I graduated in 1992 from Cardiff University before moving to Malaysia, working on environmentally responsible skyscrapers with Dr. Ken Yeang. Here I met Frederieke and we returned to live in London where I worked for the next 18 years, firstly with Sir Denys Lasdun and then for Squire and Partners in the world of high specification residential. Married with four children, we moved to Devon and established our own practice in 2006. Our ambition has always been to design high quality, timeless architecture that sits elegantly within its context. Outside of the office I enjoy battling the Dartmoor hills on my road bike and relaxing in the Welsh Cambrian mountains.

Eilir Sheryn

Managing Director
In 1992 I graduated at the TU Delft in the Netherlands. The following year I moved to Kuala Lumpur to work with one of the pioneer ecological architects Dr. Ken Yeang, on his bioclimatic skyscrapers. During this time in KL I met Eilir. We moved to London where I worked mainly on high-end residential projects and loft conversions. In 2005 we moved to Devon with our four young children, and set up the practice a year later. Within our practice we have always wanted to create understated contemporary architecture which respects its natural setting. In my spare time I love walking our dogs and trying to out-cycle Eilir on Dartmoor.

Frederieke van Ellen

Director
I studied at the Welsh school of architecture and graduated in 2008 before moving to Devon. The wild landscape and opportunity to design architecture that is intrinsically part of it made the South West coast and moorland the perfect location to live and work. It was here I began working with Eilir and Frederieke, qualified as a registered Architect, and latterly became director and partner of the practice. In my free time I enjoy the great outdoors, good food, and the occasional house music rave in London.

Ian Phillips

Director
My early career at infrastructure specialists Knight Architects included many high-profile public projects around the world; including Europe’s longest pedestrian bridge in the Stockholm Archipelago. Seeking a return to the personal and deeply satisfying nature of bespoke residential Architecture, I qualified as a registered Architect and joined VESP shortly thereafter. Living on the River Dart, you are likely to find me paddling my canoe to the pub, accompanied by my long-suffering dog Pippin.

Simon Harris

Associate Architect
After graduating from the University of Cambridge, I worked in various London practices on a wide range of projects - from large-scale mixed-use developments to high-quality office refurbishments for leading developers. During this time I qualified as an Architect. I joined VESP in 2022 after relocating to Devon, in the pursuit of designing homes that make a difference to our clients’ everyday lives and creating sensitive, sustainable buildings which embrace the beauty of the natural landscape. When not working, I can be found either swimming on the south coast or walking across moors.

Ting Li

Architect
I enjoy creating place specific architecture based on a thorough analysis of climate, context and culture. My interest in this developed whilst studying at the Welsh School of Architecture, 3D scanning sand dunes in the Sahara Desert and designing structures to withstand such environmental extremes.  I have now swapped the desert sand for Devon beaches, joining VESP in 2022 just before qualifying as an Architect at Westminster University. Previously, I worked in Winchester specialising in high-end, contemporary, bespoke housing. Outside the studio you will find me sea swimming, windsurfing or sailing.

Emma Scourfield

Architect
I joined VESP following my MArch studies at the Welsh School of Architecture. I was born and raised in Plymouth, where I also completed my BA Studies. My interest in architecture lies in legible, distinctive and well disciplined design that considers the use of local materials to preserve and enhance our historic natural landscapes. Outside of work, I’m the lead singer of a 10-piece band, and have been playing cricket from an early age. You will also see me out and about with my mischievous lurcher Wesley. I’m currently studying at UWE Bristol to earn my professional title this year.

Billy Gibson

Architectural Assistant
I completed my BSc and M.Arch in architecture at Cardiff University, then worked overseas for many years. I’ve worked on a wide range of projects, from large scale multi-million dollar sports, education, and healthcare joint ventures, to smaller scale community and residential projects. I’ve found my preferred discipline now and thoroughly enjoy the challenge of delivering people’s dream homes. At the weekends you'll find me supping around the beautiful south-west coast.

Sarah Temlett

Senior Designer
I settled in the unspoilt beauty of South Devon in 2015 whilst studying my Undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth, joining the VESP team on graduating in 2018. I enjoy non-conformity in design, which is sympathetic of nature and the historic built environment, both of which we are blessed to work with so frequently here in the Moors. A keen swimmer, I have recently reignited my competitive nature with a number of open-water events planned for the coming year.

Leon Bell

Architectural Assistant
I returned to Devon following the completion of my BSc and MArch studies at The University of Bath. I joined VESP in 2023, and am studying towards my RIBA Part 3 qualification to fully qualify as an Architect later this year. Having previous experience on projects involving historical buildings in sensitive contexts, I particularly enjoy exploring the detailed design of the interface between the old and the new, and the integration of the built form into the surrounding landscape. Living on the edge of Dartmoor presents a great opportunity to explore the outdoors, and in my spare time I enjoy hiking, trail running and rock climbing.

Filip Suszczynski

Architectural Assistant
Whilst working as an architectural assistant at VESP I am pursuing my degree apprenticeship at London South Bank University. This dual role allows me to develop my architectural skills in a practical setting as I work towards my architectural qualifications. Outside of work and study, I enjoy spending time outdoors, drawing inspiration from nature for my design work. I'm also an international level prone-rifle marksman.

Lewis Wilson

Architectural Assistant
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