Architectural Design Studio for Projects in Hertfordshire, London and Across the UK
Based in Harpenden, Lead Design Studios is a CIAT Chartered Practice led by Chartered Architectural Technologist, Matthew Parsons MCIAT. We design and lead projects from concept to completion across the commercial, leisure, supported living, fit-out and residential sectors.
Acting as lead designers, we don’t just design – we drive projects forward, coordinating teams, managing design, and ensuring delivery on time and to a high standard.
Need a pro-active architectural designer? Get in Touch
WE LEAD THE PROCESS
WE LEAD THE COLLABORATION
WE LEAD THE DESIGN
FEATURED PROJECTS
LEADING THE PROCESS
“Lead Design Studios are here to make a fresh and positive impact on the built environment. Our positivity, determination and process driven approach form the strands of our DNA.”
— Matthew Parsons, Director
Meet the Lead Design Studios 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.
Oliver 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.
Laju Jemide
BA (Hons)
Part 1 Architectural Assistant
Laju brings an abundance of innate talent and skill, which he has nurtured into an architectural career.
Gifted at hand drawing and proficient in software such as Revit, Laju is incredibly resourceful and knows the best methods to communicate a thought, idea, or design into a well-presented document. With a beaming smile and infectious enthusiasm, Laju is a joy to work with!
Laju supports the team on projects across all RIBA stages as we look to provide him with as much professional development as possible in support of his next career milestone: his Part 2 Master’s.
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
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CIAT Chartered Practice in Hertfordshire
Old Batford Mill, Lower Luton Road, Harpenden, AL5 5BZ
CIAT Chartered Practice
Lead Design Studios is an Hertfordshire-based architectural design studio with projects across Hertfordshire, London and the UK.
We work across a range of sectors including commercial, leisure facilities, supported living, commercial fit-outs and residential schemes, creating thoughtful, functional environments tailored to each brief.
From early-stage concept design through to completion, we act as lead designers – coordinating multidisciplinary teams, managing the design process and delivering high-quality, buildable solutions.