Carl Watkins is Deputy Chair of the History Faculty and is the academic lead in plans for the Stirling Building’s future development. Beyond his current administrative role, his research explores religious culture in the middle ages and he is especially interested in beliefs about the supernatural in this period. His work encompasses methodological problems of studying medieval religion, 'high' theological change and 'popular' beliefs about the afterlife and ghosts, angels and demons, miracles and divine signs. He has written a book for Cambridge University Press that examines beliefs about the supernatural in medieval England and has explored beliefs about the dead during the middle ages, and beyond, in a wider-ranging book published by Bodley Head. He is a Fellow of Magdalene College. 

Jess is an Architect Director with 16 years’ experience designing education environments for BDP’s London studio.  She specialises in the co-ordination of architecture and engineering disciplines to achieve effective integration of design and execution of projects. Her experience of managing complex developments involving multiple stakeholders and environmental considerations is highly regarded in the industry. Jess has a collaborative approach and a passion for designing sustainable, educational and progressive environments, with students and teachers in mind. She has led interdisciplinary teams on a variety of major projects in diverse settings, including UNESCO world heritage site.

Jess is the lead architect helping the University to assess and draw up plans for the future of the Stirling Building

David is an Architect Director in the BDP London Studio. Over his career, he has worked on a variety of prestigious, award-winning projects in the culture and heritage sector. Often situated in sensitive contexts with challenging briefs, a large number of these projects have involved the successful integration of high quality, crafted interventions within grade-listed buildings. David collaborates with design teams, clients and stakeholders to uncover the hidden potential of sites and deliver projects that emphasize the characteristics which make them special, safeguarding their use and enjoyment for the future. Prior to joining BDP, David worked for MUMA and Michael Wilford & Associates - the office that carried the legacy of James Stirling. David was recipient of the RIBA President’s Medal for his student work.