About Us
Helen and Luca have worked together since 2007. We formed WH Architects in 2017 with the aim to provide a friendly and bespoke design service reflecting our passion for good architecture. We are an established team of Architects, Technologists and designers offering the full range of RIBA services.
Our work is varied, encompassing small bespoke extensions, full house refurbishment and new build homes. We also have long-term established relationships with developers, delivering housing schemes, apartments and student accommodation refurbishments.
Whilst our base is in Bristol, our work covers much of the south of England from Cornwall to London with projects ranging in value from £100k - £10million.
We have extensive experience in the renovation and alteration of Listed Buildings and regularly work with properties in Conservation Areas delivering considered schemes on sensitive sites.
We are dedicated to providing a personal service: it is our aim to build close relationships with our clients and deliver a flexible and bespoke service tailored to each project. This ensures that every project receives the care and attention required to deliver the best results. We have good relationships with local consultants enabling us to build a team appropriate for your project.
Helen and Luca were both Associates at Woodward Architectural Practice until 2017 when, upon the retirement of Brian Woodward, they formed WH Architects, moving the practice and staff to our beautiful studio in Kingsdown.
Please give us a call- we’d be delighted to welcome you to our studio and chat about your projects.
Luca Maldacea
Director BSC (HONS) CIAT
Since graduating with a degree in Architectural Technology and Design in 2007 Luca has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience over a broad range of projects from sensitive listed building alterations to high rise apartments.
His specialism lies with the creative aspect of the design process ensuring a meticulous approach to projects and their appearance, working through difficult design solutions to optimise each sites full potential.
Luca has a passion for innovative and environmentally conscious design delivering buildable and viable solutions. He believes that architecture should be exciting and push the boundaries without comprising cost or buildability.
In addition to architecture, Luca is a keen golfer and enjoys keeping fit, playing football and spending time with his young family.
Helen Page
Director BSc(Hons), BArch, RIBA
Helen has been a practicing Chartered Architect for over 20 years having graduated from Cardiff University in 2000.
Helen’s experience is widespread but her particular area of interest lies with the reuse and renovation of existing buildings, both modern and heritage. Helen loves the challenge of a complex building renovation and her flair for space planning and creative solutions ensures that maximum value is achieved for the client. Uncovering the history and evolution of a site or building and using that to inform design is her passion.
Outside of the office Helen loves to take long walks with the family and Benji the office dog, she also sings with her local community choir.
Eglė Stuart
Senior Architectural Designer
Egle graduated from the University of the West of England with a degree in BA(Hons) Architecture & Planning and joined WH Architects in 2017.
Egle’s expertise lies in residential architecture, having worked on projects of various scales. She has a creative and enthusiastic approach to design challenges with aspiration for contemporary architecture that embodies a healthy, sustainable, and elegant environment for future generations.
Aside from architecture, Egle is a keen gardener and a dancer, with a particular interest in dances of the African diaspora.
Howard Brown
Technical Coordinator
Howard joined WH Architects in July 2023 as an Architectural Technician, bringing a unique blend of educational and practical experience to the team.
Howard thrives in translating creative visions into detailed, buildable designs. His commitment lies in bridging the gap between design and construction, delivering innovative and functional solutions. Howard has worked on a variety of projects throughout Bristol, London and the Isle of Wight and has a growing wealth of knowledge in the high-end residential sector.
In his free time, Howard is also passionate about photography, surfing and long distance running.
Molly Cummins
Architectural Assistant
Molly joined WH Architects in September 2024 as a Part I Architectural Assistant. After graduating from Loughborough University, she gained experience as an Architectural Assistant in St Ives, Cornwall, where she worked on a diverse range of projects, including master planning, commercial developments, and council projects.
Having recently returned from her travels, Molly has begun her master’s in architecture at Cardiff University, with the first year based in practice.
In her spare time she enjoys playing hockey, photography, and art.
Amber Knowles
Office Manager
Amber joined WH Architects in 2023 as the Office Manager. Amber is the first point of contact for all enquiries and is involved in developing our internal systems and marketing. Amber has experience in business and project administration and graphics support and has a particular interest in tasks that allow her to be creative.
Amber also works as a pyrography artist and enjoys depicting nature in her work.
Benji
Head of Distractions
In Benji’s spare time he likes to run around chasing anything that moves and have his tummy rubbed.
Questions often asked
Whilst every project and client is different, we find that certain questions and concerns appear often. To help you, we have provided answers and links to more detailed information:
What can I expect after the initial site visit?
We would usually digest your thoughts and aspirations providing you with our initial feedback highlighting any potential job specific hurdles along with an itemised fee proposal and breakdown of the process to deliver the brief.
What is the architectural process?
The full architectural process spans from initial concept ideas right the way through to managing the build and signing off the project upon completion. Refer to our process page for the architectural stages broken down.
What is the typical timeline for a project from start to finish?
Although each project differs depending on it’s complexity and scale we can usually expect to come back with initial sketch design ideas within the first month. Planning and detailed design can take anywhere between 4-8 months with separate allocation for obtaining any statutory approvals.
How many design options can I expect?
For a domestic project we usually seek to provide 3 options although our efficiency in this process relies on our experience and ability to interpret your requirements.
Will I get an opportunity to give my design input?
Very much so! We work as closely with the client as they wish. Your thoughts and ideas are as important and valuable as our experience so working together helps to achieve and deliver your dream.
How much will it cost?
We calculate our fee proposals primarily on the time we anticipate the brief will take to deliver. Initial sketch designs for small domestic work can start as low as £750 however for larger projects our fees typically range from 5-15% of the build cost. As projects become more complicated we offer different levels of service and associated costs.
Can you recommend other consultants and builders throughout the process?
We have trusted group of consultants we work with on a nationwide basis at your disposal. We can consult with and coordinate their input in to a considered and buildable architectural design solution.
I’ve already got planning permission, can you take on the project going forward?
Yes, we may need to carry out design or detailed appraisals to verify the design and that it meets current standards but are able to pick up a project at any point throughout the design, planning and detailed design phases.
Which local planning authorities do you have experience working with?
Being Bristol based our design team have the most experience working with Local Planning Authorities in the South West however we have worked and regularly work with Authorities around the country.
Why should we choose WH Architects?
We are a passionate and conscientious team that offer a personal and tailored service.
Collectively we have experience in working in a vast majority of scales and sectors but take great pride in the delivery of each project regardless of its size. Whilst we have the ability to draw on our experience we endeavour to listen and understand our clients thoughts and aspirations to be able to deliver their dream.
