Robert &
Fiona Godel

We first met at the University of Liverpool in 1985, as students at the prestigious Liverpool school of Architecture, which was founded in 1894. This is where we started our journey; studying on a course known for its strong emphasis on thorough and imaginative design, rigorous attention to detail, and the teaching of the tectonics of fine architecture; giving us a wonderfully rounded background for the work we were to apply ourselves to, once in practice.

Having completed our training, we worked at architects’ offices in London, Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool, occasionally tutoring architectural students at Manchester and Liverpool Universities along the way. In 1996, we returned to Robert’s birthplace, the beautiful Island of Jersey; where we worked at respected local practices, with the aim of establishing ourselves on the Island before starting our own office; something that we carefully planned to do for some time.

We founded Godel Architects in 2000, initially working out of a redundant building on Robert’s father’s farm in St Mary.  Since then, our practice has gone from strength to strength, and has grown to fifteen members of staff, requiring us to move to a larger building across the yard; a farm shed that we converted into what is now our office.  It provides us with a lovely working environment with spectacular views over the rural landscape.

Our office is organised as an open plan design studio, encouraging an open dialogue between us all, to facilitate the cross-pollination of ideas and knowledge – an ethos born in the spirit of our training at The Liverpool School of Architecture, all those years ago.  We believe that this interactive studio-working environment nurtures creativity and enthusiasm, and we welcome clients and collaborators joining the process.  We have been lucky to be able to build a hand-picked, highly talented and enthusiastic team, who share our passion and ethos within our close-knit family environment.

We, as a practice, passionately believe in our quest to make every project, large or small, as beautiful and purposeful as it can possibly be.  We work diligently to provide a tailor-made service, not only in our architecture, but by the care and attention we provide to all our projects and clients. Over the years, we have been privileged to work on highly acclaimed, award-winning buildings of which we are very proud, and we always give the same attention to all projects, regardless of size and type.  We work hard to uncover unseen opportunities and to create the very best of architecture, on every site.

Our practice continues to grow and is highly ambitious, and we are excited about the opportunities that are yet to come.

The
Studio

Robert Godel

Director

BA (Hons), B. Arch., RIBA - Architect

After completing his architectural education at Liverpool University, Robert worked in London, Liverpool and Manchester, as design architect on a wide variety of schemes.

He returned to Jersey in 1996, where he was an associate at a local architectural firm until in 2000, when he and Fiona set up Godel Architects. They have together they have been sole directors since that time.

Robert has considerable experience of all aspects of the architectural process and of all types of buildings.

Fiona Godel

Director, Chartered Architect

BA (Hons), B Arch., ARB, RIBA

Gaining both her undergraduate and postgraduate architectural education at The University of Liverpool, early in her career Fiona spent time in Nepal, working on a variety of project-types, including designing a Hindu Temple in Kathmandu and a hotel in Lhasa.

She went on to work at a number of award-winning and design-led commercial practices in London and Leeds, on everything from the design for the bollards in Liverpool’s China Town, social housing, new office buildings, and the refurbishment of historic buildings in The City of London, giving her an extremely strong, multi-disciplinary background.

Fiona moved to Jersey 1996, where she worked at a local practice on a range of projects, but most notably as Project Architect for the award-winning Jersey Archive Centre, for which she managed and coordinated a mixed Jersey and London team. She was an Associate at this local firm until 2000 when she and Robert started Godel Architects together.

Her diverse experience makes Fiona a highly experienced and proficient Architect, with expertise in a range of scales and project types. Over nearly two decades within her role at Godel Architects, Fiona has proven her ability to skillfully guide local authority, developer and private clients competently through the architectural design and construction process.

Fiona’s role as Director includes the day to day running of the practice, which she does in part through the close relationships she has forged with staff; and alongside Robert, she oversees all projects in the office, ensuring they are completed to the highest quality.

Tristan Job

Senior Associate, Chartered Architect

BA(Hons), AA Dipl., ARB, RIBA

Tristan gained his Architectural education at Oxford Brookes University (BA Hons), The Architectural Association (AA Dipl) and at The Bartlett School of Architecture at University College, London (Professional Practice & Management in Architecture).

