Meet the Team
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Phil launched Hope Architects in 2019, bringing nearly two decades of architectural experience to the table - from bespoke home designs to multi-storey developments around London. He spent over seven years at Bloor Homes, overseeing up to 4,000 homes a year and steering exciting North West housing projects. Now living in the Peak District National Park, Phil enjoys hillwalking and countryside life - sometimes even tending a small flock of Charolais-cross sheep in Hope Valley.
Phil Cooper
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Originally hailing from Patras, Greece, Christianna graduated from the University of Patras and ran her own practice before moving to the UK in 2016. A specialist in residential and later‑living design, she joined Hope in 2021. Christianna leads project teams and designs house types with flair. At home in Stockport, she’s a devoted mum to twins and dreams of a beachside day with frozen margaritas (sans kids). She has a soft spot for dogs but admits she'd be too lazy for walks - if she ever got one, it’d be a golden retriever named Bubble.
Christianna Anagnostopoulou
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A Fife native, John brings over a decade of architectural expertise, underpinned by a background in archaeology. His conservation work sometimes finds him crawling through historic structures or even up chimneys! A graduate of the Centre for Alternative Technology, he prioritises sustainability, health, and wellbeing in his designs. His tastes - Japandi minimalism meets Mid‑Century Modern - spill into fashion and interiors, though two small kids and a puppy make for a chaotic aesthetic at home. When not designing, John enjoys running, rock climbing, fencing and has a healthy appetite for sci‑fi and reading.
John McSeveney
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Saorla joined the team in mid-2025 after completing her master’s at the University of Sheffield, where she specialised in intersectional feminist design - and fully fell for the city in the process. Originally from London, she did her undergraduate degree at the University of Bath, with placements exploring meanwhile use and medical design. She also became a certified Passivhaus Designer in 2022 through Bath. Before returning north for postgrad, she spent a year in Glasgow working with a kit-house company, helping deliver sustainable homes across rural Scotland. Outside the studio, you’ll often find her crocheting, reading, doing pilates, playing board and video games, or at a gig, ideally with a strong cup of tea close by.
Saorla Hanley
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Kate joined in early 2024, bringing with her a product design background that naturally morphed into illustration and graphic design. She keeps the studio running smoothly and lends her creative touch to presentations, marketing and social media. Living in the Peak District with her two children, she’s a fan of long country walks (with occasional reluctant jogs thrown in) and is always game for coffee and brunch - preferably both.
Kate Johnston
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Mr Herbert J W Mystery claims to oversee the directors’ mental wellbeing—though he’s mostly found napping and rarely visits the studio.
Once a garden stray in Sheffield, Herbert was rescued by Sheffield Cats Shelter after his health declined. He had nine teeth removed but has since settled in at Phil’s house, happily crunching his biscuits.
Hope Architects proudly support Sheffield Cats Shelter with an annual donation. If Herbert’s story moves you, please consider donating on his behalf.
Herbert
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Rosie is our newest Brand Ambassador, currently on probation as she attempts to fill the enormous pawprints left by Honey. She joins us from Bulldog Rescue UK, an amazing organization dedicated to caring for a breed that’s loved by many but often underestimated in terms of the effort (and cost) required to keep them healthy and happy.
At two and a half years old, Rosie has a big personality: she loves snacks… even though she’s not allowed them. She’s already proving her loyalty by keeping a watchful eye on the Hope studio, greeting the postman with a bark that’s equal parts friendly and perfectly clichéd.
Rosie is ready to bring charm, curiosity, and a touch of mischief to everything she does here!
Rosie