Matthew giles
DIRECTOR
Matthew studied architecture at Liverpool Polytechnic and the University of Liverpool. On completing his studies at Liverpool, Matthew spent three years working in Miami and the Caribbean as project architect responsible for overseeing the construction of several hotel projects and private houses. On returning to London in 2000, Matthew joined United Designers, Among several notable competition entries, Matthew also led on the No.1 Glasgow Hotel competition for the former Glasgow Post Office site.
Matthew was formerly a director at Giles & Pike Architects with Tom Pike, and at the beginning of 2020 Matthew Giles Architects was formed. The practice has grown organically, shortlisted for several national design awards including the British Homes Awards and AJ Retrofit Awards. The team also won a Schueco Excellence Award in the Individual House Category.
Having spent over 20 years crafting extraordinary homes, Matthew oversees the majority of projects in the Studio making sure each one is rigorously designed. One of Matthew’s most enjoyable current projects is a new-build home in Wimbledon, West London.
Matthew has a flair for creating homes with warmth and ambience – and he is ceaselessly exploring ways to broaden his craft; experimenting with materials, textures and new spatial ideas
KATE YALDREN
STUDIO MANAGER
Kate is the Studio Manager of MGA, and is instrumental in developing the project management services.
Kate completed a foundation course at Winchester School of Art in 1991 and then went on to do an HND in shoe design and millinery at Cordwainers College.
On graduating, she joined Coexistence where she worked on the sales side of the company. Kate then moved to SCP, taking on the role of accessory buyer and manager of the Shoreditch showroom. In 2007, she joined Inform Furniture where she worked on the selection and the specification of Scandinavian furniture, and also assisted on the project management and installation side of the business.
TOM MUNDAY
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Tom completed his architectural training at Cardiff university in 2017. After graduating with a first class honours for his MArch Degree, he decided to complete his RIBA Part III professional studies at the university of Westminster and qualified in 2019.
Tom’s previous experience lies in both public and private sectors having worked for Sarah Wigglesworth Architects and Giles & Pike Architects, both Award winning Practices based in London.
His final year thesis explored the nature of craft in architecture and he has since developed a passion for tectonics and making, and is always on the look out for innovative ways to use materials.
Outside of work, Tom is a keen sportsman and musician.
LU BAI
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Lu completed her architecture training in the US and is a licensed architect of the American Institute of Architects.
Lu has worked in practices across the US, China, and the UK, with experience ranging in sectors from large scale commercial, infrastructure, hospitality, and cultural projects to small scale residential and furniture design. Lu has worked at Foster and Partners and Giles & Pike Architects since moving to London in 2014.
Over the past years of travelling, Lu has been inspired by the art of craft and believes that the most important method of learning is by making. She enjoys creating household objects and jewellery out of unconventional materials, such as concrete and construction scraps. She can also be found spending late nights on the sewing machine making another piece to add to her wardrobe.
viviana garcia
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
After graduating with a First Class Master’s degree in Architecture from Cardiff University, Viviana completed her Part III professional diploma at the University of Westminster, qualifying in 2018.
As an associate at Foster + Partners, Viviana lead a multidisciplinary team to design and deliver large scale projects both internationally and in the UK. She was selected to represent the practice as Architect and CDM Principal Designer, relocating to oversee the construction of a high profile, private residential project.
Previously, Viviana worked in a Swiss practice in Zurich, where she developed a strong interest in architectural composition and detailing. During this time, she was awarded with a Travelling Scholarship enabling a first-hand insight on her thesis on changes in cultural identity in far eastern cities.
Viviana is passionate about dancing and travelling. In her free time she is always keen to explore nature and inner city neighbourhoods - especially in the search for local markets and foodie hotspots.
