Simon Graham

Director

BArch(Hons) DipArch RIBA

Simon founded YARD Architects with Jon in 2014, having gained extensive experience leading award winning residential developments at previous practices across London. After graduating from The University of Nottingham and Westminster, Simon became a Partner at a practice in Clerkenwell before working for Pitman Tozer and Orbit Architects, working on a diverse range of projects from large developments for Peabody, student housing and office schemes.

Simon led the teams on our House in Hackney and Banana Tree House projects, and is currently on site with our new-build Aldridge Lodge project in Westbourne Grove. He is also leading a new-build house and multi-unit development in Wimbledon.

Simon is a mid-century modern architecture buff, and is painstakingly renovating his classic 1960’s townhouse one detail at a time. Other passions include Nordic Noir and similarly gloomy/atmospheric travel destinations, from Iceland to The Isle of Skye.

Jonathan Duffett

Director

BArch(Hons) DipArch RIBA

Jon founded YARD Architects with Simon in 2014, after working together at a successful design-led residential practice in Clerkenwell. He graduated from the University of Nottingham and The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, before starting his career leading projects ranging from small scale private residential work through to new-build housing developments and larger multi-unit residential schemes.

He led the teams on our Settle House and Barnes Brick House projects; and is currently working on private house refurbishment and extension projects in Kentish Town, Maida Vale and Hackney; along with the fit-out of an innovative shell-only house as part of a development in Peckham. He continues to lead much of the practices small-scale residential work in South-West London.

Jon has a young family and is a fair-weather cyclist. His Andy Goldsworthy inspired tree sculpture from Art A-Level still takes pride of place in his garden, and when he retires, he dreams of making another one.

Alex Weston

Architect

BA (Hons), MArch

Alex joined YARD after graduating with distinction from the Aarhus School of Architecture in Denmark. His thesis project, researching architectural methodology as a means to expose the value of a landscape, featured in Landskab, the leading Danish Landscape Architecture publication. Prior to his time in Scandinavia, he studied at the Arts University of Bournemouth, achieving a first class honours degree. He brought professional experience in the private residential sector with him to the studio, having worked on listed buildings and dwellings in conservation areas at previous practices. 

Alex works with Jon and Simon on a range of projects at various stages. Current projects include a low energy new-build house on a dramatic site in Petersfield, and a project currently on site in Hackney; assisting with site inspection and contract administration of a ground floor extension and new build garden studio. 

Outside of the office Alex is an avid climber, often found scaling the indoor bouldering walls of South West London. 

James Potter

Architect

BA (Hons), MArch

James is a qualified architect who joined YARD to hone in on our private residential work. He studied at The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, where he graduated with distinction for his postgraduate degree. Before joining the studio, he built a broad range of professional experience across different scales and sectors, including major infrastructure schemes, commercial developments and private residential projects. James is particularly drawn to design at both the micro and macro scale, balancing details that are functional, yet seamlessly integrated with the broader architectural vision. 

At YARD, James works closely with Jon and Simon across a number of projects, with a focus so far on Stage 4 delivery and through construction. His current work includes the significant retrofit and extension of a 1990s detached home within a conservation area in Ealing, with sustainability integrated within the design approach across all levels.  

Outside of the studio, James is an avid cyclist and enjoys playing a variety of sports in his spare time. Whenever possible, he takes the opportunity to travel—often squeezing in weekend trips around Europe.

Maksymilian Molsa

Architectural Assistant

BA (Hons), MArch

Maks joined YARD as a Part II Architectural Assistant. He finished his masters at UCA (Canterbury School of Architecture) in 2023, with a first class honours. His masters thesis project won a (UCA) University Award for the best project within a thesis group, along with an AJ Award and RIBA Silver Medal Award nomination.  

Before joining YARD Architects Maks worked for his father's construction business, which focused primarily on residential projects, gaining invaluable experience in the construction stages of architecture.  

Maks is currently assisting Simon and Jon on the early stages of a refurbishment and extension of a Listed house in Islington, and is taking his first project onto site in West London, consisting of a rear extension and loft conversion. 

Maks has a keen interest in making. During his spare time, he is working on his porch, a coffee table, and a family Lake Cabin in Poland. 

Ana Rose Layosa

Architectural Assistant

BA (Hons), MArch

Ana Rose originally joined YARD as a Part I Architectural Assistant and has now returned to the practice following the completion of her Master’s degree at Kingston University.

She approaches architecture with a strong focus on emotional wellbeing and social connection. Her final year project reimagined Kingston’s John Lewis building as a restorative space for those experiencing grief. Mirroring the building’s retrofit to support healing and connection, the project symbolises how life after grief can be rebuilt, honouring the past while making space for renewal. Her interest in culturally grounded and socially responsive design has led to international collaborations, including a joint project between Kingston and Yamaguchi University in Japan, and participation in the “Wood and the City” programme in Zurich, exploring regenerative design and bioregionalism in the built environment. She received the Sue Ann Lee Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the architectural learning community and her commitment to fostering a strong collegiate culture within the department.

Ana Rose is currently assisting Simon and Jon on projects at various design stages. Her current work includes the early development of a two-storey extension in Streatham and a mid-century inspired scheme within the Queen’s Park Conservation Area.

Outside the studio, she enjoys exploring the city through flânerie and occasionally spends time bouldering - a pastime she’s drawn to for its puzzle-like nature, offering a physical challenge that mirrors her love of problem-solving.

Dana Aksematovska

Architectural Assistant

BA

Dana joined YARD after completing her architecture degree at the Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University in Poland. Her thesis project explored the nature reserve areas near her hometown in Ukraine, creating a new tourist centre within a geological park.  

Before coming to the UK as part of the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme in 2022, Dana gained professional experience in interior design studios, working in both the private residential and public space sectors. 

Dana is our visualisation specialist, responsible for much of the 3D modelling and visual work that we produce in the studio. She is currently assisting Jon and Simon across multiple projects in the initial design and planning stages, whilst updating and helping develop detailed design presentations as projects move towards site.  

Outside the office, Dana enjoys discovering new places in London and traveling when given the opportunity with her university friends to explore all things architecture & design throughout Europe. 

Jacob Skeates

Architectural Assistant

BA (Hons), MArch

Jacob joined YARD as a Part II Architectural Assistant, after completing his masters at the London School of Architecture. His thesis explored how art and architecture can be used to create places of restoration and stillness in response to the constant overstimulation of the mega city. Prior to his masters, he studied at Oxford Brookes University, graduating with first class honours.

Before joining YARD, Jacob worked for a residential practice for three and a half years, developing projects from early concept through to completion. This experience gave him a strong foundation in designing for the residential sector and an appreciation for the nuances of working closely with clients to shape homes around their lives.

Jacob is currently assisting on the delivery of a compact refurbishment of a Listed Georgian townhouse near Elephant and Castle, along with the extension and refurbishment of a detached house in Blackheath. His role spans from early-stage design through to on-site management, giving him involvement across all stages of project delivery.

Outside the studio, Jacob enjoys playing tennis, travelling, and passionately supporting Portsmouth FC — the best football club on the South Coast (so says Jacob…).