Harvey Baines - Visualiser

Will Richmond - Trainee Technician

Sam Hustler - Architectural Technician

Stuart Link - Director

BA (Hons) Dipl Arch ARB RIBA

With 25 years’ experience in the private sector, Stuart has worked on a variety of projects ranging from award winning residential developments, prestige car show rooms at Canary Wharf, conversions of a Grade II listed Victorian Schools and a number of care homes.   

Over the past 20 years, Stuart has specialised in the residential sector working on large scale residentials developments with an impressive portfolio of successfully completed projects throughout the country. Stuart has extensive experience including site appraisals, large scale residential feasibility layouts, masterplanning, detailed residential layouts, bespoke dwelling designs, new house type portfolio's, coordinating outline and detailed planning applications with a project team and working on successful Homes England tenders.

Stuart has extensive experience working for a variety of clients ranging from National house builders, landowners, agents and individual clients.

Ben Simcox - Director

BA (Hons) Dipl Arch

Ben has over 20 years’ experience working at Architect’s practices in Manchester, Glasgow, Selby and Wakefield.  In this time, Ben has worked on a variety of projects ranging from industrial warehouses and offices, conversions of a Grade II listed buildings, Bespoke housing design, residential layouts and large scale masterplanning.

Ben now specialises in the residential sector and works for a variety of landowners, volume housebuilders, agents and smaller developers.  His areas of expertise include site appraisals, large mixed use schemes, masterplanning, residential layouts, bespoke dwelling and apartment design.

Out of the office Ben enjoys spending time with his family and following his beloved Spurs.

Simon Hicks - Director

BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology

Co-founding STEN Architecture in 2014 with over 26 years’ experience within an architectural private practice and a national house builder, Simon has gained invaluable insight to both client and builder’s specific requirements. Passionate about design from being involved in early master planning / concept schemes through to planning permission and post site completion visits.

Simon is currently involved in many large-scale projects and currently designing an extensive range of house types for a private house builder. Simon is also nurturing the next generation of designers within Sten Architecture passing on his extensive design knowledge and skills.

Outside work Simon enjoys watching Cycling, Rugby League, Football, most other sports, holidaying with his family as well as cycling and cooking, especially the outdoor pizza oven.

Ian Harrison - Lead Visualiser

BA (Hons) Graphic Communications

Ian studied  Design at Lincoln University, and Graphic Communication at Leeds Metropolitan University. He has worked in the construction industry since 2003, starting as a Junior CAD Technician in the East Midlands, before specialising and developing a career in Illustration.

Ian brings illustrative and graphic design support to STEN Architecture, working on a large number of projects to produce high quality masterplans, full colour residential layouts, and streetscenes. Ian’s role includes composing supporting documents including Design and Access Statements, Promotional Material, and Community Consultation Boards.

In his spare time, Ian is junior football coach, and enjoys cycling and running.

Nicola Jones - Urban Designer

MA (Hons) BA (Hons) Dipl Arts

Nicola is a Recognised Practitioner of Urban Design with over 10 years’ experience working within both an architectural practice and two national house builders, within this time Nicola has gained a valuable insight into both client and house builders specific requirements.

Nicola is a motivated and passionate designer and has a wide range of experience in producing site appraisals, concept schemes, masterplans, residential sketch layouts, CAD residential layouts and planning drawings.

Out of the office Nicola enjoys holidays in her camper van with her family, running and going on long walks with Pippa the dog.

David Mate - Architectural Technician

David is a highly experienced Architectural Technician who has worked in the industry for over 25 years. He has worked in both private and public sectors.

In his spare time, he likes to play the bass guitar jamming with friends, enjoys listening to live bands and supports local bands whenever possible.

Harvey Baines - Visualiser

BA (Hons) Architecture

Harvey studied at the University of Newcastle, graduating in 2023 with a degree in architecture. During this time he further developed his skills and interest in the adobe suite. Along with enhancements in the understanding of architectural theory, professional practice and architectural technology. After completing university he spent time at a manufacturing firm that produced bespoke steel roller-shutter doors and other similar fabrications. Here we was able to further his knowledge in this use of AutoCAD, which was used to design a range of steel solutions across several industrial and agricultural sectors.

Now a member of STEN, Harvey uses the skills learned in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign from studying architecture to support the design team from a visualization perspective. This includes producing concept diagrams, design and access statements, masterplans and general full-colour residential schemes.

In his spare time, Harvey enjoys going to the gym, cooking and taking his car to car-shows. 

Lewis Sharp - Architectural Technician

Will has completed a T-level in Design, Surveying, and Planning ; has gained practical experience in areas like project management, surveying, and technical design. His work placement at STEN has allowed him to shadow professionals and use CAD to a high standard to create building models.  These opportunities have cemented his passion for architecture, the industry and given him insights into the realities of the field.

He is also eager to expand his knowledge of sustainable design, modern construction techniques, and the creative process behind architectural projects. My goal is to contribute to innovative and environmentally conscious designs that improve the way people live and work. He believes that through STEN , He can combine his technical skills, creativity, and passion for architecture to make a meaningful impact on the built environment.

Outside of the office he is a keen golfer, enjoys the gym and work part time as a Barman

Lewis Sharp - Architectural Technician

BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology

Graduating from the University of Huddersfield in 2021 with a BSc in Architectural Technology, Sam brings over five years of experience working across both residential and commercial sectors. His portfolio spans all stages from surveying existing properties, securing planning and building regulations approval, contract administration and on-site supervision for a variety of bespoke projects including car showrooms, food hall renovation schemes, high-end housing, and home extensions.

 Now part of our construction team, Sam works closely with Steve to develop house type designs at construction level. His focus is on ensuring regulatory compliance and supporting the continual development and refinement of our design output.

 Outside of work, Sam enjoys comedy shows, visiting National Trust sites, cooking, and supporting Huddersfield Town.

Lewis Sharp - Architectural Technician

BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology

Gus is an Architectural Technician with a First Class Honours degree in Architectural Technology (BSc) from the University of Huddersfield. During his time at university, he developed a strong foundation in technical design, detailing, and construction processes, which he now applies to a wide range of projects within the practice. 

Since his time at STEN , Gus has continued to build on this knowledge, offering his expertise to assist in the production of planning drawings and detailed technical working drawings. 

Outside of work, Gus is a dedicated Leeds United supporter and enjoys staying active at the gym and hitting the slopes in Winter season.