Rebecca Thurgood joins LHC Design board with ambition to support thriving places across the South West
Leading architecture, masterplanning and landscape practice LHC Design today [Friday, July 24th, 2026] announces Rebecca Thurgood’s appointment as board director as the firm builds on its 35-year track record of supporting sustainable development.
An award-winning architect with 25 years’ experience, Thurgood joins fellow board directors Graham Devine and Ian Noakes with an ambition to create sustainable, thriving places across the South West and the UK.
As the studio lead for LHC’s Exeter city centre office, she will support the team’s architecture, masterplanning and urban design work with public and third sector clients, developers and housebuilders.
With a track record of supporting high profile and challenging regeneration projects in London before joining LHC Design, Rebecca aims to build on the firm’s presence in Exeter at a time of major change for the city centre, planning and local government.
“We have an opportunity to use our experience to make a lasting and positive difference to places around Exeter as the city faces complexity and change,” said Rebecca.
“We’re seeing the Exeter Plan coming forward, which sets out how the city can be prosperous, thriving and sustainable. There’s a clear link between these ambitions and the LHC team’s work on successful developments every day.
“It’s a privilege to lead a committed team with such a great reputation, and an honour to join a board of respected colleagues. I look forward to working with Ian, Graham and the wider business to continue LHC’s fantastic work, across the South West and elsewhere.”
Building on progress
Rebecca joined LHC as associate director in 2021 after 20 years with Stephen Davy Peter Smith Architects, including 15 years as an associate. Her work has focused on residential, mixed-use, retrofit and community projects for clients such as Peabody, Notting Hill Genesis and Ballymore.
Operating from offices in Exeter and Plymouth, LHC supports several high-profile development projects in the South West, including:
- A masterplan and planning framework for 10,000 new homes as part of wider ambitions to revitalise Plymouth City Centre.
- Planning, architecture and landscape support for the exemplary Gwel Basset development of 185 homes at Redruth, Cornwall.
- A masterplan and design code for a high-quality proposed sustainable development of around 1,500 homes near Stroud, Gloucestershire.
LHC board director Graham Devine said: “Rebecca brings fantastic experience and a track record of delivering what clients increasingly need – a place-led approach to design, a collaborative mindset and an ability to support timely and successful delivery.
“As cities press ahead with big changes in the years ahead, understanding what places need to thrive has never been more important. It’s great to welcome Rebecca onto the board as we start our 35th year in business.”
To find out more about LHC Design’s work and team, visit https://lhc.net/.
