We all love to talk about buildings and design—the bricks and mortar of what we do. However, the conversation surrounding how architects do business is gaining attention and affects us all.
The industry is currently seeing a push for transparency and change. Recently elected RIBA President Jay Morton highlighted how architects’ salaries have plummeted in real terms since the 90s. An instagram post by Emily Scullion went viral simply because she openly shared the fees her practice charges, a seemingly radical act. Furthermore, there is real potential for movement on the long-debated topic of protection of function.
To explore these shifts, RSUA Women in Architecture is hosting a dedicated, in-person panel event focusing on the business side of our profession. Featuring presentations from our expert panellists followed by an interactive Q&A session, this event brings together leading voices for a meaningful conversation on how we practice, charge, and advocate for our value.
Kindly sponsored by HLM Architects.
Panellists
Lisa Park
Founder & Director, StudioPARK Architects
Lisa Park is the founder and Director of StudioPARK Architects, a Belfast practice specialising in thoughtful, sustainable design, conservation and low-energy and Passive House principles. A chartered architect and Certified Passive House Designer, Lisa also has extensive experience in practice and architectural education in the UK and Australia.
Dr Aisling Rusk
Founder & Director, Studio Idir
Dr Aisling Rusk is an architect, researcher and Director of award-winning Belfast practice Studio Idir. She founded the RSUA Women in Architecture network in 2019 and leads a practice recognised for context-driven design and progressive working culture.
Prof Joan McCoy
Founder & Director, White Ink Architects
Prof Joan McCoy is a founding director of White Ink Architects, which recently celebrated 25 years in business and has been employee-owned since 2021. A past RSUA President and current Honorary Secretary of RSUA Council, she has a particular focus on the value of architecture, practice, risk and building safety.
Jane Larmour
Founder & Director, ALWA
Jane Larmour is co-founder of award-winning practice ALWA and a Design Studio Tutor and Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast. She is also recognised as a judge on BBC NI’s House of the Year, bringing a perspective on design, practice and the business of architecture.
