LIVING WEEK – Meet the Team
This month we’ll be shining the spotlight on our team specialising in residential design… ‘LEP Living’.
LEP’s Living Team delivers all things ‘resi’, from feasibilities and masterplanning of sites and large-scale developments, to boutique developments and conversions, through to bespoke one-off luxury homes. Our clients include private individuals, developers, housing associations, local authorities, and land owners.
Whatever the scheme, our Team’s ethos is centred around the concept of ‘placemaking’:
“A house can never be designed in isolation. It must be seen as part of its immediate and wider setting, and must respond to both. A knowledge of the vernacular, local materials and the scale and feeling of the local area enables a piece of striking modern architecture that responds sympathetically to its site. Placemaking for individual projects is very much about fitting into an existing place as well as creating a new one.” – Sammy Bikoulis, Associate.
To kick-off ‘Living Week’, we would like to introduce you to our team:
Liz Gibney
Partner, Urban Designer, Master Planner
Liz joined LEP in early 2019, joining us from one of our client organisations – national social housing provider Home Group – bringing with her a wealth of experience in designing for communities.
Passionate about the effects architecture can have on people’s lives, Liz believes that as architects we should consider ourselves as advocates of socially responsible design, where wellbeing of individuals and communities alike should be a key design driver.
What my Mum thinks I do: Having lost my mum, I asked my Aunt! She thinks I make site layouts that look very nice, sit on panels (although she has no idea what they actually are!) and loves to tell everyone about my awards
As a kid I wanted to be: Long distance lorry driver
I’m currently reading/watching: The Great British Sewing Bee or Line of Duty (I only read a book when relaxing on holiday!)
My favourite pastime: Spending time in my campervan. Oh, and with my children – preferably on a beach somewhere
Favourite dish: Fish Fingers Sandwiches
If I was an animal, I’d be: A giant tortoise
Sammy Bikoulis:
Associate, Architect
Re-joining the Practice in 2015 (he couldn’t stay away!), Sammy has 15 years’ experience as a qualified architect – much of which has been spent dedicated to residential design. With an extensive portfolio covering interior design, conservation projects, conversions, new build developments and bespoke luxury accommodation, Sammy is highly respected in the residential sector for his creativity and design flair.
What my Mum thinks I do: Sitting in front of a massive drawing board hand-drawing pretty pictures
As a kid I wanted to be: A teacher
I’m currently reading/watching: Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier/Call my agent! on Netflix
My favourite pastime: Spending time with my dog, Vuppe
Favourite dish: Anything Greek apart for okra. I cannot stand okra!
If I was an animal, I’d be: A giant panda
Neil Franklin:
Associate, Architect
With many years architectural experience, Neil forms a key member of the Living Team, where his technical knowledge, expertise, and detailed and meticulous approach know no bounds. He has a particular interest in designing green and sustainable places to live within an urban context, in both new build and alteration schemes.
What my Mum thinks I do: I haven’t seen her for so long – she probably thinks I’m on furlough!
As a kid I wanted to be: A pilot… oh to have dreams!
I’m currently reading/watching: The Sentinel by Lee Child / Designated Survivor on Netflix
My favourite pastime: Sleep!!! With two kids, I haven’t had a ‘pastime’ in 12 years!
Favourite dish: There’s far too many to pick just one… as long as it’s not pasta – can’t stand the stuff
If I was an animal, I’d be: Apparently my kids think I should be a grizzly bear!
Sophie Lamarque:
Architect
Sophie joined the LEP crew back in 2016 as a student, and with the support of the Practice (and despite a global pandemic!) qualified as an architect in late 2020.
Throughout her time at LEP she has gained experience in a wide range of sectors, building upon her knowledge portfolio. She has developed a passion for creating spaces that engage and encourage social well-being, and her forward thinking and infectious enthusiasm ensures that she is a key member of the LEP Living Team.
What my Mum thinks I do: Creating spaces!
As a kid I wanted to be: An artist
I’m currently reading/watching: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig / Your Honor
My favourite pastime: Spending time with friends. And I’m also getting back into running too!
Favourite dish: Fish and chips!
If I was an animal, I’d be: Probably a giraffe
Liam Fish:
RIBA Part II Architectural Assistant
Liam joined the Canterbury Studio in 2018 after completing his Masters Degree in Architecture at the Canterbury School of Architecture. Since joining the Partnership, he has been absorbing practice knowledge by working on various projects across multiple sectors, and has recently joined the Living Team, where he is excited to build upon his experience.
Liam is currently completing his Part 3 studies at the University of Greenwich, with the hopes of qualifying as an Architect in the near future.
What my Mum thinks I do: Magic on computers! She doesn’t quite understand how it transforms from a sketch, to a 3D model, to a built house or school.
As a kid I wanted to be: A vet, but later creative subjects and art took my interest
I’m currently reading/watching: Apart from comics, I have to admit I hardly read! /Currently trying to watch a different film every night, and also re-watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
My favourite pastime: When I can, and when children are not watching Peppa Pig, gaming
Favourite dish: Anything Mexican. It’s hard to choose between chimichanga, tacos, nachos, or burrito
If I was an animal, I’d be: A monkey!
Liam Smith:
RIBA Part II Architectural Assistant
Liam completed his Masters at the Canterbury School of Architecture in 2016, and is currently studying his Part 3 qualifications to become an Architect in the near future.
Since joining the practice, Liam has gained experience within the residential, community, leisure, and Masterplanning sectors and has a keen interest in the impact of architecture on the wider urban and social context, particularly in its integration with infrastructure and cultural regeneration.
What my Mum thinks I do: Design houses!
As a kid I wanted to be: A postman
I’m currently reading/watching: The Bat by Jo Nesbo / Chernobyl
My favourite pastime: Playing football
Favourite dish: Pie and Mash
If I was an animal, I’d be: Hawk
