Who We Work With

We work with a wide range of clients including public sector organisations, developers, investors, commercial occupiers and private homeowners.

Our approach is tailored to the specific requirements of each project, ensuring that design, planning and delivery are aligned with both objectives and constraints.

Architecture made simple

As part of the wider AEC Estate Consultants group, we combine architectural design with planning and development insight.

This integrated approach simplifies the process and enables us to identify opportunities early, mitigate risk and deliver schemes that are both well-designed and commercially viable.

With a background rooted in consultancy and development, we understand the financial and planning drivers behind each project.This enables us to design solutions that maximise value, optimise space and respond effectively to site and market conditions.

Sustainability is embedded within our design process. We aim to create buildings that are efficient, adaptable and responsive to future environmental and regulatory requirements.

Based in Essex, London & Buckinghamshire we operate across the UK, supporting projects in both urban and regional settings.

Explore our services

A Simple, Structured Approach to Bringing Your Project to Life

Meet the team that brings AEC’s designs to life A group of architectal designers, architectural Technologists and collaborators who care just as much about people as they do about buildings.

Discover

We start by understanding your vision, goals, and budget — whether you’re a school, homeowner, or developer.

Design

Your dedicated advisor will review your financials, explore available products, and outline the best solutions based on your unique situation.

Develop

Once you choose your path, we act quickly. Your advisor handles the details, keeping you informed and supported until funds are secured—and beyond.

Deliver

Once you choose your path, we act quickly. Your advisor handles the details, keeping you informed and supported until funds are secured—and beyond.

Marlene Martins
Chartered Architect and Project Lead

Marlene is a chartered architect with a flair for bringing complex briefs to life. Since commencing her professional career in 2014, she has delivered bespoke residential and commercial projects both domestically and internationally.

At AEC Architecture she focuses on contract administration, procurement and project delivery, ensuring every design milestone is executed with professionalism and finesse. Marlene’s sharp eye for detail and commitment to exceeding client expectations makes her a natural leader from concept to completion.

Kevin Lyons
Senior Architectural Technologist

Kevin has navigated an expansive architectural journey, beginning as a trainee CAD operator more than two decades ago and advancing to a degree-level Architectural Technologist in 2010. With experience spanning residential, commercial, healthcare and education sectors, Kevin combines deep technical knowledge with an intuitive grasp of design process.

At AEC Architecture he is an anchor in developing compliant, constructible design packages and thrives on tackling technical challenges with calm expertise.

Owen Taylor
Architectural Designer

A conceptual thinker and detail-driven designer, Owen blends technical understanding with imaginative design. With a background in architectural design and digital modelling, he excels at transforming client briefs into compelling spatial narratives.

At AEC Architecture, Owen supports the team in developing creative solutions that balance functional performance with aesthetic impact. His enthusiasm for sustainable design and collaborative engagement makes him a valued contributor to studio dialogues.

Darren Thorndick
Senior Architectural Technologist

With almost two decades of practical experience, Darren is a seasoned technologist whose passion lies in translating bold architectural ideas into technically sound realities.

Graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology in 2011, he has worked across education, healthcare, residential and commercial sectors, adding depth and dexterity to every design he touches.

Darren is the team’s go-to for digitally intricate construction packs, feasibility studies and collaborative coordination with consultants and site teams. His methodical, regulation-savvy approach ensures designs are ambitious yet buildable.

Jonathan Maskell
Lead Architectural Technician

Jonathan brings over 18 years of professional expertise to the AEC Architecture team. A graduate in Architectural Technology from Nottingham Trent University, he has built a strong reputation for technical excellence across education, residential and commercial projects.

Jonathan’s work spans feasibility analyses, regulatory coordination and detailed construction documentation, all underpinned by a meticulous understanding of Building Regulations. His thoughtful, solutions-focused approach ensures every design intent is realised with clarity and precision.

Emily Allen
Graduate Architect

Emily is one of AEC Architecture’s brightest emerging talents. She earned her Part 1 Architecture degree from the University of Kent in 2021 and has since honed her skills in both survey and design work across a broad spectrum of residential projects in South Essex.

Proficient in AutoCAD and SketchUp, Emily combines technical precision with creative curiosity. She plays a key role in conceptual design development, analytical modelling and is quickly becoming a confident voice in architectural problem-solving.

