About | WWA | Multi-Disciplinary Design Consultancy London & Oxford

Mark Slater

Managing Director

BSC March RIBA

Mark’s focus as Managing Director is to ensure our clients receive outstanding service in all aspects of their experience. His leadership is centred on nurturing a strong and sustainable team ethos across all business operations and spanning our office locations in London and Oxford.

Throughout his career as an Architect and business owner, Mark has led projects across various sectors to deliver high-quality, innovative, and sustainable spaces. Mark was part of the design team that won the Inside Housing design award for the UK’s Best Designed Development. The person-centred ethos characterised by this award-winning project is one that Mark brings to every design process.

With significant experience in the residential sector, Mark also has highly specialised knowledge and experience in areas of Inclusive Design and Specialist Housing. Mark contributes to industry-wide thought leadership and scholarship in this area through articles, talks, and webinars. Mark is an active member of ARCO, the main body representing the UK-integrated retirement communities. He is a contributor and sponsor of Housing LIN, a prominent housing and social care information network.

As well as his project management responsibilities he is the Sustainability Lead for the practice. This involves him leading the practice in its RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge mandate and WWA being a net zero carbon business by 2030. Mark’s overall responsibility for the Design and Operations at the Practice and enjoys working with various clients to create people-centric, inclusive communities.

Mark also sits on the board as a Non-Executive Director of EHSL, a national non-profit provider of high-quality person-centred housing for people with learning disabilities and other support needs. Our clients at WWA benefit from Mark’s insights and understanding of client-side priorities in the role of housing provider, giving him a nuanced understanding of how to shape our clients’ experience.

In his spare time, Mark enjoys playing football and mountain biking in between planning for the next adventure with his wife and kids.

Wendy Kelly

Practice Manager

Wendy has been with the Practice for more than 10 years. She is a key member of the Management Team and heads up our busy support team.

Wendy’s role, working closely with the Directors and the remainder of the WWA team, is to ensure the efficient and smooth running of the business. Her tasks include all aspects of HR, personnel support, office management, marketing activities, and general day-to-day management of the business.

Philip Waddy

Chairman

BA (HONS) DIP ARCH (OXFORD) RIBA ACA FRSA AABC

Philip became Chairman of WWA in 2024 after leading the practice as a partner or director for over 30 years. In this role, Philip uses his extensive business experience to shape the team’s business strategy, set growth plans, and diversify our services.

Philip has an outstanding reputation for leadership, steering complex developments to successful completion. He is particularly adept at project management, and his track record in getting results for clients is borne out by the number of repeat commissions received by the Practice.

Philip is an accredited conservation architect and has a special interest in historic building conservation, having successfully undertaken several sensitive conversions, repairs and restoration schemes to listed buildings during his career.

Philip is a past Chairman of the RIBA Southern Region and a former Trustee of the RIBA. He is the past Chair of the RIBA’s Expert Planning Group and helped to formulate the Institute’s policy on town planning. In these roles, he has given recent papers and presentations to conferences on matters relating to architecture and town planning, conservation, and sustainability.

Outside of work, Philip enjoys choral singing and is also a commercial Yacht Master, licensed to skipper power and sailing boats of up to 200 tonnes gross weight. He can often be found on the water teaching others to sail.

Ifti Maniar

Planning Director

BArch (HONS) MSC MA MRTPI

With dual expertise in architecture and planning, Ifti has an eye for detail and a genuine interest in sustainable design, having worked on private and public sector projects including retail, leisure, education, residential and commercial developments.

He has an appetite for challenging projects and enjoys finding innovative solutions to difficult planning problems, particularly on heavily constrained sites and those in the Green Belt. He also enjoys the aspects of policy interpretation, case law and appeal precedents. Ifti has worked on projects across the country and has extensive experience delivering small, medium and large-scale projects through the planning process.

Lee Golder

Finance Manager

BA (HONS) MAAT

Lee is a key member of the Management Team and heads up all aspects of financial management and IT.

