Joel Penwarden and Chris Hale established their practice in 2015, bringing together more than 50 years of architectural experience within award-winning practices throughout the UK. Penwarden Hale was founded on a shared interest in the pragmatic and sustainable delivery of buildings that meet the needs of people and place.
Creativity and practicality are at the heart of a design process that explores how architecture reflects and influences the lives of people working and living in and around the buildings we create. Working nationally from their offices in Oxford and Cambridge, Penwarden Hale have worked extensively in the arts, education, housing, science and commercial workspaces.
Our team is highly experienced in the intricacies of building production within the context of historic environments and emphasises the importance of engaging with as wide a variety of perspectives as possible in the design process.
Penwarden Hale Architects brings together a team of experienced architects and designers united by a shared commitment to thoughtful, well-crafted architecture. Our work is shaped by a respect for context, clarity of design, and a collaborative approach.
Chris Hale
Director
Chris co-founded the practice in 2015 and brings over three decades of experience in architecture and conservation. His work spans major cultural and academic institutions, including the National Gallery, Ely Cathedral, and Imperial College London. He is known for his clarity, precision, and considered leadership.
Outside practice, Chris has a longstanding interest in music and motorbikes, reflecting a balance of creativity and engineering.
Joel Penwarden
Director
Joel co-founded the practice in 2015 and has extensive experience in heritage and education projects. His work includes collaborations with institutions such as Oriel College, Keble College, Jesus College Cambridge, and Imperial College London. He is closely involved in all projects, with a particular focus on detail and thoughtful resolution.
He spends much of his time outdoors, running with his dog and exploring the landscape.
Phoebe Kent
Architect
Phoebe brings experience in regeneration and heritage-led projects in both the UK and New Zealand. She brings a thoughtful, research-driven approach to design and her background in regeneration and emergency architecture gives her a unique perspective on how buildings can support communities.
Outside the studio, she maintains an allotment and enjoys attending music festivals — always ready with a clever podcast recommendation.
Valeria Fabiano
Project Lead
Valeria joined the practice in 2023 and works across conservation and cultural projects. She holds an MA in Design Curating and Writing from the Design Academy Eindhoven, which informs her analytical and narrative-driven approach. Her work spans from Soho refurbishments to academic campus upgrades and the recently completed refurbishment of Oriel College East Range.
Alongside practice and teaching, she maintains a strong interest in radio and swimming.
Dan Curtis
Principal Designer and Technical Director
Dan leads on technical delivery and health and safety across the practice, drawing on his extensive experience as a project manager and director across the public and private sectors. He has delivered conservation projects for the National Trust and managed large-scale developments for Imperial College London. He plays a key role in ensuring clarity, rigour, and consistency in delivery.
He enjoys travelling and has a particular interest in historic cars.
Kim Revell
Office Manager
Kim brings over 20 years of experience managing architectural practices and is the organisational backbone of the studio. She keeps the administrative side of the office running seamlessly, ensuring everything is in place and projects flow smoothly behind the scenes. Without her, the rhythm of the office simply wouldn’t be the same.
Outside work, she spends much of her time with her dog, Frankie, often walking or travelling southwest to visit family.
Addie
Office Dog
Addie, Joel’s dog, is a much-valued member of the studio. She brings a lightness to the working day, always ready for a walk in the park or a quiet moment of attention.