About - Marraum - Cornwall Architect

Jonathan Barattini – Design Director

Chartered Architect

“The opportunity to nurture people’s connection to their environment and to one another is the thing that makes architecture so important for me. Every client and project is unique, each demanding a freshly considered approach to blend materiality with movement and emotion.

Growing up as the son of an architect, I’d always been surrounded by design and lived in spaces which were appreciably different to those experienced elsewhere. It wasn’t until after pursuing studies in marine science that I came full-circle and, recognising the joy that architecture can introduce to people’s lives, started my journey to become an architect.

Geographically, I seem to have been gradually migrating further south-westward, having grown-up in Somerset, studied and worked in Devon and now moved our young family to live in south Cornwall.

The landscape and surroundings here suit my out of work lifestyle when I love to spend time outdoors, mostly on and around the water - surfing, paddle-boarding, sailing - and in the hills - mountain biking, cycling, hiking, camping. Now with a young son, I’m looking forward to focusing on smaller adventures, closer to home and inspiring in him a love and fascination for the natural world.”

Amelia Bush – Part I Architectural Assistant

"Architecture is the perfect combination of creativity and logic. I see buildings as works of art that provide function for those inhabiting them.

Having recently completed my BA in Architecture at Falmouth University, my projects often explore detail with an environmental focus. A recent project introduced multi-generational living, looking into the ideas of biophilic design and creating environments that enhance health and well-being.

At Märraum I am gaining experience of early design stages of a project through to planning applications and I am keen to learn more about the industry.

Outside of architecture, I have a passion for the natural world. Being lucky enough to live close to the sea I enjoy running the coast path, even if it is a bit hilly!"

Nick Cattaneo – Senior Architectural Technician

“For me, it’s all about the detail, be it on a modern contemporary building, a historic building or the lines of an Italian sports car. For almost 40 years now, I’ve been working in architecture – from large multi-disciplinary architectural offices, to small specialist practices, applying my technical skills to everything from prestigious listed buildings, to bespoke housing, barn conversions to commercial and industrial projects.

I love surveying a building, working out how it was built and how it may have evolved, from first stepping into a property right through to pressing the print button on the final drawing, it gives me a buzz.
Now I’m working as part of the Märraum team, applying my hand to measured building surveys, detailed technical drawings and everything in-between. Being part of the team is really exciting, especially the way technology has been embraced – it’s a really progressive company.

Outside of work you’ll usually find me on, in or by the ocean, it’s my playground. I love the Cornish coast, stand-up paddleboard racing, surfing and exploring. I’m also a self-confessed petrol head and a dedicated family man.”

Peta Hawkins – Office Manager

BA (Hons) Interior Architecture

“Architecture is where my passion lies. I’ve been brought up in and around project houses and have always loved the excitement of a new space.

I gained a BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture at university and worked within the industry for a short time after I graduated. But I soon realised that my soul needed to take a break and find freedom which I found through travel.

After living in Broome, Western Australia for four years, I found my way back to the UK and transitioned to life on the Cornish coast.

Being the office manager at Märraum means I get involved in almost everything that goes on behind the scenes. I enjoy supporting my team and the business on a daily basis and getting things done. Working alongside inspirational people makes my daily commute, albeit a stroll down the hill, more of a revival of my creative juices than if I was headed to just any old workplace.

In my free time I enjoy playing mum, exploring the outdoors, renovating our home and living life to the full with adventures, fun and games.”

Oliver Kellett – Senior Architectural Technologist

Chartered Architectural Technologist, MCIAT

"Perspective, space, light, shadow, colour and form, I’ve always been interested in how these elements affect us humans. So, considering each of them when creating a building or transforming a space into something more exciting is really rewarding.

Prior to moving into the profession I completed a degree in Illustration at Falmouth University and a diploma in carpentry. The combination of these skills led me to complete an HNC in Construction and the Built Environment before progressing further to achieve chartered status as an Architectural Technologist.

