When you bring your project to PLACE, everyone of the Team will have some part to play in its journey. We think each project has the potential to improve the lives of those who interact with it, directly or indirectly. It is the complementary skills of each Team member at PLACE that ensures your project has value added.
Because the Team at PLACE make the difference for our clients, PLACE aims to make a difference to them too by offering opportunities for staff development through training activities, by providing a progressive, Agile Working policy that reflects demands on their lives as well as offering additional leave to be used for enrichment activities. We use annual Strategy Days, office trips and games to engender team spirit.
I began working with PLACE Architects Ltd (formerly Parkes Lees Architects Ltd) in December 2014. Our office is a positive environment with a clear determination to achieve and succeed, both as a company and individually. The team are friendly and welcoming, and everyone has a voice. Career progression is wholeheartedly encouraged and supported, showing the company’s commitment to investing time in its staff. It is an excellent environment in which to gain knowledge and experience, and with the support of PLACE I have achieved 2 new qualifications to date. What a ‘PLACE’ to work! – Jennifer
Jennifer Hawksworth
Office & Client Liaison Manager
Jennifer joined PLACE architects Ltd as a part time administrator in 2014. Completion of a BTEC Diploma in Business Administration soon led to promotion to full time Office Manager. Over time, Jennifer has progressed and added Client Liaison Manager and HR Manager to her varied role.
With responsibility for the smooth running of the office, Jennifer’s considered approach and extensive experience in customer service fits well with being our first point of contact for all new enquiries. Jennifer also assists the drawing office in the preparation and submission of planning application documentation.
Outside of work you will find Jennifer swimming, either indoors or outdoors, oil painting, or engrossed in a good book – but not at the same time of course.
Mark Kemp
Director
Mark has been the sole director of PLACE architects Ltd since 2009 and has been involved in construction for 30 years. After working on site in London and attending night school in Hammersmith, he went on to study architecture at South Bank University and graduated in Plymouth.
It is the engagement with so many people that has always been his passion – especially when there’s a knotty problem to unravel. He enjoys being involved with the RIBA and when not working can be found cooking for his family in Exeter, listening to football matches on 5 Live.
Tash Baskerville
Operations Manager
Tash is a leader in local vision as a core member of the local Town Plan Group, Culture & Placeshaping Lead at the Chamber of Commerce, and Chair of the Section 106 Funding Liaison Committee. She works with local authorities to secure funding and development opportunities for public realm projects such as the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund and the SAFER GREENER STREETS project which has just been awarded £125,000 from the Town Vitality and Community Capacity Fund to improve public space in Launceston. She leads the Launceston Town Branding Project and is currently working on an application for an events hub and policy changes to the local town framework to better protect both residential and commercial space.
Tash gets a kick out of seeing a project come together from an initial idea while keeping to budget, deadlines and scope. Alongside work programmes, she provides Principal Designer services and takes an active role in marketing and business development with an eye on the future.
Ben Hardy
Part II Architectural Assistant
Ben embarked on his architectural journey over a decade ago. Having completed his Master’s at Plymouth University in June 2021, he is currently pursuing his Part III at the university while working at PLACE Architects, paving the way for him to become a registered Architect. Originally from Barnstaple, he sees the South West as his home and has a passion for preserving it. Ben harbours a keen interest in software, consistently exploring methods to effectively communicate designs to clients and improve efficiency in the design process.
When not at work Ben can be found exercising in the gym and running. Most commonly however Ben will continue his interest in software by playing computer games!
I get a real sense of involvement working at PLACE, where every member of the team has a vital input to every project and running of the business. I love working for a company where my professional development is encouraged and nurtured in a way that allows me to progress in my own way – Tash
Gemma Loving
Senior Architect
Gemma joined PLACE in the role of Senior Architect in September 2020.
Previously working in the South East and London, Gemma has led projects in the education sector from feasibility to completion, including the new cross laminated timber performing arts extension to Bottisham Village College. Gemma has worked with clients including The Queen’s College, Imperial College, and agritech institution Rothamsted Research, and has experience leading teams, working with listed buildings and in Conservation Areas.
At PLACE Gemma has found it really rewarding working with end-user clients on their own projects, and enjoyed learning about the vernacular architecture, culture and geography of Launceston, Tavistock, Cornwall and Devon.
Gemma’s design approach seeks to create sublime connections between internal spaces and the natural world.
Sue Clark
Finance Administrator
Mike Wellsbury-Nye
Architectural Technologist
Mike has worked in the construction industry for over 20 years, from laying concrete roads in West Sussex, to designing and detailing a vast range of building types and structures, working alongside a wide variety of clients and other building professionals. Having been the ‘designy one’ at a firm of consulting engineers for 20 years, he’s now enjoying the challenge of being the ‘technical one’ amongst a group of such talented architects.
I first started with PLACE when I was in Sixth form for work experience, I then returned whilst studying at university for placement and stayed for the summer.
I’m now very grateful that the practice is able to support me through an apprenticeship, which will see me complete my Master’s degree and then qualify as an Architect. – Niall
Niall Davies-Hale
Part I Architectural Assistant
Niall started at PLACE in 2021 whilst studying at Falmouth University. Now, he is an apprentice at Oxford Brookes completing his Master’s Degree and then qualifying as an Architect on completion of the course.
In his spare time, Niall enjoys paying rugby for his local team, surfing, and just being outside wherever possible!
Molly Kemp
Social Media & Marketing
Molly joined PLACE architecture in June 2018, since then she has coordinated the companies new name, logo and website. Molly has overseen new staff imagery, client testimonials and all the social media sites. PLACE has been the start of Molly’s career in Marketing and has allowed her to grow and learn at pace.
When not at work Molly enjoys travelling and filmmaking.
