Our People and Services
Quality is never an accident, it's always the result of intelligent effort
For 29 years we have been designing and creating buildings and facilities that inspire excellence in sport, or simply joy in people.
The reason for this is simple ... we enjoy what we do and we do it well.
Our practice is still managed and run by the two Founding Directors, Mike and Elizabeth, one of which will always be working with you.
Our Associates, Project Architects, and Architects are allocated specifically to your Project.
Our team can provide Architectural Design, Interior Design, Master planning, Leisure Consultancy, Filtration Engineering, Accessibility Design and Assessment.
Michael David Llewellyn Lawless Director
Mike, who founded LA architects with Elizabeth Adams in 1992, is a highly experienced and motivated architect and interior designer. He works closely with each and every Client to ensure that the designs we produce are to the very highest standards, and sees opportunity in everything, using this to raise the aspirations of those around him.
Dedicated to delivering long term good quality solutions that inspire, he is equally proud of the success of Guildford Spectrum as he is of a small Japanese Tea House in Cardiff.
A specialist and expert in the delivery of sports and leisure, arts and community public buildings, Mike has been an advisor to Sport England and other European Sports Governing bodies and Olympic Authorities. He has also been a tutor at Cardiff College, an ‘RIBA Awards’ judge, and played a key role in the RIBA previously on the board of RIBA Enterprises responsible for NBS and the RIBA board.
Beyond architecture, Mike’s passions embrace Aikido, Japanese culture, sailing…fast, and of course, Welsh rugby!
Elizabeth Adams Commercial Director
Elizabeth, who founded LA architects with Mike Lawless in 1992, is responsible for all the commercial and legal requirements of the company. The operation of all the administration within the Practice comes under her management as well as the financial and contractual control of all Projects.
Sandy Scott Project Director
Since joining LA in 2000, Sandy has been responsible for some of the most innovative and complex projects within the Practice, leading a diverse portfolio covering the sports and leisure, arts, commercial and residential sectors.
He is an experienced and creative architect who is dedicated to producing well considered buildings including Hengrove Park Leisure Centre, The Capitol Theatre and Pancras Square Leisure.
His design skills, sensitive approach and critical practice ensure that creative opportunities are explored fully during design development. Advocating design, coordinating project resourcing and ensuring delivery, Sandy’s calm but authoritative manner make him a confident champion of a good idea, and allow him to keep even the most challenging project on track.
To bike or not to bike: Sandy is a keen mountain cyclist and relishes every opportunity away from the office to ride.
Leigh Pullan Project Director
Leigh, who joined LA architects in 2000, is a vastly experienced architect and team leader, highly focused on the delivery of our buildings.
His understanding of material qualities and attention to detail, coupled with his ability to coordinate project resources and translate good design into a built reality, have seen the successful delivery of some of the largest sports facilities LA has undertaken including the award winning Glass Mill, and Haven Point Leisure Centre.
Leigh, who sits at the forefront of the LA’s BIM delivery programme, champions a thorough understanding of governing body requirements, servicing, construction and fabrication including the detail and specification of elements, materials and fixtures.
All things sport, Leigh’s interests away from the office encompass health and fitness, spin cycling and football.
Lizzie Innemee Senior Designer
Lizzie has worked as an architectural designer for over six years since completing her masters in 2015. She has worked on a wide range of projects from small to large scale residential, interior projects, schools, charity projects and historic buildings. Her focus is on working towards high-quality design and well-crafted spaces which aim to improve people’s lives and everyday experiences. Lizzie has worked for the world’s largest architectural charity, broadening her experience to designing for different climates and cultures. She has a good working knowledge of BIM and enjoys 3D rendering.
Outside of work Lizzie enjoys matte painting, keeping fit, and has recently started kung fu classes
Juan Garcés Senior Designer
Juan has worked as an Architectural Designer for more than 10 years in Colombia, South America. He has worked on a wide range of projects from small to large scale residential, commercial, educational and resorts. In the last five years, he has worked within the UK mainly on residential and commercial projects. He has been focused on working towards obtaining high quality and good balance between the built environment and nature with the aim to improve people’s lives and everyday experiences.
Outside of work Juan enjoys hiking, playing tennis, travelling and walking around towns and cities centres.
Nicole Freeman Architectural Assistant
Nicole has completed two years of her Part I course at Loughborough University and is currently doing her placement year at LA before going back for her fourth year. She is passionate about how architecture can be a driver for improvements to the livelihoods of individuals and communities.
Away from architecture, she enjoys fitness, art/graphics, and socialising in and out of Brighton.
Axel Dykstra Architectural Assistant
Axel graduated as an architect in 2016 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has more than six years of experience specialising in real estate developments. Most of his professional experience has been based in Argentina, but he has worked in both Chile and New Zealand.
Axel enjoys travelling and learning about different cultures and drawing and painting.
Anthony Bernard Practice Manager
Anthony has recently joined the LA team as the new Practice Manager. Anthony will be primarily responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient running of all aspects of the Practice.
Originally from London, Anthony has lived in Brighton for a number of years now. He enjoys spending time with his daughter, working out in the gym, watching his favourite football team play and is looking forward to watching live music once restrictions have lifted.
Carlos Santamaria Architectural Technician
Carlos graduated in Architectural Technician in 1992 from the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain) and graduated in Architectural Design and Technology in June 2021 from Cardiff Metropolitan University (UK). Carlos has considerable experience in large commercial and residential projects in Spain. He has focused on this new stage in his career as an Architectural Technician, working within LA’s research and technology sector, to develop innovative and low carbon designs.
Carlos enjoys his free time with walks in nature, enjoys the architecture of the cities in his travels and, of course, Mediterranean Food.
George Harris Architectural assistant
George is a part 1 architect and studied at the University of Kent School of Architecture. He has recently joined our practice and is lending a hand with the refurbishment of the kitchen in the office and assisting the architects with their projects.
During George's time with LA, he is looking forward to furthering his knowledge across all stages of the RIBA plan of work whilst progressing in his approach to architectural design, both creatively and technically.
For the next five years, Georges aims to be further down his chosen path of becoming a fully qualified architect, working on sports complexes, facilities and stadia.
And outside of work, he enjoys participating in and watching cricket, rugby and football, creating digital illustrations and travelling to new cities.
Peter Joyce Inclusivity Consultant
Since seriously injuring himself in July 1983, Peter has looked at accessibility issues from a different angle. His former role as a Director and peer support worker with Spinal Injuries Scotland (SIS) has provided him with a good understanding of a broad range of physical disabilities.
