Name & Position... Paul Ryan, Chairman


Joined Watson Batty in... 1991


Professional Qualifications... BA (Hons) Dip Arch. RIBA MAPM


Role in Watson Batty... Having worked my way up through the ranks of project architect, associate and director, where for the last 10 years I was jointly responsible for the practice’s strategic direction, I am now responsible for its financial expansion.


Specialist Areas... My main areas of expertise are the management of key client relationships, assessing sustainable growth opportunities and financial forecasting/budgeting. The majority of my project experience comes from the commercial, industrial and education sectors, working on schemes such as large manufacturing facilities in heavy engineering, food processing and distribution, also working on primary & secondary schools, colleges and university projects utilising both traditional procurement and PFI.


Favourite Building... I have always admired Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater residence because of the architect’s single-minded vision for such a daring location and how the concrete engineering design contributes to this, integrating the building with its natural surroundings. I was also impressed with Le Corbusier’s Chapel of Notre Dame du Haut, Ronchamp, France because of its impressive roof design and the fantastic internal quality of light.


When I'm not working... I relish the challenge of long-distance cycle rides throughout the UK and abroad, often with the aim of raising money for charity. I also appreciate getting away to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the remote areas of the Lake District.

Name & Position... Peter White, Managing Director


Joined Watson Batty in... November 1999


Professional Qualifications... BA (Hons) Dip Arch RIBA


Role in Watson Batty... Having been with the practice for over 11 years, initially working as a project architect, my role is now to lead the development, implementation and review of our strategic and operating plans, whilst retaining a hands-on approach to the delivery of projects in the retail and transport sectors.


Specialist Areas... Most of my key project experience is in major food retail and bus transportation projects, and I enjoy these sectors because our specialist team works together to use emerging design theory and technologies to solve the new problems that we encounter. Having been the quality manager for number of years, I also have a passion for ensuring our in-house standards of practice are second-to-none. We are currently developing an Integrated Management System incorporating Quality, Environmental and Health & Safety.


Favourite Building... This was decided on during a memorable trip to Australia a few years ago. For sheer visual impact alone, it can only be the Sydney Opera House as viewed from Doyle’s Restaurant on Circular Quay!


When I'm not working... Spending time at home with my family. I also enjoy all things outdoors, with a particularly keen interest in golf, cricket and mountain biking.

Name & Position... Andrew Grindrod, Director


Joined Watson Batty in... June 2001


Professional Qualifications... BSc (Hons) Dip. Arch. RIBA


Role in Watson Batty... I ensure strategic delivery of projects from inception to completion; maintaining relationships with key clients whilst developing the practice’s approach to project delivery through innovative and sustainable design solutions.


Specialist Areas... I work mainly in the commercial and industrial sectors but also enjoy undertaking faith buildings, hotel facilities and healthcare schemes due to the opportunities to develop bespoke design and operation solutions. I am particularly keen on the design and development of care homes as I enjoy working on projects that meet the needs of a wide range of stakeholders.


Favourite Building... Sydney Opera House because the continually changing appearance of the building’s sail-like structures never ceased to amaze me during my daily commute across Sydney Harbour Bridge.


When I'm not working...I like being active, playing hockey competitively at weekends and generally getting out and about with the family for some quality time. Spare time left over is currently being spent on the exciting, but increasingly demanding, task of developing our new home.

Name & Position... Richard Merrills, Director


Joined Watson Batty in... July 2000


Professional Qualifications... BA (Hons), BArch (Hons), RIBA


Role in Watson Batty... I lead the residential team in the office and I am very proud of our positive team ethic. My aim is to help foster good internal working relationships and encourage staff to realise their own individual and collective potential. I am primarily responsible for ensuring all projects run smoothly, guiding the team in the delivery of schemes that exceed our clients’ aspirations.


Specialist Areas... My main area of expertise lies in the successful delivery of affordable housing schemes. Strategic estate masterplanning and designing mixed-use/ mixed tenure regeneration schemes are key services that I offer. I enjoy active participation in public consultation events, as I am fully committed to understanding the wishes of my clients and the communities that they serve.


