JAMES POTTER
DIRECTOR
Following the completion of the Part 1 and Part 2 Architecture courses at Portsmouth University, James worked with 2 architectural practices learning his trade. He then made a change to the development industry producing many masterplans as the principal designer and working alongside a mix of disciplines to produce various successful schemes. His understanding of the importance of having different specialists all working together in the industry was realised and this was when James set up his own company.
MICHELLE LEGGETT
OFFICE MANAGER
Michelle has been with JPA since 2020 and has previously worked within the travel industry in various roles including office/branch and area relief management/repatriation/business/marine/leisure/bureau de change/out of hours management and accounting since completing her BTEC National Diploma in 1996.
Her career has taken her all over the world on a professional & personal level. She is an adrenaline junky and will give most things a go, from sky diving to black water rafting in glow worm caves! Michelle is a people’s person and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to JPA.
JAMES HARDY
TECHNICAL MANAGER
James obtained his degree in Architecture from University of Portsmouth, graduating in 2008. He gained 9 years of technical experience working for an external building envelope company before joining JPA in early 2021.
His journey between university and professional life was punctuated by two consecutive ski seasons working as a chalet girl chef, and he remains enthusiastic about snowboarding and food to this day. James is a keen traveller, football fan, gig attender and is currently learning to Kitesurf, whilst remaining incredibly annoying within the office environment.
HEIN ZAW
TECHNICIAN
Hein completed his bachelor’s degree in architecture back in his home country, Myanmar. He then spent about a year working on residential and commercial interior projects as a junior architect in Asia. In 2023, he came to the UK to study his MA degree in Architectural Spatial Design at University of Portsmouth. In 2026, he joined the JPA team to dive into the UK’s building architectural practices and technical aspects, to hone his skills in residential construction projects.
He’s really into horror shows and games and loves exploring nature, beaches and working out. He’s passionate about therapeutic architecture and would love to create spaces where people can feel safe and rejuvenated, both physically and emotionally.
STEPHANIE O’LEARY
TECHNICAL COORDINATOR
Stephanie has a range of experience from varying practices. This has allowed her to settle straight into the technical projects at JPA and provide a lot of onsite experience.
HARNIYA YUNG-UPSALL
JUNIOR TECHNOLOGIST
Harniya graduated with a First-Class Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Design and Technology from Cardiff Metropolitan University. She was thrilled to join the team in 2025 and is dedicated and passionate about delivering thoughtful, sustainable design solutions that combine creativity, technical and environmental designs.
Beyond the studio, Harniya finds inspiration in music, sport, and travel, always seeking new experiences that broaden her perspective.
REBECCA ROWAN
ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING LEAD
After graduating from the University of Portsmouth with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Rebecca joined the team at JPA in 2023. She went on to complete her Master’s in Architecture, graduating with First Class Honours in 2026. She considers JPA a great opportunity to lead and work with a team of professionals who uniquely craft homes for a diverse range of clients.
Rebecca’s passion for the arts and creative disciplines inspired her to pursue a career in Architecture. She is particularly interested in how thoughtful architectural design can shape the character, identity and experience of a space, creating a strong sense of place.
GEORGIA FLAVELL
PART I ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT
Georgia joined our team in 2024 after completing her Bachelor’s in Architecture at the University of Portsmouth. She has a strong interest in design and drawing and is particularly excited about working on one-off houses for unique clients.
Outside of architecture, Georgia enjoys traveling, has a special love for animals and might keep up with pop culture a bit too much! Each project offers her a chance to deepen her architectural knowledge and challenge her creativity, pushing her career forward.
KAI BIRCH
PART 1 ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT
After graduating Cardiff University with a Bachelor’s in Architecture in 2026, Kai joined the team at JPA and is excited to get started working on a variety of projects. He particularly enjoys working on one-off, unique designs that allow him to push the limits of a brief.
Outside of architecture Kai enjoys playing football and staying creative with woodworking projects and other crafts. He is looking forward to treating every project as an opportunity to learn and grow as a designer, taking each challenge as it comes and developing his understanding.
ROB RUSHTON
TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
Rob has decades of experience in the industry, working for a selection of practices and developers over the years.
RALPHIE POTTER
RETIRED OFFICE DOG
In his retirement, Ralphie enjoys long walks along Southsea seafront. He only drops by the office on special occasions now, but when he does, his top priority is giving the team their much missed cuddle and kisses!
PRINCE POTTER
OFFICE DOG
Ralphie’s little brother, Prince, loves cuddles, a paddle in the stream on his evening walks and welcoming clients in when they arrive to the office!