About Us

MH Architects are a multi award winning practice, formed as Miller-Hughes Associates in 1986. Following a management buyout in 2008 we rebranded as MH Architects. We are based in Chichester and work across the south and east of England.

We pride ourselves on our excellent client relationships, as illustrated by our high percentage of repeat clients. We will continue to build on this and forge strong relationships with new clients, ensuring that the design process is one in which all members of the team work together in a cohesive and collaborative way.

The Practice incorporates architectural and masterplanning skills and can draw upon specialist planning advice which provides a robustness and breadth to our design approach. We offer services throughout the RIBA Plan of Work, with clients free to define the scope of the work they engage us on.

Our portfolio of work is diverse, encompassing housing, educational, cultural, industrial, commercial, sports and retail projects within local and regional areas. Our regular clients include housing associations, national house builders and public bodies such as West Sussex County Council and Surrey County Council.

At MH Architects we strive to continuously improve the way we practice architecture, by professional training, post project evaluation, client feedback and consistently measuring ourselves against best practice.

We try to create a positive working environment where staff feel valued and assisted in achieving their goals and aspirations. Our team has a wide variety of specialisms and expertise developed over many years of construction industry experience.

Client list

Aitchison Developments
Adur District Council
Arun District Council
Bargate Homes
Brighton Hospital
Brighton & Hove Council
Chichester District Council
Chichester Festival Theatre Trust
Clarion
Drew Smith
Eastbourne Borough Council
Eastleigh Borough Council
Elberry Properties
Elizabeth Fitzroy Support
Guinness Partnership
Guildford Borough Council
Hamlet Homes
Hargreaves
Hastoe Housing Group
Hazeley Developments
Hill Partnership
Hyde
Kier
Kingsbridge Estates
Livability
Mole Valley District Council
Natures Way Foods
New Forest District Council
Notting Hill Genesis
Optivo
Origin Housing Group
Pallant Homes
Portsmouth City Council
Radian Group
Raven Housing Group
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council
Rother District Council
RSPCA
Saxon Weald Housing Association
Southampton City Council
Sovereign Housing Association
Stonewater
St Richards
Surrey County Council
Sunley Group
Synergy Housing Group
Tandridge District Council
University of Chichester
University of Portsmouth
Vail Williams
Vivid Homes
Wates
Wealden District Council
West Sussex County Council
Winchester District Council
Worthing Homes
Worthing Hospital

 

 

Harry Groucott

Managing Director

BA (Hons) Arch, Dip Arch, RIBA, ARB

Harry’s primary role within the business is to act as catalyst and driver of change, to enhance quality, be this design, sustainability, finance or technical competency. He has delivered the highest quality design service on many projects across the South of England and strongly believes in the merits of true Teamwork, where the sum-of-the-parts exceeds the ability of the individual. Harry has a positive and pragmatic approach and is happy to engage at all stages of a project, to push for quality with a light touch, and add value where it is most needed. He does not believe in a ‘House-style’ but does believe in a solution led by a clarity within the brief; having at first listened to the client, a full comprehension of the site through analysis, and a proactive and well considered resolution which bring delight and exceeds expectation.

Nat King-Smith

Director

BA (Hons) Arch, Dip Arch, MA Professional Practice

Nat initially joined MHA as a student architect, where he qualified as an Architect and went on to join the board of Directors in 2015. Nat has successfully led project teams on a number of projects including PassivHaus development at Standings Court, Horsham; affordable housing on Rural Exception Sites for Hastoe and Hyde; concept design and planning submissions on complex urban sites in London, Southgate and New Barnet; led masterplan team on Merstham and heavily involved in Preston and DeBurgh. Nat is an excellent architect and an effective team leader. His delivery of numerous affordable housing designs demonstrates his extensive knowledge of National Space Standards, Lifetime Homes and London Housing Design Guide, as well as low energy design and PassivHaus.

Ruth Thompson

Financial Controller & Company Secretary 

Fellow Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians

Ruth joined the industry in 2016 as Financial Controller and quickly landed the role of Company Secretary. After an extensive career in London within the oil and diamond industry, Ruth moved to Sussex in 2009 to run her own business. Ruth is skilled in all aspects of financial management and is used to driving businesses forward. When she is not busy with the finance, she also looks after the companies IT needs and HR.

Ruby Groucott

QMS Administrator

 

Ruby joined MH Architects as an Administrator in 2018. She works part-time hours on an ad-hoc basis, whilst studying to be a Music Teacher. Ruby has experience working as an Administrator, Receptionist, Personal Assistant and Project Administrator for MHA. She is primarily involved with the company’s Quality Management System, providing support to the Quality Manager and additional members of the team. Her keen eye for detail enables her to complete tasks efficiently and effectively. Ruby is a hard-working, valued member of the team.

