MoreySmith Bolsters Senior Team Across Architecture & Interior Design Divisions
Award-winning design and architecture studio MoreySmith is delighted to announce the return of Lesley Kelly as Director of Architecture and the appointment of Previn Naidoo as Senior Architect, strengthening the studio’s expanding architectural team. Additionally, Hannah James has been promoted to Senior Interior Designer.
Lesley Kelly Returns as Director of Architecture
Lesley Kelly has rejoined MoreySmith, having previously worked at the studio from 2013 to 2019. She originally joined as an Associate Architect and was promoted to Director of Architecture after just two and a half years.
In her return to the team, Lesley brings over 17 years of international experience, including leadership roles in both London and Dublin:
“I’m absolutely delighted to be back at MoreySmith,” Lesley said. “The decision to return was rooted in the opportunity to work alongside Linda again, whose creative and business leadership I truly admire, and my ongoing drive for transforming existing buildings into places that genuinely enhance people’s lives.”
Lesley is a chartered architect and a member of both the RIBA and RIAI. She holds a first-class honours degree in Architecture, and her thesis project won the Royal Society of Ulster Architects Best in School Award and the Architecture School Design Award. She was also shortlisted for the RIBA President’s Silver Medal.
During her first tenure at MoreySmith, Lesley led the delivery of cutting-edge international workspaces for global brands such as LVMH and Sony Music. Most recently, she served as EMEA Project Director and Dublin Studio Lead at Unispace, managing global client accounts and overseeing the firm’s Irish operations.
Her early career at Farrells focused on urban design and placemaking, followed by senior roles at Purcell, where she worked on iconic heritage and cultural buildings including The British Museum, Cardigan Castle, and National Trust properties.
Previn Naidoo Joins as Senior Architect
Previn Naidoo joins the team as Senior Architect, bringing 10 years of diverse architectural experience across the UK, Europe, and South Africa.
Previn began his career at Designworkshop:sa, working across residential, retail, and hospitality sectors before relocating to the UK. At BDG architecture + design, he contributed to high-profile campus projects for WPP, including Rose Court, One Southwark Bridge, and the Manchester Campus.
“Previn is a talented and multidisciplinary architect whose experience across sectors and continents will bring great value to the team,” said Linda Morey-Burrows, Principal Director at MoreySmith. “Both Lesley and Previn share our passion for transformative architecture, and their appointments come at a pivotal time as our projects increase in scale, ambition, and complexity.”
Previn added:
“I’m looking forward to contributing to MoreySmith’s strong design culture and collaborating on meaningful, people-focused projects.”
Lesley and Previn join MoreySmith at a time of exciting growth, with several major architectural projects in the pipeline. Their appointments underscore the studio’s commitment to innovation, heritage transformation, and the creation of inspiring spaces that improve lives.
Hannah James Promoted to Senior Interior Designer
Within the interior design division, Hannah James has been promoted to Senior Interior Designer.
Hannah joined MoreySmith in 2022 as a Mid-Weight Designer, where she played a key role in the transformation of the reception at 20 Rathbone Place. Over the past three years, her focus has been on 13–14 Hanover, where she has overseen the design of two internal floors, including joinery, FF&E selection and procurement, and styling.
“Hannah is an exceptional interior designer whose creativity, dedication, and collaborative spirit have made a lasting impact on the team and our projects,” said Linda Morey-Burrows. “I am absolutely privileged to work with such a strong team of talented architects and designers.”