Our process is rooted in understanding existing contexts and relationships in order to provide evidence-based, creative design responses and improvements. We take a considerate and caring approach to places, the people who use them and the people we work with.
Matt Hopkins
Architect
Matt is an Architect, Urban Designer and Educator with over 10 years experience working with public and private sector clients. He is the founding Director of Group 19 with a focus on design, research, engagement, collaboration, strategy and project management. He is one of five Chairs of the Hertfordshire Design Review Panel and assists the Council with specialist Planning Support. He also collaborates with the furniture and product design company Norwegian Wood, resulting in a design portfolio spanning multiple scales.
Before setting up Group 19, Matt worked on the design and delivery of award-winning public realm projects in Central London, developing an acute understanding of public spaces and how they can be improved.
Matt is a Design Studio Tutor at the University of Reading School of Architecture where he teaches one day a week. This is a symbiotic relationship helping to impart real-world knowledge to future professionals whilst ensuring the practice remains at the forefront of conceptual thinking and research.
Rachael Hill
Studio Manager
Rachael oversees the day-to-day running of Group 19 with a focus on financial management, operations, sales, client liaison and communications.
Rachael previously worked for a Gallery in central London curating a number of exhibitions showcasing the work of underrepresented artists. In a previous production manager role she worked within a horticultural company and helped develop a cleverly curated seed product.
As a collaboration with Group 19, Rachael has set up Norwegian Wood designing and making bespoke furniture and products, operating from a shared design studio and workshop based in West London