Alex Knowles

Background

About Alex Knowles

As Design Manager at Oakwrights, I lead a talented team of 18 designers, including three senior mentors, delivering exceptional results across bespoke oak-frame, encapsulation, and structural projects. My focus is on maintaining a high-performing, creative, and motivated team while ensuring alignment with company goals and client expectations. Working closely with our Operational Director, I play an active role in shaping the company’s strategic direction—chairing the Senior Design Strategy team, reporting monthly to the Board, and helping drive innovation, efficiency, and cross-departmental collaboration. I am passionate about leadership that blends accountability with empathy—empowering people to grow, take ownership, and continuously improve. Beyond Oakwrights, I’m proud to serve as the Lead Facilitator for ANDYSMANCLUB Hereford, a UK-wide men’s mental health charity providing free, peer-led support groups. Every Monday night, we open the doors to a space where men can talk openly, without judgment, and find strength in shared experiences. I played an instrumental role in bringing Andy’s Man Club to Hereford, hosting awareness events, organising fundraisers, delivering talks, distributing flyers door to door, and personally running three ultramarathons in three months to raise both funds and awareness. Alongside leading the weekly sessions, I continue to play an active role in community-wide advocacy for men’s mental health, helping break down stigma and encourage open, honest conversation. In addition, I’m the Co-Director and Run Coach at Smart Performance Coaching, a growing endurance coaching business built on three pillars—Coaching, Nutrition, and Achievement. My role focuses on athlete development, leadership of our coaching team, and community partnerships that support long-term performance and wellbeing. Through Smart Performance Coaching, I’m able to combine my passion for mindset, resilience, and sport to help others unlock their potential both on and off the course. Before stepping into management, I worked hands-on designing bespoke oak-frame homes, creating 3D models, CNC data, and on-site solutions that deepened my understanding of the full design-to-delivery process. I also previously served as Industry Engagement Officer at NMITE, where I built partnerships between education and industry to drive real-world learning experiences. I’m driven by purpose, people, and progress—whether leading a team, building a business, or running 100 miles for a cause.