housing, commercial, retail, and education. He has variety of project management experience and excellent technical knowledge used in building and construction with significant on-site knowledge.
He has been responsible for the management and job running of multiple projects, which has involved careful co-ordination of the various RIBA work stages and the management of multiple technical interfaces; ensuring clear communication with all stakeholders, including clients, contractors and other lead consultants which was critical to the successful delivery of the work.
Experienced working on BIM level 2 using Revit software, collaboratively working to improve the quality of information provided over RIBA work stages.
He enjoys Taekwondo and Running.
Robert Nickels (Rob)
Architectural Technologist
Rob joined us in 2016 after graduating from Plymouth University with a degree in Architectural Technology. He has since gained experience in a wide range of sectors and enjoys working in the detailed design stage of a project transforming planning schemes into technical packages. In early 2020, Rob qualified as a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT).
Rob enjoys living on the edge of Dartmoor and has a passion for mountain biking and keeping fit.
Shannon Ciriaco
Architect
Shannon started at KTA in August 2018 as a Part I Architectural Assistant having graduated from the University of Plymouth. She has since advanced in her studies and then undertook her Masters in Architecture at the Birmingham School of Art and Design, BCU. Shannon has since undertaken her Part 3 exams and is now qualified as an Architect having gained vast experience working on projects at different scales and sectors including healthcare, residential and listed buildings. She enjoys seeing the progress of each project she works on from the initial design stages through to on-site construction and dealing with the challenges which come at each stage.
Outside of the office, Shannon is a regular at the gym and enjoys testing her strength week on week!
Elliot McCall
Architectural Assistant
Born in the South West, Elliot is an experienced Architectural Assistant, with a passion for Passive House design, having qualified as a Certified Passive House Designer. Elliot also has a knowledge of NET Zero Carbon driven projects, and has experience in implementing this within the Healthcare sector. As well as having a keen eye for these important pursuits within the industry, Elliot is concurrently undertaking his RIBA Part 02.
Alongside work, Elliot maintains the social side of the practice, arranging multiple social activities and events for the team. In his spare time, Elliot enjoys skiing, mountain biking, the gym, outdoor pursuits, as well as movies and cooking.
Joshua Crook (Josh)
Architectural Assistant
Josh joined the practice in July of 2019 having completed his degree in Architecture and Planning at the University of the West of England. Currently Josh is working towards his Part 2 and 3 qualifications through an Architectural Apprenticeship at UWE, being one of the first within the South West to undertake the program, which he is on track to complete in 2024.
Josh previously participated in an Erasmus exchange programme studying at the Polytechnical De Milano, using this experience to develop his interest and experience in Heritage and Urban architecture.
Outside of the office Josh enjoys an active lifestyle with a passion for long distance Cycling and Kayaking.
Drew Dennehy
Part 1 Architectural Assistant
Drew joined KTA in August 2024 as a Part I Architectural Assistant after graduating with a First-Class Honours degree in Architecture at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
During his time at university, Drews’ projects had a strong focus towards sustainability, most notably his vertical farm. This project was recognised for its expressive innovation, leading to nominations for both the RIBA Bronze Medal Awards and the RSAW Student Awards 2024. His commitment to BIM also saw him representing the university at the WorldSkills UK competition, showcasing his skills at a national level.
Outside of work, Drew is a qualified plumbing and heating engineer, he is an avid reader and enjoys surfing, camping, and travelling around the UK.
Joa Cassap
T-Level Student
Richard Cord
Chairman
The Chairman at KTA – a Chartered Architect who has worked with the Practice since 1995. During this time he has covered a wide range of successful projects from residential to hotels, schools and stadia covering a wide geographical area. His detailed knowledge of the “Building Schools for the Future” initiative ensured a successful delivery of £24m new Secondary School as well as designing the new developments at Sandy Park for the Exeter Chiefs including the New 250 Bed Marriott Hotel as well as other prominent Professional Sporting venues and Clubs in the South West. Richard oversees and maintains the confidence of all of our clients throughout the Development & Construction Community.
Outside of the office Richard pursues his love of sailing with his restoration of a 1914 classic yacht and watching the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.
