The Management Team
After joining industrial specialist Burks Green in 1998, Matt combined part-time Architectural study with his career progression, gaining academic qualifications alongside experience in the commercial and industrial sectors. Graduating from Lincoln School of Architecture in 2008 Matt has managed a number of developer and tenant led distribution projects as well as coordinating large scale mixed use masterplanning developments. Having worked alongside Doug and Graham during the course of his time at Burks Green, Matt was keen to re-establish a successful working relationship with former colleagues, deciding to join UMC Architects in 2013.
Matt used to be heard over the airwaves of South Yorkshire as a part-time Radio Commentator reporting on his “second love” Sheffield Wednesday FC. These days Matt prefers just a watching brief on a Saturday afternoon but is still known to “chew the ear” of the person next to him on the terraces…
Having been nominated for the RIBA Silver Medal in 1996, Matthew left Hull School of Architecture in 1996, to work for Mott McDonald, involved on large-scale projects, including the redevelopment of Twickenham Rugby Stadium. After joining Burks Green in 2000, Matthew went on to head up a project team responsible for the delivery of many developer-led distribution projects, as well as work in the manufacturing sector. Developing a close working relationship with both Doug and Graham over the years, Matthew became team director, following acquisition by RPS Group, before deciding to join UMC Architects in 2013 and link up with his former colleagues.
As well as operating an out-of-hours taxi service for his children, Matthew tries to fit in some exercise, running around the hills of Sheffield. As a member of the follically-challenged community, Matthew also still clings on to the hope that a cure for baldness is 'just around the corner'.
Gary Hauton
Director
Gary is a multi-Civic award winning architect, who has worked in architecture for 30 years; the latter half of which he has spent in the industrial sector, working alongside the vast majority of his current UMC colleagues. Whilst Gary specialises in industrial architecture, and has been involved in the development and delivery of countless industrial units (10Msqft+), he has also been involved in the design and / or the delivery of numerous specialist industrial buildings including airports, MoD buildings, Europe’s largest household EfW facility, an Olympic building, and a submarine assembly building.
Gary is allergic to fun, but loves (to the point of being very boring) music and films. He also enjoys swearing and shouting (often combining both at Field Mill – Mansfield Town), and has an affinity with brackets and beige foods.
After leaving school at 18, Graham started his career with John Roberts Architects and undertook training at Lincoln Technology College. He worked at JRA for 12 years gaining experience of residential, commercial and retail projects. He followed this with an 18 month spell at Burks Green developing experience in the industrial sector before joining Hydra Business Services as an Architectural Technologist in 2007. Following the acquisition of HBS by Mouchel Parkman in 2007, Graham became a sub-team leader within the architectural team of the multi discipline business specialising in local authority led projects including those in the educational, office and emergency service sectors. He left Mouchel and joined UMC in 2015.
Graham is a keen football fan, whilst he admits to never having a good enough left or right foot to actually play football at any level himself he regularly watches his local team the ‘mighty’ Red Imps of Lincoln City with his two young children. He also likes to cook at home for his family and friends and sees himself as a future Master Chef winner in the making.
Dean joined industrial specialist Burks Green in 2005, delivering a host of industrial schemes across the country. Having worked alongside Doug and Graham during his time at Burks Green, Dean was keen to re-establish a successful working relationship with former colleagues, deciding to join UMC Architects in 2013. Dean has worked extensively on industrial projects from inception through to completion, notably guiding several large-scale schemes through their feasibility and planning stages. In June 2016, Dean moved to the North-West to head-up the launch of the UMC Manchester office. Dean is now responsible for promoting the Manchester office, including directing the output and business development.
A long-time sufferer as a Manchester City fan, Dean now enjoys the pleasure of watching his beloved team in the heights of Domestic & European football. A keen golfer, Dean can often be found hacking in the bunkers of his local golf course, and is a lover of the saying ‘Every day is a School Day’!
