About us
Our projects are people and purpose-led. It’s at the heart of everything we do.
Our ethos
We believe that the spaces in which we live, work and connect are integral to society. They can add social, environmental and commercial value, while making people’s lives better. And this is why we do what we do. Our ultimate goal is to deliver projects with purpose. It underpins every design and development, every plan and strategy. We want to help you make a difference to your community.
‘We enjoy a very open relationship with the entire team at HPW and see them as an integral part of our innovative and strategic approach to developing our sites”
Jon Kitching: Former CEO, Blooms of Bressingham and CEO of Rosebourne
Say hello
HPW Architecture is a product of its people. With over three decades of experience, our team is committed to creating sustainable and unforgettable architecture that leaves a positive mark on the community.
Alan Powell
Founder & Director
I founded HPW in 1986, starting in my front bedroom, and for 38 years I've led the company with a focus on fostering a supportive, family-like culture. While my background is in architecture and interior design, my primary role now is dedicated to leadership, helping my team excel and ensuring that our projects provide economic, social, and environmental value.
One standout project that I’m really proud of is the off-grid boathouse for UK Youth at Avon Tyrrell, which integrates renewable energy, locally sourced materials, and contributes financially to the charity. I'm passionate about client-centric service, regularly checking in with clients to ensure they feel supported throughout their projects. Our interdisciplinary expertise across architecture, interior design, and branding means we can add unique value in sectors like holiday parks, garden centres, and restaurants.
Outside of work, I love spending time with the grandchildren, cruising the UK canals on our narrowboat, and off-grid camping in our vintage VW campervan. I also enjoy playing acoustic guitar and skiing. Nature, hiking, and cycle touring are my other great passions.
Alex Urquhart
Director
I've been working in architecture since 2005, specialising in leisure, retail, interior design, and holiday park projects. I enjoy collaborating with engaged clients on high-quality projects that require creative, bespoke solutions. One of my favourite projects was the Burley Grange Kitchen, a high-end, detail-oriented design where the collaboration between client and team led to a stunning result.
I bring a wealth of experience, a creative approach, and strong communication skills, always focusing on adding value and exploring cost benefits for clients. I pride myself on listening carefully to client needs and delivering professional, tailored solutions.
Outside of work, I enjoy walking, mountain biking, painting, sculpture, reading, and spending time with my nephews.
Emma Jones
Architect
I’ve been working in architecture since 2008, and it’s been six years since I became a fully qualified architect. I’ve worked for HPW twice now, totalling about five and a half years. As an architect, I balance big-picture design with attention to detail, combining creativity with a strong technical mindset. I stay updated on new materials and construction techniques and am passionate about sustainability and projects that positively impact people’s lives.
One of my favourite projects involved converting farm buildings into affordable homes while balancing conservation and community-building aspects, aligning with my wish to support the community. I take a patient and thoughtful approach to design, always prioritising the client’s needs. I listen carefully to understand their concerns and goals to ensure their vision is met throughout the design and technical process.
Outside of work, I enjoy crafting with my Cricut machine, cake artistry, and spending time with my toddler.
Jacob Palmer
Architect
I've been working in architecture for seven years, with around four years spent at HPW, including my return in February 2024. I’m a versatile professional, having worked across various sectors and all RIBA work stages, with recent experience focused on government projects. This has given me a practical and technical approach to design, particularly with BIM Level 2 projects.
I’m passionate about creating designs that benefit communities and enhance the environment, but I also enjoy the challenge of personalised private residential projects. One of my favourite projects was the ‘World of Water’ Visitor Centre in Romsey (2020), which, although it didn’t move beyond planning, featured sustainable architecture, timber boardwalks, a multi-storey bird hide, and natural materials, embodying the connection to nature.
I take a compassionate approach to ensure clients' projects align with their visions, prioritising positive experiences and collaboration. I’m a strong communicator, keeping clients informed and using 3D modelling to help them visualise their projects.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, drawing, and writing music.
Huw Jones
Architectural Assistant
I started working in architecture in 2019 during my undergraduate studies and joined HPW after completing my master's, where I've been working since July 2022. I’m passionate about sustainability and have conducted extensive research into low-carbon building techniques and materials.
With a background in web development, I’m highly technical and skilled in climactic and site analysis, parametric design, and geodemographic analysis using GIS. I’ve also worked on commercial projects in the hospitality sector, giving me a strong understanding of clients' commercial needs. My favourite university project, the Peckham Valley Project, combined my love for low-carbon construction and green roofs. I enjoy working on projects that benefit both the community and the environment and my experience in market research and feasibility modelling helps me see the bigger picture of our clients’ businesses and goals.
Outside of work, I’m a self-professed geek who enjoys board and video games, Dungeons & Dragons, and attending heavy metal gigs and festivals. I also love rock climbing, cooking, and spending time with my son.
Sophie Matthews
Business Manager
I have been working at HPW since 2022, managing administration, finances, customer service, and HR to ensure the business runs smoothly and efficiently. As HPW's mental health champion, I issue a monthly mental health newsletter to support our employees' well-being.
One of the projects I’m most proud of is HPW’s involvement in The Boathouse for UK Youth, a sustainable project that will benefit young people and help the client generate income from renewable energy.
Outside of work, I enjoy baking with my two daughters, cooking, walking my dog Hugo, and pursuing artistic hobbies such as clay modelling, fluid art, and papercutting. I also play tennis and swim regularly.
Harry Stafford
Architect
Harry is a highly experienced Architect, with exceptional design and technical skills. Semi-retired now, Harry is a highly valuable member of the HPW team. His primary role is supporting the team in the capacity of a quality control, which involves regular design / technical reviews and checking information prior to issue.
Mike Street
Architectural Technician
With over 40 years experience in the field of Architecture and Construction, Mike is has a very competent knowledge of Building Construction, Legislation and procedures, with applied knowledge in Environmental Science/Natural Science to bolster his skill set. Mike is a team player and client facing.
Sustainability
Delivering low energy and long lasting architecture isn’t simply a ‘nice to have’ – it’s a vital step that we, as a society, need to take.
We are highly skilled and experienced at creating circular, flexible and adaptable built environments that are low-carbon and low-impact. It’s an enormous part of our mission, and we love working with our clients to make a project as green as possible. From material usage to future footprints, we embed environmental, social and economic sustainability into our designs.
We cannot take natural environments such as the New Forest for granted, everyone must do their bit to ensure it is preserved for future generations...
Client care
Our team at HPW love what they do! We care greatly about using our skills, experience and passion to make a positive difference to the lives of our clients, the environment and our society.
We care greatly about not only the final project outcome, but the client journey along the way. Whether our Client’s desire is to achieve exponential growth for their business, deliver award-winning guest or visitor experiences on their park or create your perfect ‘forever’ family home, our philosophy of delivering a client centric service on their project always remains the same.
