Biography

I am a Chartered Architect with over 15 years of experience in the profession, working in a multidisciplinary environment alongside engineers and surveyors.  During this period, I have worked on a range of public sector projects, both new build and remodelling existing properties, in both private and public practice.  These projects include education, community, social housing and heritage projects. 

During the 2013 Women in Construction Awards I was a Finalist in the ‘Architect of the Year’ category. I was nominated by the client for outstanding project work and as a role model to female colleagues, having returned to a construction sector following a career break.  I featured in Paradigm Network’s Instagram takeover of the RIBA page for Black History Month 2020.  Subsequently I was invited to be one of six on a panel at RIBA London’s virtual book club event ‘The Diversity of Black Identity’ and co-led a discussion on the song ‘Young, Gifted and Black.’

I have led projects from inception to occupation, including taking proposals through the planning process and negotiating with the planning authority as necessary.  I have considerable experience of contract administration and delivering the Principal Designer role for and on behalf of the client organisation.  My working experiences have given me a rich and broad experience of delivering architecture.  

I began working part time with University of Portsmouth in 2014.  Initially I was appointed as a professional studies advisor, responsible for reviewing the professional work experience records of architectural assistants.  Since 2017 I have been working as a sessional teaching fellow, tutoring in the design studios, with undergraduate students in the School of Architecture.

During Spring 2023, I transitioned from full time architectural practice to join Portsmouth School of Architecture as a Senior Lecturer - Professional Practice. 

Research interests

Law and legal matters were my secondary interest while at school, researching the Law Society alongside the RIBA as I made final choices for my own career path and university studies.  This has led to an ongoing interest in the professional practice aspects of architecture, particularly construction law.  Over the years, this interest has helped me administer contracts effectively and deal with contractual disputes, particularly those that progressed to adjudication. 

I am also interested in what ways the architect is considered the 'master builder' in modern times, or not!  With the rise of project management as a profession, I have observed in recent years, a shifting in roles and responsbilities away from construction professionals. 

My passion for architecture and design extends far back to having the opportunity to travel to major European cities when I was in school and being in awe of the build environment from different materials and times.  I have overcome many challenges and have been resilient to study and train to be an architect.  I hope that my enthusiasm will help students from all backgrounds to achieve their own goals.