Alastair joined industrial specialist Burks Green in 2003 combining part-time architectural study with real world experience across a host of industrial and commercial schemes. Following 11 years of service at Burks Green (Later RPS) Alastair was keen to renew successful professional relationships and joined UMC Architects in 2014. As a chartered Architect he has worked extensively on commercial projects from the earliest concept stages, through planning to handover of the completed facility to the client. He has extensive experience in the supply of design solutions for large scale industrial facilities within the warehousing, distribution, manufacturing and retail sectors. Furthermore, with this background knowledge he has been heavily involved in the delivery of innovative designs to house the cutting edge processes that are essential in the Waste and Energy sectors, largely Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities, materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) and bespoke renewable power plants.
Alastair is a bit of a fitness fanatic and considers himself president of the UMC ‘GYM Club’. In his spare time he is kept occupied by his young sons and may often be found chasing around a soft play area looking forward to a time when they’re old enough to go fishing.
After graduating from Leeds University in 2004, Chris started his career with RMJM Architects where he developed experience of commercial, education and residential projects. Chris joined industrial specialist Burks Green in 2005. Working primarily alongside Graham McMorran, he quickly made a name for himself for his striking designs and concept design skills. Following 8 years of service at Burks Green (Later RPS) Chris was keen to renew successful professional relationships and joined UMC Architects in 2013. Chris works extensively alongside UMC’s loyal client base, with his team providing design expertise and guidance at feasibility stage through to the often-complex planning process and beyond. He has considerable experience in the supply of masterplanning and bespoke design solutions for large scale industrial facilities within the warehousing, distribution, manufacturing and commercial office sectors.
Chris is a football fanatic who as a long-suffering Nottingham Forest fan can often be seen on a Saturday afternoon with his head in his hands. In his spare time, he is kept occupied by his two dogs often enjoying long walks and taking in the local dog friendly public houses!
Morgan has over 15 years’ experience of the coordinated design and delivery of award winning sustainable environments. With such widespread industry experience, Morgan has the proven versatility to develop innovative design solutions across a range of use classes; having successfully delivered projects for clients within the Commercial, Retail, Education, Heathcare, Industrial and Residential sectors.
An ability to realise the particular operational requirements of his clients, set against project specific construction sensibilities, programme and budgetary constraints, feeds directly into his capability of simultaneously balancing any number of critical actions across a range of live projects.
Whether accommodating a rigorously specific Client operation, or the integration of highly complex manufacturing processes and equipment, he prides himself on ensuring that all project requirements are met by the production and management of clear, informed and consistently accurate construction detail.
Stretching to breaking point the old adage that 'someone in the trades’ house is never finished, Morgan spends most weekends knocking lumps out of his current renovation project. When not covered in brick dust, or clocking up miles in the pool, he can often be found with his family and dogs, in the middle of nowhere, not getting lost.
After achieving his BA(Hons) at the Leicester School of Architecture and Masters at the Sheffield School of Architecture, Tom began his career at Benoy and chartered as an architect in 2014 following the completion of the final part of his architectural training at the Nottingham School of Architecture. Exposure to a variety of architectural methodologies during the early stages of his career has provided Tom with a breadth of knowledge across a multitude of sectors – including education, retail, offices, sports and leisure – that has been invaluable to his success in the design and delivery of a number of projects.
Since joining UMC in 2018, Tom has been integral to the continued growth of the business, successfully managing the completion of several complex developments within its specialism of the industrial and logistics sector. He takes great pride in working closely with loyal clients to maximise the output of their ambitions, with a keen awareness of environmental, social and economic influences, continuously striving to develop innovative design solutions to often complex scenarios.
Away from the office, Tom has an encyclopaedic knowledge of everything F1-related and is an avid armchair supporter of motorsport and football in general. He has also played the Flute from a young age, performing as soloist and in a number of orchestras, even treating UMC’s staff on occasion to a Christmas Carol sing-a-long!
After graduating from Sheffield Hallam University in 2007 Stephen joined Hydra Business Services (HBS) as an Architectural Assistant gaining experience predominantly in the educational sector. He left in 2010 joining Mitchells & Butlers taking his career in a new direction within the hospitality sector. Following 3 years as a restaurant manager Stephen re-joined HBS in 2013 which had since been acquired by Mouchel Parkman. He worked as a Building Surveying Technician for 2 years before joining UMC in 2015. Alongside the successful delivery of projects from inception through to completion across various sectors, Stephen has been responsible for developing the UMC quality and environmental standards ensuring successful and continued certification to ISO 9001 and 14001.