Kelly Male

Project Assistant and H&S Administrator 

HNC Construction & Built Environment

Kelly has worked for MH Architects since 2016 as a project & health and safety assistant, providing support to the directors and associates with various tasks. Kelly is a valued member of the team who has experience within the construction industry, currently studying for her MSc in Construction Project Management. Kelly is self-driven and enthusiastic, showing strong ability to work within tight deadlines, with fantastic team working and communication skills. Kelly is largely involved with the company’s Health and Safety matters and Quality Management System. She completes a variety of quality assurance tasks and responsibilities on a day-to-day basis, providing support to the quality manager and additional members of the team. Kelly is polite, friendly and approachable.

Amanda Matthew

Receptionist 

Amanda joined MH Architects in 2020 as Receptionist. Amanda covers a variety of administrative tasks, working closely with the Financial Controller. She is friendly, approachable and polite with fantastic communication skills.

Chris Purdy

Associate

B Arch

Chris is an excellent architect using both AutoCAD and SketchUp. He is supported by a wide knowledge of building techniques and an analytical approach to problem solving. His excellent communication and organisational skills ensure he is a valuable member of the team. Chris has extensive experience of working with local authorities and understands the processes involved. He has delivered a number of highly successful projects including: the demolition of existing dwellings and construction of 30 units at Rosemay Court, Horley. Refurbishment and extension of the Buttermarket, an existing Grade II* listed two storey building in the centre of Chichester. The redevelopment of the Hinton Hotel and Limes public house with mixed use scheme including 50 bed care home and 32 mixed tenure dwellings at Catisfield Lane in Fareham.

Hywel Davis

Associate

MCIAT

Hywel is an ambitious Chartered Architectural Technologist with experience of numerous project types in the industry. As a proud member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, he focuses on providing a high level of working documentation and aims to improve standards to align with the ongoing challenges of the built environment. Joining MH Architects as a Senior Technologist in 2020, he has progressed to Associate level through his desire to lead projects in a collaborative and pro-active manner to engage all design team members, from inception to completion and meeting end user requirements. He believes in continual development and sharing knowledge to help improve himself and support colleagues to overcome environmental, regulatory and economic pressures. Outside of MH he has an involvement with CIAT, including the South East regional committee and reviewing practice documentation standards.

Jonathan Moore

Associate

BA (Hons) Arch, Dip Arch

Jonathan is driven by his passion for design excellence and believes that every line laid should have meaning and purpose. Working both overseas and in the UK, across many sectors of architectural design, Jon has developed a keen eye and passion for residential developments in particular. Jon is an experienced and organised team member with fantastic design and technical skills. He is both ARB and RIBA registered and currently sits on Winchester and Eastleigh Design Panel Review.

Katharine McNamara

Associate

Quality Manager 

BA (Hons) Arch, Dip Arch, MA Arch

Since joining the practice, Katharine has been involved in a range of education / public sector work and is a key member of MHA’s Schools team. Katherine works directly with clients, consultants and statutory authorities throughout the RIBA work stages A-L. Katharine has been actively involved in school new builds and refurbishments, where her design responsibilities include all relevant activities. Katharine is good at problem solving and finding new and creative ways to achieve the aims of the project, whilst also complying with relevant issues and statutory matters. As a motivated and talented designer, dedicated to providing quality and performance, Katharine makes a positive impact on projects and on the way in which they are managed within the office. Katharine also has the role of Quality Manager within the practice and has been key in the development and implementation of the Quality Management Systems which strives to provide a competent, reliable high quality service to our clients.

Maria Wright

Associate

 

Maria joined MH Architects after working for 12 years in a prestigious, award winning practice in London. She is a valued and experienced member of the team with a keen eye for detail. She is passionate about the environment and believes in achieving design excellence through close collaboration with the client, design team and contractor. Maria is involved in various projects covering a wide range of sectors including retail, commercial and residential developments. She recently progressed to be one of MH's Associates.

Paul Vincent

Associate

Paul is a reliable Senior Architectural Technologist and a motivated team member with excellent personal organisation skills. He is adept at using the latest AutoCAD design package, takes pride in all aspects of his work and excels at solving design and detailing problems. Pauls’ experience in the housing sector has contributed to a number of our schemes recently being recognised by the LABC South East Building Excellence Awards, Sussex Heritage Trust, and Property & Construction Awards. This makes him an invaluable member of the team.

Anthony Hoskins

Architect/BIM Co-ordinator

BA (Hons) Arch, MArch, DipArch, ARB

 

Anthony has recently qualified as an architect and has been involved in a variety of work throughout his time at MHA. Recently, Anthony took a leading role in the development of 63 houses in Battle, for Optivo, through the planning and construction stages. A scheme providing 16 assisted living flats and a development of two houses are currently being constructed for Fareham Borough Council, with Anthony working as Project Lead. Anthony is confident in working with a brief and meeting deadlines, and is an organised team member. He is fluent in digital design media, including Revit, AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Anthony has taken the leading role in implementing standard procedures into the use of Revit within the company, ensuring BIM compliance and working towards accreditation. Using his experience of software and systems management from his time working in Local Government, he has developed training programs to ensure consistency and efficiency across the company.

