Senior Leadership
Alex Darvill
Managing Director
Alex is the founder and Managing Director of ACD Projects and a RICS Chartered Surveyor with over 45 years’ experience in the construction industry.
Alex Darvill
Managing Director
Alex is the founder and Managing Director of ACD Projects and a RICS Chartered Surveyor with over 45 years’ experience in the construction industry.
Often involved from the very outset of a project, Alex helps clients assess the suitability of sites and buildings, interpret project requirements, and identify the best way forward for their facility.
As Managing Director, he leads ACD’s multidisciplinary teams, drawing on decades of experience within the veterinary and animal welfare sectors to guide projects through design and construction. His expert knowledge of animal care facilities enables him to provide valuable insight throughout the project lifecycle, helping clients make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
Throughout his career, Alex has established a strong track record of delivering projects on time, within budget and to a high standard for a wide range of animal welfare charities, veterinary businesses, zoos, and equine organisations. Well regarded throughout the industry, he relishes a challenge and is particularly adept at navigating complex projects in his role as Senior Project Manager.
Outside of work, Alex enjoys travelling to adventurous destinations with his wife and spending quality time with his two grandsons.
Nicola Cosgrove
Head of Business Development
Nicola joined ACD in April 2017 and leads many of ACD’s business development activities. She is often one of the first points of contact for prospective clients, arranging and attending initial site meetings, helping to shape project briefs and wish lists, and ensuring clients have the information they need to take the first steps in their project.
Nicola Cosgrove
Head of Business Development
Nicola enjoys meeting new people, understanding their aspirations, and helping them explore how ACD can bring their ideas to life.
Prior to joining ACD, Nicola gained degrees in Environmental Geoscience and Sustainability before working in the renewable energy industry for five years. This experience developed her understanding of the built environment, project development, and the importance of creating sustainable, future-focused solutions.
Outside of work, much of Nicola’s spare time is spent with her husband and their two young boys, who keep her busy and ensure there is never a dull moment. They are also joined by the family cat, fondly named ‘Puffcat’ for her wonderfully puffy tail whenever she gets excited.
James Armstrong
Head of Project and Commercial Management
As Head of Project and Commercial Management, James leads a dedicated team of Project Managers and commercial professionals, with overall responsibility for financial reporting, cost management and the successful delivery of construction projects across ACD’s portfolio.
James Armstrong
Head of Project and Commercial Management
James plays a vital role within ACD’s Senior Management Team, acting as executive-level client liaison, contributing to strategic decision-making and providing leadership across the wider multi-disciplinary team. His experience enables him to guide clients towards successful outcomes whilst maintaining effective control of cost, programme and risk.
In his spare time, James and his rescued labrador, Saffa, can often be found walking the fens of Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.
Dilwar Hussain
Head of Architecture
Dilwar is a qualified Architectural Technologist with over 15 years’ experience in the construction industry, bringing extensive technical knowledge and contractor-side expertise to projects across a range of sectors.
Dilwar Hussain
Head of Architecture
Dilwar is a qualified Architectural Technologist with over 15 years’ experience in construction.
He has extensive knowledge in his field, having delivered large schemes across a variety of sectors. Prior to joining the team, he worked alongside national housebuilders and retailers on multi-million-pound developments within one of East Anglia’s leading contractors’ design offices. This experience has given him a unique understanding of both design and delivery from a contractor’s perspective.
Since joining ACD Projects, Dilwar has demonstrated his expertise across both on-site and BIM-led projects. An advanced user of Revit and other architectural software platforms, he takes pride in developing and coordinating complex designs to a high standard.
Throughout his career, Dilwar has contributed to a number of notable projects, including work on one of Cambridge’s most prestigious hotels. He continues to enjoy tackling new challenges and helping bring ambitious projects to life.
Outside of work, Dilwar enjoys spending time with his family. He also loves to travel and has a particular passion for home renovations, which he designs and undertakes himself. His other interests include videography and drone piloting.
Clare Wright
Head of Practice Management
Clare is Head of Practice Management at ACD Projects, overseeing the financial and operational functions that support the day-to-day running of the business. Since joining the company in 1998 alongside founder and Managing Director Alex, she has developed an extensive understanding of the organisation and played a key role in supporting its growth and evolution over nearly three decades.
Clare Wright
Head of Practice Management
Her role spans a wide range of responsibilities including bookkeeping, financial management, operational support, people management and continuous improvement across the practice. Clare works closely with colleagues across all areas of the business, helping ensure the practice operates efficiently.
