Our People

I’m proud to lead the exceptional S&P team, where I bring my creativity and thought leadership to every challenge. My career has taken me from working with the Royal Household to significant roles in the sports and leisure sector, including serving on the board of Swim England and chairing BISL’s sport sector. Now, as a Non-Executive Director of British Swimming, I’m deeply committed to the success of GB’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes, and I’m passionate about driving excellence in sports and leisure at every level.

• View Keith Ashton’s LinkedIn Profile

With over 35 years of experience at the director level, I am an Architect specialising in the sports, leisure, spa, and community/mixed-use sectors. I’ve lived, studied, and worked in the Manchester area for most of my life, I am passionate about the environment and have a strong commitment to Green Architecture, creating buildings that not only perform exceptionally well for clients but also contribute positively to our planet. Outside of work, I’m mad about cars and can spend endless hours talking about everything from classic beauties to hot hatches, as well as visiting car shows and races.

• View Justin O’Brien’s LinkedIn Profile

As an Insights Director, I’m driven by a passion for strategic facilities planning, architectural design, and creating spaces that prioritise inclusivity, wellbeing, and sustainability. I’m committed to making a real difference through thoughtful, outcome-driven design that positively impacts communities. When I’m not deep in the details of a new project, you’ll find me at the beach with a good book, running the trails, or keeping pace with my kids’ busy social lives, always embracing life’s adventures!

• View Tania Rocha’s LinkedIn Profile

As a Senior Consultant of Health & Wellbeing at S&P, I love creating innovative architectural and leisure concepts that inspire people to stay active and healthy! My mission is all about boosting mental health and wellbeing through amazing sports experiences. I’m proud to serve as a Trustee for a Mental Wellbeing Foundation in the construction industry and to be on the board of the Pagabo Foundation. With my experience as Vice Chair of the UK Spa Association, I’ve championed spa development nationwide. I’m also a health and fitness consultant and personal trainer specialist!

• View Christine Hartigan’s LinkedIn Profile

I joined S&P in 2003 while completing my Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Part 3 degrees. My passion is designing spaces that positively impact people’s lives and enhance communities. I’m grateful to influence lifestyles and promote wellbeing through our work, which welcomes 100 million visitors annually. Beyond architecture, I have a long history with football in Kent County, having played, managed, and part-owned teams, and participated in charity football for 15 years. Currently, I am involved with an organisation creating events, facilities, and spaces for the community in Eltham.

I’m passionate about the construction phase of projects, combining my deep knowledge of sports facilities with a practical and aesthetic approach to design and problem-solving. I recently delivered St Sidwell’s Point in Exeter, the largest Passivhaus project ever undertaken in the UK, which was incredibly exciting. One of my all-time favourite projects was the Corby Leisure Centre, where I worked on my first 50m pool—challenging but so rewarding! Outside of work, I love taking long walks on Dartmoor or along the coast with my dog. I’m also a bit of a nerd when it comes to architecture, always admiring buildings and finding the engineering behind structures absolutely fascinating.

• View Laura Adams’s LinkedIn Profile

I’m passionate about staying fit, hitting the gym 6-7 days a week and enjoying boot camp classes as part of my routine. In my free time, I love spending time with friends and family, cycling on early Sunday mornings. I have a strong affinity for Excel, finding joy in learning new formulas and automating calculations. My skills in accounting and problem-solving complement my approach to challenges, blending precision with creativity. With a contagious smile and a positive outlook, I believe a healthy body and mind lead to a fulfilling life.

I’m a Senior Architectural Technician with over 35 years of experience, specialising in public and community infrastructure projects. I’ve successfully coordinated and delivered more than 15 large-scale projects, building a wealth of technical expertise along the way. I’m passionate about self-build and sustainable construction, and I proudly serve as Chairman of the Dry Stone Walling Association, a charity dedicated to preserving this traditional craft. When I’m not immersed in work, you’ll find me in the kitchen, where I enjoy making homemade preserves and, as we say in Yorkshire, ‘proper cakes.’

I see the world as a dynamic cycle, moving from Control to Innovation, then Rebellion, and back to a new Control. As an all-rounder, I’m naturally curious about how things work, from systems and technological advancements to societal changes. What truly brings me joy is making a positive impact on those around me, whether through empathy, having fun, or offering support where I can. My goal is to contribute meaningfully and enrich the experiences of everyone I work with.

• View Kunal Tailor’s LinkedIn Profile

I am an Architect with a smile. I have an unwavering commitment to create positive change through Architecture and beyond. I began my career in Portugal, then moved to the UK and am now living in Ireland. In all these different latitudes and surrounded by diversity of languages, I have worked in a variety of projects thriving to foster relationships with all involved for the success and worthwhile legacy of the build environment. After all, a smile is the universal language of success, and I am fluent in it.

