Jake White - Director

Jake White became a director of Ecotecture in 2005. His experience gained in multiple practises, and multiple disciplines, provides a good overall understanding of technical and design solutions. Jake is qualified in Ecohomes, Code for sustainable homes, BREEAM communities & Passvihaus competent persons scheme run by the AECB.

Dedicated to promoting green issues at every opportunity, Jake runs the AECB south-east group and regularly contributes to the Mid Sussex Design Panel. "Our own work is an important part of the way we promote low carbon architecture, but getting involved with local schemes such as the Brighton Eco Open House helps reach everyday people," he says.

Joanna Saady – Director

Joanna Saady qualified as an Architect in 1995, joining the RIBA with a special interest in historic building and sustainability. She completed her MSc in Energy Efficient Building at Oxford Brookes University.

As well as working as an architect in the main practice Joanna is also a member of the Mid Sussex Partnership Environment Groups 'core group', defining the group's vision and objectives, as well as a board member of the AECB Sustainable Building Association.

Jo is passionate about using architecture to enhance our built environment to inspire and enable people to lead more sustainable lives, and is committed to promoting sustainable transport methods to aid communities to reduce their carbon output.

Richard Merrick – Senior Architectural Technologist

Richard joined the practice in 2007 and is our senior architectural technologist, training at the University of Brighton.

With a background in management, Richard’s former skills, combined with his building experience and technical ability, complement the range of skills we have within the office.

Richard is also a qualified Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor and has undertaken training in Passivhaus Planning Package.

Ashley Line – Architectural Technician

Ashley joined the practice last year with an outstanding curriculum vitae, and is our Part 1 trainee Architect. He completed his degree in architecture at the University of Brighton in 2009 and, among other achievements, was awarded the Young Engineer for Britain Award in 2004. He works on planning, building regulation and working drawing packages within the office.

Ashley is passionate about improving the built environment by drawing on lessons from the past whilst maximising the best advances of our present society to move forward in to a brighter future.

Melanie Laurie – Office Manager

Melanie joined Ecotecture in 2003 and is the Office Manager and Company Secretary, playing an integral part of the practice by ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the practice.

A local mum, with children at Bolney primary and Warden Park schools, Melanie works part-time overseeing the submission of planning applications and the research needed into planning policy in support of the technical staff.

Kay Glyde – Architectural Technician

Kay joined the practice in 2006 with a qualification in Spacial Design from Northbrook College. She handles the administration of all planning and building regulation applications submitted by the practice, and liaises with planning authorities to oversee applications to their determination. Kay also helps us keep abreast of the latest changes in planning legislation and is an integral part of the practice infrastructure.

Since our move to Haywards Heath Kay has been car sharing with members of the office to reduce our carbon footprint as we all strive towards leading more sustainable lives.