One of the things Clare enjoys most about her role is the variety it brings, with no two days – or years – ever quite the same. She particularly values being part of a collaborative team environment and supporting the wider business as it continues to grow and evolve.
Outside of work, Clare enjoys spending time with her three grandchildren, cooking, playing golf, walking her Cockapoo, Buddy, and miniature Schnauzer, Nacho, renovating her Victorian cottage and exploring new destinations around the world.
Wider Team
Stephen Bilverstone
Architectural Technologist
Prior to joining ACD, Stephen spent five years in the British Army as a Design Draughtsman for the Royal Engineers, where he gained his Class-2 Armed Forces qualification in Construction Draughtsmanship.
Stephen Bilverstone
Architectural Technologist
During his time in the armed forces, Stephen developed his skills as an Architectural Technologist, contributing to the design of a variety of military structures including accommodation blocks, offices, bridges and forward operating bases.
Since joining ACD, Stephen has worked on a wide range of projects, from veterinary practices and diagnostic laboratories through to educational facilities, including a project for the Royal Veterinary College. He enjoys seeing projects develop and finding creative solutions that help bring designs together.
This passion for problem-solving extends into his hobbies, where he enjoys working on cars and building computers. Like many members of the ACD team, Stephen is also an animal lover and can often be found caring for his growing family of exotic reptiles and his dog, Milo.
James Evans
Junior Architectural Project Manager
James holds a Master of Architecture degree from De Montfort University, graduating with distinction. His experience spans surveying, planning applications and visualisations, alongside a growing role in project management within ACD’s multidisciplinary team.
James Evans
Junior Architectural Project Manager
Since joining ACD, James has worked across a variety of veterinary, animal welfare and educational projects. Whilst maintaining a strong architectural foundation, he has increasingly developed his project management skills and responsibilities, leading to his position of Junior Architectural Project Manager. He enjoys coordinating projects, working closely with clients and consultants, and expanding his knowledge of veterinary design principles and industry software.
Passionate about animal-focused design, James has a keen interest in understanding how facilities can better support both animal welfare and operational efficiency. This interest extends beyond his professional work, having completed a diploma in Zoology in his spare time, which has helped him develop a greater understanding of animal behaviour, care and conservation.
James is also a keen wildlife photographer with a substantial Instagram following, many of whom keep up to date with his shortlisted and award-recognised work. A former national-level acrobatic and tumbling gymnast, he now spends his free time practising oil painting, photographing local wildlife in the early hours of the morning, and helping care for the 50,000 bees, chickens and ducks kept at his family home.
Louise Darvill
Business Development and Marketing Manager
Louise graduated from the University of Roehampton with a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing and spent a number of years living in London whilst completing her studies. She now lives in Cambridge with her fiancée and their lovely black and white cat, Sylvester.
Louise Darvill
Business Development and Marketing Manager
Louise’s role is divided between the company’s marketing, covering everything from conference coordination to overseeing ACD’s external promotional activity and communications, and business development, where she focuses on improving the company’s internal processes and documents, as well as meeting new clients. You may meet her at the start of a project, helping to guide you through ACD’s services as smoothly as possible.
Whatever she is working on, she endeavours to keep one step ahead of the workload at all times and enjoys finding creative ways to make her colleagues’ lives easier.
In her free time, Louise enjoys painting, drawing, and spending quality time with Sylvester!
Nick George
Project Manager
Following the completion of his Civil Engineering degree at Loughborough University, Nick gained extensive experience within the fenestration industry, including running his own business, bringing a practical and hands-on approach to project delivery.
Nick George
Project Manager
Alongside his professional work, Nick has undertaken several self-build projects for his family, taking on both project management and hands-on roles. This experience has given him a detailed understanding of building practices and highlighted the importance of effective planning and coordination with regulatory authorities, contractors and subcontractors.
At ACD, Nick manages a diverse portfolio of projects, from refurbishments and new builds through to veterinary, animal welfare and educational facilities, with project values ranging from £50,000 to over £3,000,000. He believes successful project delivery relies on engaging with all stakeholders and developing a thorough understanding of both user requirements and the rationale behind key decisions. This is supported by his studies towards the RICS Certificate in Construction Project Management.
