Meet The Team Heroes Architects
Discover the brilliant minds behind our success! Our team is a dynamic blend of creativity, expertise, and passion, working together to bring innovative ideas to life. From visionary architects to meticulous strategists, each member plays a vital role in shaping extraordinary solutions. Get to know the people who make it all happen!
Michael Cooray
ARB, RIBA
Dip Architecture, PG(Dip) Architectural Practice
MSc_Energy Efficient Buildings
MSc Project & Enterprise Management
Michael registered with the ARB & RIBA in 2005 and set up Gruhe Architects in 2007. He worked at prominent architectural practices in Oxford, Washington DC, Colombo and Birmingham before joining Gruhe full-time in the summer of 2012.
While working in the private sector, Michael was responsible for award-winning residential schemes with particular experience in the design of Private Houses, Student Accommodation & Residential Apartments. His experience in the public sector has been in the design of a number of SureStart Community Centres dotted around the Midlands, various Custodial work, a Theatre in Stoke on Trent & a high-end Retail project in the Middle East.
Michael’s approach to design and technical detail is both creative and pragmatic. His studies in sustainability play a key role in the way he views the process and successful delivery of each project, while firmly committed to achieving uncompromised design quality that is tailored to suit a client’s requirements.
Michael has participated on the ‘Ask an Expert’ RIBA panel at RIBA organised events including ‘Grand Designs’ on numerous occasions. Apart from these, Michael enjoys DIY, gardening and photography.
* For Michael’s specific project experience prior to Gruhe, please contact Gruhe Architects.
Pearl Cooray
ARB, RIBA
Dip Architecture, PG(Dip) Architectural Practice
Pearl joined Gruhe Architects in 2008. Since 2001, her experience has been primarily in Housing & Master-planning.
Pearl has been registered with the ARB & RIBA since 2004. A brief synopsis of experience gained at leading housing practices prior to Gruhe would highlight the following – an outline application for a Masterplan extension with 3,000+ dwellings in Aylesbury, Regeneration competitions in & around the Midlands for private developers, planning applications for ‘pocket-site’ developments for registered social landlords, planning applications for 2 medium sized schemes in Lancashire, as well as a large outline Masterplan for an extension to Milton Keynes.
Since joining Gruhe her expertise has been channelled in options appraisals for both Residential Extensions, Conversions, New-build, Masterplanning & Leisure projects from inception through to planning. Pearl is devoted to achieving functional and aesthetic design that contributes positively to its locality and achieves more than a clients expectations.
Outside of work, she enjoys time with her daughters and hopes one day to expand her range of T shirts and greeting cards for ‘Truth Products’.
* For Pearl’s specific project experience prior to Gruhe, please contact Gruhe Architects.