Architectural Team – the design talent
Mark Powles
Managing Director
My favourite thing is good food.
One day I hope to complete a round of golf in double figures.
From walking through the doors of RRA as a Part 1 student at the age of 21 and becoming a Director at 27, Mark is now the owner and Managing Director of the company. He strives to ensure the ethos of the business is that of Quality, Integrity and Value and, that as an architectural company RRA can be relied upon to deliver good design that is functional, achievable and exceeds expectations.
Out of work Mark is an 1873 season ticket holder at Gloucester Rugby, enjoys skiing, golf and spending time with his young family.
Tom Froggatt
Associate Director
My favourite thing is a weekend without DIY.
One day I hope to have a runner in the Cheltenham Festival.
Tom has worked across a wide range of different sectors including ecclesiastical, retail and community projects whilst maintaining a particular interest in residential and commercial architecture. His diverse portfolio includes overseeing a number of renovation projects for one of the UK’s largest restaurant and public house companies, design and development of an aircraft control tower as well as numerous successful residential remodels and new developments.
Steve Graves
Associate
My favourite thing is rock climbing.
One day I hope to visit Mount Fuji.
Steve joined RRA as a Part II Architectural Assistant after completing his Masters degree in Architecture at The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL.
In professional practice Steve has worked across a variety of sectors both public and private, including work on ecclesiastical, community and residential projects. Passionate about Hereford, Steve was eager to move back following his studies to work on local projects and help shape the city for the future.
Rhys Bennett
Project Designer
My favourite thing is a Saturday afternoon beer.
One day I hope to follow Liverpool FC in their games across Europe.
Rhys Bennett first joined RRA to complete his Part 1 year placement in 2022 to 2023, then returning for Summer work during 2024. He returned again in June 2025 after completing his MArch in Liverpool and graduating with a distinction, The Lionel Stirgess Drawing Award and The Liverpool Architectural Society Student Award (Best MArch Project). In addition he was nominated by his university for, both the RIBA President’s Dissertation and the RIBA Silver Medal (Thesis Design)
Outside of work, Rhys enjoys following Liverpool Football Club (a key driver behind his attendance of Liverpool University). He also relishes returning home to Mid-Wales and the family farm, a welcome break from urban life.
Aidan Lavin
Architectural Assistant
My favourite thing is spending time with my two dogs when at home.
One day I hope to watch Aston Villa win a European trophy.
Having spend the Summer of 2023 working with RRA, Aidan returned to the team to pursue his dream of becoming a qualified Architect by enrolling in the RIBA Architectural Apprenticeship scheme. Aidan graduated with a first class honours degree from the University of Gloucestershire, where he also won both the Technical Brilliance award and the Sustainability award for his project work..
According to Aidan, he chose to be an architect because he, “was interested in the construction industry from a very early age and was always eager to help my father at work. I am looking forward to understanding the industry with RRA and learning as much as I can.”
Aidan is a keen runner and cyclist, joining the annual Birmingham Irish Cycle Appeal to ride over 600 miles in 5 days and raising a lot of money for charities.
Freya Wallace
Part 1 Architectural Assistant
My favourite thing is being active with my dog whilst exploring the countryside.
One day I hope to run a marathon.
Freya joined RRA for her placement year as part of her undergraduate architecture degree at Loughborough University. Originally from the local area, she is keen to gain practical experience and build on the skills developed during her studies.
At RRA, Freya is working on a range of projects across different sectors and has a particular interest in sustainable design within the heritage and conservation context. She’s keen to explore how new developments in conservation areas can balance sustainability with heritage.
Outside of work Freya can be found on the hockey pitch or running and taking long walks with her dog, making the most of the Cotswold countryside. Alongside her active hobbies, Freya enjoys baking, with sourdough bread being her latest project.
Zak Phillimore
Part I Architectural Assistant
My favourite thing is following Coventry City at home and away.
One day I hope to travel in South America.
Administration Team – The ones who keep the wheels on the bus.
Rachel Palmer
Marketing Director
My favourite thing is my family.
One day I hope to live in a finished house.
