Who We Are
At Arbor Architects, we design low‑energy, healthy spaces that feel grounded in their surroundings and shaped by the people who use them. Our work is simple, crafted and purposeful - architecture that connects people with nature and stands the test of time.
Founded in 2019, we are a small, design‑led practice driven by care, curiosity and clarity. We listen closely, collaborate openly and guide projects with a thoughtful, hands‑on approach from first sketch to completion.
Our designs grow from context: natural materials, biophilic thinking and fabric‑first principles are woven through everything we do. Sustainability isn’t an add‑on - it’s the foundation.
We create buildings that are beautiful, resilient and quietly transformative - places that feel alive, effortless and rooted in place.
Arbor Architects is a RIBA Chartered Architects Practice in addition to being members of The Passivhaus Trust, The (AECB) and TDUK.
Elly Deacon Smith
Founder and directorElly co‑founded Arbor Architects in 2019 following her role as an Associate at Architype, where she worked on a number of high‑profile Passivhaus projects. She is now the sole director of the practice, creating an inclusive, collaborative working environment that supports her team and fosters thoughtful, sustainable design.
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Her work is grounded in low‑energy, context‑led architecture, with a focus on reducing embodied and operational carbon, using natural materials and applying circular‑economy principles. She is committed to long‑term community resilience and to designing buildings that are healthy, efficient and deeply connected to their surroundings.
Elly places the wellbeing and comfort of building users at the centre of every project. She works closely with clients to shape spaces that encourage social interaction, active living and a connection with nature.
She maintains strong links to architectural education and has recently taught post‑graduate units at the Welsh School of Architecture and Birmingham City University.
Elly is Chair of the RIBA Herefordshire Society of Architects and a RIBA Judge for the 2026 West Midlands Regional Awards, contributing her expertise to the wider profession and championing ambitious, sustainable architecture across the region.
Kirk Rushby
Associate and architectQualified in 2011, Kirk Rushby has over a decade of experience designing and delivering low energy, low carbon architecture with a strong emphasis on public benefit
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Previously a Senior Architect at Architype, he led the delivery of several pioneering sustainable projects, including the UK’s first Passivhaus Extra Care scheme - 53 flats providing highly efficient, comfortable homes for older residents, and the Hereford Community Diagnostics Centre - a 1,200m² outreach facility for the Wye Valley NHS Trust, housing MRI, CT, and X-ray services to reduce pressure on the main Hereford Hospital site.
Kirk has a strong interest in solving complex design problems, always placing the client’s needs and environmental impact at the heart of his work.
With a particular interest in digital manufacture and modern methods of construction, he explores how innovation in low-impact construction can help push design quality forward.
Kirk has also designed and built his own low embodied carbon Passivhaus home, where he now lives with his wife and young family which has deepened his understanding of how modern low energy, low impact design affects end users
He is a member of the Welsh School of Architecture’s Industry Advisory Board, supporting the next generation of architects and promoting best practice in sustainable design.
Michelle Gartside
Part iiI Architectural Assistant and ceph designerMichelle has been part of Arbor Architects for five years, contributing her skills as an accomplished designer and bringing a thoughtful, material‑led approach to every project. She has a strong instinct for working with natural and bio‑based materials, creating tactile, cohesive compositions that bring spaces to life with clarity and calm.
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She is currently completing her Part 3 professional practice qualification and will shortly qualify as an architect, further strengthening her role within the team.
Michelle’s design thinking is guided by a commitment to low‑energy, sustainable architecture. Her Part II thesis, Communal Remedy, explored Passivhaus, retrofit and biophilic strategies on the high street, earning nominations for both the Architects’ Journal Student Prize and the 2022 Sustainability Award shortlist.
Outside the studio, Michelle enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible, especially rock climbing and connecting with the natural landscapes that inspire her work.
Oliver Taylor
Architectural TechnologistOliver contributes his experience in residential design, where he has worked closely with clients to translate their visions into reality. His portfolio encompasses a range of energy-efficient residential projects.
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Growing up in a military family afforded Oliver the unique opportunity to travel the world, immersing himself in diverse cultures and experiencing a wide array of architectural styles. These experiences have influenced his design sensibilities, allowing him to draw inspiration from various cultural contexts tempered with his pursuit of Passivhaus design.
Oliver is an active member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technology. Passionate about advancing his professional expertise, he is now actively progressing to full membership, further developing his skills and knowledge with Passivhaus design.
A tech enthusiast at heart, Oliver has a keen interest in 3D design and rendering drawings. His proficiency in these areas showcases his ability to blend creativity with technology seamlessly. Additionally, he is passionate about integrating modern technologies into the workplace, particularly exploring the exciting realms of virtual reality, where innovation and creativity converge to shape the future of design.
In addition to his architectural work, Oliver's love for rugby remains a significant part of his life, having played for his university team during his academic years. His passion for the sport continues.
Islay Sellar
Marketing and admin consultantIslay supports the team with marketing, communications, and operational administration, helping to share our story and streamline processes behind the scenes. With a keen eye for detail and a collaborative approach, she is passionate about providing support to help Arbor thrive and achieve our goals.
Lucy Phillips
Interior DesignerLucy Phillips is an interior designer with a background in architectural interiors and a focus on thoughtful, detail-driven spaces. Her approach combines spatial planning, material sensitivity, and refined detailing to create interiors that feel both considered and deeply livable.
Working across residential and commercial projects, Lucy collaborates closely with architects, contractors, and clients from concept through to delivery, with particular attention given to atmosphere, functionality, and the finer layers of a space.
Say Hello
Get in touch with our team today to start your next project, we’d love to hear from you!