About Us
We're a RIBA Chartered Practice with a history that goes back to 1888, working across the full range of RIBA work stages and procurement routes. Our people are what make the practice, a team of problem solvers with a genuine breadth of experience, committed to adding value at every stage of a project, not just at the start. We pay attention to the detail, which is why clients trust us to deliver, whatever the scale of the job.
Why Us
Six decades of experience means we've earned the trust of clients with some of Yorkshire's most significant buildings, but we never approach a project as routine. Our team includes qualified and accredited conservation architects (AABC), so whatever the brief, you're working with people who genuinely know the subject. We take the time to understand the building, the site, and what you're trying to achieve, and we stay involved from first sketch through to completion. It's that combination of specialist knowledge and personal attention that keeps clients coming back.
Our People
When we work with you, we want you to enjoy your relationship with us.
Check out details of our latest projects by going to our News page.
We aspire to create an environment that delivers benefits to both our organisations. We firmly believe that ‘people work with people’ so it’s important for you to know who we are and what we do. Introducing our team:
Sally Beeden
AMInstLM
Director / Practice Secretary
Sally is responsible for the day-to-day running of the business and the financial management of Pearce Bottomley Architects.
Sally has extensive experience of business strategy, financial planning and project management. Her ability to bring skills and experiences gleaned from other sectors into our business has made her an invaluable member of the partnership.
Approaching issues with creativity and enthusiasm, Sally often offers a fresh approach to the management of other areas of the practice.
Out of work Sally enjoys competing her ex-racehorse.
Alexa Stephens
BA(Hons) BArch PGDip RIBA AABC
Director / Conservation Architect
Alexa is an award-winning architect with a particular focus on ecclesiastical architecture. She is an AABC (Architect Accredited in Building Conservation) registered architect and has worked on many nationally important listed buildings and scheduled monuments gaining a significant amount of experience in this sector.
Alexa is also an inspecting architect for several Diocese including, Leeds, York and Lincoln and was awarded the UK young Church Architect of the year in 2019. She has also won the King of Prussia Gold medal for her project at St Margaret’s Church, Thimbleby for work to re-build the spire.
Alexa is also an Advising Architect to the York DAC, a committee member of the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association and also sits on the Church Buildings Council.
When not working Alexa is a Brownie leader and enjoys spending time with her young family.
Caroline Brayson
BArch MArch ARB RIBA
Architect
Caroline has been involved in conservation architecture to listed and historic buildings for over 10 years and is currently working towards AABC accreditation.
She has previously worked UK wide in Yorkshire, London, Bath, Glasgow and the North East, as well as in Seville (Spain) and Southern France for conservation projects across a number of sectors.
Caroline is interested in adaptive reuse of existing buildings and repair of traditional buildings.
Outside of work she’s a judo coach and competes at National and International level as well as organising competitions and training events.
Scott Doherty
BA (Hons) MArch RIBA
Project Architect
Scott has a wealth of experience across a variety of sectors, including ecclesiastical, educational, community and residential projects.
Specialising in conservation architecture, Scott has worked extensively with Listed buildings, heritage assets, and buildings in conservation areas.
He has worked across the UK, including time in London, the Lake District, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, and is especially passionate about heritage-led projects.
Outside of architecture, Scott enjoys travelling (he’s just returned from Japan and South Korea), watching films, and following football
Kasturi Khanolkar
G.D Arch MA(Conservation Studies)
Architectural Assistant
Kasturi holds a master’s degree in Historic Building Conservation from University of York and currently is involved in ecclesiastical and historic buildings projects at PBA as Part II Architectural Assistant.
Prior to joining the practice, Kasturi has worked on conservation, refurbishment, and new build schemes in variety of sectors, gaining knowledge and experience that have helped develop her skills through all RIBA Work stages.
She is enthusiastic about design which enhances the built environment and the building user's experience and particularly enjoys the problem-solving aspect of architecture and the joy in bringing a building back to life.
Outside of work, Kasturi enjoys cooking, Indian classical dance and walks in the Yorkshire Dales.
Phoebe Briggs
BArch (Hons) MArch
Architectural Assistant
Phoebe is a Part 2 Architectural Assistant with a particular focus on conservation and heritage architecture. Since joining PBA, she has worked across repair, conservation and residential projects involving historic and traditionally constructed buildings, running jobs from initial concept through to tender.
Phoebe holds a masters degree from Sheffield University, where she won the West Yorkshire Society of Architects Dissertation Prize and was nominated for the RIBA Dissertation Medal. She is a member of the Victorian Society, the Georgian Society and the National Churches Trust, and volunteers with the Friends of Friendless Churches. Phoebe is currently working towards her Part 3 qualification.
Out of work Phoebe is a keen motorcyclist, and spends many long weekends in the Dales.
Adam Johnson
BArch (Hons)
Architectural Assistant
Adam joins us following his graduation from Northumbria University, where he achieved a First Class BA (Hons) in Architecture in July 2025.
Adam has a strong interest in architectural design and spatial planning, and enjoys exploring how buildings are designed and function, with an enthusiasm for blending contemporary ideas into traditional contexts.
He also has experience in 3D modelling, technical design, and CAD, having completed a CAD internship prior to joining the practice.
Outside of work, Adam enjoys mountain biking, running, and playing cricket.
Heather Ransome
Administrator
Heather joined Pearce Bottomley Architects in 2023 as an Administrator, having gained a wealth of secretarial experience over the years in a variety of property sectors. Working primarily with the Ecclesiastical Team offering administration support, Heather’s role is varied and includes the organisation of all Church Quinquennial Inspections.
Outside of work, Heather enjoys cooking, reading and going on long walks, especially along the coast.
Jackie Woolley
Administrator
Having worked in various roles including the most recent as Operations Manager for an Equestrian Trade Exhibition, Jackie joined Pearce Bottomley Architects in January 2024 as an Administrator, providing administrative support to the professional staff.
She has three daughters who although now in their early twenties always keep her busy, but she finds time to enjoy reading, cinema and socialising with family and friends.