Following a successful 20 year career in product and graphic design for a number of companies, Rachel made the move to Marketing and co-ordinates RRA’s marketing activities and assists in the day to day running of the business behind the scenes. She recently returned to university to attain a Masters distinction in marketing. When not at work Rachel spends her time juggling her young family, two dogs and a number of house renovations.
Jane Cooke
Group Operations Director
My favourite things are shoes.
One day I hope to take a road trip across the USA on Route 66 with the family !
Having spent 30 years as a manager in the hotel industry, in four and five star hotels – front office, events, reservations and project management, Jane decided it was time to utilise her skills and importantly, attempt to find a way to have a better work/life balance. She brings with her a wealth of customer care, organisation and hopefully just a bit of fun! Jane loves going to the theatre, fine dining and all the lovely things in life and her family are a very special part of her life.
Michelle Bezuidenhout
Administration Coordinator
My favourite thing is holidaying in the sunshine abroad, experiencing new cultures, food, snorkelling and exploring archaeological and historical sites.
One day I hope to visit Machu Picchu in Peru.
Michelle joined the Gloucester office team as Administration Co-ordinator, following a career of 30 years in client services and administration, to support the associates and assist with general administration. Michelle has gained her experience by working in South Africa, UAE, Bahrain and the UK in the financial services, manufacturing, property, information technology and advertising sectors. She brings with her a wealth of administration and organisational skills and aspires to be a valued member of the team. Outside of work Michelle enjoys hiking, baking, reading, lots of cuddles with her cats and the family weekly BBQ.
Joanne Keane
Administration Coordinator
My favourite thing is completing The Sunday Times crossword.
One day I hope to experience the luxury and history of the Orient Express.
Joanne joins the RRA Admin team having gained a wealth of operational and administrative skills, from working in both residential and commercial property firms, large and small, over many years. She has a passion for construction and is keen to build on her industry knowledge and learn more about the creative process and architectural process at RRA Architects.
Outside of work, Joanne is an avid reader, passionate adventurer and likes nothing better than exploring the beautiful Cotswolds – and further afield, finding joy in exploring new countries and cultures.
Bear
Head of Well-Being
My favourite things are meeting new people and going for walks.
One day I hope to be a fully trained therapy dog.
Bear joined RRA in 2019 as a mere pup of just 11 weeks. He is mainly responsible for making people smile and offering cuddles wherever needed. Bear is also particularly good at stealth and can pickpocket a sandwich from a lunchbox almost entirely undetected. Out of work Bear likes to play with his toys and empty tissue boxes.
Consultants – experts in their specialist fields and jolly nice people.
Robert Kilgour
Conservation Architect (consultant)
My favourite thing is going for walks.
Having studied at Birmingham School of Architecture, Robert became a Registered and Chartered Architect in 1992 following successful completion of the SPAB Plunket Scholarship. He developed an interest in historic buildings after a part time placement with Michael Reardon & Associates where he worked on repairs to Hereford Cathedral and Keble College Oxford. Since this time, he has built a strong reputation for conservation repairs and has undertaken works on Grade I, II* and II listed structures as well as Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Robert is currently the inspecting Architect and surveyor of fabric at Hereford, Lichfield and Derby Cathedrals together with several smaller churches and National Trust properties.
Mike Harris
Heritage Consultant
My favourite thing is visiting art galleries and exhibitions
One day I hope my team will win the town’s Pub Quiz League
Having gained a Geography degree, followed by a Master’s in Civic Design, both from Liverpool University, Mike spent 18 years in various Local Planning Authorities in Hertfordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire, mainly as a Conservation Officer. He achieved a further Master’s degree in Historic Building Conservation from Oxford Brookes University. Since 2005 Mike has worked in the private sector on a wide variety of development projects, most involving heritage issues. Heritage Statements and Planning Appeals are the focus of his professional efforts.
Emma Thomas
Financial Controller (consultant)
My favourite thing is counting beans.
Emma is a qualified accountant and has been responsible for RRA management accounts since 2012. Her role has been pivotal in the growth and development of the business. Emma has always loved counting beans and immersing herself in spreadsheets. She loves all things excel. Outside of work Emma enjoys seeing live bands and looking after her extensive menagerie of pets.