Somerset Practice

Based in Shepton Mallet

Meet the team

Somerset Practice

Based in Shepton Mallet

Meet the team

Meet The Team

Francesco Della Valle Director and Architect

Francesco Della Valle

Director and Architect

Francesco qualified at Portsmouth University School of Architecture in 2000. Since then, he has gained considerable experience having previously worked for Pearce Group Architects in Bristol, M+W Zander in Chippenham and a local architects practice in Somerset. Francesco is a fully qualified architect, registered with both the ARB (Architects Registration Board) and a chartered member of the RIBA.

Fran has been a Director and owner of the practice with his wife Nikki since its inception in 2010, and works alongside the team to help deliver each project. He is heavily involved throughout all stages of each job, from the initial consultation to completion of the project.

Nicola Della Valle Director and Office Manager

Nicola Della Valle

Director and Office Manager

Nicola qualified at the University of the West of England (UWE) with a degree in Biology and later gained a PhD in Immunology in 2004.

She has been involved with property development and business management for many years, as well as co-running the Practice.

Richard Rowntree Architect

Richard Rowntree

Architect

Richard joined the Practice in early 2014 having previously worked at Boon Brown Architects, BTA Architects and Philip Proctor Associates.

He obtained his Part 2 MArch in Architecture from Dundee University in 2010. In September 2017 he took his final professional exams at Bath University and passed to become a fully qualified Architect.

Mark Snell Architectural Technician

Mark Snell

Architectural Technician

Mark joined the practice in January 2022 after working in Bath for over 5-years, with experience on varying sized projects within the Education, Heritage, Commercial and Residential sectors, and experience of all stages of the architectural process.

After studying Interior Design at Surrey, Mark has had a varied work journey from large retirement housing developments to travelling the world, working with large retail Brands producing their store designs, whilst liaising with international manufacturers to design and mass produce their store equipment. 

Dan Keywood Architectural Technician

Dan Keywood

Architectural Technician

Dan joined the practice in January 2023 after working for a small Architectural Design and Build company in Wellington, Somerset. He has 15 years experience in architecture and planning after obtaining his BA(Hons) degree in Architectural Technology and Design at Bristol UWE in 2007.

Dan has advised and worked on a range of projects including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural. He has a keen interest in Listed Buildings and the conversion of traditional farm buildings.

Peter Clark Architectural Assistant

Peter Clark

Architectural Assistant

Peter joined the practice in April 2016 from a local architects practice in Corsham. He has 22 years experience in architecture after obtaining his BA(Hons) degree from Portsmouth University in 2001. He has previously worked in the residential sector on projects in Bath and the surrounding areas and spends most of his time producing surveys and planning applications.

He has a keen interest in sustainable and energy efficient construction techniques with experience of Passivhaus design.

Estera Kmita Architectural Assistant

Estera Kmita

Architectural Assistant

Graduating from Plymouth University in 2017 Estera gained experience working in an Architecture practice as a Cad technician and a project coordinator, working mainly on retail and leisure projects. In July 2021 we were delighted to have her join our practice.

She is currently studying part time at Cardiff University  and is working towards completing her MArch degree. 

Lily Della Valle  

Lily Della Valle

Lily is the most important person in the Practice! Lily is our chief smiler. She excels in folding drawings, making coffees and tidying the office.

Lily is currently studying for a degree in Astrophysics at Cardiff University, and returns during the holidays to help with the day to day running of the office.

Minnie  

Minnie

Minnie is our 6 year old black Lab.  She is in the office every day and loves to meet and greet everyone coming into the office.  Please do let us know if you are visiting us on site and do not like dogs as we will arrange for her to take a walk whilst you are with us.