- contribute
- create
- listen
- build
- innovate
- design
- fundraise
- make
- think
- improve
- recreate
- co-create
- understand
- nurture
- invest
- mentor
- challenge
- communicate
- partner
- specialise
- initiate
- plan
- manage
- draw
- programme
- imagine
- ideate
- collaborate
- volunteer
- encourage
- visualise
Our Team
Our dedicated staff have a vast knowledge of our sectors and services, working in partnership with our clients from conception through to delivery.
Andrew Rainford
Managing Director

I joined AEW in 1999, joining the Board of Directors in 2015 and becoming Managing Director in 2020. I am an Architect who enjoys the challenges of design and delivery.
I work across all our sectors and have successfully delivered industrial, office, accommodation and retail schemes for varied clients. My approach from the outset is to drive excellent design whilst ensuring smooth delivery.
Clients, contractors and our partnering consultants appreciate my expert technical knowledge and understanding of procurement and regulatory processes. This knowledge combined with my collaborative approach provides reassurance to the teams we lead.
I lead the practice with responsibility for business strategy and planning, IT and project delivery. We constantly look to improve and innovate our service based on client feedback.
- — Client engagement and feedback
- — Practice management
- — Resource and programme management
- — Continual improvement
Colin Savage
Director

I joined AEW in 2017 and was promoted to the Board of Directors in the same year. I have over 20 years’ industry experience including successful management of my previous architectural practice.
I specialise in the accommodation sector; particularly with the design of housing and regeneration of communities. My award-winning work spans both the private and public sector for private clients, developers and registered providers.
I am passionate about the positive contribution that architecture can make to communities and I focus on understanding their needs to inform the brief. Success requires true collaboration and engagement with all stakeholders. Social value is critical to the long-term success in regeneration and building community.
In the practice, I mentor several of our Associate Directors and am responsible for our Health and Safety, finance, commercial systems and business administration, Human Resources and our Social Value activity.
- — Client engagement and feedback
- — Practice management
- — Health and Safety
- — Significant housing experience
- — Continual improvement
Alan Lamb
Director

I joined AEW in 1997 as an Associate, was promoted to Associate Director in 2008 and to a Director in 2019. I am an Architect, exploring design constantly to achieve the best possible outcomes for each project.
I lead our industrial sector and have extensive experience in master planning, distribution, warehousing, manufacturing and energy projects. I lead a team of specialist architects and technicians delivering projects through all stages, from concept to completion.
Clients trust my knowledge and experience to develop deliverable solutions. From initial masterplan to public consultation I explore all constraints and stakeholder issues to ensure smooth delivery.
I provide leadership in accessible design and disability legislation as part of my practice management duties.
- — Key Client relationship management
- — Significant industrial experience
- — Mast planning
- — Public consultation
- — Stakeholder engagement
Phil Hepworth
Director

I joined AEW in 2009 and from being promoted to Associate and then Associate Director in 2017, I was promoted to a Director in 2019. I am an Architect and embrace every design challenge that is presented.
I lead our office sector but also work across others, having successfully delivered masterplans, accommodation, office, retail, sports and leisure projects for varied clients. I get a real buzz leading a team through the design process and seek to maximise the benefits of good design. I lead a team of architects and technicians across all stages.
Clients recognise my ethos of good design for the projects sake, not for an ego or pretence. I thrive on complex design challenges, extensive stakeholder engagement and team approach.
I actively network throughout the north west construction and property industry and contribute to our business development activities.
- — Key Client relationship management
- — Wide ranging experience
- — Excellent communicator and team leader
- — Stakeholder engagement
Andrew Critchlow
Consultant

I joined Aew in 2001, joining the Board of Directors in 2008 and was Managing Director between 2017 and 2020, before stepping back to a Consultant advisory role, as I begin a gradual exit from the industry.
Following my architectural education, I focused on project management in practice, honing my skills in programming, management and delivery.
I specialise in the retail sector; specifically working with retailers to understand their customers’ evolving expectations - developing the retail experience through design and then implementation via large-scale, often national roll outs. My experience includes new build, refurbishment, conversion (including heritage assets) and modular solutions. My work relies on close collaboration with our interior design service.
Clients appreciate my transparent and honest approach to problem solving and commitment to delivery.
I lead sustainability at Aew and work to embed it into all aspects of our business and services
- — Advisory role to the Board of Directors
- — Key Client relationship management
- — Significant retail experience
- — Roll out programmes
- — Continual improvement
- — Sustainability Lead
Jane Pullen
HR & Finance Manager

I re-joined AEW in 2003 as part of the Administration team and via continued training and development, now lead Human Resources and Finance.
As consultants, we are a 100% people business; I set the framework to ensure that all our team are engaged, supported and feel rewarded for their input. We have a strong programme of continued training and mentoring which I oversee. I provide HR and wellbeing training to the management team and maintain an open-door policy to all.
I oversee day to day financial management of the practice including coordination of invoicing with the management team, reporting to the Managing Director.
I love to work in a creative environment and helping guide the talented people that it attracts.
- — Approachable and trusted manager
- — Excellent communicator
Claire Kilgariff
Associate Director