Tristan has accumulated skills and experience in a focused manner, whilst working in both London and Jersey. Early in his career he was as an Assistant Stonemason for The National Trust for Jersey, where he gained practical experience in the restoration of local historic buildings. Later he worked as an Architect as part of the team that designed and delivered the London Aquatic Centre for the 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games, working within a multi-disciplinary team of world-class consultants, designers and engineers at a globally recognised and award-winning architectural practice in London. He also has a number of years’ experience working within the architectural industry in Jersey, in a wide range of sectors.

Tristan is a highly accomplished and experienced Architect, who prides himself on delivering the highest quality, bespoke projects from feasibility and concept stages, to the final client handover.  With a genuine passion for architecture, he works diligently to provide the best possible service to his clients, with an unfaltering attentiveness to detail and best practice.

Raphael de Burgos

Senior Architectural Technologist

Raphael has extensive experience in a wide variety of construction sectors. Over his years within the industry, he has worked on everything from local authority housing, developer housing, through to commercial offices and associated facilities. Uniquely, Raphael has also worked on specialised buildings, such as a veterinary practice and a working farm, giving him a broad background and an adaptable approach to any project.

This, along with his knowledge of construction and aptitude for detailing, specification and contract administration has allowed Raphael to successfully deliver a number of projects from inception to completion. He has extensive experience in new build projects as well as in the conversion and renovation of listed buildings.

Raphael joined Godel Architects in 2014, where his in-depth technical knowledge, information production skills, and project management experience has been utilised office-wide, on a wide variety of project types and scales.  He has project managed schemes with great proficiency and professionalism, giving him the ability to guide clients through all stages with ease.

Scott Smith

Senior Associate, Architectural Technologist

BSc Hons Architectural Technology

Scott was educated at London Southbank University where he gained his Batchelor of Science in Architectural Technology.  With over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry in Jersey, he has worked in private residential, social housing, education, healthcare and commercial sectors.

Leading on a number of highly complex projects, Scott has an exceptional understanding of construction, detailing, specification and contract administration, further strengthened by his eye for detail and a knowledgeable understanding of design quality. His significant technical skills have been useful office-wide and have been instrumental in the conclusion of often complex and demanding technical challenges. Further to this, Scott has also proven to have strong abilities in architectural design, allowing him to turn his hand to any work stage with great aptitude.

He has increasingly applied his passion and knowledge of sustainable architecture and low carbon footprint specification to the practice’s work, and offers knowledgeable input to projects in the office, advising where schemes can be adapted for sustainability, and the how to achieve this.

Chris Wenham

Associate, Architect

BA (Hons) Architecture and Planning, Dip Arch., ARB

Chris gained a First Class Honours Degree at undergraduate level and a Distinction at Postgraduate level, while studying Architecture at the University of the West of England and later at Oxford Brookes University, making Chris a highly accomplished and erudite Architect.

Following his studies, he worked in Australia and London, across a number of sectors including master planning, residential and education, working on feasibility and concept design, through to construction and completion.  His experience includes working on the 2012 Olympic Park Legacy Masterplan and various residential schemes in Central London, adding knowledge and skills to the practice.

Since joining Godel Architects in 2014, Chris has been Project Architect for a number of high-end bespoke residential schemes, taking them from sketch scheme and Planning stages through to on site contract administration and completion.  His exceptional academic background has helped him to consistently design and deliver buildings of the highest calibre, working with a variety of clients and contractors.

Russell Boyte

Senior Associate, Architectural Technologist

ONC/HNC Construction Technology

Russell has a superlative technical understanding of buildings old and new, and wide-ranging experience of the construction process in Jersey.  He is particularly skilled at working on multi-disciplinary projects and on challenging sites.  He brings a broad knowledge-base of residential, education and commercial buildings, as well as inclusive design.

Russell joined Godel Architects in 2007 and has project managed some of the practice’s largest and most complex schemes, delivering them all to the highest of standards.  Many of the projects he has run whilst at Godel Architects are luxury, high-end houses, providing him with an exceptional specialised knowledge unique to this type of buildings, and making him well-placed to guide clients through the design and construction process.  His extensive experience working with a variety of contractors in a professional and confident manner has proven to be extremely valuable to the practice and clients alike.

