PROFILE

Ana Francisco Sutherland studied architecture in Lisbon, Portugal and graduated in 2001. She founded Francisco Sutherland Architects in 2015 after 12 years at Allies and Morrison Architects, having previously worked at Kees Christiaanse Architects and Planners in Rotterdam, Holland.

Whilst at Allies and Morrison, Ana worked mainly in residential and mixed-use schemes. She was involved from concept design to completion in the Highbury Square project - the conversion of the Arsenal Football Club Stadium into residential.

Francisco Sutherland Architects was set up following work with the local Bowling Club for both on-site redevelopment and relocation proposals, including the design of new build homes. The practice specialises in crafted domestic refurbishments, new build residential and community projects. 

We have a special interest in modernist architecture and have had the pleasure to work on refurbishment projects in the Barbican, as well as on Span estates and the North Several group of houses in Blackheath.  We are also interested in the rich character of listed buildings and have worked on several historic houses.

We are interested in working with architectural context and local history, and in developing meaningful connections with clients, craftsmen and community groups, bringing together ideas and people.

Ana has led architectural tours during Open House and is a trustee of the Blackheath Society where she heads its Architecture Group.

Ian Sutherland studied engineering and architecture at Cambridge University and spent most of his career at Allies and Morrison where he was a Director. His architectural drawings were displayed at the Line Work exhibition in 2015. In 2023 he joined Francisco Sutherland Architects.

COLLABORATORs

Carolina Thorbert

Carolina studied architecture in Gothenburg, Sweden and at London Metropolitan University and graduated in 2006. She has worked for several London based practices and have gained a wide experience ranging from large scale, commercial and residential projects to high end refurbishment projects and gallery designs. She met Ana while working at Allies and Morrison Architects.

Carolina joined Francisco Sutherland Architects in January 2021 and is currently leading a large new-build garden-room in a listed building in Blackheath.

She has a background in archaeology and fine art prior to studying architecture and continues to maintain those interests and apply them to her architectural practice.  She particularly enjoys working within the existing building fabric and to create solutions to architectural problems that are sympathetic to context, history, and environment.

Carolina is also developing her practice in drawing and painting, focusing on people, portraits and situations and has attended further education at the Royal Drawing School.

Nara Paiva

Nara is an architectural designer from Brazil. She has over 19 years of experience including award-winning practices in Brazil. She collaborates with different studios focusing on the residential sector, home renovations, and extensions as well as interior design, landscape, and garden design. She joined Francisco Sutherland in late 2021 and is currently leading a garden room project in a Span estate. 

ASSISTANTS

Neil Ditte

Neil has a degree in Architecture from Oxford Brookes University, graduating in 1997. He also has a degree in Theatre from the University of Surrey, graduating in 2002. Neil grew up in Bath and began his training in technical building studies there.

Neil is a freelance designer and enjoys working with a number of architectural and interior design offices in London, Bath, West Sussex and Leicestershire. He has particular interest in the challenges faced in refurbishing and modernising older and listed buildings. Neil has been working with Francisco Sutherland Architects since January 2019, on several projects and all stages of work, including 3D modelling.

In parallel to his design work, Neil works as a professional actor and has an active career in Theatre and TV.

Angela Pallaro

Angela graduated from Iuav University of Venice in 2001, and since then has gained a significant experience as Architect and Graphic Designer working for several architectural practices and international companies both in Italy and London. She currently works as a freelance architect in London and assisted us on several projects since 2018 (mainly Hardy Road, Alexandra Road, the Loggia and the People’s Park Café in Luton).

Angela loves sketching architectural ideas, drawing spaces and creating clear and imaginative storytelling. She is able to combine traditional drawing techniques (pencil, ink, watercolour) and digital technologies (Illustrator, Photoshop, Sketchup).

Mark Greensit

Mark grew up in Weymouth, graduated from the University of Plymouth in 2010 and completed his Part III at London Metropolitan University in 2015.

Mark worked with us during 2017, assisting with the Bowling Club relocation project, including attending Public Consultation events. He also worked on the Horn Park Lane refurbishment project, at concept design stage and 3D modeling.

As well as working for several architectural practices, both in London and Dorset, Mark has also gained experience as in-house project architect for a contractor/ developer.