ABOUT US

At BlackBrick Studio, we create architecture defined by clarity, materiality and purpose. Our work is contemporary yet enduring, shaped by an understanding of how spaces are truly lived in. We are a team of architects, designers and technologists passionate about quality, detail and performance.

We specialize in bespoke new-build homes, extensions, high-rise residential buildings, offices and large-scale housing schemes, working with private clients, developers, or local councils. Every project is a process of refinement, where function and feeling come together to create intelligent, sustainable designs that last.

Sustainability is central to our approach. From the first design concepts, we carefully consider key factors such as natural light, site orientation, materials and performance to ensure our buildings are modern, low-impact, resilient and future-ready.

OUR APPROACH

Collaboration and focus define our team. Every voice is valued, and the best ideas rise to the top. We work with our clients as partners, exploring and refining designs together to create spaces that are as enjoyable to live and work in as they are visually striking. Our approach emphasises clarity, elegance and enduring sophistication.

Our studio is located within a beautifully preserved Grade II listed building, and its open-plan layout enhances visibility and encourages conversation, enabling our team to collaborate seamlessly at every stage of a project. Clients are welcomed into a dedicated design meeting room crafted for focus and comfort.

We also enjoy the unique benefit of a Grade II listed wine bar, offering an elegant and atmospheric backdrop for informal conversations, design reviews and the celebration of key project milestones.

Meet the team

Our studio brings together a focused collective of architects, designers and technologists, working collaboratively to create thoughtful, high-quality architecture shaped with clarity and precision.

  • Richard Hughes

    MANAGING DIRECTOR - BSc MSc

    Richard is our Managing Director, responsible for the strategic direction and overall running of the practice. He ensures that our projects are delivered to a consistently high standard, that our clients receive a professional, responsive service, and that the studio remains a collaborative, supportive place for the whole team to thrive.

  • Athina Venou

    PROJECT ARCHITECT - BA (Hons), MSc, PGCert, RIBA, ARB

    Athina leads our architectural team, guiding projects from concept to completion with a focus on design quality, technical rigour and an editorial eye for detail. Educated with first-class architectural studies in Greece, a scholarship in Florence and a Master’s in Sustainable Urban Planning and Design in Stockholm, bringing a strong international perspective. Athina is committed to creating sustainable, human-centred environments that enhance both user experience and community wellbeing. She believes that all designs revolve around humans, experiences and places and that is what architects should focus on.

  • Ryan Davies

    SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST - BSc

    Ryan leads our leading technical delivery with a strong focus on Building Regulations and practical, buildable design solutions. His deep knowledge of construction detailing and compliance helps de-risk projects early and ensures a smooth path through Building Control. Ryan’s leadership guides the team in turning strong design ideas into well-executed, compliant buildings.

  • Chelsey Montoya

    SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER - BSc

    Chelsey is a senior architectural designer with extensive experience in 3D residential design. She plays a key role in shaping and presenting design ideas, using her strong visualisation skills to communicate concepts clearly and confidently. Chelsey leads client design meetings, guiding discussions and ensuring proposals are well-understood, refined, and aligned with each homeowner’s vision.

  • Sam Jones

    ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST - BSc

    Sam is one of our architectural technologist with a strong focus on residential technical design. He works to ensure our homes are practical, compliant, and buildable, applying detailed knowledge of construction methods and Building Regulations. Sam develops clear, coordinated technical information that supports planning-approved designs and helps streamline the journey from concept to completion. Working closely with designers, consultants, and contractors, he helps keep residential projects running smoothly and confidently from studio to site.

  • Adam Wade

    SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER - Bsc MArch

    Adam is one of our senior architectural designers and a key point of contact from the outset and throughout our residential projects. With a sharp eye for detail and extensive experience in residential design and planning policy, he helps shape proposals that are both creative and compliant. Adam also produces our project visualisations, bringing each scheme to life with clarity and impact.

  • Josh Reason

    ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST - BSc

    Josh helps to bridge the gap between design intent and technical delivery. He focuses on building regulations, construction detailing and coordination, making sure our drawing packages are clear, accurate and buildable. Working closely with the wider team, Josh translates concepts into robust technical information, supports coordination with consultants and contractors, and helps keep projects running smoothly from the studio to site.