Russell also manages the office’s IT systems and his expertise in this matter helps keep the office running as efficiently as possible.

Kathy White

Office Manager

Kathy has extensive experience within the property industry in Jersey.   For almost thirty years she worked in the local legal industry, specialising in Property Law, eventually acting as the Conveyancing Assistant for the partner at a large Jersey Law firm.  This required her to be proficient in everything from property searches to preparing contracts ready for Court and translating legal documents from French to English.  She often worked client-side, attending the Royal Court with clients.

Additionally, Kathy provided general support to the firm’s Conveyancing Department.  This allowed her to develop a superb skillset, perfectly matched to support the clients and staff at Godel Architects, and she brings with her a rare understanding of local property and law, which has been beneficial practice-wide.

Prior to her legal experience, Kathy worked at the States of Jersey Planning Department, for both the Island Plan team and in the Historic Buildings division. This gives her a unique viewpoint and knowledge of the processes of both Planning and historic property applications, and the aims of the policies related to them.

Kathy joined Godel Architects in May 2013, where her previous experience has proven invaluable, and her organisational skills and diligence facilitate the smooth running of the practice. She carries out a number of functions, including overseeing the accounts and archives, assisting other staff and clients when needed, and all in a professional and approachable way.

Andreas Doublard

Associate, Architectural Technician

Advanced GNVQ Construction in the Built Environment & HNC Building Studies

Andreas’ education includes an Advanced GNVQ in Construction in the Built Environment and an HNC in Building Studies.  This, coupled with nearly 20 years’ experience within the local Architectural industry, makes Andreas a highly skilled professional.

His expertise extends over residential, education, healthcare and commercial sectors in Jersey, including the restoration and conversion of local, listed buildings, predominantly in high-end residential schemes.  He has an array of skills and knowledge, including a strong understanding of contract administration, allowing him to manage complex projects, administering contracts and producing the relevant architectural information, which he does in a highly skillful and attentive way.

Andreas specialises in technical and architectural detailing, in both traditional and modern construction methods and has an exceptional understanding of Building Control and its procedures, which is an invaluable asset for the practice.

Andreas joined Godel Architects in 2011.  Since then, he has worked on some of the practice’s largest and most complex residential projects, developing, detailing and delivering schemes which require his uniquely skilled focus and attention to detail.

Aston Roberts

Associate, Chartered Architect

BSc (Hons), MArch., PG DipArch., ARB, RIBA

Aston gained his architectural education at Cardiff University, where he specialised in Modern Methods of Construction, Zero Carbon Construction, and from where he became the youngest qualified Architect in the UK.

Following his studies, Aston worked in London at a large internationally acclaimed architecture practice, where he worked on a number of prestigious projects, including King’s Cross Station, London, and on other high-profile schemes in the UK and as far afield as Qatar and Haiti.  Aston has extensive experience working with world-class engineers and consultants, working on projects in different sectors, scales and cultures, which has given him a broad understanding of applied architectural design of the highest quality.

Joining Godel Architects in 2011 Aston has used his acquired knowledge and skills to deliver a number of high-end private residential projects. He is highly adept at working with and co-ordinating multi-disciplinary teams to produce the highest standard of architecture.

Paulina McNee

Chartered Architect

BA(Hons), MSc (Hist Con), DipArch, ARB, RIBA

Paulina gained her architectural education at the University of Liverpool and the University of Brighton. Later, she undertook a master’s degree in Historic Conservation at Oxford Brookes University (with architectural history at Oxford University). Paulina has worked in London and Jersey in a range of sectors, from art installation, residential and office design, to civic, sport and leisure projects, making her a highly accomplished Architect.

She brings exceptional experience in design-focused architecture. Having been on the team that won an RIBA/BRE International Architectural Design Competition early in her career, she subsequently focussed on Sports Architecture, carrying out design research and providing designs and critique for projects in the UK and the Middle East for various organisations, including a globally-renowned architecture practice.

Paulina has been Project Architect for numerous buildings, including the first Passivhaus Leisure Centre in the UK (to tender stage), requiring her to coordinate a multi-disciplinary team of world-class engineers and environmental specialists.