I joined AEW in 2005 being promoted to Associate and then Associate Director in 2016. I am an Architect who loves a design challenge.
I focus on our accommodation sector having previously worked on retail, office and sports and leisure projects. Prior to joining AEW, I worked in infrastructure and transport. My accommodation experience has stretched from bespoke private dwellings through to mass housing and large scale PRS.
Clients are most often surprised by my detailed, technical focus and experience in delivery. I lead projects from concept to completion with my team.
I am the practice quality manager, ensuring good practice and compliance to our ISO:9001 quality standards.
- — Key Client relationship management
- — Wide ranging experience
- — Quality management
Danielle Purves
Associate Director

I joined AEW in 2005 being promoted to Associate and then Associate Director in 2010. Following my education in interior design I developed project management skills in practice, balancing design and delivery.
I co-lead our retail sector, heading a team of interior designers and technicians to deliver new store interiors, remodelling and refurbishment projects nationally - and occasionally internationally. In addition, my team designs interior schemes across all our sectors.
Combining my project management and interior design skills, I can advise Clients from concept and customer demand to scaled delivery.
As the practice lead in for interior design, my team keeps up to date with trends.
- — Key Client relationship management
- — Significant retail experience
- — Resource and time management
- — Roll out programmes
Ross Huntingdon
Associate Director

I re-joined AEW in 2007 being promoted to Associate and then Associate Director in 2017. I am an Architect who uses design to create places to entice people.
I co-lead our retail sector, delivering retail space for developer led schemes. Our projects include town centre regeneration, district centres, roadside uses and out of town shopping parks. As the face of retail continues to change, our experience in sport and leisure sector compliments our projects.
Our high proportion of repeat work for Clients has allowed me to understand their drivers, forge strong relationships with agents and retailers providing me with a clear overview of what makes a successful scheme.
I oversee the practice continued professional development programme, ensuring that our internal training is tailored to continually improve our knowledge and service.
- — Key Client relationship management
- — Significant retail experience
- — Stakeholder engagement
Alex Southall
Associate Director

I joined AEW in 2005 as an Associate and was promoted to Associate Director in 2017. I am an Architect with highly developed communication and management skills, leading design teams.
I work across our industrial, accommodation and office sectors, heading a team of architects and technicians who design and deliver projects in each. This varied project mix includes warehouse and distribution, parent's accommodation at hospitals throughout the UK and commercial office space.
Clients value my expertise in translating concept designs to practical and successful completed projects.
Within the practice, I am a founding member of the ‘green team’ assisting the business in minimising its environmental impact.
- — Key Client relationship management
- — Communication and management
- — Wide ranging experience
- — Technical delivery
Eamon O'Hara
Associate Director

I joined AEW in 2006 being promoted to Associate and then Associate Director in 2016. I am an Architect and an external examiner for the Royal Institute of British Architects.
I co-lead our retail sector having previously worked on accommodation, commercial and industrial projects. Working in retail is a continual challenge, ensuring that design and customer experience stays ahead of rapidly changing expectation. I lead a team of architects and technicians to deliver ambitious new store opening programmes.
Understanding and balancing technical constraints, planning regulation and other stakeholder requirements allows me to keep projects on track and why Clients return for my advice.
I am committed to our industry and lead our internal programme of architectural student development. My position as an RIBA examiner keeps the practice aligned with RIBA activities and goals.
- — Key Client relationship management
- — Wide ranging experience
- — Communication and management
Mark Turner
BIM Manager

I joined AEW in 2015 as BIM Manager whilst completing my MSc in BIM and Integrated Design. My formal education in BIM began after 10 years in industry as an architectural technologist.
I am focused on continual improvement, using BIM as an umbrella to advance the design process, production of information, information exchanges and all other industry workflows. Regardless of any mandate I use BIM to drive efficiencies and improvements in our projects for the benefit of the whole team.
My plain language approach allows other consultants, contractors and clients to demystify BIM and engage on how technology can be used to improve projects. This inclusive collaboration is welcomed by all.
My team provides BIM services direct to clients, contractors and external consultants. Within the practice we provide coordination and support to AEW projects and ongoing training throughout.
- — BIM knowledge
- — Excellent communicator
- — Workflow efficiencies
- — Continual improvement
Phil Sayle
Business Development Manager

I joined AEW in 2018 as Business Development Manager for the practice.
My focus is to promote the skills and experience of the practice to the wider industry, to forge new relationships and seek new opportunities. I actively solicit feedback for future improvements to the practice.
We approach Client relationships with a long-term partnership approach. Over 95% of the practice’s work is from repeat Clients, several of which are 20+ year relationships.
I love to work with the people in the property and construction industry.
- — Client engagement and feedback
- — Identifying new opportunities
- — New relationships
Daniel O'Hara
Associate

