West Scott Architects

FARAH ANWAR

Architectural Assistant
BA (Hons), MArch

Farah is interested in how architecture can be both practical and sustainable, as well as beautiful. She is focused on building reuse, conservation, and adaptation, and her approach considers the impact architecture has on its community and context, and how the local community can be involved and represented in the architectural process.

Farah joined WSA in 2023 after gaining her MArch with distinction at Kingston University. Since joining the practice, she has worked on a range of church and private residential projects, including within the Bedford Park conservation area.

Farah was awarded the Architects’ Journal Student Prize for her thesis project which was also featured in Dezeen magazine.

In her spare time Farah enjoys hiking and yoga.

NICK BETHUNE

Director
MA (Cantab) DipArch, RIBA, AABC

Nick’s interest in architecture and built heritage developed whilst growing up in the historic city of Edinburgh. He is motivated by buildings and places of character, seeking to protect and enhance their special qualities through careful conservation and sensitive adaption.

After graduating from Cambridge University Nick spent 10 years at Studio Partington, becoming an associate and working on a wide range of projects embracing housing, sustainability, and urban design. He joined WSA in 2010 to pursue his long-standing interest in building conservation and since 2023 has been sole director of the practice.

Nick has extensive experience leading both residential and heritage projects including a recently completed five-year programme to refurbish a spectacular listed country house in Surrey, and conservation repairs at St Matthew’s Church Surbiton, Chigwell School, and Highgate Cemetery.

An accredited conservation architect, he is approved quinquennial inspector for the dioceses of London and Southwark and is responsible for listed churches in Surbiton, Tooting, and Ruislip.

Outside the office Nick has delved into music in recent years, taking up the violin. He also enjoys running with a local group in Bedford Park.

ANDREA COOK

Practice Administrator

Andrea ensures the efficient running of the practice bringing much valued management and administrative support to the team. She gained over twenty years of commercial experience as the office manager of a global marketing consultancy, becoming company secretary and then joining the international property team.

Andrea joined WSA as practice administrator in 2022 and has enjoyed seeing first-hand the passion and care that the team bring to their projects.

Outside the office Andrea volunteers regularly with Riding for the Disabled Association, an organisation she has been involved with for nearly fifteen years. She is also a skilled baker, with the office regularly benefitting from her talents!

SARAH RIMMER

Business Development Assistant

Sarah provides occasional marketing support for the office. She spends most of her week working as a speech therapist but prior to this she completed an MA in European Cultural Policy and Administration. She reignited her interest in arts marketing to support her husband Nick after he became sole director of the practice.

Outside work Sarah enjoys performing as a singer-songwriter, playing the banjo and learning to tap dance.

JOHN SCOTT

Consultant Conservation Architect
BA (Hons), Dipl Arch, RIBA, AABC

John has a particular interest in making practical details beautiful and architecturally interesting. He is passionate about conserving and managing sustainable change to historic buildings whilst preserving their individual magic.

Brought up in rural Devon, John came to London in 1979 going into partnership with Oliver West in 1986 to found what is now West Scott Architects.

In his forty years of experience, John has led highlight WSA projects including the follies and visitor facilities at Hawkstone Park in Shropshire (Civic Trust Award and Europa Nostra Diploma), plans for the restoration of Dromore Castle in Ireland, and the conservation repair of numerous historically significant churches including Saint Sophia Greek Cathedral in London. He is currently excited by conservation projects at Highgate Cemetery.

John is engaged in the wider activities of built heritage, chairing both the Southern Buildings Committee of the Victorian Society and the Exeter Diocesan Advisory Committee.

When not enjoying or adding to our built heritage he can often be found tinkering with or sailing a boat.