NVB Architects is a multi-disciplinary practice encompassing architecture, interior design, conservation and landscape architecture. We also run the thriving arts venue Rook Lane in the Grade 1 listed chapel that we refurbished and extended in 2002 to English Heritage acclaim.
We have specialised in the education sector for the past thirty years alongside a growing portfolio of leisure, residential, public realm, community and heritage projects. We have worked on projects across the UK and overseas in South Korea and Malaysia. Our design approach has led to many long-term relationships with clients in both the independent and state education sector as well as local authorities, contractors, the military and leisure industry.
The current practice was formed in 1980 by Mark Brierley, Pamela Lea and Bill Vallis, then known as Vallis & Associates when the practice started to concentrate on educational work. In 1985 Vallis & Associates merged with Goldsmith, Tolson & Nugent of Bath creating Nugent Vallis Brierley. Following the formation of Nugent Vallis Brierley, the two specialist services of Conservation and Landscape Architecture were established. In December 2002 the practice, now NVB Architects, moved into its own studio at Rook Lane Chapel. The move to the new space meant that the surroundings were more conducive to team working and the practice has grown to its current size led by five directors.
Senior Technician
BA (Hons) Architecture
Andrew joined NVB in 2016 and has worked primarily on educational projects at detailed design stage. Prior to joining NVB, Andrew was involved in retail rollouts and both private and mass residential projects, primarily within London.
Director
BA(Hons) BArch RIBA
Andrew joined the practice in 1997 becoming an associate in 2003 and director in 2011. He has completed a range of significant projects for the office including Solihull School theatre, Bedminster Down School (PFI), Robert Blake and Elmwood Schools (BSF). Andrew is responsible for all human resources within the practice.
Landscape Architect
BA Landscape MA Landscape CMLI
Annie joined NVB in 2019 after finishing her masters degree at the University of Gloucestershire. Prior to her masters study, she completed her undergraduate Landscape Studies at the University of Hong Kong and worked for a landscape firm in Hong Kong for two years. She is now focusing on gaining industry experience for her career development in the UK. Annie became a chartered landscape architect in 2022.
Director
BA(Hons) DipArch RIBA
Bill qualified at Plymouth School of Architecture in 1988 and joined NVB in 1996, becoming a director in 1998. He has experience in various building types including education and community architecture.
Architectural Assistant
BSc(Hons) MArch
Cicely joined NVB in July 2023 having completed her RIBA Part I and II at the Welsh School of Architecture. Before joining NVB, Cicely worked at a Landscape Architecture practice gaining experience in Paragraph 80 dwellings. She is now focusing on expanding her industry knowledge and pursuing her interest in biophilic design.
Finance Manager
FMAAT
Clare has been with NVB since 2002 and is an accounting technician with over 20 years’ experience of working in small businesses. During this time she has been involved in all aspects of office management, administration and accountancy. She is passionate about sustainability, all things wild, and actively promotes wellbeing in the workplace in her role as Mental Health Champion.
Architectural Assistant
BSC(Hons) MArch
Dulmini joined NVB in September 2023, completing her RIBA Part I in Sri Lanka, affiliated with Liverpool John Moores University and RIBA Part II at the University of West of England, Bristol. She has experience in residential, hospitality, and conservation projects through study and practice. Dulmini is now focusing on expanding industry knowledge. She is interested in sustainable architecture and the phenomenological approach to architectural design.
Architectural Assistant
Ela is currently a 3rd year Architecture BSc student at the University at Bath, working at NVB as part of her second semester placement. After previously working in practice in North Wales, Ela is looking to gain more professional experience before returning to university for her final year in September. Ela is interested in the positive psychological effect that architecture can create, particularly in education & healthcare, and the value of design to people and the surrounding community.
Architect
BSc (Hons) MArch PgDip RIBA
Gabriele joined NVB in April 2018 after completing her RIBA Part II at the University of Bath and in 2020 passed her Part III professional exams to become an architect. She has a wide range of experience in both architecture and public realm and is interested in the life between buildings as well as the buildings themselves.
Director
MA(Hons) DipArch RIBA
James joined NVB in 2005 having moved from London to the West Country. He has considerable experience in sensitive developments in urban contexts as well as a varied portfolio of educational projects.
Architectural Assistant
Jennifer returned to NVB in February 2024 as part of her second placement semester for her BaArch. She is a third-year student studying architecture at the University of Bath, and is looking forward to gaining more experience in practice at NVB before returning to complete her final year in September. Jennifer’s love for nature inspires her focus on environmentally conscious design, and she particularly enjoys creating architecture that responds to the unique character of its surroundings as well as its inhabitants.