I joined AEW in 2010 to complete my Part 1 architectural studies. Returning in 2013 I completed my Part 2 and professional qualification prior to being promoted to Associate in 2018. I am an Architect, developing masterplans and leading projects from concept to completion.
I focus on the industrial sector, working with numerous high-profile developers on strategic employment sites throughout the north west. I work diligently to understand and mitigate constraints to provide high quality masterplans and great places to work.
Clients trust my logical approach to solutions and understanding of process.
- — Stakeholder engagement
- — Industrial sector knowledge
Jonathan Sheridan
Associate

I joined AEW in 2009 as a trainee architectural technician and following my professional qualification I was promoted to Associate in 2016.
My experience in the retail sector includes national roll out programmes for major high street brands. I combine my technical skills and cool management style to lead multiple teams from initial concept to successful store openings.
Despite challenges that projects can sometimes throw at us, Clients, design teams and Contractors appreciate my unwavering calm and honest approach always focusing on solutions.
- — Roll out programmes
- — Technical delivery
- — Excellent communicator
David James
Associate

I joined AEW as an Associate role in 2017 having previously worked with Colin Savage at his previous architectural practice. I am an Architect and Heritage Specialist, registered with the Architects Accredited in Building Conservation [AABC].
My heritage specialism leads to a varied role from leading large-scale projects on or affecting protected structures to advisory services. I work across all AEW sectors plus specialist ecclesiastical work.
I have a passion for our architectural heritage which is clear for all to see. This passion drives respect for these structures, and I am fastidious in my approach to conserving them for future generations.
- — Heritage expert
- — Wide range of experience
Rob Dickson
Associate

I joined AEW in 2000 to complete my Part 2 architectural studies and following professional qualification, I was later promoted to Associate in 2005. I am an experienced Architect and previously tutored at The Manchester School of Architecture.
I have worked across many of our specialist sectors, delivering large, complex projects including offices, retail, sports facilities and leisure developments. My experience allows me to explore and understand the specific issues in any brief and then develop an appropriate strategy for the design solution.
Clients and Contractors respect my experience and appreciate my relaxed, collaborative approach when developing solutions. I believe that the most successful outcomes are created by teams that support and encourage each other at every stage.
- — Wide range of experience
- — Management of large scale projects
- — Stakeholder engagement
David Somers
Associate

I re-joined AEW as an Associate in 2017 following a previous 17-year period at the practice. I am a Client facing, job running technician.
My experience is diverse but with extensive examples in the retail and industrial sectors. I have developed multiple out of town shopping centre schemes and employment parks covering trade counter, warehousing and distribution facilities.
Design teams and Contractors recognise my experience and my accessibility in sharing it with others. I constantly look for pragmatic, simple design solutions to aid the smooth running of our projects.
- — Wide ranging experience
- — Technical delivery
Bernard Lam
Associate

I joined AEW in 2003 to complete my Part 2 architectural studies and following professional qualification, I was later promoted to Associate in 2009. I am an Architect working at all project stages.
My experience covers retail, offices and sport and leisure sectors ranging from one off projects to long term, multi phased development briefs. I develop solutions from new sites to intricate town centre regeneration interventions. Clients recognise my commitment to their projects. I work relentlessly and transparently to collaborate with the team to drive successful outcomes for all.
- — Wide range of experience
- — Technical delivery
Ben Robinson
Associate

I joined AEW in 2020 as an Associate with extensive experience designing and delivering projects within the residential and community sectors; including bespoke housing, specialist and retirement living, large scale residential projects, masterplanning and complex mixed-use sites.
Previous to joining AEW, I spent eight years with an interdisciplinary housing and urban planning practice, focussing on regeneration and spent five years with a small design led architectural practice specialising in private residences. During this time, I have designed and delivered a number of notable schemes including, Willow Barns in Stoke-On-Trent; a RIBA Regional Award and Housing Design Award winning scheme and Limelight in Old Trafford; one of the first integrated hubs in the UK, which provides extra-care living with a primary care facility and a range of intergenerational council and social enterprise services for the wider community.
- — Extensive housing, extra care and later living experience
- — Strong design ability
- — Community and stakeholder engagement
- — Client and team relationship management
- — Listed buildings and Conservation Area experience
- — Keen eye for detail with strong technical knowledge
Jenny Bosworth
Marketing Manager

I joined AEW in 2020 as Marketing Manager. I have 10 years’ experience in roles across the property sector and am highly skilled in marketing, bid management and public sector procurement .
My focus is to market the skills and experience of the practice to the wider industry and help bid and secure new work.
Prior to joining AEW, I spent 3 and a half years leading marketing and business development on behalf of another architectural practice. During this time I led a number of successful bids including the landmark Salford Crescent and University Masterplan as well as gaining places on a range of frameworks for clients such as the BBC and the University of Leeds. Prior to this, I worked for both Barratt Developments and Lovell working on a range of accommodation and regeneration bids nationwide.
- — Marketing
- — Bid Management
- — Business Development