The role of the architectural technologist is to bring to fruition even the most complex of architectural ideas, turning ambition into reality. Every day brings an exciting new challenge, overcoming obstacles to create something remarkable, based on contextualisation, aesthetics and efficiency. My daily focus is the optimisation of the relationship between design, technology and functionality, with computer modelling at the core. This, combined with an emphasis on the environment and sustainable building methods, is a really challenging, worthwhile and creative place to be, and I see architectural practices as being very much at the forefront of a greener, fresher and more socially responsible world.

Beyond architecture, I love to travel. I've hitch-hiked long-distance, predominantly in the former Soviet Union and Middle East. Closer to home I'm an avid sailor and part of a four man crew on a traditional working boat in Falmouth harbour."

Adam Laskey – Director

FdSc Sustainable Construction

"I’m deeply influenced by design that's not only aesthetically pleasing, but also considers the way a building is used. I really respect designs that consider how people move through a building – combining logic and reason. Where not an inch of space is wasted. Finding a better use of space and the value it can bring? Now that’s sustainable architecture.

Outside work I like to spend time with friends and family and kick back with walks, food and drink. People are really important to me and that translates back into my professional approach because I’m genuinely passionate about designing homes that enable people to live better lives.

I love the puzzle that every new client and building brings. I love looking at a floor plan and seeing what spaces need to connect to other spaces, figuring out how to maximise light and views and working to briefs that enhance how people use their space. I’m a problem-solver and I’m not afraid of trying something different. And there’s nothing better than seeing the joy on a client’s face when they see and experience their new home. "

Molly McIlveen – Project Architect

Chartered Architect

“I’m interested in sensitive design that is responsive to the environment, the identity of a place and the users. During my time in practice, I’ve developed an interest in listening to people's experiences as a means of informing design.

Drawing, designing and making have always been things I’ve enjoyed and this led me to pursue a career in a creative industry. I believe good design can improve how we live and I wanted to be involved in the process so I studied architecture at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University, where I gained both my BSc and MArch.

Working for practices in Cardiff and Bath, I’ve contributed to a number of projects spanning the residential and schools sector, including conservation projects within the UNESCO world heritage site. I have been living in Bristol for the last 5 years and gained my Part 3 qualification from the University of the West of England in 2020 before moving to Falmouth.

I believe we have a duty to create sustainable architecture and I’m always keen to learn more about passive strategies and new technologies that can enable architecture to have a positive impact on the environment.”

Daisy Sawle – Director

BA (Hons) Fine Art

"Creating a culture where people matter and want to work – that’s what I really care about. That and moving forwards, striving to improve, getting things done.

Studying a Fine Art degree I had to be completely self-motivated – there’s no right or wrong and it’s up to you which route you choose. That was definitely good training for the focus you need to run a business. From HR and policies to marketing, finances and implementing new CRM systems, I’m responsible for pretty much everything outside of our project-work. So it may sound like a cliché, but no two days are ever the same.

Living through two home renovation projects myself definitely helps me to empathise with our clients on both a financial and a personal level. I know how it feels to have a child who’s just learning to walk living through a building project — and I know the budgetary strains of a project from going through that first-hand. I also experience the difference that great design makes to my life every day, and that’s something I’m always grateful for."

Sam Tumbridge – Architectural Technician

BSc (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology

“Clean, contemporary architecture excites me; design that brings in a sense of the outdoors, creating an experience that can be enjoyed every day.

I’m originally from Cornwall, and studied Architectural Design and Technology at Cardiff Metropolitan, graduating with a high commendation from CIAT and course awards for sustainable design.

I love solving problems - and the possibilities of 3D design and BIM (Building Information Modelling) is a real revolution in the architecture and construction industry, allowing for more creative solutions. It’s great to be a part of a team at the forefront of using these technologies to efficiently design and construct spaces that really work for our clients.

Now it’s great to be back in Cornwall, putting my learning into practice at Märraum. I’m also a big foodie and this corner of the UK is certainly a great place to be for that. I also enjoy football, surfing, cycling and yoga and the culture at work really allows me to pursue these passions to the full — work hard, play hard!”