Outside of work, Nick is based on the Cambridgeshire/Suffolk border, where he enjoys working on home improvement projects. He is passionate about motorcycling, competing in observed trials and supporting advanced riding through his role as a National Observer for IAM RoadSmart. He also enjoys travelling with his wife, exploring Europe on annual motorcycle tours, and making the most of skiing and other adventures whenever he can.
Andy Grant
Architectural Project Manager
With over 16 years of experience in the construction industry, Andy has built a strong reputation through his work with one of the region’s largest contractors, delivering projects across a wide range of sectors and project scales.
Andy Grant
Architectural Project Manager
A career highlight of Andy’s includes contributing to a project that earned the prestigious ‘Most Innovative Restoration / Refurbishment Project’ award at the Building Innovation Awards. Andy is particularly passionate about technical detailing and enjoys the problem-solving aspects of his work, finding creative and effective solutions to complex design challenges.
Outside of work, Andy enjoys spending quality time with his wife and son, often going for walks and exploring the outdoors. He’s also an avid golfer and enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, honing his cooking skills.
Oktay Ince
Mechanical and Electrical Coordinator
Oktay graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and brings over 15 years of experience delivering practical, cost-effective engineering solutions across a wide range of industries and projects.
Oktay Ince
Mechanical and Electrical Coordinator
After moving from his home country to the UK, he has worked as a consultant across multiple industries, combining deep technical knowledge with a strong focus on helping clients overcome challenges and improve energy efficiency.
As MEP Design Coordinator at ACD Projects, Oktay brings over 15 years of experience to delivering robust, practical engineering solutions that meet project requirements. He works in accordance with both local and international standards, ensuring client needs and project objectives are consistently achieved.
Outside of work, Oktay enjoys family life in Cambridge with his wife and two children, where there is rarely a quiet moment. To relax, he enjoys swimming, a hobby that takes him back to the beautiful coast of Türkiye where he grew up.
Lijo John
Quantity Surveyor
Lijo is a Quantity Surveyor and construction professional with over 14 years of experience in civil engineering and quantity surveying. He brings extensive international experience across a diverse range of construction sectors and project types.
Lijo John
Quantity Surveyor
Lijo began his career as a Site Engineer, developing a strong foundation in construction and project delivery. Throughout his career, he has worked across India, Dubai (UAE), and Qatar, contributing to a diverse range of infrastructure, commercial, residential, and industrial developments.
His expertise includes cost management, procurement, contract administration, value engineering, and project controls, supporting the successful delivery of complex construction projects.
Now based in South Cambridge, Lijo lives with his wife, three daughters, and young son. He remains committed to delivering high-quality professional services while maintaining a strong focus on family life and personal development.
Fiona Ellice
Project Assistant
Fiona joined ACD Projects in the newly established role of Project Assistant, supporting the project management and business development teams with the day-to-day coordination and delivery of projects.
Fiona Ellice
Project Assistant
She has an extensive administrative background, working predominantly within the operations sector of organisations, ensuring the planning, management and delivery of projects and deadlines were successfully achieved. Fiona has worked across a variety of industries, including education and property development, both within the UK and Turkey.
Whilst working in the property development industry in both South-West Turkey and Istanbul, she worked for one of Turkey’s premier residential and commercial developers. Here she managed overseas exhibitions, ensuring each one was delivered successfully. During her time at the University of Cambridge, where she held roles as both Team Leader and Operations Coordinator, she managed the distribution of examination materials and results to educational settings worldwide.
Fiona has a pragmatic approach and a strong ‘can do’ attitude towards everything she undertakes. With an outgoing and effervescent personality, she thrives in social settings and enjoys working closely with both colleagues and clients.
Omunakwe (‘Kwe) Oguguo
Support Architectural Technologist
‘Kwe holds a Bachelor of Technology and an MSc in Architecture, bringing many years of experience across sectors including telecommunications, veterinary, equine, residential, educational and aviation projects.
Omunakwe (‘Kwe) Oguguo
Support Architectural Technologist
In addition to the telecoms sector, ‘Kwe has worked across veterinary, equine, residential, educational and aviation projects, giving him a broad understanding of different building types and client requirements.
‘Kwe’s has a particular passion for sustainable architecture and enjoys applying this knowledge throughout his work, helping to develop practical and environmentally responsible design solutions.
In his spare time, ‘Kwe enjoys running and cycling with his family. He is also highly creative outside of work, spending time designing and sewing dresses, creating bespoke furniture, sketching and producing abstract artwork using pastels, watercolours and oil paints.