• View Mafalda Brennan’s LinkedIn Profile

In the busy finance team at S&P, I help keep everything running smoothly. Besides my knack for organisation, I’m really passionate about singing and dancing, which I use to bring joy and energy to every performance. I love living in the moment, whether that means going out with friends or discovering new places. Traveling is a favourite hobby of mine—it lets me dive into new experiences and cultures. My approach to life is all about enjoying the present and making the most of every opportunity.

With 40 years of experience in technical guidance and as a pool performance design expert, I’ve led many of S&P’s flagship sports and leisure projects. This includes complex and demanding developments like sport & leisure centres, 25 & 50m swimming pools, health & fitness clubs, multi-screen cinemas, and large tensile structures. For 30 years, I’ve been at S&P steering our research and development team and overseeing technical reviews. I’ve worked closely with Sport England, contributing to their Design Guidance for Accessible Sport Facilities, Swimming Pools, and more. My focus is on managing high-profile projects and ensuring their technical excellence.

As the company lead on technology developments, I’m always looking for ways to improve the team performance. I love both learning and teaching, always eager to share knowledge and grow alongside the team. I have a passion for sports, the outdoors, and the sea, which keeps me energized and inspired. Outside of work, I’m a martial arts expert, maintaining a balanced state of mind both on and off the mat. This discipline helps me stay focused and calm in all aspects of life.

• View Jorge Vieira’s LinkedIn Profile

I pride myself on being a strong team player, contributing to the early stages of the RIBA plan of work, including client engagement, feasibility studies, and concept design. I focus on driving efficiencies through stakeholder engagement and advancing sustainability in sport and leisure, particularly with Passivhaus principles. Problem-solving through design is a core aspect of my role. Outside work, I stay active by rambling, walking, and cycling in the Yorkshire Dales. I’m passionate about spa and wellness design and enjoy turning workshop ideas into reality.

• View Daniel Taylor’s LinkedIn Profile

As a technical architect, I focus on the details, always seeking to put things together aesthetically and find the best solutions in the simplest ways. I am a natural problem solver. Outside of work, my passion is scuba diving, where I’m fascinated by the symbiotic relationships in sea life, from grouper fish and moray eels to clownfish and anemones. I am committed to preserving marine ecosystems, participating in local beach cleans, and supporting conservation efforts like sustainable tourism and no-take zones.

• View Cathie Miller’s LinkedIn Profile

As a Senior Project Architect, I have a lot of experience across different sectors, and I’m especially passionate about community regeneration. I’ve led many community projects for public sector initiatives, including the successful move of the Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre. This project, which provides land and water-based activities for the local community, school groups, and disability groups, was all about encouraging active lifestyles and boosting biodiversity while taking care of the natural environment.

I am an architect with over 18 years of experience, having worked on diverse projects in both public and commercial sectors. My expertise spans all stages of the architectural process, from conception to delivery, with a strong focus on creative design. I am passionate about creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful, always looking for innovative solutions to design challenges. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the Scottish outdoors, skiing, and playing the occasional game of tennis.

• View Sara Gibson’s LinkedIn Profile

Working in sport and leisure gives me a sense of purpose, as it positively impacts people’s lives. I love exploring the blend of old and new architectural elements. Outside of work, I’m a vintage enthusiast and avid dancer, with a passion for Lindy Hop, jive, and Northern Soul. As a mature student, I graduated in Illustration at UAL, which deepened my interest in portraiture and model making. I live in Epping Forest with Erik, my spirited terrier who joins me on many adventures.

• View Alex Cadoret’s LinkedIn Profile

As an architect with a taste for adventure and chilli! When I’m not designing buildings with a bit of spice, I find myself travelling, tasting new flavours and cooking dishes that add a special touch. That´s it, my goal is to create something so unforgettable, it’ll make your grandma’s secret recipe look like instant noodles. Coffee is my fuel and I never start a day without it. In my spare time, I play my guitar, mixing classic riffs with the sound of frying peppers and a sprinkle of cringe-worthy dad jokes. Architecture, music and food – it’s all about creating something unforgettable!

• View Nuno Campoto’s LinkedIn Profile

As the ESG lead and a proud member of Social Value UK, I’m deeply committed to making a positive impact on people, places, and purpose. With a blend of creativity, ethics, and a dash of fun, I’m always seeking ways to contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable world. Beyond work, you’ll often find me with my hands in the soil. Horticulture isn’t just a hobby for me—it’s a mission. I’m dedicated to increasing biodiversity wherever I can, with the goal of leaving every place a little better than I found it.

