Our people

Richard Brindley is a Chartered Architect with additional qualifications in business and project management. He has over 30 years’ experience as a practicing architect, successfully developing and leading a range of large, medium and sole-practitioner practices; including Operations Director for a multi-disciplinary design consultancy and Chief Architect for a major residential developer. He was RIBA Director of Practice then Executive Director of Professional Services at the Royal Institute of British Architects for 12 years from 2003 to 2015, responsible for RIBA’s practice policy and membership services for Chartered Architects worldwide. He is now lead Director of ‘R Brindley Consult Ltd’, an independent consultancy company providing strategic management advice and project delivery support to professional membership and educational bodies. He is a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects, part-time post graduate lecturer and course director on clients, appointment contracts, professionalism and practice management at the Bartlett UCL and Architectural Association. He currently chairs the working party organising Teambuild UK and trustee of several charities including ABS. He is proud to be able to apply his overview and passionate support for the UK construction industry professions for the ABS and its welfare committee.

Mark Grzegorczyk studied architecture at the Bartlett and became a chartered architect in 1983. Mark has over 30 years experience running his own practice specializing in the residential sector and the conservation of listed buildings. He now divides his time between London and the Isle of Wight providing consultancy and advisory services. Mark became a Trustee for the Architects Benevolent Society in 2015 and was appointed Honorary Secretary in 2019.

After more than 35 years in public and private practice as a chartered landscape architect, Nigel is now full-time Director of Studies for the School of Horticulture, Landscaping and Garden Design at Capel Manor College in north London – helping to train new recruits into the built environment profession.

John has been a Trustee since 2017 after being inspired to join ABS by his dad, a Trustee for a small local charity for over 40 years, and his good friend Simon. Simon, his wife Kacka and their youngest child Amelka died in tragic circumstances some years ago. ABS stepped in and provided much-needed support for his two eldest children and their grandmother.

“I always wanted to show my gratitude to ABS by helping them support other Architects in times of need” – John.

Aled Rees is an Associate Director with over 15 years’ experience successfully developing and leading a range of project from domestic, commercial, social housing and healthcare, becoming a Chartered Architectural Technologist in 2016. He is currently the resident Chair of the Wales Region for CIAT and undertakes mentoring of future applicants and undertakes Professional Interviews as part of the Chartered application process. He also visits universities speaking to students about being in practice. He is looking forward to providing his support for ABS and moving them forward in the future.

Andy is an Architect, running a practice in Scotland. Though he had been aware of ABS, it wasn’t until he suffered an accident in 2014 that he truly appreciated the value of the support ABS provides.

“[ABS] were of great moral and financial support to myself but more importantly to my family immediately following my accident and during my recovery. It is a privilege to now be an ambassador for this fabulous society and be able to share my experience from my family’s time of need and what the ABS can offer us all” –Andy.

Rick is an Architect with 20 years of experience in private practice, owner and director of Smith Scott Mullan Associates in Edinburgh. Now a trustee, Rick has been an ABS ambassador since 2018.

“This is a rewarding role. I use my time and contacts to spread the word about the work ABS does and the support available for people in our profession. It is great to give back to the industry and use my personal and professional experience to help others, delivering professional development to other practices, fundraising and participating in workshops” –Rick.

Rick was honoured to represent ABS at the Queen’s Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2019 as a guest of our Patron, His Royal Highness Duke of Gloucester.

Sangeeta is an architecture professional and works for FBM Architects on award-winning projects in the public & private sector. She is currently a volunteer at the Islington division of: Keep Our NHS Public, looking after long and short-term IT needs. She has also been a committee member at GSS UK for three years.

“I joined the ABS team as a Trustee because it gives me great satisfaction to contribute to worthwhile causes, and I believe I could add value through my diverse experiences. I enjoy meeting new people and forming meaningful connections. ” –Sangeeta

Mark joined as a Trustee in early 2024 and was appointed Honorary Treasurer in June 2024.  Mark has a Commerce degree from the University of Queensland, qualified as a Chartered Accountant in Australia and is currently a Fellow of the Association of Corporate Treasurers in the UK.  He has over 30 years’ experience in finance and risk management for both the financial services and corporate sectors.

“I bring a different background to the ABS Board of Trustees and look forward to contributing to its benevolent strategy in these challenging times.” – Mark