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 is a founding Partner and then Director of LA architects. Having built the Company her role is now to financially manages it and address all commercial administration together with Mike Lawless. Since stepping down as a Director she has retained her position on the Board as a Financial Consultant to the Company, Company Secretary and retains her shareholder. She brings an astute approach to all matters that relate to business and relationships. Her role extends to managing, with Henrik Akerlund, the operation of Lawless Adams Architects AB in Sweden and a subsidiary Company LA Fit Box. In her spare time, she is a staunch supporter of the Scarlets RFC in Llanelli, a 1st Dan Aikido and a keen sailor, whatever size the boat. In starting the Company with Mike Lawless her sense of adventure has not abated.
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, 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 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.
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.