Team
Craig Bennett, Director
BSc (Hons), Dip Arch RIBACraig is an award-winning architect and healthcare specialist. He founded Stretto Architects in 2017 to develop his passions for innovative, sustainable design with a keen commercial awareness following more than 25 years at Powell Moya Partnership (London) and CODA Architects (Bristol).
His experience spans master planning, feasibility studies, high quality detailing, construction completion, and project and programme management. He was responsible for the design and delivery of the Bristol Royal Infirmary’s RIBA award-winning Heart Institute and Terrell Street Ward Block and the Princess Royal Hospital Orpington. Craig was one of the first to be listed on the RIBA Principal Designer Register.
Being signatory to Architects Declare demonstrates our commitment to:
“A built environment planned, constructed and operated within planetary boundaries to deliver environmental justice and to support the flourishing of all life for all time.”
Sandy Murray, Senior Architect
MA (Hons), M.Arch, PGDip RIBASandy is qualified architect, having studied at the University of Edinburgh and University of Bath, with broad exposure to the architecture industry and over ten years of post-Part 3 experience. During his professional career he has built a strong portfolio in sustainable development, and has delivered over £25m of education, healthcare, commercial & residential projects on site.
Since joining Stretto Architects in 2020, Sandy has delivered several BIM level 2 healthcare projects, and is committed to the implementation of new technologies to support collaborative working methods and strategic design resolution.
Sandy has a longstanding personal interest in the detailing and technical implications of architecture and believes in a holistic approach to design – creating sustainable solutions that respond to the end-user and focus on the promotion of well-being through architecture.
What is your favourite building in Bristol?
“I love the Bristol Old Vic. The new interventions are well-articulated and sensitively designed to celebrate the existing fabric, and they have Left Handed Giant on tap!”
Noah Fagan, Residential Lead
DipAD(Tech), Barch (Hons.), Eden Assc. NZIAHailing from New Zealand, Noah’s early design work focussed on high end, bespoke residential projects for Fearon Hay, later moving to larger scale development. Noah assisted a talented team to win the Locking Parklands bid for Keepmoat homes, where he designed and was rewarded with planning permission for the innovative 425 home development.
Moving on to elder-care, Noah achieved accreditation as an EDEN Associate, using his interest in dementia friendly design as head of design for MET Lifecare.
Now, with more than two decades of design experience, Noah has most recently supported community groups, like Tiny House Community Bristol, to create innovative regenerative villages.
Which building do you wish you’d designed?
“For me, you can’t step past the Villa dall’Ava without a dash of envy. Rem Koolhaas’s modernist masterpiece gracefully balances function, playfulness and clean lines.”
Radina Kamenova, Senior Architect
B.Arch (Hons), M.Arch Autodesk Revit BIM Specialist, University of Juan Carlos, Madrid ARB/RIBARadina is a qualified architect, graduating from the University of Seville, Spain, and a BIM Certified Specialist.
She has over nine years’ experience in the UK, working across sectors including urban regeneration, master planning, residential and mixed-use schemes, healthcare, leisure, retail, and hospitality. Her projects span all RIBA Stages, from strategic definition through to completion.
Her international career in Spain, Italy, and the UK has enabled her to develop strong design and technical expertise. She works effectively within international teams and approaches challenges with critical and creative thinking. Radina focuses on delivering sustainable, functional designs and comfortable spaces focussed on the people’s wellbeing and the respectful relationship with the surroundings and the environment.
Since joining Stretto Architects in 2020 and after having worked previously in Cardiff and London, she has delivered and led several BIM Level 2 healthcare projects, establishing herself as a key member of the team
Who is your favourite architect?
“Luis Barragán – I admire the way he used light, colour, and simple forms to create spaces that feel timeless, vibrant, calming, and deeply connected to people. I’ve been lucky to visit some of his work and see it with my own eyes”
Pippa Hale-Lynch, Senior Architect
MA (Hons), M.Arch, PGDipPippa is a RIBA qualified architect with wide-ranging experience in the commercial, healthcare, transport, and residential sectors from concept to delivery and construction. Along with a keen eye for design, Pippa has a rigorous approach to problem-solving. Her adept hand drawing skills helps quickly progress ideas, explore options and communicate efficiently.
