kate@spheredesign.com
+44 (0) 1628 397 978
kate@spheredesign.com
+44 (0) 1628 397 978
Rob plays a key role in the Sphere engineering team creating innovative and efficient solutions for industrial construction projects. With a background in food manufacturing process design, project management and optimisation. He now specialises in mechanical and refrigeration engineering, turning complex concepts into practical, high performance designs. His collaborative approach and commitment to quality help ensure that each project meets both client expectations and industry standards. Outside of work, Rob sails and enjoys a variety of other water sports most weekends.
Katie is a Food Process Engineer with 10+ years in the industry, now working as a consultant. Her expertise spans Process, NPD, Technical, Operational Excellence, and Capital Projects. She specializes in CIP systems and complex process solutions, offering practical insight and a collaborative approach to facility design and delivery. A passionate foodie from New Zealand (still working on the accent after 10 years!), she even made her own wedding cake.
Conal has over 17 years experience as a project engineer and manager, working with many large food manufacturers as well as process equipment manufacturers (GEA). This wide experience has exposed him to many food types and every aspects of projects, from process and building design to budget management, construction and handover to operational teams. His time working with GEA provides key process knowledge which is an invaluable asset to the Sphere team, as well as his positive and driven attitude towards every project he works on. Conal enjoys playing squash and hiking in his spare time.
Michael is a highly experienced Mechanical Engineer who has throughout his career specialised in the Temperature Controlled Food Industry Sector. He specialises in designing site infrastructure and buildings with a coordinated, technology-driven approach that enhances efficiency, supports sustainability, and minimises environmental impact. Outside of work, Mike enjoys long walks with his dog, surfing, BBQs, and listening to live music.
Originally a time served electrician, Colin is a degree-qualified Electrical Design Building Services Engineer and experienced Electrical Design Manager with over 20 years’ experience in a variety of construction industry sectors gained whilst employed within national and international multi-disciplinary design consultancies. Colin is responsible for overseeing the design, installation and supply of electrical systems on TSL’s projects across the food manufacturing and industrial work streams. Away from work, Colin is a passionate Newcastle United supporter — so much so that he’s a proud season ticket holder, rarely missing a match at St James’ Park.
Kevin’s a Mechanical Design Engineer with 10+ years in building services and sustainable engineering. He’s great at solving problems and designing smart systems for food & beverage, healthcare, and commercial projects. He works closely with teams to deliver tailored solutions and stays ahead of the curve with tech and design. When he’s not working, you’ll probably find him up a mountain! He’s big on climbing and loves a good challenge.
Mark is an experienced Quantity Surveyor with 25+ years in construction, working across private practice, client organisations, and main contracting. His expertise spans food, pharmaceutical, healthcare, leisure, and retail sectors. Skilled in cost estimation, project management, and contract administration, he ensures successful project delivery. Known for strong negotiation and communication, Mark delivers high quality outcomes. When he’s not doing that, he’s on the pitch playing football, his favourite sport!
Richard is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 40 years of industry experience. He started his career in accountancy for 13 years before moving on to a position as a Director. He has been in this position for the past 28 years and has gained copious amounts of experience within fields ranging for land development and commercial estate management to his current position at Sphere in food production and distribution. Alongside this, Richard currently acts as a Finance Trustee for a charitable rivers trust whilst acting in the same position for various company pension funds for the past 20 years.
Martin has over 45 years’ experience in the construction industry, with expertise in Design & Build, Partnering, and managing contracts from pre-qualification to handover. He has delivered projects across food and drink, logistics, manufacturing, and retail sectors, and is skilled in feasibility studies, team building, leadership, and process management. A respected team member, Martin leads by example, remains approachable, and actively supports design development and final evaluations to ensure successful project outcomes.
Adrienne recently joined Sphere, bringing over 15 years of experience in the property sector. Previously Senior Development Director at GLP and Head of Warehouse Expansion at Lidl, she has led major site acquisitions and flagship developments totalling more than 10 million sq ft across the UK. Her expertise spans land acquisition, development, leasing, and building delivery, combined with strong occupier knowledge. Adrienne has been recognised as a leader in real estate, featuring in Property Week’s and Bisnow’s lists of influential women and winning the Rising Star Award at the Property & Logistics Conference in 2018. In her spare time, she can be found on the international show jumping or dressage circuit.
Chris is an Electrical Engineer with 20 years’ experience across diverse construction sectors, working with leading M&E and principal contractors. Currently studying for a STEM (Hons) degree with the Open University, he’s known for delivering efficient, compliant, and client-focused building services solutions. A reliable team player with strong technical expertise, Chris consistently meets project goals while embracing opportunities to learn and support others. Away from work, he enjoys playing golf, always aiming for that perfect swing (and occasionally finding it!).
Craig is a Chartered Architectural Technologist with over ten years’ experience in the construction industry. He began his career in the educational sector, producing feasibility drawings, tender information and detailed construction documentation for refurbishment and extension projects. More recently, Craig has delivered large logistics and manufacturing schemes, including new-build and retrofit distribution warehouses. He is now focused on expanding his technical expertise within food manufacturing. Detail-oriented and collaborative, Craig provides accurate technical information and works closely with contractors and project teams.
Donata is a Visual and CAD Designer with almost ten years’ experience in the construction industry. She combines creativity with technical skill supporting engineers with CAD projects and shaping the company’s visuals and branding. With a BA (Hons) in Marketing and Advertising and City & Guilds Awards in AutoCAD, Donata enjoys bringing ideas to life through clear design, strong visuals, and practical solutions that help teams communicate and present their work effectively. When she’s not designing, you’ll often find Donata behind a camera and she is also an active member of a local Photographic Society.
Giles is a highly experienced Architectural Technologist with over 28 years in industrial, food processing and retail design. As Design Director at Sphere, he leads master planning and building design with a focus on operational efficiency. His expertise spans planning regulations, process-led layouts, hygienic environments, logistics, temperature controlled facilities and retail spaces, including landmark projects like SmartParc. Giles continues to shape future ready spaces that optimise flow, reduce costs and meet rigorous industry standards. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling.
Kate is a highly experienced food industry professional with over 20 years in the chilled sector. She leads factory builds and refurbishments, specialising in hygienic design, equipment sourcing, and process development. Her leadership and team-building skills support successful project delivery. Kate works closely with clients to design safe, efficient facilities, managing installations, budgets, and transitions. She’s also often the office’s star baker, bringing the same care and creativity to her cakes as she does to her projects.
