MANAGEMENT TEAM

Michael Sparks started the practice in 1988, developing it into one of the most prominent firms of architects in the industrial and distribution sector.

Michael keeps a close eye on all new projects and has particular expertise in project start-ups, analysing and maximizing the development potential of sites.

He is also highly respected for handling complex planning applications and pursuing them to a successful conclusion through skilful negotiation with local planning authorities.

Ashley joined Michael Sparks Associates in 2000, and oversees a number of projects, particularly in the south-east and London. Recently he had been responsible for mail distribution and air freight facilities around Heathrow airport, large distribution centres in the Midlands, and various mixed-use developments, working with established clients and their residential partners across London in an employment / industrial capacity.

He is particularly interested in working closely with the occupiers and users of our buildings, and has gained a good working relationship with a number of different tenants across various sectors, understanding their own complex briefs in context with planning, environmental and design considerations.

Paul joined Michael Sparks Associates in May 2005 in which time he has managed exceptionally well a number of largescale projects for a number of clients, as well as occupier led schemes.

More recently, Paul has been managing a number of developments at different stages across the UK including Dartford, Stansted, Coventry and Manchester, successfully delivering over 600,000 sq ft of speculative development in the past year.

Paul also plays a key role in the development and management of the practice as well as co-ordinating and implementing the practice IT infrastructure.

Vicki joined Michael Sparks Associates at the start of 2023 and works closely with Michael Sparks overseeing the operational aspects of the Practice.

With over 10 years’ experience in senior operational roles, her role as Practice Director involves oversight of the office and operations of the business to ensure the practice runs smoothly and efficiently.

Vicki oversees all elements of practice administration, internal project management, HR, and Finance.

Rebecca joined Michael Sparks Associates in its early stages and worked closely with Michael Sparks throughout the years in developing the business into the successful practice it is today; initiating and implementing strategies for creating a competitive and progressive business.

Rebecca stepped down from the role of Practice Director in March 2023 to pursue creative endeavours personally and continues to support Michael Sparks Associates LLP and Michael Sparks Europe on a Consultant basis, focussing on Business Development and Events.

Neville has been involved in the construction industry for over 42 years and with Michael Sparks Associates since 2001.

He has gained a wealth of design experience and construction knowledge of a number of building types and has considerable experience in leading and driving a design team through a varied portfolio of projects including:- Binary Park, Dagenham; Co-op Distribution Centre, Thurrock; Crossways Business Park, Dartford; dnata City, Stanwell; Origin Business Park, Park Royal, Heathrow Logistics Park, Bedfont; and Maylands Gateway, Hemel Hempstead.

Neville’s architectural strength lies in a strong sense of design, combined with technical knowledge of materials and details. Motivated and committed to carrying out projects in a thorough and professional manner, he produces cost-effective and efficient buildings that satisfy both client and end-user requirements, and has been instrumental in quality control of production information at MSA.

Sam has been with Michael Sparks Associates since 1999 and has been involved in a number of large scale and high profile developments.

As a Partner, she has led teams on a number of schemes including gaining planning permission for a rail freight terminal at Howbury Park for Prologis Developments through a public inquiry; the development of the Mammoth building in Hemel Hempstead for Astral Developments; various units at Cabot Park, Avonmouth for Prologis Developments and Graftongate; Units at Enfield for Graftongate; UPS unit and Selex offices in Southampton for Canmoor; 6 units for various tenants at Suttons Business park in Reading and a unit for IAC at Elmdon for Standard Life; Costa Coffee Roastery and small units for Prologis; units for Roxhill in Basildon and most recently 4 landmark units in Stockley Park, Hayes and a 5-unit scheme in Croydon, both for Prologis.

Lee joined Michael Sparks Associates in July 2013, and has seen through a number of large scale and high profile developments, working expertly with clients, occupiers, consultants and contractors.

He has considerable experience in leading and driving a design team through a varied portfolio of projects including:- DHL, Southern Hub HQ, Poyle, Vintner House, Harlow, Wobaston Road, Wolverhampton, Aerospace Boulevard, Farnborough, Riverside Way, Uxbridge, Skyline, the Portal, DO&CO, Heathrow, Test Lane, Southampton, Leamington Way, Daventry, Waxlow Road, Park Royal, Jenkins Lane, Rainham, North Hyde Gardens, Hayes and the East Plus Portfolio.

Lee became an Associate in April 2015 and Partner in April 2016.

After gaining considerable experience in the field of transport infrastructure, working on major projects for Heathrow Airport and London Underground, Rafael joined Michael Sparks Associates in 2015 and, following promotion to Associate in 2017, was made a partner in 2021. In that time, he has headed up teams on the delivery of major industrial, distribution and office developments, such as the aeronautics factory for Meggitt, two fulfilment centres for Amazon, including the first and largest of its kind at Tilbury, and a regional headquarters building and recovery centre for Cadent.

Rafael has also been instrumental in establishing and managing the application of BIM within the practice, ensuring it is implemented on all projects according to industry standards and accepted good practice. Furthermore he has advised major clients and contractors on the wider application of BIM in the procurement process and the benefits of common data environments.