Ajay Sharma
Managing Director
The Managing Director at KTA. Ajay has extensive experience across multiple sectors delivering multi award winning designs across the UK. He has led some of the regions significant projects including The Royal Clarence in Exeter and also a fantastic new multi-million pound Health and Wellbeing Centre in the heart of Plymouth shaping the future regeneration of this deprived area.
Ajay is involved with all design projects, initiating collaborative team design reviews and is responsible for the smooth running of the office. He directs a great studio in Exeter and promotes a team culture. He supports a ‘family-ethos’. As Director, he has great experience ranging from design excellence, front-end stakeholder, master planning and client engagement through to project execution, whilst coordinating the whole design team. He is a people person with a bubbly personality providing a fun yet professional level of service delivery.
He works closely with many schools in the South West, educating our future generation about the profession and also teaches at University of Plymouth School of Architecture. Ajay has also been influential raising thousands of pounds for many local charitable organisations and food banks as Vice-Chair for the successful Building Forum Devon and Cornwall.
Ajay enjoys going to the gym and visiting many beautiful local areas including our beaches, moors and paddleboarding.
Andrew Chaplin (Andy)
Associate Director
As Associate Director at KTA, Andrew brings a high level of experience, gained across a wide range of projects and client bodies over the last 25 years. Andrew spent 18 years in London holding senior posts at pedigree practices before relocating to the South West in 2003. Andrew has been responsible for numerous public and private developments locally and nationally, comprising; large scale residential, student accommodation, schools, innovation centres, airport terminals, business parks, public libraries and performing arts centres. Andrew takes a hands-on approach, being attentive to the needs of both client and user, is responsive to change, has a careful attention to detail, and is well versed in taking projects through briefing stage, from inception to completion. Andrew is also a Professional Examiner for the RIBA and a member of the Devon & Somerset Design Review Panel.
Beside architecture, Andrew hoards old guitars, enjoys far flung independent travel and indulges in self-build.
Joa Cassap
T-Level Student
Richard Cord
Chairman
The Chairman at KTA – a Chartered Architect who has worked with the Practice since 1995. During this time he has covered a wide range of successful projects from residential to hotels, schools and stadia covering a wide geographical area. His detailed knowledge of the “Building Schools for the Future” initiative ensured a successful delivery of £24m new Secondary School as well as designing the new developments at Sandy Park for the Exeter Chiefs including the New 250 Bed Marriott Hotel as well as other prominent Professional Sporting venues and Clubs in the South West. Richard oversees and maintains the confidence of all of our clients throughout the Development & Construction Community.
Outside of the office Richard pursues his love of sailing with his restoration of a 1914 classic yacht and watching the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.
Ajay Sharma
Managing Director
The Managing Director at KTA. Ajay has extensive experience across multiple sectors delivering multi award winning designs across the UK. He has led some of the regions significant projects including The Royal Clarence in Exeter and also a fantastic new multi-million pound Health and Wellbeing Centre in the heart of Plymouth shaping the future regeneration of this deprived area.
Ajay is involved with all design projects, initiating collaborative team design reviews and is responsible for the smooth running of the office. He directs a great studio in Exeter and promotes a team culture. He supports a ‘family-ethos’. As Director, he has great experience ranging from design excellence, front-end stakeholder, master planning and client engagement through to project execution, whilst coordinating the whole design team. He is a people person with a bubbly personality providing a fun yet professional level of service delivery.
He works closely with many schools in the South West, educating our future generation about the profession and also teaches at University of Plymouth School of Architecture. Ajay has also been influential raising thousands of pounds for many local charitable organisations and food banks as Vice-Chair for the successful Building Forum Devon and Cornwall.
Ajay enjoys going to the gym and visiting many beautiful local areas including our beaches, moors and paddleboarding.
Andrew Chaplin (Andy)
Associate Director
As Associate Director at KTA, Andrew brings a high level of experience, gained across a wide range of projects and client bodies over the last 25 years. Andrew spent 18 years in London holding senior posts at pedigree practices before relocating to the South West in 2003. Andrew has been responsible for numerous public and private developments locally and nationally, comprising; large scale residential, student accommodation, schools, innovation centres, airport terminals, business parks, public libraries and performing arts centres. Andrew takes a hands-on approach, being attentive to the needs of both client and user, is responsive to change, has a careful attention to detail, and is well versed in taking projects through briefing stage, from inception to completion. Andrew is also a Professional Examiner for the RIBA and a member of the Devon & Somerset Design Review Panel.
