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A2 is guided by a singular purpose: to create spaces that are functional, contextual and sustainable; in essence, architecture of true and lasting value.

ABOUT

ETHOS

BE
BOLD

THE TEAM

The
Team

James
Hughes

James is our founding Director and is as passionate and committed as they come.

James first started out in life as a carpenter before studying architecture at Birmingham City University and furthering his studies with an Msc in Construction Project Management from the University of Birmingham, and a Pg Dip and MA in Urban Design from Oxford Brookes.

James possesses a unique set of skills and experience making him equally comfortable in construction, as he is design. This depth of industry understanding gave James the ability to challenge convention and create A2's design service in 2017.

James has an unwavering commitment to his profession, and is motivated by creating meaningful, lasting architectural legacy alongside delivering a positive customer experience to all of his clients.

Ryan
Gormley

Ryan is Lead Architect at A2. He holds a PgDip and M Arch from Birmingham City University and a BA from Oxford Brookes. During his Master’s studies, he obtained two RIBA President’s medal nominations.

Ryan has gained experience across a range of fields including residential, commercial, and, higher education; across projects up to £60 million. Ryan became a Chartered Architect and member of the Architects Registration Board in 2020.

Dion
Barrett

Dion is a chartered Architect at A2. He has experience in both design and delivery of Residential, Commercial and Higher Educational projects up to £60 Million and became a Chartered Architect and member of the Architects Registration Board in 2019.

Dion holds a BA and MArch from Liverpool John Moore’s University and PgDip from the Royal Institute of British Architects. He is also the Founder of Studio 50two, an Architecture Filmmaking Studio - using film to document the stories behind the built environment. Outside of the office, he is also an active member of the Birmingham Architectural Association, regularly organising events to increase collaboration and knowledge within the sector.

Dave
Baldock

Dave is a Part III Architectural Assistant at A2 and Studio Assistant to the Foundation Year Architecture course at Birmingham City University. He holds an MArch from Birmingham City University and a BA from Central Saint Martins, London. His M Arch thesis was nominated for the inaugural AJ Student Award 2018, and since then he has been involved in various architectural delineation competitions and journal entries.

He has professional experience in both residential and education sectors.

Nikos
Nempis

Nikos Joined A2 in 2019 as a Part II Architectural Assistant, having acquired his MArch degree from Robert Gordon University of Aberdeen. His third-year project was shortlisted for the Rob Hunter Award, and he has been involved in numerous exhibitions around Scotland such as the RIAS Convention and Architecture Fringe 2019.

Nikos has particular experience in sustainable residential and commercial developments. He is equally passionate about architecture as interior design and leads the practice with his model-making and Revit proficiencies.

Aimee
Hughes

Aimee has been with the practice since its conception, her high organisational levels and administration skills are what keep the practice running.

Aimee is responsible for managing the day to day operations of the business ensuring a continuous and uninterrupted crossover between both design, and build facets.

Aimee is passionate about marketing and increasing the company’s exposure through social media.

Colin
Hughes

He may look like a small lion, but he couldn’t be further from it. Colin is a Chow Chow, and despite their ‘aggressive’ stereotype, Colin is one of the most passive dogs you could ever meet, spending most of his nine till five fast asleep in the centre of the office.