A qualified Accounting Technician Lee has worked within accountancy and legal practices expanding her skills into financial reporting, budget planning and office management. She also draws experience from her previous financial career within NatWest.

Following on from a degree in art and design, Lee was formerly a Graphic Designer at Oxford Brookes University, transitioning to accountancy work to work more closely with people and businesses, whilst focusing on financial and office/premises management. She continues to enjoy creativity, as well as music, in her spare time.

Johnathan Headland

Urban Design Director

BA (HONS)

Johnathan brings over 15 years of experience in the housebuilding sector, both client-side and in design consultancy roles, with expertise across the southeast’s residential, commercial, mixed-use, and education developments. A qualified architect (Bachelor’s Degree in architecture), CDM Principal Designer (RIBA), and Member of the Academy of Urbanism, Johnathan excels in design and planning strategy, feasibility studies, viability studies, and design leadership.

At WWA, Johnathan has grown into a trusted design leadership role, acting as a development partner to clients, skilfully balancing the commercial demands of site acquisition with the shared ambition of delivering exceptional places. He is passionate about tackling the complexity of regeneration projects and built-up contexts, identifying key issues early to drive successful outcomes.

A keen cyclist, Johnathan enjoys his daily commute along the River Thames and spending weekends exploring with his wife and daughters. When time allows, he’s also an enthusiastic supporter of his beloved Arsenal FC.

Ewan Green

Design Associate | Certified Passivhaus Consultant

BA DIP ARCH RIBA

Ewan is a well-established, highly experienced architect, having worked in the construction sector since 2008. He leads many of our larger contracts at WWA, usually with a team of supporting architects. Ewan builds strong working relationships with our clients, answering any queries they may have and providing regular updates.

He has excellent project management skills and has delivered multimillion-pound projects in the private residential, public commercial, educational and healthcare sectors. His delivery of a new retirement development in Lyndhurst was named ‘Best Larger Development’ at the New Forest National Park Authority’s Building Design Awards.

Ewan is continuously expanding his skillset at WWA, obtaining further qualifications as a Passivhaus Designer and a Retrofit Coordinator, together with the supporting Traditional and Older Buildings certification. He is passionate about large-scale developments (big impact projects), sustainability, retrofit and the built environment as we move towards the RIBA’s target of zero-carbon buildings by 2030.

Software proficient, Ewan is familiar with all aspects of Autodesk Revit, including BIM Collaborate Pro, cloud-based modelling and online collaboration platforms used between other project consultants and contractors.

Charlie Kirby

Architectural Assistant

BA (HONS)

With a keen interest in biomimicry, sustainable architecture and building for a changing environment, Charlie joined the Practice following the completion of her undergraduate degree at Oxford Brookes University. Charlie’s university projects offered technical and practical solutions to a brief, with a live project, designing for ‘The Hill’ Oxford’s Health Innovation Hub, and developing an open, collaborative environment in Oxford. In March of 2022, Charlie commenced her Diploma in the RIBA Studio Programme (Part II), administered by Oxford Brookes University.

Charlie has worked on various projects, from small domestic extensions to multi-home developments and projects for the Oxford colleges. She has worked on several heritage-led projects, most significantly the façade restoration works for All Souls College, various barn conversions, and extensions to listed buildings, by helping obtain planning and listed building consents. More recently, Charlie has gained experience in the technical stage as an on-site contract administrator.

As a child, Charlie spent time in Tokyo, Chennai and Geneva, experiencing diverse architectural styles that influenced her designs. When not working or studying, Charlie is an avid sewer and crocheter.

Matt Hinkins

Design Associate | Certified Passivhaus Designer

BA (HONS) MARCH RIBA

Matt joined WWA in 2015 while completing his post-graduate studies and qualified as an Architect in 2019. He is now a member of the RIBA Conservation Register and in 2022 undertook an intensive period of study with the BRE subsequently qualifying as a Certified Passivhaus Designer.

