Get to know us

  • Phil Wontner-Smith

    Ba(Hons) M.Arch DipArch ARB RIBA

    Chartered Architect + Director

    "I was dreaming of designing from a young age, starting with furniture in school at age 11 I created ornate storage boxes to chairs and even a guitar. I then went onto study 3D design at Leeds College of Art where I used a fusion of skills to create sculptural pieces combined with technology to ensure my placement at Northumbria University where I studied architecture at both a bachelors and masters level.

    I have a passion for economically friendly architecture as well as conservation and working on old buildings”

    In his spare time Phil is also a nationally ranked strongman competitor who has claimed 3rd place at the ‘UKs strongest man truck pulling championship’ in the under 110kg category (in which he had a 25kg deficit). He is also a family man with two children, wife and two energetic dogs.

  • Hannah Wontner-Smith

    Bsc(Hons)

    Office Admin

    Hannah’s educational and work background is in the field of accountancy where she enjoys working through cash flows and expenses to manage businesses most effectively. She has a keen eye for scheduling and efficiency and has been instrumental in the running of PWS since its inception. Not new to the world of architecture or the construction industry she has renovated 3 properties and spent almost a decade putting up with Phil talking about work none stop.

    In her spare time Hannah enjoys reading, having read an impressive 164 books in 2023, and spending days out with the family (taking a meticulously packed picnic and itinerary) and is the mother to two children with Phil. She can often be found chasing up staff, councils and consultants to make sure things are running smoothly and to schedule.

  • Theo Wicks

    Architectural Designer

    “I have always been fascinated with buildings, I really enjoy tailoring a structure to its user and owner with clever design. I have been interning with Phil since mid 2021 and it has opened my eyes to the role of the architect within the construction industry as well as the positive impact we as designers can have on someone’s everyday life.

    I am hoping to continue to work with Phil as I journey through university to become an architect myself”

    In his spare time Theo is an accomplished drummer, junior powerlifter and is currently working towards his degree in architecture at Strathclyde.

  • Lauren Crulley

    Lauren Crulley

    Ba (Hons) MArch

    Part II Architectural Designer

    Lauren has a background in Ceramics and Art, and has exhibited work in venues such as the Turner Contemporary and Quay Arts. She then moved on to study Architecture, and has studied both Undergraduate and Degree Apprenticeship Masters at Northumbria University.

    Lauren is influenced by biophilic design and how spaces can be designed to improve user wellbeing. She has a background in commercial/ retail and residential and likes to explore new buildings far and wide, such as spotting two of her favourite architects, Daniel Libeskind and Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings dotted around Berlin and Düsseldorf.

    In her spare time, Lauren is a keen traveller and enjoys long walks and hikes. She also relishes in adding to her ever-growing vinyl collection, watching live comedy and attending gigs. When she isn’t working, she’s most happy at St James’ Park or infront of a tv screen supporting Newcastle United!

  • Sofia Ponton

    Ba(Hons)

    Part I Architectural Designer

    “Architecture allows me to combine my creative and academic skill set to help people and the planet. I enjoy getting to know new clients and providing them with personalised design solutions. I love how every project creates an opportunity to learn something new. Often about the local area, its history and its people.”

    In her spare time Sofia is constantly picking up new hobbies. She particularly enjoys running, yoga, and outdoor adventures. After finishing university Sofia travelled extensively exploring architecture in seventeen countries over three different continents. 

  • Atlas + Anya

    Ba(Rk)

    Barkitects - Office Morale Boosters

    “HOWL”

    At PWS there are three things that we believe contribute to the function of the office… We didn’t think it was right to put up an image of the coffee machine so we uploaded the two next best things; the dogs. Research has shown that office dogs offer social and emotional support and are able to reduce stress, increase cognitive abilities and social interaction. They have also been found to counteract depression and anxiety in people.

    If you have a dog at home we are more than happy to meet them during our meetings - we even bring treats!

 

PWS was founded in 2018 with the ambition to fulfil dreams, ones of designing quality bespoke architecture for all clients.

At PWS it is important that the design works in all aspects, it is not enough to create something beautiful but to create something that fulfils its purpose and adds to the lives of those who utilise it, working on both large and small projects we do not shy away from residential or commercial work. We constantly aim to deliver a personalised service that not only meets but exceeds the brief and expectations of the client by going above and beyond to achieve this, we work closely with both clients and consultants to ensure this.

We also believe it is important to create and utilise things that will preserve our planet, at PWS we use off-cuts from cotton t-shirts to make our business cards and aim to, where possible, promote sustainability through design.