Mark graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1989 winning the Richard Rodgers portfolio prize. He qualified at London SBU in 1990 before gaining RIBA chartered membership.

He started his career in the office of Norman Foster which he joined in 1986. He was made an Associate of the firm in 1990 and a Project Director in 1992. Mark left Fosters to set up with Ric Blenkharn in his home town of York in 1994.

Since the formation of the practice, he has been responsible for the completion of several award-winning schemes, many including the extension and remodelling of Listed Buildings or new buildings in sensitive and historic locations. 

Mark has acted as consultant to a number of Councils throughout the region and has acted for the City of York on the Conservation Areas Advisory Panel. He represented the RIBA in the new Rural Design Forum and has been a guest lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan and Huddersfield Universities. He is a member of the 20th Century Society and the Chapels Society.

Oliver is driven by the belief that thoughtful design can enrich both environment and everyday life. He works closely with clients to develop creative, crafted responses to their briefs, with a particular interest in unlocking the potential of complex and challenging sites. He studied at the University of Edinburgh, graduating with first-class honours and receiving both the Saltire Society Award for his thesis design and the Alexander Flynn Award.

Oliver began his career at Bramhall Blenkharn Architects, working on the Potter Hill and Sandsend projects, before broadening his experience across different sectors. He returned to the practice in 2019 and became a partner in 2021. Beyond the studio, Oliver explores the Yorkshire countryside with his young family.

Issa enjoys working on bespoke projects, with opportunities for experimentation and creating unusual, environmentally responsible, considered and delightful buildings and spaces, designed to last.

He values working collaboratively with clients, and believes that the most successful results come through establishing dialogues and building relationships with the end-user.

Having worked with sensitive historic buildings, and contemporary projects, Issa has a range of experience and skills and believes that good design can bring enjoyment and improve quality of life.

Issa studied architecture in Leeds and the University of Edinburgh, graduating with first-class honours and a Master of Architecture with distinction. After university, he worked with Bauman Lyons Architects in Leeds on a range of projects, before establishing his own practice, working for a number of years on bespoke, private domestic projects, balanced with hands-on custom joinery and furniture making.

Issa lives in a self-converted Chapel and enjoys photography, spending time with his family, mountain biking, gardening, camping, and drawing. He continues to design and make small building projects, and functional bespoke furniture.

Josh joined the practice in 2017 for his Part 1 placement and has since completed his Part 2 at Northumbria University with distinction and his Part 3 professional qualification at Leeds Beckett University in 2023. He has worked across projects of varying scale, with particular focus on RIBA stages 2-5, where he applies his expertise in technical delivery and Building Information Modelling.

Josh is drawn to heritage projects and the challenge of working sensitively with existing fabric, believing that contextual understanding is fundamental to successful architecture. Outside the studio, he enjoys keeping active, exploring new places, and spending time with friends.

Tom is a passionate architect with a strong belief in the value of thoughtful, well-crafted residential design. With a particular interest in bespoke and heritage architecture, Tom enjoys creating homes that are both highly functional and deeply rooted in their context.

Tom studied architecture at the University of Lincoln, graduating with first class honours, before completing his Master of Architecture at the Manchester School of Architecture with distinction. During his studies, he received multiple design awards, including the Bown Prize for an exceptional portfolio. Tom has delivered projects across all RIBA stages in both high- end residential and heritage sectors. His work includes new build homes, sensitive refurbishments, Paragraph 80 projects, and listed building restorations.

Tom has recently relocated back to North Yorkshire. Outside of work he enjoys travel and is currently renovating his own home.

George studied his undergraduate in Architecture at Newcastle University, graduating with First Class Honours, with his design project being highly commended in the RIBA North East Student Prize.

Following his studies, George gained valuable experience at a practice in York, where he worked on a variety of projects across Yorkshire. This included both public and private sector work, with a particular focus on residential heritage and conservation-led schemes.

George returned to Newcastle University to complete his Master of Architecture, graduating with Distinction. He is especially interested in how modern technologies can support the preservation of traditional construction techniques & crafts, as well as how contemporary design can sensitively complement heritage contexts.

Now back in North Yorkshire, George is continuing to expand his architectural experience across a diverse range of projects while working towards his RIBA Part 3 qualification. Outside of practice, George enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing cricket, and snowboarding.

Jake graduated from Northumbria University in 2021 with distinction, winning first prize in the RIBA North-East Student Award for his degree project. He joins the practice for his Part 1 placement before returning to university to complete his education. 

In his spare time, Jake enjoys mountain biking and exploring the countryside.

Freya joined the practice in 2024 after completing her undergraduate degree at Newcastle University. She is now undertaking the architectural apprenticeship with Northumbria University, combining professional experience with continued academic study.

Her interests lie in conservation and restoration, particularly the challenge of working sensitively with historic fabric to bring existing buildings back to life. Freya is drawn to design that considers both the broader context and the finest details, believing that engaging thoughtfully with existing structures is essential to advancing sustainability in the built environment.

Having grown up in North Yorkshire, she finds particular meaning in contributing to local projects and her community through design. Beyond the studio, Freya pursues drawing, painting, and pottery.

Jonathan joined the practice in 2006 and has since worked across a broad range of projects, from domestic extensions to bespoke housing developments throughout North Yorkshire and beyond. His technical expertise and established relationships with local construction professionals enable him to deliver practical, well-coordinated solutions for clients.

Outside the studio, Jonathan enjoys time with friends and family, and maintains a passion for classic cars.

Billy brings over four decades of experience spanning construction, archaeology, and architectural technology. He joined the practice in 2001 after a twenty-year career in the construction industry, during which he gained expertise across multiple sectors.

In 1996, he left construction to study Archaeology at the University of Bradford, graduating with first-class honours in Archaeological Sciences in 2000. This developed his skills in surveying, recording historic landscapes and buildings, and CAD. He later completed a first-class BSc (Hons) in Building Management & Technology at York College in 2005. 

Billy's role centres on translating architectural design into built reality. He works primarily on-site, drawing on his broad technical knowledge to develop practical solutions and communicate design intent to construction teams. In 2025, he became a consultant to the practice, continuing to bring his extensive technical expertise to projects.

Karon started work in the civil service in Wales, moving to London on secondment to the Welsh Office in Whitehall.   After transferring to a Property Management company supporting the Principal and Structural Engineers, her background in architectural administration became focused with previous roles as firstly Project Secretary on major projects then PA to Finance Director Graham Phillips at Foster + Associates, moving to a role as PA to David Harriss, Finance Director at Nicholas Grimshaw and Partners.

Karon is in a consultancy role as Office Manager of the Practice under Oliver Leonard and Issa Bensalem and undertakes Client invoicing, office accounts, project secretarial and general office manager duties.

Leila joined the practice in 2024 as Marketing Manager. She leads the studio's marketing strategy and brand development, overseeing communications, business development, and public engagement. Leila works closely with the partners to identify new opportunities, build relationships across the industry, and position the practice's work within the wider architectural discourse.