• View Alison Thomas’s LinkedIn Profile

As an architect, I embrace flexibility and creativity, taking on diverse design challenges. I have a passion for landscape design, blending beauty with function in every project. Outside of work, I’m an avid traveller, always seeking new experiences that inspire my designs. I also manage my husband’s career as a triathlete, cheering him on at every race. I believe in a life filled with adventure, creativity, and purpose, bringing that energy to everything I do.

• View Erika Fonseca’s LinkedIn Profile

I’m an architect with 20 years of experience specialising in sports, leisure, and community projects. I’m passionate about creating dynamic leisure facilities that utilise cutting-edge technology to minimise energy use while becoming exciting national destinations. As a certified Passivhaus Designer (CEPH), I’m proud to lead the design for Ireland’s first Passivhaus leisure centre. Based in Scotland, I balance my architectural work with my love for outdoor pursuits such as climbing, sailing, and hiking in the beautiful landscapes around me.

• View Stewart Gibson’s LinkedIn Profile

I’m an Italian architect who blends sustainability with innovation, creating spaces that inspire and connect people. Passionate about gardening, I enjoy integrating nature into my designs to promote wellbeing and environmental harmony. Beyond architecture, I’m dedicated to community engagement and building environments that bring people together. With a unique combination of design expertise, a love for greenery, and a strong commitment to community, I strive to make a lasting, positive impact on the world around me.

• View Maria Ragno’s LinkedIn Profile

I am a senior architect with over 20 years of experience in sport, leisure, hospitality, and residential projects. With a keen eye for aesthetics and extensive experience across Europe, I bring a unique perspective to our team and take pride in my proficiency in multiple languages. As a committed problem solver and BIM expert, I guide projects from feasibility studies to completion. Outside of architecture, I enjoy 3D printing and gardening, bringing creativity and precision to all aspects of my life.

• View Abel Silva’s LinkedIn Profile

With over 20 years of experience in project and commercial management, my career has been dedicated to making a positive impact in the public sector. My background includes quantity surveying, contract management, and procurement for local authorities. I’ve spent a significant portion of my career focused on project delivery for a local authority, where I’ve managed projects and contracts involving numerous stakeholders, often under the watchful eye of public audits and scrutiny. Outside of my professional life, I’m deeply passionate about family and football. As a committed Port Vale FC season ticket holder, I take great pleasure in supporting my favourite team whenever possible!

• View David Price’s LinkedIn Profile

I’m a technical expert specialising in public, community, and leisure infrastructure sectors, with deep technical knowledge and extensive experience in coordinating large-scale projects. Based in Scotland, I love exploring the great outdoors through epic long-distance walks. I enjoy the thrill of relying on the kindness of strangers or, more often, the adventure of wild camping. These experiences keep me connected to nature and continually inspire my passion for sustainable and community-focused construction projects.

• View Andrea Gunner’s LinkedIn Profile

Working as an Interior Designer within a firm of architects is a unique opportunity to create a collaboration between the internal design and the structure from concept to completion, which ultimately leads to a more holistic design. My primary interest lies with how people move and interact in the spaces we create. This includes looking at how we are affected by space as well as the materials we choose to create a stylish, but sustainable visual appearance that’s comfortable to move and exist in. I’ve continuously kept my hand in the design world through raising a family and my love of travelling, always in an effort to continue creating and learning.

• View Jo Landau’s LinkedIn Profile

As a senior architect with over a decade of experience, I specialise in translating complex client needs into innovative and sustainable design solutions. My expertise spans from residential and commercial to leisure, sports, cultural and wellbeing facilities, focusing on integrating functionality with aesthetic appeal and integrating design throughout the whole process of a project. I am passionate about community integration projects with sustainable solutions. I enjoy developing strong relationships within my team and the broader community to achieve outstanding project outcomes. After spending several years in the UK, I currently enjoy living in Spain and its sunny and vibrant atmosphere.

With over 35 years in sports and leisure, I’m an experienced lead consultant specialising in large-scale projects like leisure complexes, waterparks, spas, and pools. As a Public Sector Specialist, I’ve also successfully delivered a range of mixed-use facilities and community hubs. I’m passionate about designing exciting, innovative spaces and always bring fresh, imaginative ideas to every project. In my spare time, I volunteer at the Chalfont Centre, where I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Epilepsy Society on creating a nature trail in Chalfont St Peter, a fantastic project connecting people with nature.

• View Peter Simpson’s LinkedIn Profile