Landscape Architect
BA(Hons) MA Landscape
Jenny joined NVB in 2021 as a Team Leader after spending ten years designing, detailing and project managing a wide range of public gardens and historic private estates. She studied at the University of Greenwich, graduating in 2011. Jenny is strongly interested in environmental and sustainability issues and is currently working towards her chartership.
Landscape Architect
BA Landscape MLA Landscape
Juliette joined NVB in 2023 after finishing her masters degree at the University of Edinburgh. Committed to her career growth, she is passionate in designing landscapes to enhance well-being, delivering precision, creativity, and timeliness.
Landscape Architect
BA(Hons) MA Landscape
Kate joined NVB in May 2022 after working for a landscape design studio in Bath. Prior to this she completed her Masters at the University of Greenwich whilst working for a London based practice where she gained experience on a range of design projects. Kate is a keen plantsperson & before completing her degree spent time travelling & working as a horticulturalist.
Senior Technician
HNC Building
Kenny joined NVB in 2005 as a Senior Architectural Technician. Kenny has extensive experience in a variety of projects and leads on BIM implementation in the practice.
Landscape Architect
BSocSC(Hons) MLA
Kevin joined NVB in September 2023 having completed his master’s degree at Newcastle University. Before joining NVB, Kevin worked in multiple sectors gaining diverse experience. Having his first degree in Sociology, he is now focusing on gaining industry experience and pursuing his interest in socio-cultural perspective for naturalistic landscape design.
Landscape Architect
BA Garden Design DipHort MA Landscape
Lizzi originally joined NVB in 2015 before leaving to gain more experience of hands-on horticulture. She has now returned to join our landscape team bringing with her a diverse range of skills.
Associate
BA(Hons) DipArch RIBA
Mark studied at the University of Plymouth and joined NVB in 2007 after working as a project and site manager for a developer in Bristol. Mark became an associate in 2017 and has worked on a variety of educational projects including boarding houses at St Mary's, Calne and a new sports centre in Truro.
Architect
BA(Hons) PG Dip ARB
Paul completed his BA at the University of Ulster in Belfast, then moved to London to work and study for his Diploma and Professional Qualification in Architecture at the London Metropolitan University. Before joining NVB he worked in practices and on projects at various scales over the past 20 years. Paul is interested in seeing design concepts through to completion and delivery on site.
Director
BA(Hons) DipLA CMLI
Peter leads the landscape team within NVB. Projects include a wide range of state and independent schools in the UK and abroad, as well as parks, commercial and residential schemes. Peter is a chartered landscape architect who studied in Leeds and Birmingham. After working in Birmingham and Bath for six years on a wide range of projects Peter joined the practice in 2008.
Director
BA(Hons) DipArch RIBA
Richard has been with NVB since 1994 and a director since 2002. During this time he has been extensively involved in all levels of the education sector with particular expertise in primary and secondary schools. In recent years he has been involved in a number of visitor centres and community facilities.
PA
BA(Hons) DipArch
Ruth joined NVB in 2021, although she has worked with the company providing cover since 2012. She is responsible for office management and administration as well as reception duties. Having worked as an architect for over 15 years, Ruth has a good understanding of the workings of an architecture practice.
Arts Administrator
Sara joined NVB in July 2018 as our Venue Manager for Rook Lane. Sara brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked as a manager in the hospitality industry for most of her working life. As a Frome resident, Sara enjoys promoting our wonderful venue and organising many varied events and weddings here.
Associate
BA(Hons) MArch PgDip RIBA
Sebastian trained at Bath Univeristy and joined NVB from Mark Kingsley Architects in 2010, becoming an associate in 2017. He has been involved in a number of education projects at Llandaff, Dean Close School and our overseas projects in Kuala Lumpur and South Korea. Sebastian assists in IT strategy within the practice.
Architect
BSc(Hons) MArch ARB
Tim joined NVB in December 2020 having completed his RIBA Part I and II at the University of Bath. He has experience in the residential, education and leisure sectors, and through both study and practice has pursued an interest in sustainable design and the relationship that Architecture has with nature.
We do not currently have any vacancies, but please check again soon.
Rook Lane is a space for art, architecture, performance and education. A unique arts centre housed in a restored 18th century chapel, Rook Lane is home to NVB Architects and the base for Rook Lane Arts Trust.
For further information of the range of activities that are happening in the chapel and details of how to hire the space, please visit our sister site…
