Lead Design Studios are here to positively impact the built environment!
From concept to completion across ALL RIBA Stages.
We are a friendly, positive + attentive CIAT chartered practise located in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.
THE LDS TEAM
Matthew Parsons
BSc (Hons), MCIAT
DIRECTOR & FOUNDER
Matthew is an accomplished and chartered architectural technologist, renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and profound understanding of construction.
With a robust foundation in technical and building knowledge, Matt is dedicated to crafting spaces and structures that are not only aesthetically captivating but also inherently practical, buildable, and consistently within budget.
His distinctive approach lies in fostering a pro-active and collaborative design environment, a vision he has successfully implemented. This commitment to seamless teamwork and innovative execution is precisely what sets Lead Design Studios apart from conventional practices.
Oli Clark
BSc (Hons)
ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST
Oli is a creative and solution-focused designer with over seven years’ experience in the UK construction industry, working across RIBA Stages 1–5. He has a strong background in residential architecture, having guided more than 250 clients from initial concept design through to planning approval across a wide range of London boroughs, with particular experience in Kensington and Chelsea.
More recently, Oli has expanded his expertise into contractor-side design management, coordinating complex design packages on high-rise and commercial projects. His experience includes integrating multidisciplinary design information, ensuring compliance with building regulations and project specifications, and collaborating closely with site teams and suppliers to deliver practical, buildable solutions.
Grace Jolley
BA (Hons)
Part 1 architectural assistant
Grace joins Lead Design Studios following her graduation from Newcastle University with First-Class Honours in Architecture.
With a passion for sustainable, community-focused design, Grace combines strong technical skills in Revit and AutoCAD with a distinctive talent for hand-drawn sketches and watercolour visualisation. Creative, driven and highly organised, she brings enthusiasm and fresh perspective to every project.
Grace supports the team across a diverse range of projects and RIBA stages as she develops her professional experience and begins her journey towards architectural qualification.
Cristina McNabola
BSc (Hons)
Business development and OFFICE Manager
Drawing on invaluable experience from roles at Hertfordshire Building Control, Midland Heart Housing association, and Paragon, Crisi is a seasoned expert in construction industry office administration.
As an indispensable force behind the scenes, Crisi is pivotal to the practice’s efficiency, meticulously ensuring every operational cog turns perfectly
Why work with LDS?
We bring a collaborative and proactive mindset, with a wealth of conceptual and technical experience within the construction industry.
Having launched in January 2025 and based in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, we are proud of our growing nationwide portfolio, particularly in the commercial sector working on some prestigious sites such as the O2/ Millennium Dome in London and the AO Arena in Manchester. Likewise in the residential sector, several bespoke self build projects with a range of user and design requirements such as passive house and new M4(3) dwellings, whilst also other Homes England funded developments in residential and supported living sectors.
Nearly all of our clients are repeat business or referrals. As well as a friendly service and attention to detail, our leadership qualities within the design team make life easier for clients, planning consultants, projects managers, development managers and design coordinators who are often left heading up consultant design teams. Setting a design phase programme and being the focal point between the client, consultants and contractors, we fulfil that role naturally and ensure that our client’s needs are met.