HLM Architects, the award-winning architecture practice with studios across the UK and Ireland, has announced three new appointments to its recently relaunched Plymouth studio.
The new Plymouth studio, located at Alma Yard, opened in November 2025 and is quickly becoming established as a key part of HLM’s national network.
The addition of Lee Ferris as Associate, Damien Cadman as Senior Architect, and Katie Wake as Marketing Executive with previous bid experience, expands the team’s capabilities.
Showcasing its confidence in the region and commitment to delivering a broad range of design services in the South West, the recent appointments ensure the studio offers a full spectrum of services – including architecture, landscape, interiors and masterplanning.
Mick Scherdel, Managing Director of HLM Architects, said: “We’ve hit the ground running in growing the team in Plymouth around Kay Hanson, our Studio Director, whose strong connections in the region have been instrumental in the studio’s successful launch.
“With Lee, Damien and Katie on board, we’re well placed to deliver exceptional projects across multiple sectors in the South West, including education, healthcare, residential, urban regeneration, hospitality and defence.
“The desire to make spaces and places that improve lives sits at the heart of every HLM studio and it’s exciting to now be establishing this ethos in Plymouth.”
Lee Ferris joins HLM as Associate with over 25 years’ experience of delivering quality building projects across diverse sectors, including stadia, mixed-use regeneration, education, hospitality, civic, and conservation.
Lee said: “My passion has always been architecture and design with interest in every stage of the design process – from the initial concept sketches, through to the detailed design of the project until completion.
“I enjoy the design process especially when it has a goal of improving the built environment for people that live, work and use buildings and spaces.”
Having previously worked for HLM in 2010, Damien Cadman rejoins the team as a Senior Architect with a passion for breathing new life into under-used buildings. He now has over 15 years’ experience across residential, education, healthcare, hospitality, heritage and custodial sectors.
Damien said: “I’m passionate about breathing new life into under-used buildings and honouring their history while adapting them for modern use. The balance of innovation and respect drives my approach to design and I’m excited to continue this as part of the talented, forward-thinking team at HLM.”
Also rejoining the team, after previously working for HLM in 2017, Katie Wake brings expertise in marketing and communications to support the studio’s growth.
Katie said: “I’m excited to rejoin a highly respected architectural practice, working closely with the teams to showcase HLM’s design excellence and support continued growth.”
HLM has previously designed several acclaimed projects in the area – including Whitleigh Education Campus, Chamberlain House at Plymouth Science Park, the Marine Station at Coxside, and Brannel School in Cornwall.
The practice is also playing a pivotal role in delivering strategic support to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, the Royal Navy at HMNB Devonport, and the wider defence sector across the region.