With over a decade of experience at award winning practices in London and Melbourne, her career spans from large, international complex projects to smaller scale sensitive residential and commercial projects refurbishing listed buildings in conservation areas.
Since joining Stretto Architects in 2022, Pippa has led key healthcare projects working closely with clients, stakeholders, consultants, and contractors. She is passionate about design and its ability to positively impact people’s wellbeing. She enjoys working collaboratively and using her drawing skills to communicate and develop solutions. Her experience offers design expertise, BIM implementation proficiency and creative solutions to complex multi-disciplinary environments.
Something people would be surprised to know about you:
"Outside of architecture, I also work as a figurative and portrait artist—it’s a practice that really helps me stay focused on designing spaces that centre people and their everyday experiences.”
Rachel Livesey, Part II Architectural Assistant
BSc (Hons), M.ArchRachel joined Stretto Architects in 2025 after completing her Master’s with Distinction at UWE. She previously studied at Cardiff University. Throughout her academic journey, she developed a keen interest in sustainable and experiential design, which continues to shape her architectural perspective.
During her Part I year out, Rachel contributed to a diverse range of project types, including commercial, retail, residential, and workplace schemes. This early exposure to a variety of sectors laid a solid foundation in design development and fostering effective teamwork within dynamic, real-world project settings. She played an active role in advancing projects from initial concept through to detailed design stages.
Who is your architectural inspiration?
“I have long admired Peter Zumthor’s work after being introduced to it during my first year of studying at university. His approach to architecture moves beyond function to create spaces that resonate emotionally yet remain grounded. This perspective strongly influenced my academic work, where I explored how sensory design can enhance memory, intimacy, and connection in the built environment.”
Chris Chui, Part I Architectural Assistant
Architecture BSc (Hons)Chris returned to Stretto after completing a BSc (Hons) in Architecture at University of Bath. With a keen interest in sustainable design, adaptive reuse, community-focused projects, he contributed to a range of projects across the firm, supporting design development, visualisations and technical drawings.
During his studies, Chris explored the concept of monumentality within an urban context, which influenced his approach to his final year design project: a commercial and educational building in central Bristol. The scheme aims to engage, conserve and educate conservation architecture with sustainable principles that informs the building’s design and structure.
At Stretto, Chris particularly values the opportunity to collaborate with his colleagues on projects of varying scales, from smaller socially engaged commercial and residential projects to larger healthcare projects. One of his favourite projects is the proposal of Friends Meeting House in Weston-super-Mare. These experiences allow him to develop digital skills, engage with clients and deepen his understanding of healthcare architecture.
What’s your favourite quote?
I’d have to say ‘firmitas, utilitas et venustas’ (which translates to firmness, commodity, and delight in English) by the Roman architect Vitruvius in his book De architectura because it captures the essence of architecture and the timeless balance between structural integrity, functionality and beauty. This philosophy has inspired me to design inclusive and community-based schemes that invites everyone to engage with, move through and share in the architectural experience.
Tess Bennett, Project Co-ordinator
BA (Hons)Tess is a new addition to the team, working at Stretto since January 2025. She helps out behind the scenes, ensuring swift delivery of projects and general business efficiency. Coming from an economics background she specialises in financial administration and analysis.
What do you like most about working at Stretto Architects?
“I think the people are the best part of Stretto! Everyone is incredibly intelligent, creative and supports each other to produce impressive work.”
Natalia Mikulska, Part II Architectural Assistant
BA (Hons), MArchNatalia joined Stretto Architects in November of 2025. Earlier that year she graduated from the University of Edinburgh, with a master’s in architecture. Her academic interests revolved around analysing socio-economic and cultural contexts, and designing spaces that were contextually sensitive, and environmentally responsible, with respect towards local communities, which is something she wishes to continue in her professional career.
Before relocating to Bristol, Natalia worked in a busy London practice for over 3 years and has gained plenty of experience working on residential developments of all scales. Her professional portfolio includes complex international schemes, delivered through BIM workflows, as well as projects with more holistic approaches to architecture like the CABU holiday cabin schemes in Cornwall and the Cotswolds.
Something people would be surprised to know about you – relating to architecture/your career?
“I have always been interested in the physical processes of making and constructing. Recently I took part in a live-build project, delivering small structures for local communities in Edinburgh, using earth construction.”