Beside architecture, Andrew hoards old guitars, enjoys far flung independent travel and indulges in self-build.
Kyrenia Tew (Kye)
Associate Director
An Associate Director at KTA, she has been with them for over 16 years. Kye looks after the Business Development for the company and also responsible for providing the Practice with Urban Planning to our Architectural teams and our Clients/Stakeholders on numerous capital projects. She also is responsible for our community liaison work on both new build and regeneration.
She is the Co-Chair of the Exeter Construction Group (ECG), organising some great events in Exeter for the Construction industry, as well as a board member for Six Degrees, a local network for like minded women to connect, grow and create opportunity. Kye is also a member of South West Women in Construction and Women in property.
Kye enjoys spending time with her friends, family and enjoying spending time on the water. After 7 years of R&D and planning obstacles, Kye and her husband are completing their new family home in the country. The Autarkic House is a para 79 home and will be the UK and Europe’s first fully off grid, self-sufficient, Solar-Hydrogen House.
Alex Stewart
Associate Director
Alex started his KTA career way back in September 2000 as an apprentice technician and has worked his way up to being an associate.
Alex has worked on a huge variety of schemes in the south west covering Stadia, Education, Leisure & Residential. Including Sandy Park Stadium for the Exeter Chiefs and St. James Park, home of Exeter City FC.
Alex lives on the edge of Exeter with his wife and daughter. He enjoys spending time with his friends and family and he is also a keen golfer and a general sports fan!
Alex Lammie
Plymouth Lead
Alex has had a 20-year journey architectural in the South West. Prior to that he worked for Terry Farrell, and other prestige design practices in London.
The projects Alex has lead, demonstrates the diversity and depth of Alex’s work, all delivering high quality, sustainable design and intrinsically connected to the vibrant Southwest region. Each project has been an opportunity to work with a wide range of southwest based clients, consultants and contractors who’s collaborative work has left an indelible mark on both the community and Alex’s career.
Returning to his home town in Plymouth, Alex is excited to be now heading up the Plymouth office.
Alex lives by the sea, where he wastes much of his free time either on it or in it. He loves old cars, boats and hands on rebuilding the family home. He is a leader with the 6th Kingsbridge Sea Scouts, where he attempts to get kids to listen to him.
Stephen Bain (Steve)
Associate Architect
Steve is a Chartered Conservation Architect with extensive experience in leading and delivering complex project from conception through to completion. He has recently joined the KTA team having previously worked at Kay Elliott Architects, where he was responsible for the design and running on site of a number of major projects, including a Heritage Lottery Funded, Sir Peter Scott Legacy project at Slimbridge and a number of recent hotel projects with complex constraints. Most recently he achieved planning permission for a £16m, 160 bedroom hotel in Torbay.
His specialist areas of expertise include historic building conversion and delivering projects on challenging sites. He also has expertise in design review, design enabling, procurement and community consultation. He brings a broad range of practice experience and strong design and project management skills to all his work. Steve has over 12 years’ experience working in Autodesk Revit and recent experience working on BIM level 2 projects.
When not spending time with his daughter, Steve will either be continuing the renovation of their Victorian Villa in Newton Abbot or underneath a classic car.
Laura Freer
Associate Architect
Laura’s professional experience ranges from bespoke, residential, small scale projects to large complex multi-use buildings, this allows her to switch between a general and detailed perspective throughout the project stages.
Laura is a Senior Healthcare Architect and leads the healthcare design team.
Her experience ranges from acute and primary care, to mental health and community care. She thrives on complex projects with multiple stakeholders to establish a brief and work within operational and site constraints.
She combines problem-solving skills with a proactive approach that makes full utilisation of BIM technology to deliver collaborative designs that focus on end-user experience and healthy, sustainable spaces.
Outside of the office she can be found zooming around Devon on her mountain bike.
