Róisín joined Austin-Smith: Lord in 2023, having previously worked in practices in several fields including; education, conservation, residential and third sector. Her most recent projects were largely Education – delivering prestigious University, College and School facilities. Her passion for creating high quality teaching spaces is informed by her other role as a part-time Design Tutor at the University of Liverpool.  She has a keen interest in architectural education generally, particularly in making it as open and accessible as possible.

Róisín has an interest in concept driven design, and enjoys engaging with stakeholders to place people at the centre of design. A keen writer, Róisín has also written columns were she endeavours to introduce architectural subjects to a broad audience in an accessible way. 

Omkar joined the practice as a RIBA Part II Architectural Assistant after having completed his Architecture Degree at the University of Pune, India, and his Masters at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

Omkar has a keen interest in exploring and sculpting designs in a dense context integrated with the urban aquatic network. His thesis was based on the integration of the River Clyde with Glasgow through interventions of different typologies and spatial combinations which also helped to catalyse growth of the communities along the River Clyde. The Masters Dissertation explored in detail the urban-water dynamics of different cities in order to highlight its effects on climate change mitigation.

Apart from architecture, Omkar is also passionate about the environment and loves travelling, hillwalking and photography.

Abbi studied at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, before joining Austin-Smith:Lord at the end of August 2022 as a Part II Architectural Assistant. Our one-studio approach enabled Abbi to relocate from Glasgow to Cardiff, where she is now based.

Anna is an environment-conscious designer with over ten years of experience across the residential, education, arts, and hospitality sectors. Since joining Austin-Smith:Lord in 2019, she has contributed to a diverse portfolio of new-build and refurbishment projects, alongside providing sustainability and Passivhaus consultancy services to meet the growing demand for high-performance, energy-efficient buildings.
As part of her commitment to advancing sustainable design, Anna works to integrate solutions that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, and contribute towards the broader goal of achieving net-zero carbon for the built environment. Her expertise in energy-efficient building techniques, coupled with a holistic approach to design, supports the practice’s mission to create buildings that are environmentally responsible and future-ready.
In addition to her technical expertise, Anna chairs the practice’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) working group. In this role, she contributes to monitoring and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment within the practice and in the projects it delivers. Anna’s involvement in this initiative highlights her dedication to ensuring a workplace and culture where all voices are heard, valued, and respected, and where social responsibility, accessibility and inclusion are integral to Austin-Smith:Lord’s ethos and approach to design.

Huw joined the Cardiff team of Austin-Smith:Lord in 2019 as a Senior Architect. He has considerable experience in the design and delivery of education projects at primary, secondary and FE levels.  Other sector experience includes commercial, mixed, use and master planning for both public and private clients.

Huw has a passion for inspirational design and believes that, through an analytical and collaborative approach, the best project outcomes for clients, stakeholders and end users can be achieved.

His recent projects include the new Fitzalan High School redevelopment for Cardiff County Council.

James graduated from the University of South Wales in 2018 upon completion of his Interior Design degree course with First Class honours. During James’ undergraduate study, he gained experience working as an Architectural Assistant at a practice specialising in domestic and commercial sectors, as well as entering and winning a number of student design competitions.

Since joining Austin-Smith:Lord earlier in 2019, James has been involved with a variety of projects, gaining knowledge from working on projects in the Education sector, as well as commercial office design. Holding an interest in Adaptive Reuse principles and possessing a keen eye for detail, James hopes to gain experience in other sectors in the future.

Holding a keen interest in technology, and joining us with previous experience in 3D modelling and exposure to BIM, James aims to continue expanding his knowledge in this evolving field.

James was named winner of a national student competition to design a bespoke furniture element to be manufactured for use in BBC Wales’ new headquarters in Cardiff. Other winning competition entries include a design for a conceptual research station as a ‘workplace of the future’, and the design and screen-printing of posters.

James is a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute (CMLI) who joined the practice in December 2018. With academic foundations in both Architecture and Landscape Architecture – strengthened by studies in Copenhagen – he applies a multidisciplinary approach to design, ensuring solutions are sensitive to site context, the client brief, and end-user needs.

His portfolio spans diverse sectors, including Heritage, Masterplanning, Arts & Culture, and Education, featuring work for notable clients such as the National Trust, Cadw, and Urban Splash. James is skilled in producing clear technical drawings, diagrams, and graphics that communicate design intent with precision.

Adept at navigating technical planning requirements, James has experience in Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) and Sustainable Drainage Approval Body (SAB) applications. He maintains a strong professional interest in placemaking, championing holistic street design that combines green and blue infrastructure with sustainable travel.

Key to the Liverpool Studio’s operations, he acts as the Local BIM Champion and Health & Safety Coordinator, alongside his duties as a Fire Marshal and First Aider.