Sean Ronnie Hill

Sean Ronnie Hill is the Founder and Architect at RISE Design Studio, recognized for his extensive experience in creating high-end residential and cultural projects across London. With deep expertise in low-energy homes, retrofits, and low-energy new builds, Sean is a certified Passivhaus Designer and a member of The Green Register, underscoring his commitment to sustainable architecture.

Prior to founding RISE, Sean gained valuable experience working on education, residential, and mixed-use projects at John McAslan Architects and ADP. Originally from Ballymena, Sean graduated from the Manchester School of Architecture with a BArch in 2005 and a Diploma in 2007.

Sean led the award-winning renovation and extension of the Lexi Cinema, including the creation of Screen 2, which became the first cinema auditorium to utilize an Air-to-Air Source Heat Pump, MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery), and Airtightness strategies to control the internal climate. This project earned multiple accolades, including a Civic Trust Award, two Brent Design Awards, and a New London Award, and was nominated for a RIBA London Award and an FX Award.

Outside of the studio, Sean is an avid swimmer, cyclist, and runner, often encouraging the team to join him for early morning swims at the Serpentine. His focus on sustainability and energy efficiency drives RISE Design Studio's mission to create better homes and spaces for a sustainable future.

Imran Jahn

Imran is a Co-Director at RISE Design Studio.

Imran studied at Manchester University and the Bartlett (UCL) before qualifying at the Architectural Association School of Architecture. With over two decades of experience in high-profile, design-led international practices, he joined RISE in 2021 after significant roles at PLP as an Associate Partner, Grimshaw, and Stanton Williams. An award-winning architect, Imran brings a profound depth of expertise in delivering complex projects, underscored by his technical acumen and exceptional drawing skills. His project portfolio showcases large, skyline-defining mixed-use schemes in London and significant educational and cultural projects across the UK and Europe.

Imran is not only recognised for his meticulous attention to detail and component design but also for his leadership in sustainability and low embodied energy retrofit. His work demonstrates a commitment to environmentally responsible architecture, balancing innovative design with sustainable practices.

As a leader he excels in team management and mentoring junior members. Outside of architecture, Imran is an avid tennis player, frequently found on courts in North London and internationally on the amateur world tour.

Manuel Urbina

Born in Carabobo, Manuel has lived in many contrasting places, before settled in London where he studies architecture at Westminster Uni. With over eight years of project experience working on new build developments and private residential projects across the city, through all RIBA work stages. His career thus far has been spent at several respected London studios prior to joining RISE.

Manuel is a talented designer with a particular interest in private residential architecture. He brings meticulous attention to the concept and details of every project, always striving to refine design solutions by distilling the big idea down to its simplest form. Manuel's work demonstrates an appreciation for broader ideas about how we live, making and what we value. His skill was recognized when he won the New London Award People's Choice for the renovation of his own home.

Outside of the studio, Manuel can often be found exploring the South Downs with his dog Lemon, taking in the landscape and getting inspired by nature.

Alejandro Tejado

Alejandro was born in Burgos, northern Spain and earned his Master's Degree in Architecture studying between Madrid and Istanbul. During his studies, he gained valuable experience collaborating with Sana Larc in Istanbul and Jose Maria Sanchez Garcia in Madrid. After graduating in 2014, Alejandro further honed his skills working at the prestigious Mecanoo Architecten in Delft.

Alejandro is an integral part of the team, working as an architect consultant for RISE for many years. He specialises in heritage renovation projects, bringing his keen eye and deft touch to reimagining existing spaces. Alejandro pursues a design philosophy centered on the materialisation of sensitive and tangible architecture, always striving to create spaces that resonate on an emotional level.

When not in the studio, Alejandro can often be found chasing thrills off-piste skiing in Baqueira in the Spanish Pyrenees. This love of adventure and willingness to step off the beaten path translates into his bold, yet respectful approach to reimagining heritage buildings.

Eva Mendez

Eva studied architecture at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (ETSAM) and earned her MSc in Historic Conservation at Oxford Brookes University. She then spent nine years at Berman Guedes Stretton, working in their Oxford and London studios on sensitive interventions in historic buildings.

Now based in Spain, Eva splits her time between RISE and national collaborations. She brings to every project an appreciation for the honesty of materials and a thoughtful approach to the process of "making." Within the studio, Eva is known for her collaborative spirit and ability to devise creative solutions that respect historic contexts while meeting contemporary needs. Her colleagues value her expertise and passion for craftying sensitive, enduring interventions.

Outside of work, Eva's love of "making" extends to all aspects of her life, from experimenting in the kitchen to engaging her children in creative construction projects, fostering their curiosity and sense of exploration.