Melissa, has returned to Devon following her degree at Cardiff University where for her final project she designed an ecology centre in Bristol to reconnect people to the city’s maritime heritage and waterfront. The project responds to the environmental challenges of the harbour, integrating water restoration, habitat creation, and public engagement into a unified space. Melissa is particularly interested in how people respond to buildings, and how architecture connects to the landscape, bringing indoor and outdoor environments together.
Jonathan Rhind Architects are committed to the training of young architects. For Part I Architectural Assistants, the year in practice is essential for gaining practical skills and experience for a successful career, and we benefit from fresh thinking and new perspectives. Melissa is currently exploring designs for a visitor centre housed in a Bodmin Moor 19th century Engine House.
We currently have a number of Part Is working across the practice who are pursuing varying routes into architecture.
Evie Burrows joined the practice as an Architectural Apprentice and completed her undergraduate degree on a vocational basis. She is now continuing to work while studying for her Part II degree at University of West of England. Evie is a valued member of the design team, supporting on Condition Surveys, Listed Building repair drawing packages and repair applications, re-ordering schemes and developing technical designs.
Following his Part I degree, Jon Johnson joined the practice before continuing his studies with a postgraduate degree in the Conservation of Historic Buildings, in which he used his dissertation to critique the current Listed Building Consent system. Like Evie, JJ is now undertaking his Part II studies on a part-time basis, while working.
Joe joined the practice in 2023 and is continuing to gain hands on experience on a variety of projects. Joe is particularly strong on technical modelling and has created numerous 3D renders to help clients visualise their projects.
Dominic and Matthew joined the Somerset studio in summer 2025 and have both decided to extend their time in practice for a further year. Amongst other projects, Dominic has been working on the rebuild of the Grade II listed National Trust Glebe Cottages, which were sadly devasted by fire. Matthew has been involved in various projects including an agricultural estate regeneration, drawing up technical designs for a new property built to Passivhaus standards.
All of the Part I Architectural Assistants who have worked for the practice, have brought valuable ability, insight, enthusiasm and flair to the work they have undertaken and we continue to be impressed by the talent and commitment that the next generation of architects are bringing to the industry. As priorities shift and the imperatives that drive projects align with varied perspectives; sustainability, climate change, ecology, financial drivers, etc, it is reassuring to see the next generation engaging with and seeking answers to these challenges.