Simon Knight Architects are an RIBA Chartered Practice established in the heart of historic St. Albans. We offer the full architectural service along with Passive House consultancy and are here to help guide clients through any project from start to finish. We work in a range of sectors and at different scales but treat every project with the same level of care and attention.
We are passionate about high quality contemporary design and approach every project with a fresh perspective; seeking to fulfil the design brief, whilst being sensitive to the context and our environment. Our designs are contemporary in nature but often inspired by the traditional vernacular forms and materials we find at our sites.
Architecture is a team effort and we work with local trusted consultants, who we bring on board at the appropriate stages of the project. We also have a talented team in the practice who help guide our various projects through every work stage and engage and liaise with all parties throughout the process.
Simon has over 15 years’ experience as a qualified architect with a renowned track-record in both design and supervision of development projects. He has led multi-disciplinary teams working with a diverse range of stakeholders to deliver both small and large-scale projects in Hertfordshire, as well as UK wide. He specialises in conservation related architecture that responds appropriately to context, protects history and optimises opportunities for engagement with the local population and the natural environment. Simon previously worked at the highly-regarded London practices of Allies and Morrison and Hopkins Architects.
Simon is an active committee member and past chair of the RIBA branch, the Hertfordshire Association of Architects (HAA). Simon also teaches at the University of Hertfordshire and is a certified Passive House Consultant.
Emma Ellson is an Associate Architect and specialist in domestic and conservation architecture, with almost 20 years of extensive experience across all RIBA work stages.
Having started her career within a large commercial practice, for the last decade, Emma has subsequently run a successful practice, focusing on a high-end residential portfolio, bringing contemporary design to traditional properties, as well as designing one-off, new build bespoke homes for high end clients.
She has built a strong reputation for exceptional client care and the successful delivery of projects across both Scotland and the Home Counties. Emma’s considered approach and attention to detail have earned her a high number of client referrals and repeat commissions, reflecting the trust and satisfaction of those she works with.
Emma joined Simon Knight Architects with a passion to re-connect with a team of like-minded architects and to bring her experience in the level of care and attention to detail required to successfully deliver a range of project sectors collaboratively.
Emma has previously been a board member of Women in Property, a university guest critic, and enjoys networking and the business development side of running a small but busy architectural practice.
Faith is an Associate Architect with experience across all RIBA work stages, taking projects from feasibility to completion on a range of project scales. Her meticulous eye for detail brings a robustness to the designs and ultimately the construction and she is an excellent collaborator within the design team and on site with contractors – helping solve problems when required to get the best results from each project.
With a strong technical background and extensive experience working with listed buildings and in the context of conservation areas, Faith has helped deliver high quality projects within the office, from individual bespoke houses to sensitive community projects involving numerous consultants and stakeholders. Her organisational skills, attention to detail and excellent communication skills ensures projects are well managed to ensure a smooth process from conception to completion.
Since completing her Masters in Architecture with Distinction from the University of Edinburgh after gaining a First Class Honours from the University of Liverpool, she has worked predominantly with heritage buildings, proposing new interventions to update and improve the existing throughout the UK. Within the historic environment of St Albans, Faith has brought this experience and passion to key listed buildings within the city and is helping to sensitively transform them whilst maintaining their longevity.
Kayah is a fully qualified architect having graduated from University of Kent in her undergraduate degree and University of Lincoln for her masters, in which she gained a Merit. Kayah is excellent at producing high quality drawn information, along with reports and presentations. She is adept at communicating key design information to different stakeholders, paying great attention to detail and produces accurate and precise work, ensuring a smooth project. Kayah is fully BIM trained and will help produce models of each project for use at every work stage.
Kayah has worked on a variety of small and medium-scale Local Authority projects in Hertfordshire, mainly focused on schools, residential accommodation and associated facilities. She has facilitated in the production of planning drawings with the supported documentation, attended meetings with external consultants and Local Authority Clients as well as helping coordinate projects and overseeing the production of concept design drawings through to tender packages. Kayah has excellent experience delivering projects on site and helping contractors with queries and specifications.
Pearl studied for her undergraduate degrees in India and proceeded to complete her masters of Architecture from University of Hertfordshire, where she gained distinction for her social housing thesis project. She has since passed her RIBA Part 3 Professional certification at UCL.
Pearl has previous experience in interior design practice and has brought that knowledge to her role as a senior architectural assistant. She is very adept at BIM and delivering both 3D visualisations and technical construction packs from the building models. Her technical expertise brings a thoroughness to the building control packs issued for tender and construction purposes.
Pearl brings good organisational skills to the office and enables the smooth and efficient running of projects. She has overseen many projects on site and acted as contract administrator; helping with contractor queries and interim payment certification.
A First-Class Honours BA Architecture graduate from the University of Plymouth, Oscar is a creative and driven aspiring architect with a strong passion for thoughtful, narrative-led design. With a background in Art, Design Technology and Geography, Oscar brings both artistic sensibility and analytical insight to architectural challenges.
Oscar has a sharp eye for detail and visual storytelling, taking pride in curating clear, compelling outputs that communicate a project’s essence. Adaptable and self-motivated, Oscar thrives both independently and within collaborative teams. Having lived in Hong Kong for three years, his approach to design comes with a global, culturally aware perspective; always open to new influences.
Tilly is the practice’s part-time Office Coordinator, providing administrative support that helps the practice run smoothly and allows the architectural team to focus on their projects.
With previous experience in Interior Design practice and magazine publishing, she brings an organised and proactive approach to a wide range of tasks, from booking SKA external CPDs to project administration and day-to-day office coordination.
She also assists with work experience placements, drafts project content for the practice’s website, and supports sustainability initiatives within the practice.
Tilly is valued for her clear communication, collaborative approach and willingness to support the team wherever needed.
We are passionate about creating sustainable architecture and are keen to engage our clients in understanding what we can achieve with their specific project. Every project has opportunities to be more responsible towards our environment, from sourcing of materials through to insulating more and renewable energy sources. We are working on numerous Passive House standard projects from retrofit schemes through to low energy new build houses. We are familiar with coordinating MVHR, heat pumps and solar panels, all of which feature in many of our projects.
We live to craft stunning architecture, and design unique and inspiring projects that elevate lifestyles to create meaningful experiences.