Matt has vast experience working on projects from the brief development stage to construction & handover ranging from large-scale masterplans to new builds, extensions and alterations across various sectors. He has also gained experience working on many heritage-led projects, most significantly at the Grade II* listed Winterbourne Medieval Barns, where he helped obtain consent, develop technical proposals and administered a building contract for the sensitive conservation, refurbishment and alteration works across 4 ranges on the site.

In the office, Matt also champions our in-house sustainability offering and has led the development of a Strategic Heating Decarbonisation Plan at Oxford University College and delivered several low-energy projects such as a bespoke residential scheme on Boars Hill including thermal bridge free detailing and excellent airtightness set around a prefabricated timber frame system.

In his spare time, Matt enjoys running, finishing numerous DIY projects and going for walks with his young family.

Matthew Jackson

Project Architect

BA (HONS) MARCH RIBA

Matt joined the WWA team in 2021. His previous project experience covers a range of project scales and types including several education projects including new-build secondary schools in Bicester and Faringdon and a new specialist SEN School, for pupils with specific educational and behavioural needs plus work for Reading University and a refurbishment of a student accommodation complex for Oxford Brookes University.

Matt has successfully led several recently completed projects. These include the full renovation of four agricultural barns, in the context of a Grade II listed Farmhouse, into a mix-use development of residential units, commercial office space and light industrial units. Along with carefully restoring and repairing two historic timber frame buildings and incorporating upgrades to their thermal fabric to align with current standards, the project also celebrated and preserved the historic farmyard environment and its’ existing historic characteristics. Matt also led the refurbishment of a multi-storey office building in Bristol, improving the functionality for the user and providing a refresh to the interior spaces.

Matt has also recently completed his PAS 2035 Retrofit Coordinator course, to enable him to oversee the compliance process on domestic retrofit projects, through protecting the stakeholder’s interests throughout the design, implementation and handover of a retrofit scheme and maintaining quality standards throughout the retrofit process.

Jay Wright

PA to the Directors

As PA to the Directors, Jay oversees and coordinates the Directors’ busy schedules, offering them high-quality and confidential support. Jay also organises practice day events and helps the other team members with administrative tasks.

Before joining the Practice in 2017, Jay gained a wealth of transferrable skills whilst working for Oxford University Hospitals, providing full administrative and secretarial support across various NHS teams and services.

Jay is an Abingdon local and enjoys travelling, reading and spending time with her family.

Stanislav Brezden

Architectural Assistant

BA (HONS)

Stanislav joined the Practice in September 2019 as an Apprentice Part I Architectural Assistant starting his apprenticeship at Southbank University. He provides support to our architectural team and works on a variety of projects, and as part of his employment, he spends a proportion of his time studying architecture and developing his design skills.

Ralph Saull

Bids & Marketing Coordinator

BA (HONS) MARCHD PCTHE FHEA RIBA

Ralph has delivered a diverse array of projects, ranging from large-scale masterplans to extension and alteration works. He is experienced in community and stakeholder management – including public consultations – and in the production of clear and simple graphic information.

He has worked on heritage-led projects including Grade I and Grade II listed buildings, as well as the design of contemporary dwellings including Herons, a one-off home in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Ralph also acts as the Practice’s Marketing Coordinator, heading up, along with other members of the team, the smooth running of the Marketing of the Practice.

In addition to his role in the Practice as a designer and Marketing Coordinator, Ralph is also an Associate Lecturer in Architecture, teaching at Oxford Brookes University in the year one undergraduate programme.

Kim Vermaak

Marketing & Client Relations Manager

ACIM

Kim collaborates with the WWA team to strengthen the brand and leads competitive bid and award submissions, social media growth, and marketing strategy development. With a comprehensive skill set and a track record of success, she is determined to make significant contributions to WWA’s marketing and client relations efforts while maintaining an optimistic outlook on any challenges that may lie ahead.

