In September 2023, we welcomed William Howes as Architectural Assistant, and are pleased to formally ‘introduce’ him to our network.
Originally hailing from Sussex, Will's journey into the world of design began with a BA Hons in Architecture at the University of Westminster, before he went onto complete his Part II, with a specialism in Applied Design in Architecture, at Oxford Brookes University. His time there laid the foundation for his future endeavours, instilling in him a deep appreciation for design innovation and community engagement, and in particular, garnered an interest in the intersection of heritage preservation and sustainability, exploring topics such as adaptive reuse and the integration of biomaterials to reduce carbon emissions in the built environment.
Will’s design ethos is rooted in a commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. With a passion for sustainable design, his approach blends well with our own at Anderson Orr - infusing projects with creativity and environmental consciousness. Since joining the practice, Will has been involved in a range of projects, from a replacement dwelling adjacent to an ancient woodland in Henley-on-Thames, to a beautiful retrofit and extension at a statement home in South Oxfordshire, and we’ve been delighted with his contributions.
Despite his relatively short time with us, Will has made a significant impression. A natural communicator, his warm and approachable demeanour, paired with his enthusiasm for the practice make him a fantastic addition to the team, bringing a wonderful sense of vibrancy and positivity to the studio. Always ready for a friendly chat and eager to lend a helping hand, he effortlessly fosters connection with his colleagues, and already feels like part of the AO family.
A devoted footballer, Manchester United fan, and somewhat fair-weather golfer, Will finds joy and fulfilment in his sporting pursuits, time allowing. As a proud fiancé to Grace and Dad to baby Sonny, family remains at the centre of Will’s life, and he works extraordinarily hard to balance his professional commitments with his role as a partner and father. While they await their ‘forever home’ and officially relocate from London to Oxford in the next few months, Will spends half the week away, dedicating himself to his days in the studio. His unwavering commitment to both his career and his family are inspiring – as is the support shown by fiancé, Grace – and we look forward to having the whole family living more locally soon.
Looking ahead, Will is excited to embark on the next phase of his architectural journey as he prepares to undertake his Part III qualification. With his blend of academic expertise, professional experience, and passion for sustainability, Will is poised to make a lasting impact on the architectural landscape, and we couldn’t be more excited to see it all unfold.
