New architectural team strengthens our affordable housing offer

We’re delighted to welcome Kevin Paddock (Associate Director) and Katie Hughes (Principal Architect) who join us with 51 years of combined experience in the affordable housing sector.

Joining our Design team, and based out of our Birmingham office, their focus will be on the design and delivery of viable, affordable housing schemes that help to tackle the UK’s housing crisis. Prioritising placemaking and safe communities that promote cohesion, as well as sustainability, including low-carbon and energy-efficient design, the expanded team will work closely with clients as well as residents and other key stakeholders. By advising on and utilising modern methods of construction (MMC) the team will support our clients to deliver design-led, sustainable solutions that are both cost-effective and scalable.

Joining RPS from GreenSquareAccord (GSA), a Midlands Housing Association, together they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will make complex easy for our clients in both the public and private sector.

Kevin brings over 35 years’ experience in the social housing sector, specialising in technical design. At GSA he headed up the in-house architectural department, leading project delivery across the entire design process. He was instrumental in setting up Local Homes, an MMC factory, developing warranty-approved system details and providing system development design support, assisting contractors and architects.

Having worked closely with Kevin at GSA as a Senior Architect, Katie has worked in the architectural industry for over 16 years. With a deep understanding of the planning system and housing standards, she brings significant experience in the delivery of regeneration and new build schemes, including social housing, dementia care and assisted living projects.

Together they delivered award-winning projects including affordable housing schemes: Woden Road and Portabello in Wolverhampton, from inception through to successful completion.

Kevin comments: “I’m delighted to have joined RPS and look forward to leading a new architectural team that delivers innovative, sustainable, and community-driven affordable housing solutions, as well as working collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues. The sector’s future is exciting, with opportunities to utilise MMC and building information modelling (BIM) advancements to accelerate the delivery of challenging projects to support clients.”

Katie comments: “I’m excited to be joining RPS during a period of critical change for the housing industry, at a time where our clients are facing increasing pressure within an evolving regulatory landscape. The multi-disciplinary nature of RPS will enable us to continue pushing the boundaries and develop more informed and considered designs that meet future standards and help clients to meet their decarbonisation and housing delivery targets.”