Catherine Heuer (Cath)
Office Manager
Cath works front of house and provides administration and clerical support to our thriving team. You will be sure to always receive a warm welcome from Cath when you visit or call our Practice. Cath joined the Practice over a decade ago. Cath is a vital part of the support team and oversees the Quality Assurance. An outgoing, full of life and a great sense of humour bringing the reception area to life with her friendly Zimbabwean accent.
Cath is happily married with 2 young children, who keep her very busy in her spare time.
Jolanda Butler
Company Accountant
Jolanda joined KTA in August 2024 as Company Accountant. Jolanda moved to the UK from Amsterdam, the Netherlands in 2003 and has moved around the UK and Germany since then as her husband was in the Army, they are happily married with 3 daughters.
Jolanda loves travelling and her next port of call will be somewhere in Oceania. In her spare time she likes to discover new music and loves eating at Pho in Exeter. If you can’t find Jolanda enjoying some Vietnamese soup you will find her reading fantasy/fiction or studying to complete her CIMA qualifications.
Andrew Morris
Architect
Andrew has been at KTA since the beginning of 2019 after spending a year living and working in Shenzhen, China. Whilst there he worked on several projects across China, he also purchased a DJI drone and enjoyed exploring the country from various different perspectives. Since joining KTA he has worked on a variety of jobs particularly focusing on the detailed design and construction phases of projects. He thoroughly enjoys solving on site problems alongside contractors and their supply chain.
In his spare time Andrew enjoys various different extreme sports such as Skateboarding, BMX and Surfing, he has also recently renovated his first house which has filled much of his time since completing his RIBA Part 3 qualifications. Andrew is also an associate lecturer at the University of Plymouth School of Architecture and teaches part time on the BA first year course, one of the live projects he helped teach on was shortlisted for The RIBA Journal MacEwan Awards in 2020.
Alex Wightman
Architect
Alex is an experienced Project Architect with a wide experience of delivering projects across the Southwest of England. With qualifications from both Plymouth University and the University of the West of England, Alex has a particular interest in the social aspects of Architecture and sustainable construction.
Alex’s completed projects include leisure, residential, educational, ecclesiastical, and commercial projects at a range of project scales.
Alex lives on Dartmoor, enjoys an active lifestyle and can often be found trail running, wild swimming, or (when the weather permits) paddle boarding.
Darrel Bennett
Architect
Darrel joined KTA in 2022 as an Architect; with experience over multiple project sectors including housing, commercial, retail, and education. He has variety of project management experience and excellent technical knowledge used in building and construction with significant on-site knowledge.
He has been responsible for the management and job running of multiple projects, which has involved careful co-ordination of the various RIBA work stages and the management of multiple technical interfaces; ensuring clear communication with all stakeholders, including clients, contractors and other lead consultants which was critical to the successful delivery of the work.
Experienced working on BIM level 2 using Revit software, collaboratively working to improve the quality of information provided over RIBA work stages.
He enjoys Taekwondo and Running.
Robert Nickels (Rob)
Architectural Technologist
Rob joined us in 2016 after graduating from Plymouth University with a degree in Architectural Technology. He has since gained experience in a wide range of sectors and enjoys working in the detailed design stage of a project transforming planning schemes into technical packages. In early 2020, Rob qualified as a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT).
Rob enjoys living on the edge of Dartmoor and has a passion for mountain biking and keeping fit.
Shannon Ciriaco
Architect
Shannon started at KTA in August 2018 as a Part I Architectural Assistant having graduated from the University of Plymouth. She has since advanced in her studies and then undertook her Masters in Architecture at the Birmingham School of Art and Design, BCU. Shannon has since undertaken her Part 3 exams and is now qualified as an Architect having gained vast experience working on projects at different scales and sectors including healthcare, residential and listed buildings. She enjoys seeing the progress of each project she works on from the initial design stages through to on-site construction and dealing with the challenges which come at each stage.
Outside of the office, Shannon is a regular at the gym and enjoys testing her strength week on week!
Elliot McCall
Architectural Assistant
Born in the South West, Elliot is an experienced Architectural Assistant, with a passion for Passive House design, having qualified as a Certified Passive House Designer. Elliot also has a knowledge of NET Zero Carbon driven projects, and has experience in implementing this within the Healthcare sector. As well as having a keen eye for these important pursuits within the industry, Elliot is concurrently undertaking his RIBA Part 02.
