The Team
Charmain Hawkins
Charmain Hawkins joined Beacon in June 2008 as an Associate. Charmain first qualified as a Geographer before doing a Masters in Town Planner. After graduating she worked in the busy development control sections of the south coast cities of Portsmouth and Southampton. Whilst at Southampton she developed her interest in conservation working on some fascinating 19th century buildings in the former dock area, including a hotel where the first class passengers staged before embarking on their cruises. She worked on the creation of two new conservation areas within early garden suburb developments of the city. Since moving to East Anglia she has worked as a Conservation Officer in two Local Authorities before joining the private sector. She has developed an interest in vernacular architecture and is seeking to set up a Cambridgeshire Group. Visiting sites enables her other passion of driving her MX5’s to be met. In her spare time Charmain is usually working on a needlework project ranging from knitting, bobbin lace to embroidery.
Jenni Mason
Jenni Mason joined Beacon in September 2008 as a Senior Consultant. After graduating with a degree in architectural and urban conservation, Jenni subsequently undertook post-graduate studies in Urban Design. Jenni initially worked at Darlington Borough and Leicester City Councils on urban regeneration projects before joining Cambridge City Council to work in the Conservation Team which was led by Jon Burgess. There she developed her fledgling conservation skills working on a diverse range of projects including the redevelopment of two large shopping complexes in the historic city centre, the perfect job for a girl that likes to shop! Despite enjoying her time at Cambridge City Council, Jenni decided that a move to the private sector would broaden her skills base. Since making the leap, she has gained significant planning experience and further developed her conservation expertise.
Jenny Page
Jenny joined Beacon in March 2009. Previously she spent 13 years at Cambridge City Council in development control gaining considerable experience in handling applications and appeals before joining Carter Jonas Planning division. This enabled her to acquire the essential knowledge and experience of the commercial development world. When she left the company she was a partner and Head of Planning in the Cambridge office. Since joining Beacon Jenny has been involved in strategic land promotion as well as providing planning advice to clients on major planning projects.
Joanna Burton
Joanna Burton joined Beacon in October 2010 as a heritage consultant. Joanna, who has a postgraduate degree from the University of Cambridge in Medieval History, joined from the Cambridge offices of English Heritage. She has experience in planning and conservation matters and works across the full range of Beacon Planning's work and is also involved in the consultancy's expanding portfolio of urban design and development projects.
Charlotte Burton
Charlotte joined Beacon as Planning Consultant in September 2011. With an undergraduate degree in Geography from the University of Cambridge, Charlotte is currently studying at the Bartlett School of Planning and working towards RTPI accreditation. She works primarily on Beacon's planning projects, as well as providing support across the full range of heritage and urban design projects. Charlotte joined us from Natural England and also brings experience of working with the community sector.
Rachel Leung
Rachel is a Heritage Consultant with Masters Degrees in Historical Research and Historic Building Conservation. She has experience researching, recording and analysing historic structures and has worked for the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales and for the Council of the Isles of Scilly on the regeneration of the historic environment of Porthcressa. Rachel has a particular interest in industrial structures and the creative re-use of historic buildings. She works primarily on Beacon's range of heritage projects, developing her conservation expertise whilst gaining planning experience.
Mariya Myronova
Mariya Myronova has joined Beacon in October 2010 as a graphic designer. Mariya is a trained graphic designer and, previously, has been working freelance on projects for Beacon Planning, although she has worked with directors – Andy Thompson and Jon Burgess – at their previous practice. As well as working on support materials and graphics for planning tenders, submissions, appeals, applications and ongoing projects, Mariya will work on Beacon's marketing materials and will be in charge of the firm's website.
Jo Accorsini
Jo joined Beacon in August 2011 in the newly created position of Office Manager. Jo works closely with the Directors and is responsible for the smooth operation of the day-to-day business functions of the company enabling the Directors and the Team to focus on Beacon's clients. Jo believes that a good office manager makes it possible for other people to function efficiently. Before joining Beacon Planning, Jo worked for University of Cambridge Disability Resource Centre, the Papworth Trust and as a Managing Director of a small business.
