Meet the Team

Christopher Brightman
Architect, Director

Christopher has over 15 years of architectural design and building experience. Before starting Brightman Clarke Architects, he worked at a leading commercial architect’s practice for clients such as Sainsbury's, Ikea, Virgin Active and David Lloyd Leisure…

  • Born and raised in Sheffield, Christopher Initially graduated in 2004 from the University of Sheffield with a joint degree in Engineering and Architecture; in 2007, he gained his Master's in architecture and finally qualified as an architect in 2010.

    Away from the office, Chris is a devoted husband and father to two young girls. He and his family are avid fans of The Great British Bake Off. He also enjoys the occasional round of golf and a friendly weekly five-a-side game. To help keep middle-age spread at bay, he took up running a few years ago, completing his first London Marathon in 2024, and is currently training for his second marathon.

Jonathan Clarke
Architectural Technologist, Director

Jonathan is a highly experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable architectural designer, having worked at several well-respected architectural practices before founding his own company, JCAD, in 2012. Later, he teamed up with Chris in 2016, forming Brightman Clarke Architects…

  • Initially, Jon graduated with an HNC in Architectural Studies from the University of Derby and then studied Architectural Technology at Hallam University, Sheffield, graduating in 2008.

    Jon has two boys and mentors a team of 12 more (he's a qualified junior football coach).

    When weekends allow, together with his partner Michelle, they enjoy taking city breaks. To relax, they cherish nights in together, cooking and watching films or a whodunit box-set. He's reluctant to confess, but he loves nothing more than a classic 90s movie.

Taylor
Snr. Architectural Designer

Having graduated from De Montfort University with a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in Architecture, Taylor has over a decade of experience and is one of our most senior team members.

He leads projects from early concept to completion, guiding clients with a calm, knowledgeable approach and balancing design ambition with practical delivery…

  • After a break in his formal studies to start a family, he is now preparing to complete his final qualification stage, with plans to sit his Part 3 exam in 2027.

    A keen climber and adventurer, Taylor also enjoys golf and city breaks with his family, exploring family-friendly cultural attractions and discovering new restaurants and independent coffee shops.

    He is known in the office for his love of action films, box sets and Bake Off.

Alicia
Architect

Alicia joined Brightman Clarke Architects in 2021 through the RIBA Part 2 Master’s Apprenticeship at Sheffield Hallam. We are delighted to announce that, as of 1st September 2025, she has successfully passed her RIBA Part 3 and can now officially call herself an Architect.

Over the years, Alicia has grown within the practice into a confident and highly capable team member…

  • Recently, Alicia was publicly recognised by the University for her outstanding performance in the Part 3 exam, achieving the highest marks in her year: a brilliant reflection of her dedication and ability.

    She works closely with the entire team and brings a calm, thoughtful presence to every stage of a project, from early design through to delivery.
    Originating from Constable country, Alicia is attracted to the hills of the Peak District and the mountains of Scotland; she loves walking and exploring the countryside.

    She spends most of her spare time renovating her new home, tending to her many house plants and trying to tame her two boisterous cats.

Ayona
Architectural Assistant

In 2023, Ayona joined our team and began her RIBA Part 2 Master’s Apprenticeship, which she passed in summer 2026. Having previously completed her bachelor’s degree in architecture at Sheffield Hallam University.

She will now progress towards RIBA Part 3 as she continues her journey to becoming a qualified architect.

  • She completed her undergraduate degree at Hallam too, and has built a strong foundation in design thinking, backed by a calm and focused approach.

    In 2025, Ayona was awarded the Year 5 Prize in Architecture Design by the Sheffield Society of Architects, a brilliant recognition of the quality of her studio work.

    She’s now working towards becoming a RIBA Chartered Architect, continuing to build her confidence and skills across a wide range of residential projects.

    Outside the office, Ayona enjoys reading, especially contemporary fiction. She has a particular soft spot for imaginative storytelling, with favourite authors including Mura Kami, Yanagihara and Toni Morrsion.

    Ayona also finds time to keep active with regular visits to the gym.

Rachel
Architectural Assistant

Rachel also joined us in 2023 and has now passed her Master’s through the RIBA Part 2 Apprenticeship at Sheffield Hallam University. She completed the course while working full-time in the practice and attending university one day a week during the academic term.

Later in 2026, Rachel will begin her RIBA Part 3 studies as she continues her journey towards becoming a qualified architect…

  • Before starting her Master's, she completed her undergraduate degree at Nottingham Trent University. Rachel brings a creative, thoughtful energy to the team, along with regular updates on pop culture and Gen Z lingo. She’s looking forward to progressing to her Part 3 studies and eventual qualification as a RIBA Chartered Architect.

    Outside work, Rachel keeps active at the gym and enjoys the occasional run with her dog, Jasper.

    A keen sportswoman, she previously played football at an academy level. She’s also just bought her first home, which she’s planning to renovate — a personal project already reflecting her love of design and considered living.

Alan
Designer / Office Assistant

Alan is a versatile designer with over twenty-five years of experience. Throughout his career, assisting in the urban regeneration, architectural and interior design sectors, he has developed a broad skill set that spans multiple disciplines…

  • Since he was young, Alan has loved the arts, expressing his passion through drawing, painting, and sculpture. He later explored his creativity further through music, photography, and writing.

    Academically, he studied Art and Design and then specialised in the relatively new discipline of Spatial Design.

    Since 2013, he has run his own design and marketing business, offering graphic design, communications, illustration, and multimedia services to architects, interior designers, and businesses.

    In 2023, we welcomed Alan into our team (part-time). He brings a unique design perspective, infectious energy and creative drive.

    Alongside his work, Alan enjoys trail running, cycling, and exploring. He rarely leaves home without a camera or sketchbook.

Arnie
Head of Security

Arnie is the newest member of our team. He is with us two or three days a week. When not curled up by the radiators or in the sun, he likes to keep a keen eye on all the comings and goings in and around the village of Dore.