Andrew Vallis, Director & Head Of Architecture, shares his journey into accessible architecture, the challenges and rewards of designing inclusive spaces, and his vision for the future of the industry.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your career path and how you joined PLG?
Andrew Vallis: I’ve always wanted to be an architect, and I started working in practice at 19 while completing my degree. I gained valuable experience in bespoke residential conservation and listed buildings, but accessibility wasn’t a primary focus in those projects. After working on a variety of housing types, including student accommodation and large-scale developments, I realised I needed something more. I moved to a larger firm, where I led teams working on educational, cultural, and healthcare projects.
A pivotal moment for me was working with Macmillan on their Cancer Information and support centres, these spaces are designed to feel less clinical in a hospital environment. It taught me the importance of making these important spaces welcoming and user focused, whilst still adhering to the necessary hospital requirements. That experience, combined with my background in bespoke design and managing complex projects, led me to PLG. I met Phill, learned about the work they were doing in accessible architecture, and it felt like a perfect fit for my aspirations and skill set.
Q: What does your role as Head of Architecture at PLG entail?
Andrew Vallis: My primary responsibility is maintaining the quality of the work we deliver and ensuring that our team has the resources they need to perform at their best. This includes supporting our team members, managing the department, and ensuring we meet our project deadlines. Ultimately, it’s about keeping everything on track and making sure we’re delivering high-quality projects.
Q: Do you still get involved in the design process?
Andrew Vallis: I’m involved in what I like to call the “fun” part of design—guiding the team and helping shape their work. It’s less about the hands-on drawing and more about steering the direction, offering input, and ensuring the design aligns with our standards and aspirations to provide the highest quality industry leading design.
Q: What are some challenges in designing accessible properties?
Andrew Vallis: One of the biggest challenges is that every client is different. What works for one person with a disability may not work for another, even when on paper their needs seem very similar. Disabilities are just one factor; you also have to consider family dynamics, financial constraints, and the property itself. It’s a constant learning process. We always start with a base of knowledge, but each project brings something new to the table.
Q: What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work?
Andrew Vallis: There are two aspects I find incredibly rewarding. First, seeing the tangible difference our designs make in people’s lives—especially at handovers, when you realise how much a project will improve someone’s day-to-day experience. Second, on a professional level, I take pride in building on PLG’s solid foundation and helping it grow into a respected, chartered architectural practice known for delivering high-end accessible projects.
Q: What are some strengths within your team at PLG?
Andrew Vallis: Our team is diverse in terms of backgrounds, experiences, and areas of interest. Everyone is at different stages of their careers, which creates a dynamic environment. The key is fostering open communication and ensuring everyone feels supported to share their ideas. This diversity of skills and experience is one of our biggest strengths when it comes to problem-solving and innovation.
Q: Can you highlight a project that stands out for you?
Andrew Vallis: It’s hard to choose a specific project because I oversee every building we deliver. However, I’m proud of how we integrate futureproofing into our designs. For instance, when designing a house for a young client, we didn’t want to over-provide for his current needs, but we planned for potential future changes, like adding hidden structure to support future hoists, without making those elements too visible now. It’s about creating adaptable spaces that can evolve as the client’s needs change, without reminding them constantly of what might happen in the future.
Q: Future-proofing seems to be a recurring theme in your work. How do you see this playing a role in accessible design?
Andrew Vallis: Future-proofing is essential because it ensures that spaces can adapt as people’s needs change. Accessibility isn’t one-size-fits-all, and building regulations are just the starting point. We aim to go above and beyond those standards, creating spaces that can grow with the people using them. It’s something we should be thinking about more as a society—not just as a point of intervention, but as a core part of how we design spaces for everyone.
Q: Finally, what’s your favourite architectural style, and does it influence your work?
Andrew Vallis: I’ve always been inspired by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and Gaudí, but the building that had the biggest impact on me was Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Hill House in Helensburgh. It’s a blend of arts and crafts and early modernism, with intricate details that go beyond just the building itself—right down to the tiles and furniture. That holistic approach to design is something I try to incorporate into my work. While we don’t design every element of a building, we ensure that everything works together to create a cohesive and functional space.
Quick Fire Qs:
What was the first single you bought or downloaded? Wiseguys: Say Ooh La La
What are 3 words to describe yourself? friendly, outgoing, dedicated
If given a chance, who would you like to be for a day? King Charles
