Alina Holyst

Alina is a chartered architect who holds one of the UK’s highest conservation accreditations, awarded by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). She sits on the Ministerially appointed Historic Monuments Council (HMC), providing strategic advice on heritage proposals and guiding decisions on the future stewardship of the nation’s historic places.

She also plays leading roles within major heritage organisations, serving as Deputy Chair of the IHBC Northern Ireland Branch and as a Trustee Candidate and member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB).

Blending a deep respect for tradition with a flair for contemporary design, her practice is recognised for uniting heritage values with innovative architectural solutions in adaptive reuse and conservation projects.

Alina is a chartered and fully registered member of RIBA, RSUA, MRIAI (Ireland), ARB (UK), IARP, SLOIA and the IHBC. She has been a Director of PLACE NI, lectured at Queen’s University Belfast, and now tutors in Conservation for the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

Alex Hughes

Alex is a first-class honours graduate in Architecture from Queen’s University Belfast. He has worked with renowned practices including Schmidt Hammer Lassen in Copenhagen, Herzog & de Meuron in Basel, and Heneghan Peng Architects in Dublin. Alongside experience on international competitions, Alex has developed a strong interest in adaptive reuse and conservation - exploring how historic structures can be reimagined with ambitious new design concepts while retaining their cultural and material integrity. His approach combines bold architectural storytelling with a careful sensitivity to context, ensuring each project is both innovative and respectful of its past.

John McAllister

John McAllister is a highly experienced Senior Architectural Technician with over 25 years of proven expertise delivering projects across the island of Ireland. Having worked with several leading architectural practices, Johnny brings a depth of technical knowledge and industry insight to every commission. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, he produces precise, coordinated, and construction-ready technical drawings that support projects from initial concept through to on-site delivery. His skill set includes measured surveys, Building Control applications, tender and construction documentation, and the provision of dependable technical support at every stage of the design and delivery process.

Lauren Forte

Lauren Forte is a BSc Architecture graduate from Queen’s University Belfast with a strong interest in sustainable and heritage-led design. Awarded the Future Ready Award for her research in climate-responsive planning, she has explored innovative strategies for working sensitively within both urban and rural contexts.

Her final year project on Rathlin Island examined regenerative design through locally sourced materials, strengthening the relationship between architecture, landscape, and cultural identity.

Through conservation training within the practice, she has developed a particular interest in adaptive reuse and retrofit, recognising the importance of retaining embodied carbon, material integrity, and cultural memory. She continues to build her technical and conservation knowledge, contributing thoughtfully to projects that balance environmental responsibility with respect for heritage.