Since joining Godel Architects in 2016, Paulina has been Project Architect for several high-end residential projects and currently heads up our Heritage building services as a design Architect and consultant.

Richard Cooper

Associate, Chartered Architect

BA (Hons), DipArch., ARB, RIBA

Richard was educated at the University of Plymouth’s School of Architecture at undergraduate level, and Huddersfield University at Postgraduate level.

Once qualified, Richard worked for a number of well-known commercial practices across the South of England and in Jersey, covering a range of sectors including office, retail, industrial, education and residential, and he contributed to a number of highly successful and award-winning developments both in the UK and Jersey.

Before joining Godel Architects, Richard worked for a developer, well known for their projects throughout the Island, UK and Ireland. Prior to this, Richard was an Associate Director at a Jersey firm and an Associate at a large multidisciplinary English practice, where he led various projects.

Richard joined Godel Architects in 2018, bringing with him his invaluable expertise across a range of sectors, with a commercial perspective where needed. Richard’s ability to create well-designed spaces, coupled with his broad technical knowledge, has allowed him to deliver schemes which have often surpassed his clients’ aspirations, and his many years’ experience allows him to offer a tailored service, providing highly knowledgeable advice and support through concept to completion.

Phil Satchell

Associate, Architect

BA (Hons), DipArch., MA., ARB

Phil studied Architecture at the University of Portsmouth, specialising in Urbanism, where he won a number of academic awards and graduated with First Class Honours Degree at undergraduate level, making him an exceptionally skilled Architect.

Since then, Phil has worked for a number of practices, including a highly prestigious, globally recognised firm in London, well known for being a recipient of the RIBA Gold Medal and the Mies Van Der Rohe Award (European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture) and the RIBA Stirling Prize.  This gave Phil the opportunity to work with world-class engineers and specialists, on an impressive selection of work; everything from one-off pieces of bespoke furniture, residential, leisure and commercial schemes, through to a skyscraper in Central London, all designed to the highest finish and quality. This allowed Phil to develop an exceptional skillset, and exposed him to an influential architectural circle, from which he brings his work ethic and methods.

Phil joined Godel Architects in 2017 where he has implemented his uniquely honed experience in the high-end private residential sector on a number of projects across the office. Phil’s consummate design skills, attention to detail and project management skills have helped him to deliver schemes often surpassing his clients’ expectations.

Dominic Carnegie

Senior Associate, Chartered Architect

BA (Hons), DipArch., ARB, RIBA

Dominic gained his education at Kingston University, London.  Since then, he has amassed an impressive range of experience in various sectors, such as further and higher education, residential, commercial and research and development.  He spent five years working on the Learning & Skills Council Further Education programme in the UK, where he led the design and construction of a new campus for a further education college in the South of England, which is held as an exemplar of word-class facilities for teaching and learning.

However, he also brings 20 years’ experience in high-end and luxury residential design and delivery, which he gained whilst working for a number of prestigious practices in London.  His residential expertise has been utilised by developers as well as private individuals, and his wide-ranging, yet robust experience has proven to be invaluable to clients who have needed specific guidance through the process.  Due to his exceptional knowledge and expertise, Dominic has also acted as an expert witness in legal cases.

His overall experience is highly valued at Godel Architects, whom he joined in 2010.  Whilst here, Dominic has worked on all aspects of residential and commercial schemes, including coordination and contract administration on a number of high-end, bespoke projects, which he has navigated and completed with an exceptional level of knowledge and professional skill.

Rosie

Office Dog

Our furry office companion who joined in 2018. Her favourite hobbies are running around in circles and being overly protective of Fiona.

Robert Godel

Director

BA (Hons), B. Arch., RIBA - Architect

After completing his architectural education at Liverpool University, Robert worked in London, Liverpool and Manchester, as design architect on a wide variety of schemes.

He returned to Jersey in 1996, where he was an associate at a local architectural firm until in 2000, when he and Fiona set up Godel Architects. They have together they have been sole directors since that time.

Robert has considerable experience of all aspects of the architectural process and of all types of buildings.