Sophie is Co-head of Schools and Colleges and leads a team to design, manage, coordinate, and deliver primary, secondary and further education projects.
As a former chair of RIBA Bristol and Bath, she now acts as treasurer for the local branch. She enjoys organising events and socials for local RIBA members and helping to feedback their experiences at a regional and national level. Sophie has taken this experience and now sits on LandAid’s South West Regional Board.
Sophie also works with final year Part 1 students as an associate lecturer at UWE Bristol.
In her spare time, she loves to be outdoors hiking, cycling, camping, swimming and snowboarding.
If you weren’t in this career, what would you be?
I am a classically trained violinist. I was quite serious about it as a teenager but wasn’t able to continue playing whilst I studied architecture. After I qualified as an architect, I decided to revisit it and now play in an orchestra. I often think how fantastic a career as a professional orchestral violinist would be – I’d love to play in an orchestra doing film scores.
What is the current big trend in the Schools and Colleges sector?
The Schools sector is changing, with advancements in modular and offsite manufacture, evolution in timber construction, and AI influencing how we design, deliver, and optimise learning environments. At the same time, SEND mainstream integration and biodiversity are becoming central to long-term school pedagogy. As Sector Lead, I work to ensure that our practice remains at the forefront of these changes, balancing innovation with client trust, and purpose with profitability.
Best building in your city?
As an architect in Bristol there are too many to choose from! But if I must choose – Bristol Old Vic was beautifully refurbished in 2018 and is a great example of modern architecture meeting a key heritage asset whilst still being a well-functioning and serviceable building. Whilst we’re talking about King Street – I love the Llandoger Trow pub too. What could be more Bristol than a Tudor building with a secret techno room and a rumour that it inspired Robinson Crusoe and Treasure Island (honestly, look it up!).
Best book you’ve read?
I absolutely love reading and blitz through a lot of fiction, but nothing comes close to the immersive world of Harry Potter!
Favourite podcast?
99% Invisible is a beautiful podcast about the architecture and design of the things in our world we don’t always pay attention to. Did you know the American department store Sears used to sell mail order houses that you could put together yourself? Maybe this was the start of off-site construction!
Industry bodies
- ARB
- RIBA
- Chair for RIBA Bristol and Bath 2020-22
- Treasurer of RIBA Bristol and Bath 2022-present
- LandAid South West Regional Board Member 2022-present
