Our People and Services
Quality is never an accident, it's always the result of intelligent effort
For 30 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!
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.
Andrew Archibald Associate
Andrew is an experienced and practical architect, who is dedicated to producing good and well considered buildings. Familiar with both Traditional and Design & Build procurement, he has been responsible for some of the most complex projects within the practice.
Technically astute and an expert in the construction of pools and sports buildings he has also taken on the mantle of Client Design Advisor and Principal Designer for some of our projects.
His all-round experience and commitment to delivery adds value to any team that he operates within.
An avid angler, Andrew enjoys the great outdoors. In his spare time he can often be found on camping expeditions, as the Leader of a local Scout Troop.
Katie Winter Associate
Katie, a self-motivated and creative architect, brings a wealth of experience in leisure and residential design, commercial projects, and master planning. Her extensive involvement in project management and on-site experience, coupled with her fervour for sports - especially swimming, where she thrives both as a coach and a competitor - has cultivated a deep understanding of the importance of sports and its accessibility to all through well-planned design.
With excellent communication skills and a confident approach, Katie excels in connecting with clients and design teams. She consistently applies her strong technical abilities to all her projects and assumes a central role in shaping the office's approach to BREEAM compliance and BIM integration.
Elizabeth Adams Company Secretary
Elizabeth, who founded LA architects with Mike Lawless in 1992, has resigned as a Director and takes on the Company Secretary role.
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.