Favourite Building... I am drawn to tall, landmark buildings that offer a sense of drama. Although I have been impressed by many sports stadia, I also enjoy absorbing magnificent views from an elevated position. Memorable ‘rooms-with-a-view’ would therefore have to be: the Empire State Building in New York, the Sears Tower in Chicago, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Stratosphere in Las Vegas and the Alexanderplatz ‘Fernsehturm’ TV tower in Berlin.


When I'm not working... I have a passion for many sports, most as spectator but some as over-competitive participant. My golf handicap is gradually improving by trying to play every week, whilst squash and the occasional game of badminton are great ways to relax. I also enjoy walking in the Dales, visiting European cities and socialising.

Name & Position... Mark Sidding, Director


Joined Watson Batty in... January 2005


Role in Watson Batty... I lead our education team in the design and delivery of exciting, inspirational and vibrant learning environments to clients at all levels of education. We have long established relationships with a number of key education clients, showing our commitment to learning for over 15 years. I am also responsible for the implementation of our Health and Safety policy and practice within the company.


Specialist Areas... As a leader, I encourage my team to develop a fresh focus and enthusiastic approach on every project. Having built-up significant skills and knowledge in nursery, primary, secondary, further and higher education, I enjoy being able to apply innovative ideas across different building types.


Favourite Building... Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is the most amazing fusion of art, architecture and faith. The attention to detail and craftsmanship is exemplary. My only hope is that it will be finished in my life time.


When I'm not working... My wife and I are kept busy and constantly entertained by our 4 boys and we are part of the Senior Leadership Team at Huddersfield Christian Fellowship.

Name & Position... Richard Crowson, Regional Director


Joined Watson Batty in... October 2009


Professional Qualifications... BSc Arch, B.Arch (Hons), RIBA, RIAS


Role in Watson Batty... I jointly lead our Midlands office in Loughborough with responsibility for our UK sports and leisure sector, building on experience and expertise gained over the last 15 years. In addition, I also help support other sectors, seeking project opportunities/winning work in Scotland, the Midlands and the South.



Specialist Areas... Working as a senior project architect in our sports & leisure sector, I have extensive skills in contract administration and undertaking lead consultant and lead design roles on projects up to £40m in contract value.


Favourite Building...Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan, India, one of the world’s largest forts, which I had the pleasure of seeing during a journey around the world which included the Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, and Nepal. Rising high above the city in the middle of the Thar Desert, the sandstone changes colour with the path of the sun, whilst close up in amongst a complex of buildings and pathways, intricate carvings in stone and rosewood panels abound…and the memory of an impromptu game of street cricket with the locals!


When I'm not working... My passion and enthusiasm for sport extends to spending over 30 years following the fortunes and misfortunes of Notts County FC and Nottinghamshire cricket. I also enjoy spending quality time with my young family and providing voluntary support as a governor of my local village primary school. I enjoy visiting Scotland, seeing family and friends on a regular basis, taking time to hill walk and cycle wherever possible with an ambition to reach the top of as many Munro’s as possible! With the little time I have remaining I have recently embarked upon another famous Scottish pastime – golf.

Name & Position... Rima Yousif, Regional Director


Joined Watson Batty in... August 2009


Professional Qualifications... BSc Architectural Engineering, Diploma in Architectural Management, RIBA


Role in Watson Batty... I jointly lead our Midlands office in Loughborough. I work closely with leading sports and leisure clients from the public and private sectors on projects all over the country. Be it a smaller scheme or a multimillion major development, I enjoy managing all aspects of a project from inception to completion.



Specialist Areas... as a senior project architect with extensive experience of all stages of major sports and leisure projects. My engineering background gives me an edge when creating technical solutions to challenging problems.


Favourite Building... The Church of the Holy Trinity, Fatima, Portugal. A contemporary, functional architectural style Church, standing powerfully, yet respectful of the original traditional style Basilica. The Church hall is flooded with natural light through the roof that is entirely made of slanted windows. Designed by Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis, the building is a big celebration of artists’ work from all around the world.


When I'm not working...I make the most of good quality family time, balancing this with my passion for sport and keeping fit, which includes daily running. In September 2010 I successfully completed my first ½ marathon run at the Robin.