Gianni Botsford, Director & Head of Design, was born in Venice, Italy in 1960. He originally studied Interior Design at Kingston University (84-86) and worked for a number of practices in London from 86-94. He completed his education at the Architectural Association, London (94-96), with Professor John Frazer, before setting up Gianni Botsford Architects in 1996 which he continues to direct. He was appointed AA Research Fellow in 1997 and has taught at the AA and London Metropolitan University, as well as being a visiting critic at the AA, Bartlett, Cambridge and Bath Universities. He is currently a member of the RIBA Awards Group and sits on the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Architecture Appraisal Panel. The recipient of numerous awards, he has also lectured in the UK, India, the USA, and Mexico on the work of the practice. His research work at the AA and subsequently with Arup into the optimisation of the control of natural light has been used throughout the projects the studio has built and developed.

Jernej Cencic studied architecture in Italy at the University IUAV of Venice, in the Netherlands at the Berlage Institute in Rotterdam and in Switzerland at the Accademia di Architettura in Mendrisio. After obtaining his Master in Architecture in 2008, he worked in India and UK, gaining experience in masterplanning, residential, hospitality, healthcare, educational, exhibition, refurbishment, landscape and  infrastructure projects. Jernej lived in the Indian desert for 3 years working on the design and construction of an Education and research center. Since joining GBA, he has been working on the masterplan of the Kaohsiung GangShan Industrial Park in Taiwan. He has recently been appointed as a project architect for a listed building residential project in London.

Anahi Copponex studied fashion at Kingston University before starting her career at Marithe & Francois
Girbaud in Paris. On returning to the UK she worked for a number of designers including Ally Capellino and Sara Sturgeon, before moving towards the areas of costume and theatre design. Collaborations with the theatre director Frank Ramon on Leo Ferre in France, Architects Gianni Botsford and David Connor, and costume designs for The London Ballet School have followed. Her most recent projects include costume designs for the film ‘The Leskov Project’ to be shot in Russia this winter, and architectural screens for a residential project in London. Her collaborations over the years with GBA range from material research, modelmaking, and the testing of approaches to light, space and the body

James Eagle acquired a distinction in BA Architectural Studies from Newcastle University in 2007. On graduation he joined Purcell Miller Tritton Architects and focused on architectural design and conservation within sensitive and historic landscapes, notable projects included a new education space at the Ryedale Folk Museum and the re configuration of a privately owned ruined castle to become a family dwelling. In 2008 he gained valuable experience in the field of landscape architecture whilst working at Erect Architecture. He joined GBA in 2009 and has worked on many projects across differing work stages from concept to construction. He has had leading roles in a number of residential projects including the Garden House, Kapoor House and Devonshire Place. In addition he has led several public space competitions including the Leadenhall Pavilion and Rise and Fall. 

MingHsuan graduated from the Architecture department at the Tam-kung University in Taiwan. After receiving his bachelor degree, he was involved in various projects in Taiwan, including museum, railway station masterplan, school and interior design. In 2007, he obtained a Master's Degree in Architectural Design at the Bartlett School of Architecture.  He gained  experience in several BSF projects, hotels, and restaurant design at EWA. At present, he is working on Hsinchu Stone Village Resort Hotel Project and also is a CAD drawing coordinator.

Yo Murata obtained her  Diploma from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in 2009. She previously gained her professional experience on a residential, hotel and a shopping  complex development in London as well as on a various international design competitions. She has recently completed her Masters in Planning Buildings for Health, Medical Architecture Unit prior to joining GBA this year and is currently working on a residential project in London.

Federico Nassetti studied architecture in Italy at the University of Florence obtaining his master degree in Ferrara. After working for Claudio Silvestrin Architects in Milan he joined the London office where he worked on a variety of prestigious project. He joined GBA after having worked for well-known architectural practices like AHMM and Arup Associates, he is currently working on the design of Anish Kapoor House on the Harbour Island in The Bahamas.

Mike joined the studio in the summer of 2011 after gaining his BA(hons) at London Metropolitan University. His involvement in the studio includes work on Riga Arts Centre, Kapoor Studio, One Line Sky Chapel and most recently The Hsinchu Stone Village Master plan and Resort Hotel. 

Hiroshi Takeyama is experienced in gallery, residential and urban design. He studied Architectural Design at Yamaguchi University in Japan, and Urban Design at UCL Bartlett School of Architecture in UK. After receiving his Master of Architecture degree from UCL in 2008, he joined Gianni Botsford Architects and has participated in a number of projects.  Hiroshi had a leading role for gallery spaces such as the Victor Felix Gallery, the Latvian Museum of Art and Polish National Museum competitions, as well as a shortlisted proposal for a new Quaker Meeting House in London , Master Planning for the Hsinchu Stone Village in Taiwan, and various residences in London.

Geoff Whittaker is a qualified Senior Architect with more than 20 years’ experience, having worked at a number of well-known architectural practices including ALSOP Architects and Jiricna Architects and on a diverse range of prestigious projects, including museum, theatre and arts buildings, hotel, retail, transport, private residential, and conservation area renovation projects. Prior to joining Gianni Botsford Architects, Geoff was most recently the Project Architect for a number of installations as part of the Master Plan for the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Other cultural projects include the new c/Plex Community Arts Centre in West Bromwich, and the RADA Centenary Theatre redevelopment project on Gower/Malet Street in London. Other relevant projects include the installation of the designer and fine  jewellery departments at Harrods and the Marcus  jewellery outlet on New Bond Street. Part of Geoff’s current responsibilities at GBA include heading the constructional development and delivery of projects within the company.