Des has been involved in the design and construction industry for over 27 years. He first joined Michael Sparks Associates in 2011 and re-joined the team in 2021 after a period as a co-owner of a smaller design practice.

His time in the practice has given Des a wealth of design and delivery knowledge across a range of construction sectors. His client focused approach and experience in leading and driving a design team has helped him to deliver a diverse and complex portfolio of work.

Throughout his career, Des has enjoyed the challenges of creating architecture of the highest quality that is both functional and inspiring. He believes that collective output is a fundamental part of good design, and that the most successful architecture is achieved through a combination of understanding the client’s aspirations and continual positive collaboration throughout the design and construction process.

Matthew is a Town Planning professional with 22 years of experience spanning both the public and private sectors. He joined MSA in 2016 as a Principal Planner to provide Town Planning advice to the practice’s design team as well as clients on town planning related matters and now leads a small planning team within the practice.

He has wide ranging experience of working across different sectors, including planning consultancy for public and private sector clients and almost 10 years as the in-house Planning Director for the commercial development company Bride Hall. He has a strong background to assess strategic and detailed planning issues, identify risks and develop an appropriate planning strategy that is tailored to each project and the client’s objectives.

Matthew is currently advising various clients, including developers and institutional investors, across a number of commercial, industrial and employment schemes at various stages of development throughout the UK. His approach is characterised by an attention to detail as well as an appreciation of the bigger picture in securing planning permission that meets the requirements of clients, occupiers and funding partners.

Elena joined MSA London in 2018. Elena relocated to Madrid to head up our Spanish Practice and was appointed as Managing Director of Michael Sparks Europe Sp in 2022.

Elena has been involved in the construction industry for over 13 years and has hands-on experience working in different countries throughout Europe spanning a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, data centres, logistics and industrial, with extensive expertise across all stages of a project. Elena has a track record in managing teams to deliver projects on time, meeting the requirements of our well-established clients and end-users alike.
She excels in looking after each individual project from inception to completion: optimising the building for each individual site, developing out-of-the-ordinary designs, and ensuring precise coordination on site.

Elena holds a Master’s degree in Architecture, a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and has an international certification in Project Management - giving her a strong knowledge in design and construction, as well as project management and real estate operations.

Michael joined MSA in 2016 as a Senior Architect and was promoted to Associate in 2021.

Michael has been involved in the construction industry for 24 years and has gained a wealth of wide-ranging construction knowledge and design experience of commercial, residential, health, retail, cultural, civic, industrial, leisure and entertainment building types.

Michael is a talented architect with a keen sense of detail. He champions process and consistency, and will drive others to ensure accuracy.

He has been Project Lead on a number of developments, including: Ascent Logistics Park, Leighton Buzzard; Maylands Gateway, Hemel Hempstead; and Bessemer Park, Sheffield.

Jesús has been involved in the construction industry for more than 22 years, gaining a wide range of experience from a variety of architectural firms and developers. He has a sharp eye for design and space planning, and an extensive knowledge of construction detailing for a wide range of building typologies, including residential, retail, hospitality, and most recently commercial. Having worked alongside several real estate clients in early stages of developments, Jesús understands their requirements and offers feasibility solutions in accordance.

Jesús joined Michael Sparks Associates in 2018 as a Senior Architect, and was promoted to Associate in 2021. Jesus has been lead architect on developments in Reading, Hayes, Bardon, and Bourn.

Petros has been involved in the construction industry for over 20 years and with Michael Sparks Associates since 2018.

He is a talented designer with many years of experience across a range of sectors, working on a number of high profile prestigious projects in the UK and internationally.

Petros was the project lead at Silverstone Park, delivering the Phase 2 development with 13 new units on site. He has also been involved with the design of a number of mixed use industrial developments across London.

Soner joined MSA in 2019 as a Senior Architect and was promoted to Associate in 2021.

Soner has been involved in the construction industry for 15 years and has gained a wealth of design experience and construction knowledge having worked across many different and complex building types, including industrial, residential, commercial, and health & science projects.

Soner’s architectural strength lies in speed, accuracy, and reliability, along with his knowledge & understanding of BIM principles and related processes. He is responsible for multiple projects of varying sizes, and is involved throughout all stages, from initial designs through planning to completion.

Soner has been Project Lead on developments at Prologis Park, West London; The Hub, Burgess Hill; Leighton Buzzard; Prologis Park, Beddington Lane; Farnborough; Bessemer Park, Sheffield; and Ryton, DC9.

Lucie joined MSA as a Senior Architect in 2015 and was promoted to Associate in 2021. Lucie has been involved in number of industrial projects as a lead architect working with a variety of prominent UK developers in the sector.

With over 15 years of industry experience, Lucie has previously worked on a wide range of projects in the residential, commercial, education and aviation sectors. Her wide range experience covers some high-profile projects, such as City of London School for Girls and 2023 finalist of BCO award Atkins Head Office.

Since joining MSA, Lucie has been lead architect on projects including SEGRO Park Rainham Phase 1 & 2, SEGRO V Park, SEGRO Park Dagenham Plot 1 & 2.