Oliver Westgarth

Founder & Chartered Architect

BA(Hons), Dip.Arch, PGDipArch

ARB, RIBA

oliver@studi-o.io

As a Chartered Architect and Founder of StudiO Oliver takes a critical role throughout every stage of the design and construction process. Oliver’s infectious enthusiasm for projects inspires both his team and his clients, maximising the potential of any given brief, no matter the scale or budget. His 20+ years of experience in the industry have seen him gain expertise not only in design but technical detailing, project administration and, unusually, also significant hands-on construction experience. Driven by detail and quality, Oliver works closely with clients to understand and respond to each unique brief with innovation and integrity.

Ben Hewlett

Senior Chartered Technologist

BSc(Hons)

MCIAT

ben@studi-o.io

Ben leads the technical team, focussing on the technical aspects of designs and their subsequent construction. With 18 years experience Ben has worked on a variety of projects from contemporary new builds to sensitive restorations, utilising his technical knowledge to bring innovative designs to fruition. Ben works closely with contractors and clients during the construction phase to see projects through to completion, with his professionalism and friendly manner always making him a highly valued and respected member of the construction team.

Amelia Brown

Chartered Architect

BSc(Hons), MArch, PGDipArch

ARB, RIBA

amelia@studi-o.io

As a Chartered Architect Amelia’s project involvement spans presentation of initial concepts, coordination of various works packages, legislative applications, and site and contract administration. Having gained experience on a variety of scales of project Amelia enjoys enhancing clients’ properties through simple and innovative interventions. Her role involves liaising closely with clients and consultants throughout the process and she strives to continue to enhance the level of presentation information supplied to clients in order to bring their projects to life, taking a lead role in producing 3D models and visualisations in house.

Chris Martel

Chartered Architect, Designer & Technologist

BA(Hons), MA, DipArch, PGDipArch

ARB, RIBA, MCIAT, MCSD

chris@studi-o.io

Specialising in interior Architecture Chris is not only a Chartered Interior Designer but also a Chartered Architect and Chartered Architectural Technologist, working in the construction and design industry for 30+ years. Having worked on a number of local and UK based projects, most notably in Guernsey the Red restaurant portfolio, Chris pours creativity and technical knowledge into bringing designs to reality with an unrivalled attention to detail. Chris’s extensive knowledge of local building legislation and planning policy is key in optimising scheme feasibility.

Neil Hipkiss

Senior Architectural Technologist

Building Studies HNC

neil@studi-o.io

Neil is an Architectural Technologist and Designer with over 35 years varied work experience in both private and public sectors, having worked on a diverse range of projects locally and in the UK. Neil’s role within StudiO includes the production of planning drawings, building regulation and large scale detailed technical drawings. He specialises in intricate detailing such as stonework and joinery when aesthetics are as important as a technical solution. Neil is also a long established professional artist in his own right, focusing on the technical subjects of aviation and automotive art.

Natasha Dickinson-Potapkova

Architectural Designer

Specialist Degree in Interior Design

natasha@studi-o.io

Natasha is a qualified Interior & Architectural Designer and works with the team to bring together project concepts through 3D modelling, visualisation and detailed room scheduling, as well as undertaking drafting of concept and planning drawings. Her flair for interior design and skilled 3D modelling enables the production of detailed and interactive models. Through these models, the team works closely with clients to incorporate their vision into the scheme resulting in highly tailored, personal designs. The visualisations Natasha develops are an invaluable tool for communicating ideas to clients, providing a personal and dynamic design process.

Matthew Kerschoff

Trainee Architectural Assistant 

BA(Hons)

matthew@studi-o.io

Matthew is a Part One Architectural Assistant with a love for art and design. Matthew graduated from the University for the Creative Arts in Canterbury in 2021. Now undertaking his second year of experience in practice, Matthew’s role at StudiO involves assisting with developing concepts, drawing schemes for client presentations and planning submissions, and producing detailed drawings and room layouts. He is also gaining valuable experience attending site meetings with the senior team, and broadening his technical knowledge. Matthew’s curiosity and hard working nature as well as his friendly personality make him a joyful junior member of StudiO.

Daria Iwon

Interior Designer

BA(Hons)

daria@studi-o.io

Daria is an Interior Designer and Architectural Assistant, driven by her appreciation for beautiful spaces and design aesthetics. After completing her studies at the Arts University Bournemouth, Daria honed her skills as a textile designer in London before choosing to specialise in interiors. At StudiO, Daria develops interior schemes through detailed research, comprehensive mood and sample boards, and creative collaboration with the team, enabling her to deliver designs of the highest quality. Always eager to deepen her knowledge of architecture and design, Daria regularly assists other team members with their projects and processes.