Alex Wright
Professor of Architecture, University Of Bath
Professor Alex Wright is Head of Architecture at the University of Bath. He is a graduate of the University of Bath, University of Cambridge, and Harvard University, where he studied as a Harkness Fellow.
He worked in private architectural practice for 15 years before accepting a full-time academic position in 2005.
Alex is an expert adviser to the Ministerial Advisory Group for the Department for Communities (Northern Ireland), Chair of the Swindon Design Review Panel for Design West and a former Board Member of the ARB.
Catherine Smith
Managing Partner, BLB Solicitors
Catherine Smith is Managing Partner at BLB Solicitors and has specialised in family law for over 20 years. She advises on complex finance and children matters, combining legal expertise with straightforward, practical guidance and a strong focus on fairness.
As Managing Partner, Catherine oversees the firm’s growth, supporting colleagues, driving strategy, and fostering a collaborative culture. She is passionate about mentoring and developing the next generation of lawyers.
Having lived in Bath for the past 16 years, Catherine balances her professional life with enjoying the city with her two children.
Kevin Hamblin
CEO, Bath College
Kevin was appointed Principal at Filton College, one of the UK’s leading sports colleges in 2001 and he led the merger of Filton merged and Stroud College in 2012, becoming Principal and CEO of the newly established South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS). Under Kevin’s leadership SGS became the largest provider of vocational education in the south west, and had success rates in the top decile in the UK.
Kevin has over 30 years of management experience in FE, private and public training and education roles. He is a highly experienced and respected College CEO & Principal with 24 years spent as CEO and Principal of SGS College Group and Filton College, and senior management roles at Hartpury College and Swindon New College before that.
He is an educationalist with proven leadership experience in delivering significant transformative growth and innovation.
His passion for education, student success and community partnerships alongside strong leadership and accountability enshrines his ambition for the College community and our learners.
Kevin has a BA (Hons) in Business from the University of Wolverhampton.
Lionah Kawonza
Associate Director Project Management, Arcadis
Lionah Kawonza is a strategic leader, MBA graduate, and Chartered Surveyor with deep expertise in property, construction, and organisational strategy. She has delivered large-scale housing and infrastructure programmes, applying strong governance, financial management, and risk assurance to complex developments.
With extensive experience in programme and project management, Lionah excels in aligning construction delivery with long-term strategic objectives, ensuring quality outcomes and sustainable value creation. She also brings board-level experience in the housing sector, shaping customer-focused strategies and championing equity and inclusion.
Lionah aspires to senior executive leadership, where she can drive transformation and deliver impactful solutions at scale.
Louise Hessian
Founder, The Hessian Collective
Louise started her career working in men’s fashion before marrying and starting a family.
In 1999, once her four children were in school, she studied Interior Design at KLC in London whilst at the same time restoring her Victorian family home. This led to a first design job—a show home in a small, exclusive Wimbledon development.
She continued working while raising her family. A short time living in California gave Louise a deeper appreciation for diverse aesthetics. After moving to Bath, she returned to her first passion: antique and vintage furniture. She found a vacant shop and now sells vintage pieces carefully sourced from across Europe focusing mainly on Scandinavian.
Mark Lord
Director, Lord Architecture
Mark Lord is a multi-disciplined creative with a passion for design, contemporary architecture and the re-imagining of historic buildings. He is founding director of award winning boutique practice Lord Architecture which is based in central Bath, with a portfolio spanning the south of England.
Mark was educated at the Oxford School of Architecture and Westminster University where he obtained his architectural qualifications, since this time he has built an impressive portfolio of built work pushing the boundaries of conventional creative re-use, heritage and contemporary architecture.
In addition to architecture Mark is a passionate artist and photographer, he has exhibited works in London and Cornwall including at the Chelsea Arts Club, Tresanton in St Mawes and at the RIBA for the Article 25 Charity.
Mark retains responsibility for the design direction of Lord Architecture and works closely with his clients to create bespoke and innovative design solutions.
Melissa Anderson
Founder and Director, Camella
Melissa Anderson was born and bred in Bath and is founder of Camella, a boutique estate agency named after the women in her family.
After nearly 15 years as a director at Rightmove, she set up Camella to offer a more ethical, personal approach to property. She’s passionate about supporting women returning to work and creating opportunities for young people through apprenticeships.
Melissa is a mum to three wonderful young adults and a devoted dog mum to her 16-year-old cockapoo, Molly. Outside of work, you’ll find her on the netball court, in the gym or enjoying time in the city.