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About Us

Better living, by design

What we stand for

We’re on a mission to help everyone live in beautiful, practical homes that have minimal impact on our planet.

Our lives are centred around our homes so why shouldn’t they be designed to maximise your happiness and health?

Who are we?

We love Yorkshire. We live to create.
We are families and communities

We’re active, outdoor people with a passion for architecture. We’re fascinated with the way buildings are made; the nuts and bolts of the process. This vim and curiosity drives us to make Sheffield an even better city in which to live.

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Alan MacDonaldDirector

Alan loves problem-solving and working with clients to generate maximum value by designing beautiful buildings with challenging briefs. He’s a passionate mountain biker and committed skier who even braves Scottish conditions to get his fix.

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Paul TestaDirector

Paul’s vision when he founded HEM was to bring together his passion for sustainability and architecture to create beautiful and practical homes. He’s also a connoisseur of Sheffield’s finest coffee shops.

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Claire TaylorProject Architect

As a graduate of the Centre for Alternative Technology, Claire is passionate about sustainable design. A keen cyclist, Claire puts us to shame with her commitment to cycling everywhere, come rain or shine.

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Kate DuckhamProject Architect

Kate’s passion lies in user-centred design and she looks to create clever, surprising yet delightful spaces. Outside of work she attempts to tick items off her list of DIY tasks, ongoing from her own home renovation. But when that all gets too much you’ll find her practicing yoga or hiking in the Peaks with her family.

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Julie MaxwellProject Architect

Julie has an impeccable eye for detail, having honed construction drawings for buildings across Europe. Julie can always recommend a good book or exhibition thanks to her passion for contemporary design and insight as co-owner of La Biblioteka.

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Anna RoperProject Architect

Anna loves to create excellent homes tailored to the people who live in them. She is also passionate about guiding and supporting our clients through the building process. Outside of work, you’ll find Anna reading or planning her next long-distance walking trail. Her favourite walk so far has been the West Highland Way, and she’d love to complete all of the UK national trails one day.

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Henry McBrienProject Architect

Henry has a passion for sustainability and looks to deliver creative solutions. His experiences studying at the University of Sheffield and in the Netherlands have given him a rich experience of the built environment. 
Away from the office, Henry is a keen traveller and enjoys documenting his experiences through photography. He also enjoys walking in the Peak District and the music scene in Sheffield.

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Liam SeamanArchitectural Technologist

Liam joined the practice in 2017 and has been developing his expertise in sustainable design and detailing since then.
He’s especially interested in retrofitting older buildings to make them warmer and much more sustainable. So much so that he’s now working towards becoming an accredited retrofit coordinator, alongside retrofitting his own home.
When he’s not at work, you’re likely to find Liam either supporting his beloved Leeds United football team, with his head in a book (the older, the better) or watching a film you’ve never heard of at the cinema.

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George RidgewayArchitectural Technologist

George has a Masters in Sustainable Architecture and a keen interest in Passivhaus and retrofit projects, and all the technical challenges that may arise. 

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Yarni ChohanPart I Architectural Assistant

Yarni recently joined the practice as he finishes his masters in architecture. He loves to study and write about architectural theory but in his spare time, he will be found filming mountain biking videos in various places around the UK. 

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Nathan StocksPart II Architectural Assistant

Nathan is currently studying his Masters in Architecture, where his interests in sustainability and landscapes influence his approach to architectural design. Outside of work, Nathan loves visiting new places with friends and family, tending to his woodland terrarium and enjoying a good single malt whisky.

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Steve SmithOffice & Projects Manager

Part II Architectural Assistant
Nathan is currently studying his Masters in Architecture, where his interests in sustainability and landscapes influence his approach to architectural design. Outside of work, Nathan loves visiting new places with friends and family, tending to his woodland terrarium and enjoying a good single malt whisky.

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Jacob Godfrey-HolmesMarketing Manager

Jacob is responsible for our sales and marketing. He wants to make sure all our customers have a brilliant experience with us. Jacob likes to keep up with films, music, sport and culture when he’s not working.

Helping you transform your dream into reality.

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