Nick Cecil
Business Manager

Nick brings a decisive blend of commercial insight, organisational leadership and long-term strategic thinking to AEC Architecture. Since 2011 Nick has had hands-on experience in leadership and business management, he has developed a deep understanding of how organisations, perform best when structure, processes and most importantly, its people are prioritised.

Before joining the AEC umbrella in 2022, Nick led teams across various Multi-Academy Trusts to create new departments and deliver ‘turn-around’ projects. Alongside this, Nick successfully ran his own businesses, giving him a grounded, entrepreneurial perspective that balances ambition with operational discipline.

At AEC Nick leads on business strategy, performance management and organisational development, championing efficient processes, integrated systems and scalable ways of working. His leadership style encourages collaboration ensuring that innovation is supported by robust management and clear commercial direction.

By fostering a culture of accountability, adaptability and thoughtful growth, Nick ensures that AEC Architecture remains agile, commercially sound and well positioned to deliver intelligent design solutions that resonate with both creative minds and discerning clients.

Hollie Richards
HR and Business Operations Support Manager

Hollie sits at the operational heart of AEC Architecture, ensuring that the practice runs as smoothly behind the scenes as it does on the drawing board. With a CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Human Resources Management and extensive experience across HR, compliance and business administration, she provides the structure that allows creativity to flourish.

In her dual role, Hollie oversees people management and office operations with equal confidence. She supports recruitment, onboarding and professional development, while also keeping a watchful eye on policies, procedures and day-to-day business mechanics. Her approach is practical, approachable and quietly rigorous, striking a balance between flexibility and governance that suits a creative architectural practice.

Sarah McMenemy
Head of Finance and Operational Support

Sarah is the steady hand behind AEC Architecture’s fiscal discipline and operational reliability. With more than two decades of experience in financial operations, she brings a combination of precision, foresight and financial reliability.

Sarah plays a central role in shaping sustainable financial goals, reporting and governance, while supporting the operational frameworks that keep projects running efficiently.  Sarah works closely with directors and project teams alike, translating numbers into clarity and structure.

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The people behind the projects

Meet the team that brings AEC’s designs to life. A group of architectal designers, architectural technologists and collaborators who care just as much about people as they do about buildings.

What our clients say

From schools to homeowners, we work closely with every client to deliver thoughtful, lasting architecture here’s what they’ve said about working with us.

Sarah Mitchell
Headteacher, Hollowbrook primary

AEC understood exactly what our school needed a space that was calm, practical, and inspiring for students and teachers alike. The whole process felt collaborative from day one, and the end result has had a real impact on daily school life.

James Carter
Private homeowner, Cambridge

Working with AEC was seamless. They listened carefully, challenged our thinking in the right ways, and delivered a design that just works — light, functional, and surprisingly cost-efficient. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

Ravi Patel
Director, Ashore housing development

AEC brought clarity and creativity to a complex residential scheme. Their technical knowledge and attention to detail kept the project on track and their team were genuinely great to work with.

Sarah Mitchell
Headteacher, Hollowbrook primary

AEC understood exactly what our school needed a space that was calm, practical, and inspiring for students and teachers alike. The whole process felt collaborative from day one, and the end result has had a real impact on daily school life.

James Carter
Private homeowner, Cambridge

Working with AEC was seamless. They listened carefully, challenged our thinking in the right ways, and delivered a design that just works — light, functional, and surprisingly cost-efficient. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

Ravi Patel
Director, Ashore housing development

AEC brought clarity and creativity to a complex residential scheme. Their technical knowledge and attention to detail kept the project on track and their team were genuinely great to work with.

Sarah Mitchell
Headteacher, Hollowbrook primary

AEC understood exactly what our school needed a space that was calm, practical, and inspiring for students and teachers alike. The whole process felt collaborative from day one, and the end result has had a real impact on daily school life.

James Carter
Private homeowner, Cambridge

Working with AEC was seamless. They listened carefully, challenged our thinking in the right ways, and delivered a design that just works — light, functional, and surprisingly cost-efficient. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

Ravi Patel
Director, Ashore housing development

AEC brought clarity and creativity to a complex residential scheme. Their technical knowledge and attention to detail kept the project on track and their team were genuinely great to work with.

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Let’s bring it to life

We’re always up for a new challenge. Whether it’s a home, a school, or something completely unique.