Meet the Team
Michael Cooray
ARB, RIBA
Dip Architecture, PG(Dip) Architectural Practice
MSc_Energy Efficient Buildings
MSc Project & Enterprise Management
Michael registered with the ARB and RIBA in 2005 and founded Gruhe Architects in 2007. Prior to joining the practice full-time in summer 2012, he gained experience at established architectural firms in Oxford, Washington DC, Colombo and Birmingham.
During his time in the private sector, Michael worked on a number of award-winning residential projects, gaining particular expertise in private homes, student accommodation, and apartment schemes. His public sector experience includes the design of several SureStart Community Centre’s across the Midlands, custodial facilities, a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, and a high-end retail project in the Middle East.
Michael’s approach to design and technical detailing balances creativity with practicality. His background in sustainability informs his perspective on both the design process and project delivery, while he remains committed to achieving high-quality, tailored outcomes that meet each client’s specific needs.
He has also contributed to the RIBA ‘Ask an Expert’ panel at events such as Grand Designs on multiple occasions. Outside of work, Michael enjoys DIY, gardening, and photography.
* For details of Michael’s 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, bringing with her a strong background in housing and masterplanning that she has developed since 2001.
She has been registered with both the ARB and RIBA since 2004. Prior to joining Gruhe, Pearl gained valuable experience at leading housing practices, working on a wide range of projects. These included an outline application for a masterplan extension of over 3,000 homes in Aylesbury, regeneration competition entries across the Midlands for private developers, and planning applications for smaller ‘pocket-site’ developments for registered social landlords. She also contributed to planning applications for two medium-sized schemes in Lancashire, as well as a large-scale outline masterplan for an extension to Milton Keynes.
At Gruhe, Pearl has focused her expertise on options appraisals across residential extensions, conversions, new-build developments, masterplanning, and leisure projects, guiding schemes from inception through to planning. She is committed to delivering designs that are both functional and visually engaging, enhancing their surroundings while exceeding client expectations.
Outside of her professional work, Pearl enjoys spending time with her daughters and aspires to grow her range of T-shirts and greeting cards under the brand ‘Truth Products’.
* For details of Pearl’s project experience prior to joining Gruhe, please contact Gruhe Architects.
Jaspal Khangura
Part II Architectural Assistant
MArch, BA (Hons) Architecture
Jaspal is a Part II Architectural Assistant with experience across residential architecture – houses and student housing. His work spans early design stages, planning coordination, and client-facing design development, with a clear understanding of how projects progress from concept to delivery.
Alongside university projects and practice work, Jaspal has developed a strong interest in masterplanning and urban design through his academic studies, with a focus on socially responsive and community-led approaches to placemaking.
His approach to design is both creative and pragmatic, with particular attention to context, spatial quality, and user experience. He values collaboration and clear communication, contributing positively within our team and with our clients.
Outside of practice, Jaspal enjoys hand sketching, exploring urban environments, and tutoring other students on their architectural work, supporting design development and critical thinking.
* For Jaspal’s specific project experience prior to Gruhe, please contact Gruhe Architects.
And our Extended Team...
Paul Burgess
Director, Lewis & Co Planning
Paul is a Chartered Town Planner & a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
He has worked previously in both the public and private sectors, and has extensive experience in all aspects of town planning including acting as an expert witness.
Paul has successfully assisted us since 2016 with some of our more complex ecclesiastic work and residential planning applications and appeals.
Outside of work, Paul is a keen record collector and most likely to be found crate digging for vinyl!
*For more about Paul’s work – www.lewisplanning.co.uk
Peter Brooks
Director, Brooks Structural
Peter is a senior Structural Engineer with over 40 years experience across a range of project sizes providing high quality engineering solutions and advice in areas as diverse as residential and marine structures, from all across the UK.
He has assisted Gruhe with the inspection and assessment of existing buildings, option appraisals and detailed design of new-build and refurbishment projects since 2015.
Outside of structural calculations, Peter enjoys photography, computers and web development, and is a life-long fan of Aston Villa FC and Warwickshire Cricket Club!
*For more about Peter’s work – www.the-structural-engineer.co.uk