Kim studied Electronic Publishing in 2003 at the prestigious Hirt & Carter Training Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. She brings over 17 years of experience in design and production for print, signage, brand management and social media. Kim is passionate about brand management, sustainability, and crafting compelling design layouts that simplify intricate ideas into clear, impactful visuals. An Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), she is currently pursuing Chartered Marketer accreditation with the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Originally from Namibia, Kim enjoys spending time with family and friends and discovering new destinations. Among her travel adventures, she has explored Europe with just a backpack and a bus full of fellow travellers as part of a Bus-A-Bout tour. Next on her bucket list? Visiting Scotland and Scandinavia to witness the magical Northern Lights.

Neil Gibson

Non Executive Director

BA (HONS) T&CP DMS DEM MRTPI FCHIT

Neil provides the Practice with strategic advice on the broader landscape of planning, housing and the built environment. In addition, he provides the board with guidance on business planning and strategic decisions.

Neil brings significant senior executive experience at a board level, embracing vision and strategy development, partnership development, change management and delivery, innovation and organisational as well as executive leadership development.

He is a Member of the RTPI, a Fellow of the CIHT and a past President of ADEPT, a national association in which he remains active leading their £30m Live Labs Initiative to decarbonise the UK’s local highways, and their PACE Thought Leadership Programme, a collaboration between ADEPT and Amey.

Steve Pickles

Consultant Policy Planner

BA MSC DIP TP MRTPI Diploma in Environmental Conservation

An experienced planner, Stephen has delivered a range of advice and solutions for the Practice, working on historic buildings, green belt schemes, creation of feasibility studies, and securing the allocation of sites in Local Development Frameworks.

Before joining the Practice, Stephen worked in Planning Policy at Oxford City Council for 18 years from 1989 until 2007 working on policy issues (particularly with the universities, hospitals, environmental issues and sports/recreation), which gave him extensive knowledge of planning policy in a local government context.

Stephen has experience of preparing planning applications and coordinating other professionals involved in the team, monitoring planning applications once deposited with the local planning authority and liaising with clients throughout each project.

Jean Hanna

Design Consultant

BSC BARCH RIBA

Jean has over 30 years’ experience in delivering large scale projects for new build and remodelled extra care, retirement housing and general needs housing schemes at a range of urban/rural locations. She has delivered schemes in Conservation Areas and on sites including Listed Buildings.

She is highly skilled in producing Feasibility Studies and is able to unlock the full potential of sites, Jean has worked at the Practice for over 20 years, being appointed as a Director in 2011. Jean is also a Client Design Advisor for a central London council.

Jean has successfully delivered projects throughout RIBA stages 0-6 including the recent mixed use project in Hounslow, and a large scale retirement scheme in Poole.

Her designs have been well received with some of projects having won local and European awards. Jean’s design scheme for Patching Lodge in Brighton was used in the HAPPI Report, a government publication outlining innovative housing examples from across Europe making recommendations to government, developers and housing developers, as was her scheme for Hanover in Egham.

Jean continues to broaden her knowledge and expertise in her specialist fields by being an active member of Housing LIN and member of WISH (Women in Social Housing).

Michael Paginton

Arboricultural and Town Planning Consultant

PGDIP BA (HONS) DIP ARB L4 (ABC) PIEMA TECHARBORA

Michael has worked with the Practice as an Arboriculturist since 2017. He is a skilled environmental and arboriculture consultant who provides advice and support to clients relating to green infrastructure planning, environmental assessment, arboriculture and town planning.

Michael is a Practitioner Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and Technician Member of the Arboricultural Association. He has a broad multi-disciplinary skill set having gained consultancy experience in both forward and development planning including preparing environmental assessments and green infrastructure strategies for local authority development plans.

Our Story

Planning Led Sustainable Design Solutions

Multi-Sector Understanding

All-Inclusive Collaborative Consultancy Service

Astute Delivery

Our Team

Mark Slater

Wendy Kelly

Philip Waddy

Ifti Maniar

Lee Golder

Johnathan Headland

Ewan Green

Charlie Kirby

Matt Hinkins

Matthew Jackson

Jay Wright

Stanislav Brezden

Ralph Saull

Kim Vermaak

Neil Gibson

Steve Pickles

Jean Hanna

Michael Paginton

Testimonials