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About Us

Woodward Smith Chartered Architects has grown since its predecessor practice Michael J Smith and Associates was formed in 1981. Mike passed on the reigns of the practice in 2006 to John Woodward who continued to grow the practice ably assisted by Matt Steart who was at the time studying part time to get his architectural qualifications.

 

In 2013 Matt became an Associate of the practice which led to Matt becoming a partner in 2016.  The practice continued to grow with the long-standing team members continuing to show their dedication, and in 2023 Lee Mathews was promoted to Associate as recognition of his invaluable input over a number of years with the practice.

 

In 2024, now in the current chapter with Matt Steart (some 24 years after starting with the firm!) taking full ownership of the practice, with John Woodward moving to a part time consultancy role. The practice, continues to strive for the level of architectural consideration and attention to detail that Mike did some 40 years ago.

Meet Our Team

Matt Steart
John Woodward
Lee Mathews

Director | Architect

Matt has been with the practice since 2000 and took sole ownership in 2024. He plays an active role in the community as a Fremington Football Club Youth Chair and coach for the Girls under 11s football, has a keen eye for master planning and is a not-so-secret Taylor Swift fan. 

Senior Consultant

John is a senior consultant for the practice, with a wealth of experience in all scales of project. He is especially skilled at hand drawn sketches and proudly supports Everton through thick and thin. 

Associate | Senior Architectural Technologist

Lee joined the practice in 2006. He has extensive technical knowledge, with experience across multiple building typologies. Lee has a love for classic cars and is the best pub quiz team mate that you could ask for. 

Roxanne Townsend
Domenico Orsi
Leanne Barlow

Project Lead Architect

Roxanne first joined the practice as a Part 1 assistant and returned as a qualified Architect in 2021. She has varied experience in running architectural projects and has a passion for painting and photography. She is also Secretary of the RIBA Exeter Branch.

Project Lead Architect

Dom joined the practice in 2016. He has extensive technical and design knowledge and is an expert in large scale developments as well as one off houses. Dom is passionate about sustainability in construction. Dom has a love for fine dining and running. 

Architect

Leanne joined the practice in 2020. She has a breadth of knowledge in multiple sectors including residential, commercial and leisure and tourism. Leanne is our in-house visualisation expert. She has a passion for yoga, and has the cutest golden retriever called Hank. 

Daniel Jourdain
Tom Theile
Helena Jenkinson

Senior Architectural Technologist

Dan joined the practice in 2017. He has extensive technical knowledge, is our in-house Revit guru and is a keen photographer. Look out for some of his shots on the website! Dan is also an avid golf player.

Senior Architectural Technologist

Tom joined the practice in 2024 and is a chartered technologist operating across multiple workstages. Having an experienced technical background, he has a particular attention to detail. He has a passion for sports and will often be found putting in some miles on the road bike.

Architectural Degree Apprentice

Helena joined the practice in 2022. In conjunction with working at the practice on a variety of projects at both the planning and technical design stages, she is studying for her apprenticeship in Architecture at UWE Bristol. Helena has a passion for conservation, and is an active member of the architectural community, attending various networking and CPD events. 

Benita Roberts
Taree Taylor
Michelle James

Practice Manager

Benita joined the practice in 2007. She leads the management of the practice, ensuring that we are up to speed on all things health and safety and HR. Benita enjoys scenic walks, great food and supporting her son at his many different sporting events! 

Practice Administrator

Taree joined the practice in 2024 as the Practice Administrator. She is the first port of call for client liaison and hospitality in the office. Taree is a keen surfer and loves to explore new places. 

Head of Accounts

Michelle joined the practice in 2010. She leads the financial side of the practice and has a breadth of experience in accounting and all things financial. Michelle is also a keen walker.

Hugo

Hugo

Chief Wellbeing Officer

Hugo is our chief wellbeing officer, offering cuddles for anyone who needs it. He vets all visitors to the office and oversees quality control of our drawings usually rating them on a scale of 1 - 10 on comfiness of the printed drawings. 

Get In Touch

WSCA Office

Contact Us

Woodward Smith Chartered Architects

6 Tuly Street

Barnstaple

Devon 

United Kingdom

EX31 1DH

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