‘Kwe is a cheerful and easy-going person whose infectious laugh often brightens up the office.
Rob Pounder
Mechanical and Electrical Coordinator
Rob attained City & Guilds Level 3 Electrical Installation Technician status, working in North West London with Tier 1 MEP Contractors and CIBSE Building Services Consultants before establishing himself within the field of MEP coordination and electrical design.
Rob Pounder
Mechanical and Electrical Coordinator
Having later moved to Suffolk, Rob is happily married and blessed with a son, daughter and four wonderful grandchildren. He now resides in Newmarket, where he has established himself within the roles of Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Coordinator and Electrical Designer.
His role involves early negotiation with District Network Operators and Independent Services Providers to establish available electrical maximum demand capacity. With the requisite client authorisation, he is experienced in acting as a point of contact with energy suppliers.
Project responsibilities encompass understanding and forward-thinking coordination of the various MEP trades in compliance with building regulation design criteria, air quality requirements and prosumer renewable technologies.
His free time is never risk free; Rob is happy to take the swindle money most Sundays on the golf course or take a battering whilst playing with the grandchildren.
Steve Richards
Project Surveyor
Steve joined ACD with prior experience in the educational, commercial and equine sectors. His qualifications include a BSc (Hons) in Construction Management, together with ONC and HNC qualifications in Building Studies.
Steve Richards
Project Surveyor
Steve originally trained as a draftsman on the traditional drawing board before moving onto AutoCAD. As he became more involved in projects, his role evolved into that of Building Surveyor, Project Surveyor and Quantity Surveyor, working on a variety of new build and refurbishment projects from initial concept through design, tender, construction and completion.
Through this experience, and over 30 years within the industry, Steve has developed a broad knowledge of all stages involved in a construction project and has a keen eye for detail.
Steve lives in Norfolk with his partner and has a grown-up daughter and a son who is finishing higher education. He enjoys the escapism of a good movie, watching boxing, riding his motorbike (when it’s dry), DIY and occasionally playing golf.
He also often (reluctantly) helps to look after his partner’s ex-racehorse and, on occasion, goes to watch her when she competes in local jumping or dressage competitions.
Alex Selvini
Project Delivery Manager
Having gained his qualifications in Italy before furthering his skills in Australia, Alex brings a wealth of practical building, surveying and project delivery experience to ACD, together with a talent for languages that supports many of the company’s European projects.
Alex Selvini
Project Delivery Manager
After joining the practice, Alex developed a deep understanding of the veterinary and animal welfare sectors and what clients need from their buildings. He has a particular talent for creating effective layouts and making even the most challenging buildings work successfully for their intended purpose.
On the project delivery side of his role, Alex particularly enjoys the practical, hands-on aspects of project work and client liaison. Through managing our European portfolio, he has developed extensive experience working with a wide range of project stakeholders and takes pride in helping projects progress smoothly.
Outside of work, Alex loves to travel and, with his outgoing, personable and gregarious personality, is often the joker in the room. He splits his time between Lille, where he lives with his partner and baby son, and the UK.
Chris Unsworth
Project Manager
Coming from a background in hospitality construction, Chris has worked with a variety of high-standard clients throughout his career, including celebrity chefs, each with unique requirements for their individual projects.
Chris Unsworth
Project Manager
After achieving his degree in Outdoor and Science Education, Chris later retrained in the construction industry, his long-term passion, obtaining a Level 6 Diploma in Construction and Contracting Operations Management. As Project Manager, Chris supports projects from start to finish and works to ensure the process is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Chris lives in Cambridge with his family and dog, Buddy. In his spare time, he enjoys sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding, as well as watching and coaching rugby with his son.
Amelia Wray
Architectural Designer
Amelia is an Architectural Designer with six years of experience delivering projects across the veterinary, animal welfare, hospitality and residential sectors, supporting schemes from concept through to construction.
Amelia Wray
Architectural Designer
Working across all RIBA stages, Amelia focuses on creating practical, well-coordinated environments that balance functionality, compliance and user experience. She particularly enjoys designing veterinary facilities that support the wellbeing of animals, staff and clients while meeting the complex operational requirements of modern practices.
Amelia holds a First Class BA (Hons) in Architectural Design and an RICS-accredited project management qualification.
Outside of work, Amelia enjoys baking bread, creating quirky clay pieces and spending time with her dachshund, Trigger.