Alongside work, Elliot maintains the social side of the practice, arranging multiple social activities and events for the team. In his spare time, Elliot enjoys skiing, mountain biking, the gym, outdoor pursuits, as well as movies and cooking.
Joshua Crook (Josh)
Architectural Assistant
Josh joined the practice in July of 2019 having completed his degree in Architecture and Planning at the University of the West of England. Currently Josh is working towards his Part 2 and 3 qualifications through an Architectural Apprenticeship at UWE, being one of the first within the South West to undertake the program, which he is on track to complete in 2024.
Josh previously participated in an Erasmus exchange programme studying at the Polytechnical De Milano, using this experience to develop his interest and experience in Heritage and Urban architecture.
Outside of the office Josh enjoys an active lifestyle with a passion for long distance Cycling and Kayaking.
Drew Dennehy
Part 1 Architectural Assistant
Drew joined KTA in August 2024 as a Part I Architectural Assistant after graduating with a First-Class Honours degree in Architecture at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
During his time at university, Drews’ projects had a strong focus towards sustainability, most notably his vertical farm. This project was recognised for its expressive innovation, leading to nominations for both the RIBA Bronze Medal Awards and the RSAW Student Awards 2024. His commitment to BIM also saw him representing the university at the WorldSkills UK competition, showcasing his skills at a national level.
Outside of work, Drew is a qualified plumbing and heating engineer, he is an avid reader and enjoys surfing, camping, and travelling around the UK.
Joa Cassap
T-Level Student
Richard Cord
Chairman
The Chairman at KTA – a Chartered Architect who has worked with the Practice since 1995. During this time he has covered a wide range of successful projects from residential to hotels, schools and stadia covering a wide geographical area. His detailed knowledge of the “Building Schools for the Future” initiative ensured a successful delivery of £24m new Secondary School as well as designing the new developments at Sandy Park for the Exeter Chiefs including the New 250 Bed Marriott Hotel as well as other prominent Professional Sporting venues and Clubs in the South West. Richard oversees and maintains the confidence of all of our clients throughout the Development & Construction Community.
Outside of the office Richard pursues his love of sailing with his restoration of a 1914 classic yacht and watching the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.
Ajay Sharma
Managing Director
The Managing Director at KTA. Ajay has extensive experience across multiple sectors delivering multi award winning designs across the UK. He has led some of the regions significant projects including The Royal Clarence in Exeter and also a fantastic new multi-million pound Health and Wellbeing Centre in the heart of Plymouth shaping the future regeneration of this deprived area.
Ajay is involved with all design projects, initiating collaborative team design reviews and is responsible for the smooth running of the office. He directs a great studio in Exeter and promotes a team culture. He supports a ‘family-ethos’. As Director, he has great experience ranging from design excellence, front-end stakeholder, master planning and client engagement through to project execution, whilst coordinating the whole design team. He is a people person with a bubbly personality providing a fun yet professional level of service delivery.
He works closely with many schools in the South West, educating our future generation about the profession and also teaches at University of Plymouth School of Architecture. Ajay has also been influential raising thousands of pounds for many local charitable organisations and food banks as Vice-Chair for the successful Building Forum Devon and Cornwall.
Ajay enjoys going to the gym and visiting many beautiful local areas including our beaches, moors and paddleboarding.
Andrew Chaplin (Andy)
Associate Director
As Associate Director at KTA, Andrew brings a high level of experience, gained across a wide range of projects and client bodies over the last 25 years. Andrew spent 18 years in London holding senior posts at pedigree practices before relocating to the South West in 2003. Andrew has been responsible for numerous public and private developments locally and nationally, comprising; large scale residential, student accommodation, schools, innovation centres, airport terminals, business parks, public libraries and performing arts centres. Andrew takes a hands-on approach, being attentive to the needs of both client and user, is responsive to change, has a careful attention to detail, and is well versed in taking projects through briefing stage, from inception to completion. Andrew is also a Professional Examiner for the RIBA and a member of the Devon & Somerset Design Review Panel.
Beside architecture, Andrew hoards old guitars, enjoys far flung independent travel and indulges in self-build.