Elena Andrade Blazques

Architectural Technologist

M. Architectural Technology

MSc. Building Information Management

Elena joined MH Architects in November 2016 as a trainee Technologist after completing her Degree at Granada University in Spain. Elena is experienced in using AutoCAD (2D and 3D) and SketchUp. Elena is a motivated team member, has excellent personal organisation skills and takes pride in all aspects of her work. While working at MHA, Elena has been involved in a variety of work including Baroona, a new residential development in Romsey.

James Kilhams

Architectural Assistant

BA (Hons) Architecture & MArch

James joined MH Architects in November 2016 as an Architectural Assistant shortly after finishing his Part 1 Degree at Bournemouth Arts University. He is fluent in using both AutoCAD and SketchUp. His communication and organisational skills ensure he is a valuable member of the team. He is now a qualified Part 2 and hopes to do his Part 3 in the near future.

Martin Downes

Architectural Assistant

Martin joined MHA in 2019 after spending a year managing the renovation of his own property, a 19th century Stores House in Walberton. Martin is committed to building conservation, heritage and cultural projects. Martin believes that preparation and research are the most paramount factors which make architecture successful. Martin also believes that architecture must work in harmony with it's surrounding environment, and should be sincere with it's use of materials. Martin is a hardworking, polite and dedicated member of the team. He has fantastic time management and organisation skills, and is friendly and approachable.

Naomi Purdy

Architectural Assistant

Naomi first joined the practice 14 years ago. She left the practice for 5 years to develop her management and detailing skills for a major global retail company in central London. Since then she has re joined the practice and we are very pleased to have her back. Naomi is a optimistic, personable and self driven member of the workplace. Naomi has a good understanding of different software, including AutoCAD, Sketchup, InDesign, Photoshop, Vectorworks and Cinema 4D.

Tim Millard

Architectural Assistant 

BA (Hons) Arch 1st Class

Tim has been with MH architects assisting design since 2012 working on a variety of projects including private / affordable housing as well as educational, medical and commercial projects. Tim is a highly motivated and committed professional producing high quality work in Auto CAD, Revit, InDesign and SketchUp Pro. Tim has a talent in depicting visions in graphic form whilst working to deadlines. Tim creates many of the presentational images for planning and marketing as well as consultation events.

Yvonne Mazurczak

Architectural Assistant 

MSc. Arch

Working for various architectural firms, Yvonne is an experienced Architectural Assistant, having been involved in a variety of projects from small high-end domestic, to large office, hospital and school refurbishment projects. Yvonne joined MH Architects in 2017, shortly after having completed her Master's Degree at the Bauhaus-University Weimar (Germany). Her experience in various work-stages, including concept design through to technical design, allows her to assist where needed with challenging projects.

Jake Lucas

Architectural Assistant 

BA (Hons) Arch, MArch

Jake re-joined the practice in the summer of 2022, having completed his part 2 qualification at Portsmouth University. Prior to studying architecture, Jake gained experience working in IT and graphic design, operating across a range of sectors with clients including multinational banks and media corporations. He is passionate about improving architectural practice through the use of technology, for example BIM, VR and intelligent system design to both improve operational efficiency and address the performance gap. Outside of architecture interests include travel, sport and photography.

Christina Vakarelova

Architectural Assistant 

BA(Hons) Interior Architecture

MArch Architecture (Part II)

Christina has extensive knowledge in the residential sector. She has worked through all RIBA stages on projects ranging from small scale bespoke residential schemes for private individuals, up to large scale residential and mixed use developments for commercial developers and housing associations. Christina has prior experience specialising in the delivery of highly energy efficient sustainable dwellings, working with specialist consultants and contractors. For the past 4 years, she’s been developing her Revit and BIM Coordination expertise, whilst working alongside other consultants delivering integrated BIM Level 2 Projects for large developments in London.

Alex Eastwood

Architectural Apprentice

Alex is on a degree apprenticeship, spending four days a week in the office and one day on study release at the University of Portsmouth. After completing a HND in Engineering (General) at Chichester College in 2019, Alex took time out to decide on his career path. Aside from working as a Kitchen Assistant, he gained work experience with an Architectural practice in Chichester and followed a bespoke development project carried out by Phoenix Design & Build, which he used as the basis for his portfolio. In addition to his technical background, Alex has a natural interest in design. Despite not having access to industry standard software prior to joining MHA, he taught himself to produce architectural visualisations with the software 'Blender', with the aid of online video tutorials. With an aptitude for learning, Alex can develop his existing knowledge and transfer his CAD skills to industry standard software, allowing him to get involved with projects in the company.

Chris Dennis

Architectural Technologist

Chris has recently joined MHA after completing his degree in Architectural Technology at the University of Westminster. We are looking forward to him being involved in the wide variety of work we have at MHA. Welcome to the team!