Meet the Team

Christopher Brightman
Architect, Director

Christopher has almost 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 dedicated husband and father of two young girls. Together they are avid Great British Bake Off fans. He enjoys playing the occasional round of golf and a friendly weekly five-a-side game to relax. To help fight off the middle-age spread, he's recently taken up running too.

Jonathan Clarke
Architectural Technologist, Director

Jonathan is a highly experienced, skilled and knowledgeable architectural designer, having worked at several well-respected architectural practices before he founded his own company, JCAD, in 2012. Later, he teamed up with Christ in 2016, and they formed 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.

Chris G.
Architect

Chris has held senior-level design positions at several award-winning practices. With extensive design and project delivery experience across London, the South West and Yorkshire, he is a great asset to the practice and our clients…

  • Originally based in our Sheffield studio, Chris, his wife, and their young child have recently moved to be closer to family.

    Like many, Chris has now embraced a new way of working and splits his week between his own start-up practice and remote working for Brightman Clarke.

    With a young family, Chris gets little free time. But he relishes the prospect of pulling on his replica race kit and cycling into the local hills when he can. If it's a wet and windy Sunday, he loves settling down to watch Formula One. He is fascinated by the spectacle, engineering and technology.

Taylor
Architectural Designer

Having graduated in 2016 from De Montfort University with a Bachelor of Arts and Master's Degree in Architecture, Taylor now has over seven years of experience. He is a skilled and very knowledgeable team member with a calm, reassuring manner. Responsible for designing and managing projects, taking them from the drawing board to completion…

  • Taylor is a keen climber and adventurer; a little less perilous, he also likes a round of golf.

    Recently married, together Taylor and his wife love going on city adventures, exploring galleries, and discovering new restaurants and coffee shops.

    He is the office's connoisseur of high-octane action films and streaming box sets. He has even made a pilgrimage to the Game of Thrones sets in Northern Ireland; in stark contrast, Taylor is also a big Bake-Off fan.

Alicia
Architectural Assistant

Alicia joined us in 2020 as part of her RIBA Part 2, Masters Apprenticeship, which on completion, will lead to her studying for her Part 3 and qualifying as an Architect. Previously she had graduated from Hallam University with a bachelor's degree in architecture. She is a talented team member, working closely with the entire office.

  • 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 became a member of our team, embarking on her RIBA Part 2 Master's Apprenticeship. Prior to this, she earned her bachelor's degree in architecture from Hallam University. Ayona's design skills, academic background and dedication enhance our team's capabilities and potential.

Rachel
Architectural Assistant

Rachel started her journey with us in 2023, enrolling in the RIBA Part 2 Master's Apprenticeship. Upon successful completion, she will embark on her Part 3 studies, working towards becoming a qualified architect. Before this, she earned her bachelor's degree in architecture from Trent University. She’s a talented designer and a diligent new member of our team.

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.