Our Team

OUR TEAM

Our lads and lasses are descendants of the shipbuilders and coal miners who powered the industrial revolution. Making is in our blood, generations deep, and we seek to reimagine this legacy for the modern age.

OUR TEAM

Richy Almond
Founder

Our Founder Richy is an architect who trained in the world of luxury residential and hotel design. He acts as our Creative Director.

A graduate of the Glasgow School of Art, he maintains a meticulous approach to design, crafting objects and spaces with distinct character, focusing on understated aesthetics and refined detailing.

Growing up around his family’s metalwork business, Richy was immersed in the sights and sounds of working with metal from an early age. This foundation has profoundly shaped his design sensibility.

Richy is passionate about the industrial heritage of his native North-East England. For him, the rhythm and functionality of industrial design holds a natural elegance. He is dedicated to revealing the often overlooked luxury of humble materials such as slate and steel.

The first piece Richy designed for NOVOCASTRIAN, the Slate Binate, remains his favourite.

Brandon — Maker

Tom — Designer

Andrew Bulley
Director

Born in Hartlepool, Andrew was inspired early on by his family’s legacy of craftsmanship. From a father who trained in the ship yards to a boiler maker uncle who built intricate ship models and dolls’ houses, and a grandfather who was both an engineer and painter, Andrew grew up surrounded by artistry and innovation. He was shaped by the vibrant industrial history of the North and an exceptional art teacher who encouraged his ambition to celebrate and uplift his beloved North East.

Andrew went on to study Design at Goldsmiths in London, quickly making his mark in the world of high-end bespoke creations. At a prestigious atelier, he honed his craft, moving from the workshop to the design department, and later leading the sales division.

After 18 years in London, Andrew returned to the North to join NOVOCASTRIAN, where he is committed to developing local talent. He also works with colleges and universities, helping to shape creative curricula. His dedication to the arts and community continues to fuel his impact on the industry.

Ethan — Maker

Conor — Designer

Sarah Harrison
Business Development Manager

Sarah joined NOVOCASTRIAN in 2017 and has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and evolution since her arrival. Starting her journey as our studio manager, Sarah distinguished herself with her exceptional organisational skills, dedication, and leadership. Over the years, her role has expanded significantly, and she now serves as our Business Development Manager.

In her current position, Sarah is not only responsible for streamlining operations and enhancing productivity but also for fostering a collaborative and innovative workplace culture. Her ability to keep the team organised and focused on our collective goals has been crucial in propelling NOVOCASTRIAN to new heights.

Clients, colleagues and team members alike know they can rely on her support, as she is always available to offer guidance and insight. Her commitment to excellence and passion for the brand make her an invaluable asset to our team and a driving force behind our growth.

Marcus Rowan
Head Metalworker

Marcus qualified as a Welder-Fabricator in 2001, building a vast range of metalworking experience across military contracts and large-scale offshore constructions. He joined NOVOCASTRIAN in 2017 and has played a key role in the evolution of our craft and our collections ever since. He now leads our workshop team.

Transitioning seamlessly into the luxury design industry, Marcus quickly proved himself an innovator. A true master of his trade, much of our work features techniques and developments he has pioneered over the years.

Outside of work, Marcus can often be found off-roading in his Land Rover or exploring the coastline, adding to his impressive list of rare fish catches.

Conor — Metalworker

Jack — Metalworker

Felix Smith
Head of Design

Felix joined NOVOCASTRIAN in 2022 as a mid-weight designer and soon rose to become Head of Design. Originally from Cumbria, he graduated from Northumbria University in 2017 with a degree in Three Dimensional Design. He began his career at a Newcastle-based art and architectural design studio with international reach, progressing from fabricator to designer. During this time, he also developed his own award-winning design practice through Northumbria’s Design in Residency scheme.

At NOVOCASTRIAN, Felix leads the design team with a focus on creativity, collaboration, and technical excellence, driving the development of our collections and bespoke commissions. Outside the studio, he is most at home surfing, from Northumberland coast to Morocco.

Josh — Designer

Issy Collins
Sales Manager

Issy joined NOVOCASTRIAN after earning a degree in Fashion from Northumbria University. Starting as a specialist finisher, she quickly honed a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of our craft. Her talent and drive soon propelled her into the role of Sales Manager, where she combines hands-on expertise with a genuine passion for helping clients find the perfect pieces. With her in-depth knowledge of our collections, Issy offers personalised, insightful guidance at every step.

When she’s not at work, you’ll likely find her supporting the Boro or local bands.

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