Toby Evison
Director

Toby is a Director at AJA with over 15 years' experience delivering complex commercial, education and regeneration projects. He leads projects that bring together multiple stakeholders, challenging briefs and ambitious outcomes, creating buildings that are practical, sustainable and designed to make a lasting positive impact.

Director since: 2021
Design philosophy: Sustainable, people-centred design
Favourite building: Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright
Outside work: Family time, barbecues, mountain biking and hiking

"Great architecture should improve people's lives, balancing practical needs, sustainability and a strong sense of place."

Having worked extensively across the higher and further education sectors, as well as commercial and community projects, Toby has a deep understanding of the needs of clients, end users and project teams. He specialises in translating complex requirements into clear, deliverable designs that balance aspiration, budget, programme and long-term performance.

Sustainability is central to Toby's approach. He is passionate about the role architects can play in reducing the environmental impact of buildings, from improving energy performance and operational efficiency to considering embodied carbon and more responsible approaches to construction.

Clients value Toby's ability to manage complexity. He brings together large project teams, competing requirements and challenging technical issues, creating a clear design direction that allows ambitious projects to move forward successfully. His calm and collaborative approach helps ensure that complex buildings become achievable, well-considered and deliverable schemes.

As part of AJA's management team, Toby also plays an important role in developing the practice, supporting the next generation of architects and continually improving how the team approaches design and delivery.

One of Toby's favourite parts of architecture is the journey from an initial conversation with a client through to seeing the finished building in use. He particularly enjoys visiting site and watching ideas that began as sketches become real places.

Outside the studio, Toby enjoys spending time with his young family, cooking barbecues with friends and, whenever time allows, getting outdoors for mountain biking and hiking.

Planning a complex education, commercial or regeneration project? Toby and the AJA team work with clients to create ambitious, sustainable buildings that are carefully designed, expertly delivered and built to stand the test of time.