Andy Matthews Appointed to Merton Design Review Panel
Andy Matthews, director of Andy Matthews Studio, has been appointed to the Merton Design Review Panel for 2026.
© Benedict Campbell.
The appointment places Andy among 46 built environment professionals selected to advise Merton Council on major development proposals across the borough.
What the Panel Does
The Merton Design Review Panel evaluates design quality for significant planning applications and pre-application proposals. Panel members assess developments including housing schemes, public spaces, and conservation area projects before they receive planning permission. The panel operates in line with the London Design Review Charter and Design Council best practice guidance.
Panel meetings review architectural proposals at early design stages, providing independent expert feedback to developers and the council. Reviews cover design quality, contextual fit, sustainability, and public realm impact.
Andy's Role
As a panel member, Andy will review major development proposals across Merton. His expertise covers housing, education, retail, heritage, and sustainable design - areas directly relevant to the borough's development challenges.
The appointment recognises Andy's work leading complex collaborative projects. His practice focuses on creating architecture that improves people's lives, with particular attention to sustainable outcomes and technical rigour throughout the design process.
Panel Membership
Merton Council appointed the 46-member panel from over 240 applications received during 2025. Members include architects, urban designers, landscape architects, engineers, planners, and development specialists. The panel operates with six co-chairs rotating across different review meetings.
Panel members serve two-year terms from 1 January 2026. Reviews typically involve a chair and five reviewers selected based on skills relevant to each specific project.
About the Practice
Andy Matthews Studio works on residential, education, retail, gallery, museum, workspace and heritage projects across the UK and USA. The practice combines creative design with technical problem-solving from initial concept through to construction detailing.
Recent projects include retail spaces, school buildings, a cricket pavilion and residential extension and retrofit projects. The studio operates on a four-day working week and focuses on sustainable, community and user centred design approaches.
Interested in working with our studio team?
Contact us on 020 4537 5231 | View our projects