Nigel Walter..
Nigel is the founding director of Archangel, and a Specialist Conservation Architect. With 30 years’ experience of community-based architecture, he is central to the strategic direction of the practice. In 2018 he was made an RIBA Fellow in recognition of both his ’thought leadership’ and the positive social impact of his practice.
‘I particularly love strong contemporary design in deeply historic places and remain involved in both practice and academic research; Archangel has developed to reflect that. This combination is mutually enriching, both leading to more considered design and keeping our research grounded, adding to the reach and impact of the practice.’
Nigel regularly writes, speaks and teaches on conservation. He is a member of the Association for Project Management (MAPM), a DCMS-nominated member of the Church Buildings Council, and an RIBA conservation accreditation assessor. He is also an active member of two ICOMOS International Scientific Committees: for Places of Religion and Ritual (PRERICO), and for Theory and Philosophy of Conservation and Restoration (Theophilos).
Away from the office he serves his local parish church as a Licensed Lay Minister.
Career
- Studied architecture at University of Cambridge, gaining a first; qualified in 1992
- Established Archangel in 2000
- MA in Historic Building Conservation (University of York) 2012
- PhD (University of York) 2017
- Published author, with two books and numerous articles, both academic and professional.
Dirk Visagie
Director
A longstanding member of the Archangel team, Dirk qualified as an architect in his native South Africa and has worked in the UK since 2005; he oversees the day-to-day running of the office.
Dirk works closely with clients, community groups, contractors, developers and consultants to help Archangel deliver projects in a collaborative manner. Part of his role is to help team members develop their skills and interests, and is currently busy integrating sustainability and modern methods of construction into our processes, to suit different project types and budgets.
‘I’m always trying to develop systems and explore how technology can provide best value for clients and the practice. I believe architects should make the design and delivery process more accessible and transparent to clients and project team members alike. The good news is that the tools are beginning to match the ambition – whether BIM technology, which Archangel has implemented from the outset, meetings via online platforms, or whatever other tools develop efficient ways of working for us and our clients.’
Dirk is a member of C3 Church Cambridge. He is also a scout leader (‘dib dib dib’) and enjoys almost any outdoor pursuits, though hasn’t been skydiving for a while.
Career
- Trained at University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; qualified 2007
- Joined Archangel 2005
- Appointed director 2013
Apostolos Petrakis
Associate
Copy required XXX A longstanding member of the Archangel team, Dirk qualified as an architect in his native South Africa and has worked in the UK since 2005; he oversees the day-to-day running of the office.
Dirk works closely with clients, community groups, contractors, developers and consultants to help Archangel deliver projects in a collaborative manner. Part of his role is to help team members develop their skills and interests, and is currently busy integrating sustainability and modern methods of construction into our processes, to suit different project types and budgets.
‘I’m always trying to develop systems and explore how technology can provide best value for clients and the practice. I believe architects should make the design and delivery process more accessible and transparent to clients and project team members alike. The good news is that the tools are beginning to match the ambition – whether BIM technology, which Archangel has implemented from the outset, meetings via online platforms, or whatever other tools develop efficient ways of working for us and our clients.’
Dirk is a member of C3 Church Cambridge. He is also a scout leader (‘dib dib dib’) and enjoys almost any outdoor pursuits, though hasn’t been skydiving for a while.
Career
- Trained at University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; qualified 2007
- Joined Archangel 2005
- Appointed director 2013
Jack Boyns
Architect
Along with project running & technical design, Jack also acts as the office CAD guru. He has led the detailed design and site inspection on our major refurbishment of Downing Place United Reformed Church, where he has made good use of our BIM capability [LINK] to discuss construction details with the contractor.
‘I enjoy working for Archangel because we create architecture that nurtures relationships, whether the buildings are homes, churches, workplaces or places of study.’
Outside of work, Jack is a volunteer youth worker at St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church, and a mean badminton player. He also plays bass guitar, and in 2020 became father to Ezra, the most recent archangel cherub.
Career
- Trained at University of Nottingham & London Metropolitan University; qualified 2019
- Joined Archangel 2012
Alexandros Michalitsianos
Conservation Specialist
Alex is a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT) and Accredited Conservation Specialist, with broad UK and European experience, including the renovation of the listed, five-star Metropole Palace Hotel in Belgrade, and the Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Club. [INTERNAL LINK]
A lover of detail, he is involved in the quinquennial inspection of historic church buildings and the subsequent specification of repair works, and has led the detailed design on our church reordering projects at St Peter & St Paul, Bassingbourn [INTERNAL LINK] and at All Saints, Cottenham.
‘What I love about working in this way is being able to play a part in the ‘living history’ of these amazing historic buildings, and having the chance to add another page to what is a never-ending story. In this way we become participants in ‘the tradition’.
Alex also has an interior design qualification and brings those skills to bear on many of our projects, including Dernford House and Lansdowne House [INTERNAL LINKS]. Outside of work, he enjoys sailing, skiing, traveling, cooking, and writing on tech, entertainment & travel websites.
Career
- Trained in Interior Design (Middlesex University) 2009
- MSc Conservation of Historic Buildings (University of Bath) 2014
- Joined Archangel 2014
- CIAT Accredited Conservationist 2020
Daniel Casero
Dani is a registered Architect, who trained and qualified in Barcelona, with experience in residential and heritage building. He is responsible for technical design and project delivery. He has been particularly involved with the detailed design of the works at Ridley Hall in Cambridge.
‘For me, the fundamental purpose of architecture is as a means for creating or reshaping a space for our communities, and consequently for our culture and for ourselves. Archangel has proved to be a great place to pursue this approach.’
After qualifying, Dani participated in the ‘Architectural Innovation & Inverted Urbanism’ programme, researching new approaches to urban design to improve the resilience of settlements in the historic Terra Alta area of north-east Spain.
Outside of work, he enjoys exploring Cambridgeshire on foot, playing tennis or reading any book within reach.
Career
- Trained at University of Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain; qualified 2017
- Postgraduate course in Architectural Innovation & Inverted Urbanism, Illinois Institue of Technology & ETSAB, Barcelona. 2017
- Joined Archangel 2018
