bristol | devon | Dorset
We are a passionate team with wide-ranging skills and experience. We have a shared set of values and work with like-minded clients who care about people and the planet.
We do wear shoes to work, but we want to tread lightly on the Earth – and this is key to our ethos.
Barefoot Architects is a collaborative team of architects, designers and creative thinkers working across our studios in Bristol, Totnes and Dorchester. We’re passionate about creating thoughtful, sustainable architecture and building strong relationships with our clients, communities and collaborators.
Our team brings together wide-ranging experience across housing, community projects, bespoke homes and retrofit, united by a shared belief in practical, well-crafted design that improves everyday life and transforms the way people live to create a deep feeling of belonging.
We welcome visitors to our studios; please get in touch to arrange a time to visit.
meet the team
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founding directorSam leads on a wide variety of projects, with extensive experience in community-led projects. His interest and experience is in sustainable, low-energy, low impact architecture.
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technical directorRob joined Sam at the practice as a co-director in 2016, bringing a wealth of experience in the design of housing, technical delivery, and practice management. His particular interests are in craft and construction.
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associate architectJess joined the practice in 2016 following her Masters degree. She has a passion for the politics of social architecture, and a rigorous attention to technical detail.
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project architectMaria joined the practice in 2020. She is interested in what regenerative design can mean for the environment and the community. She is a qualified architect with 9 years of experience in architectural practices. Maria is also a certified Passivhaus designer.
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architectural assistantAshley joined the practice in 2024. A talented designer, with a multidisciplinary background, Ashley has made a great start within the practice.
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associate architect
Martina joined the practice in 2017 after previously working with director Rob Hankey. She has worked on projects such as the multi RIBA Award winning Corten House in Bristol.
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architectural assistantJulian joined the practice in 2022 as an experienced architectural assistant with professionally developed design and technical skills from his years of experience in practice.
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project architectWill joined the practice in 2023. He is a highly motivated Masters graduate, whose passion lies in creating spaces that have a positive impact on peoples’ lives.
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associate architectDavid joined the practice in 2019. He is a passionate advocate of social and environmental justice and has a keen interest in sustainable construction. He has more than 13 years experience working in architectural practice.
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practice development managerKatie joined the practice in 2025 as Practice Development Manager. She supports the team in operations and systems, fostering sustainable growth, and creating an organised environment for the creative team. She also leads development on the Cabin side of the business.
who we support
As a practice we are proud to be affiliated with like minded organisations who are passionate about creating a better world.
We are a RIBA Chartered Practice which means we have rigorous systems in place to ensure design excellence, and are registered with our professional regulatory body the ARB whose code of conduct we follow.
In our search for continuous learning and improvement we support the Green Register, who provide us with environmentally focussed continuous professional development, as well as Timber Development UK whose research allows us to develop expertise in timber Frame construction methodologies.
As a practice that specialise in Cohousing projects we support the UK Cohousing Network, and Community Land Trust Network - both of whom support many of our amazing clients.
We are a Living Wage Employer (we don’t forget the cleaners).
