People

BA (Hons) Arch, DipArch, RIBA

Rob graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 1998 with Post Graduate Diploma’s in both Architecture and Built Resource Studies. Registration as a Chartered Architect with the ARB and RIBA followed in 2001.

Rob co-founded A’Bear & Ball Architects LLP in 2016 after 17 years with Abingdon-based practice West Waddy ADP where he delivered a wide range of architectural projects in the residential, commercial and education sectors with construction values up to £3m. In his Design Associate role, project delivery responsibilities were extended to include management of the firm’s architectural team and championing the Practice’s ultra-low energy residential schemes, ranging form bespoke ‘one-off’ private dwelling to larger multi-unit schemes.

Also experienced in conservation work, Rob has overseen many sensitive conversion and extension projects involving listed buildings.

Rob is also actively involved in the business management activities of the Practice including the programming of resources with the team and overseeing HR and Quality processes.

Outside of work, Rob is kept very busy by his three teenage daughters, but In his spare time he enjoys a number of sports including skiing and road cycling. He has participated in numerous endurance cycling events including London to Paris (twice!) and, more recently, in June 2013 the iconic 1,000 mile ‘LEJOG’ raising £3,000 for local charity Helen and Douglas House in Oxford.

BA (Hons) Arch, DipArch, RIBA

Damon Graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 2008 and has over 15 years’ experience in architectural practice. Damon registered as a Chartered Architect with the ARB and RIBA in 2014.

Damon co-founded A'Bear & Ball Architects LLP with Robert A'Bear after gaining a wealth of experience at West Waddy ADP in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. In his Senior Architect role, Damon delivered a number of schemes ranging in value up to £3m across a variety of sectors with a range of teams and consultants.

Most recently Damon led the delivery of a large contemporary mixed use commercial/residential scheme in Bicester incorporating 17 x flats and 4 x retail units through a complex planning strategy. The project utilised BIM (Building Information Modelling) and an integrated model approach with the design team.

Damon has a passionate interest in contemporary low energy residential design and a keen eye for detail. In his spare time, Damon is a huge DIY enthusiast and has recently embarked on his own self-build where he has implemented innovative and cost-effective design solutions. The project completed in 2015 and we welcome our clients to view the building.

BA (Hons) Arch, DipArch Dip UD, RIBA

Stephen Simkins is an RIBA-registered architect with 30 years’ experience delivering projects from concept to completion. His work spans residential, educational, community, and commercial sectors, often involving listed buildings and complex planning challenges. Stephen’s approach centres on placemaking and creative problem-solving, designing spaces that are functional, inspiring, and tailored to client needs.

A former partner at West Waddy ADP, Stephen has led multidisciplinary teams, coordinated consultants and contractors, and overseen construction contracts to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality. He is a Principal Designer under CDM 2015, advising on health, safety, and site management throughout the design process.

Stephen has owned and managed his own practice for nearly 20 years, developing a results-driven, collaborative leadership style. He is experienced in tendering, contract negotiation, and specification, always focused on achieving best value and meeting client aspirations.

He also contributes to architectural education as an examiner for the RIBA Studio course at Oxford Brookes University, supporting students with a route to qualifying while in practice.

BSc (Hons), MArchD, RIBA

Duncan joined A’Bear and Ball Architects in 2020 and qualified as a Chartered Architect in 2023. With over ten years’ experience working in architectural practice across Oxfordshire, he has contributed to a wide range of residential, education, and community projects, from early concept design through to construction.

Having originally specialised in Sustainable Building: Performance and Design at Oxford Brookes University, Duncan brings a strong understanding of environmental performance and buildability to each project. He has a particular interest in the technical coordination and detailed design stages of architecture, ensuring that design intent is successfully carried through to delivery on site.

Duncan plays a leading role in the practice’s education and commercial projects, working closely with clients, contractors, and consultants to achieve well-resolved, efficient, and robust design solutions. His calm, methodical approach and attention to detail make him a valued member of the project team.

Outside of work, Duncan enjoys playing Korfball and spending time outdoors with his young Children. 

BA (Hons), MArchD, RIBA

Gavin joined the Practice in June 2021 as a Project Architect. He graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 2011 and registered as a Chartered Architect with the ARB and RIBA in 2016.

Gavin comes to the Practice with a range of experience working on feasibility/concept designs producing detail drawings and specification information for tender/construction and preparing planning and Building Regulation applications on residential, commercial and transport projects.

Gavin enjoys working on bespoke residential projects with a keen interest in how contemporary designs can employ cues to create architecture which is intrinsically linked to place.

Gavin is the Project Architect for several high quality ‘one off’ residential dwelling projects across the region, the most recent of which is located on a fantastic riverside site near Abingdon.

Gavin is also a ‘Certified Passivhaus Designer’ and this expertise strengthens the Practice’s ability to deliver a growing number of contemporary residential schemes with an ultra low energy design focus.

Outside of architecture, Gavin enjoys music and long family walks (perhaps more than his children). He is also a keen runner and has participated in numerous 10K and half marathon events.

BSc (Hons) ArchTech

Katie joined the Practice in April 2022, bringing with her a solid foundation in technical design and a passion for low-energy, residential architecture. Since graduating from the University of the West of England in 2015, she has gained years of hands-on experience as an Architectural Technologist, specialising in the production of detailed design packages for Building Regulation approvals, tenders, and construction.

Detail-oriented and collaborative by nature, Katie plays a vital role in guiding projects through their technical stages, ensuring every detail is resolved with clarity and precision. While her expertise lies in the delivery of detailed design, she also enjoys supporting the team in the earlier stages—particularly when it comes to preparing and coordinating planning application submissions.

Katie is currently working towards Chartered status with CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists), with the full support of the Practice. Her journey toward accreditation reflects her ongoing commitment to professional growth and excellence in technical design.

Outside of the studio, Katie is often found exploring the outdoors with her dogs, snapping photos on her travels, or on the netball court. She brings the same energy and enthusiasm to her work as she does to her hobbies—always curious, always engaged, and always looking ahead.

RIAS, RIBA

John is an ARB registered and RIBA Chartered Architect with 25 years experience who, prior to assisting A’Bear and Ball Architects LLP as a Consultant Architect, has worked in several international and local architect practices.

John also worked for several years in commercial and residential property development in London before moving back home to rural Oxfordshire in order to spend more time with his family.

Outside architecture, John is a keen traveller, reader and filmgoer.

Rachel joined the Practice in July 2025 as our Studio Manager. She comes to the Practice with over 20 years’ experience as an account director in marketing agencies. She has a bought her experience in managing projects, budgets, clients, internal teams, freelancers and suppliers to the business.

Rachel is instrumental in overseeing our Quality Assurance and financial processes while helping to reduce the administrative burden on the team – if there is a quicker and more efficient way of doing things, she will try to find it!