Lester Whitby

Lester has over 20 years’ experience as a qualified architect and joined the Purcell’s Oxford Studio in 2023.

Prior to joining Purcell, Lester spent 15 years as an associate director at an award-winning Oxford practice. Lester has also worked in design-led architectural practices in London, Sydney, and Washington DC. His project experience consists of education, residential, and commercial projects.

Lester is adept in managing complex residential and education projects with large client or stakeholder groups.

Lester is currently working as the technical lead on the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities at the University of Oxford, which Purcell are the technical support architects. A unique academic and public building in the centre of the city of Oxford, the centre will bring together the University’s humanities departments for the first time, as well as providing high quality public exhibition and performance spaces to increase community engagement. 

Away from architecture, Lester has a keen interest in sport and is captain of the local cricket team.