About this Event
A collaborative event exploring how early career architect and design students navigate growth, uncertainty, and the transition from university to practice.
‘Finding Our Way In’ brings together emerging designers, recent graduates, and industry professionals to openly discuss the realities of entering the architectural profession.
Through an inspiring introductory presentation, guided CV and portfolio development, collective discussion, and purposeful networking, attendees will gain perspectives, build confidence, and gather real stories from those shaping more inclusive futures in architecture.
Event Agenda:
Arrival: 18:00 for 18.15 start
Speakers:
Part A - Inspirational Speakers - Personal journeys from emerging practitioners
Alisha Gould, Architect at Orms and one of our Emerging Practioner speakers at Finding Our Way In on 3 March. She will share her personal journey, offering insight into how she navigated the transition from university to professional practice.Alisha joined ORMS in 2017 after studying at the University of Brighton, then completed Part 2 at the London School of Architecture and Part 3 at the University of Westminster. Her experience includes the former Central Saint Martins site, a 420-bed hotel and mixed-use masterplan alongside the Grade II* listed Lethaby Building.
Part B - Strategic CV & Folio Guidelines Employers Perspective
Elyse Howell-Price, Associate Director at Orms and one of our Expert CV & Folio speakers at Finding Our Way In on 3 March.Elyse joined ORMS in 2023 after 17 years at Grimshaw, leading conservation teams on listed 20th-century and major London infrastructure projects. Her expertise spans masterplanning, commercial, leisure, transport and education, specialising in adaptive reuse. She leads the Custom House and Waterhouse Square schemes bringing specialist knowledge in building fabric analysis, documentary research and contextual design solutions. Her approach, alongside work with the Historic England Heritage at Risk team, contributed to her recognition in the Architect’s Journal 40 Under 40 list in 2021.
Strategic CV & Folio Guidelines Recruiter Perspective
Lucy Cahill. MArch, Director at Bespoke and one of our Expert CV & Folio speakers at Finding Our Way In on 3 March.Lucy joined Bespoke Careers in 2010, initially working as an architectural assistant before transitioning into recruitment. Now a Director of the London Team, she brings extensive expertise and market knowledge to a diverse portfolio of clients, from high-profile firms to emerging practices. Lucy is also a passionate advocate for gender balance in the industry, actively collaborating with clients to achieve this goal.
Networking: 7.15-8.00
Drinks and light nibbles provided
Tickets are limited to 90
About Women In Architecture
Women in Architecture (WIA) UK is a community and platform committed to strengthening gender equality across the built-environment professions.
Through events, advocacy, and mentorship initiatives, WIA supports women at every stage of their careers - championing visibility, connection, and equitable professional cultures.
About Orms
We design places for learning, living, working and mixing that are deeply functional and forever generous. Created in collaboration with investors, developers, organisations and communities across the UK, these democratic spaces put people at the heart of the narrative.
Our approach is shaped by Ultrapractical, a manual for design that has helped us to re-learn the rules of engagement and that will shape our outlook for years to come.
About Open Studio
Open Studio is :scale’s flagship programme, facilitating spaces for emerging creatives to connect, learn, and grow within the industry.
Led by creative director Sana Tabassum, the studio offers collaborative workshops and mentoring that open up conversations around career development and creative practice.
By linking early-career talent with leading practices across London, Open Studio helps bridge the gap between education and the professional world.
Host: Orms
Based in central London, ORMS has been in practice for more than 40 years, continually evolving their studio to make it fit for purpose. In 2018 they became an Employee Owned Trust (EOT) and in 2024 a BCorp.
Photography
Please note the workshops may be photographed for marketing and promotional purposes only, we take your attendance as consent to appear in photos.
Inclusion, Accessibility and Event Access
All WIA UK events are designed to be inclusive and equitable, welcoming individuals of all gender identities, those from underrepresented and marginalised communities, and individuals with disabilities. Please note that any form of discrimination will not be tolerated and individuals engaging in such behaviour will be asked to leave.
Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs, require any adjustments or have any questions at [email protected]. We will do our best to work with the venue to put effective adjustments in place.
Tickets
Spaces are subject to first come, first serve availability.
Please note this is not a female only event and we encourage attendees from all under-represented backgrounds to attend.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Orms Designers & Architects Ltd, 160 Old Street, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