Stephen is a keen runner and regularly commences his weekend by participating in a parkrun, often as a tourist at a new location to further his interest in visiting new places whilst also volunteering at junior events when available. He also enjoys turning his hand from design to build recently completing the renovation of his property with a new project likely on the horizon.
Rex began his career at PHP architects in Northampton developing experience across multiple sectors including education, logistics, residential, commercial, manufacturing and food production.
In 2016, Rex moved to UMC Architects to focus upon the delivery of complex industrial projects in manufacturing, distribution, and food sectors. Throughout his time at UMC, Rex has led projects from inception to completion involving the integration of occupiers complex automated requirements and processes along side working on large masterplan developments.
Rex has a logical approach to problem solving and a technical aptitude which has allowed the development of a skillset ideally suited to understanding the needs of complex occupier fit outs, with a particular focus on the specific needs of the food manufacturing sector where hygiene regimes, allergen segregation and temperature control requirements are key components of the design.
Outside of work, Rex is a keen walker liking nothing better than enjoying a day exploring the hills of the Peak District and South Downs....but for some inexplicable reason has ended up living in one of the UK’s flattest counties.....Lincolnshire!
James completed his BSc in Architectural Technology at Sheffield Hallam University in 2002 and completed his post graduate study focusing on Construction Project Management at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen in 2016. He has more than 20 years industry experience in multiple roles across multiple sectors.
As a BSI Certified BIM professional, James has been responsible for creating and implementing standards across the business to achieve the BSI Kitemark in respect of ISO19650-2.
James is an innovative thinker with an eye on the future readily embracing new ways of working to benefit our business and those of our clients. Focused on digital transformation, openBIM, and structured Information Management, James aspires to promote new technologies and project solutions whilst driving time and cost efficiencies.
Originally from Sheffield, James has always enjoyed the quiet and solitude of the neighbouring peak district and can often be found climbing, walking, running or cycling, either alone or with three active children in tow. Family happily occupies most of his time; there is never a dull moment.
Luke has over 18 years’ experience within industrial architecture. Starting at Burks Green and Partners in 2005, he studied BSc Hons in Architectural Technology at Sheffield Hallam University and later gained chartered status with CIAT. He then followed the well-trodden path to reunite with former colleagues at UMC Architects in 2013.
Throughout Luke’s career he has specialised in on-site design delivery for large scale industrial projects during which time he has developed a breadth of technical knowledge. This has resulted in him leading the delivery of multiple high quality distribution centres, complex end user schemes, airport hubs and MoD facilities.
Luke spends his free time with family exploring the countryside and visiting historic sites. He also keeps himself fit with regular visits to the gym with colleagues.
Jamie embarked on his venture into Industrial Architecture by joining RPS in 2007. Assisting in the delivery of several high-profile projects such as News International’s print works and the International Broadcasting Centre for the 2012 Olympics; Jamie flew the ‘nest’ in 2013 to follow the ambitions of his fellow directors, being one of the first through the door of the newly created UMC Architects. Jamie’s progression within UMC has seen him work through feasibility to completion of several large-scale projects. Having led the ‘dream’ of completing a brewery, Jamie was disappointed with lack of alcohol consumed during any site visit!
As an avid season ticket holder to his local football team Lincoln City, Jamie overcomes the highs and inevitable lows of the Imps football results by spending a lot of his time tinkering with DIY projects with his aspirations to become the next Tommy Walsh (not to be confused with Louie). His other favourite past time is to sign up to direct debits of various gyms with very little intention of going. “Hey, whatever makes you feel better”.
With over 25 years of experience, Bruce is a well-known expert in the field of Urban Design and Masterplanning and has led high profile projects across the UK and Internationally.
Bruce leads our UMC Architects London office and is responsible for overseeing Urban Design projects including masterplanning for film studios, residential, commercial and science parks. He is particularly known for his expertise in Film Studios having developed the design for the 5th largest Film Studio in the UK, currently at the planning stage. Strategic residential and science park masterplanning is a core skill, as is developing life science campus design.
Bruce’s work in Urban Design focuses on creating sustainable, liveable communities that are sensitive to their surroundings and promote health and well-being. His approach is collaborative and human-centred, taking into account the needs of all stakeholders and ensuring that each project is tailored to its specific context.