Shows
Coaches On The CouchBinki Taylor, community activator and placemaker. “Belonging for me is an important topic...indeed it's been a life-long enquiry.”Louise and Rachel chat with Binki Taylor, community activator and placemaker, about the importance of belonging and the role it plays in all our lives. Binki shares her personal quest for belonging and how it has shaped who she is and what she does. Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2025-08-0729 minCoaches On The CouchAmandeep Singh Kalra, Greenflip “I was wedded to the idea of solving a problem, not fixated on a particular solution.”Rachel picks up the theme of starting something new in this conversation with architect Amandeep Singh Kalra, founder of Greenflip Homes. The two discuss how Amandeep’s commitment to fighting climate change fuelled his energy to have an idea and then run with it. Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2025-07-2432 minCoaches On The CouchGareth Atkinson, Civic “There was a strategic approach but also some happy coincidences, based on exploring who would be a good fit and aligned with our values.”In this episode Rachel and Louise discuss with three directors of Civic (Gareth Atkinson, Katrina Davis and Rob Harris) how they are using collaboration and diversification to make a bigger and better contribution to our built environment system.Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2025-03-2034 minCoaches On The CouchAndy Puncher, design director "It was about identifying what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be and there was no role out there on any of the job sites for that, so I had to invent it."Another in a series of conversations with guests who have moved away from a practice they founded, or co-founded, and onto something new. Andy Puncher formerly of pH+ talks to Rachel about reinvention and conviction.Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2025-02-2727 minCoaches On The CouchAga Szedzianis, DSDHA “Since 2016, the mid-level career or associate salaries dropped by 25%... quite a big drop!”Rachel and Louise are joined by a couchful of architects from DSDHA, nimtim architects, Morris + Company and Ackroyd Lowrie to explore architects’ pay and fees and the implications for practice leaders.Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visitwww.StepUpLondon.com2025-02-1343 minCoaches On The CouchMiranda MacLaren, Director of Orms “When you first arrive, you just have to really listen”John McRae, Director of Orms, rejoins the virtual couch four years on from his first visit and this time with new Orms Director, Miranda MacLaren. The conversation with Rachel and Louise explores practice resilience and diversification and the decision as part of those aims to bring in new directors from other practices.
www.orms.co.uk
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment...2025-01-3032 minCoaches On The CouchHari Phillips, co-founder of Bell Phillips Architects. "It doesn't seem like the really big names in the profession want to rock the boat and speak out about these important issues."A second conversation with a founder who has taken the decision to step away. Hari Phillips discusses his new found freedom to speak up, including about the state of the profession and the communications barrier between architects and their clients.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2024-12-1937 minCoaches On The CouchNicholas Barrows, Director of Marketing, Trowers & Hamlins “" We can't afford to build a culture that upholds our values unless we are commercially successful."Rachel and Louise’s guest is Nicholas Barrows, Director of Marketing with law firm Trowers & Hamlins. They talk mental health,neurodiversity and the challenges and opportunities of managing a multigenerational workforce.
https://www.trowers.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2024-12-1237 minCoaches On The CouchChristophe Egret, co-founder of Studio Egret West. “I am letting in a little oxygen to allow the hierarchy and dynamics of the studio to develop in a different way.”A soulful conversation. Louise and Rachel talk to Christophe Egret about his decision to step away from his role as a director of Studio Egret West. What does ‘letting go’ mean to Christophe?
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2024-11-2127 minCoaches On The CouchNeil Pinder, educator and activist “The power of the word can shatter or enhance someone’s ability to do great things.”The importance of enthusiasm in leadership. Neil Pinder and Emily Foster explore the role of enthusiasm, in life and in work, with Rachel and Louise.
Entries for the 2024 Inspire Future Generations Awards are open for developers, organisations and practitioners engaging with young people and children in the built environment. Enter until 15th November here: https://www.thorntoneducationtrust.org/ifg-awards-2024-original
Emerging creatives from non-traditional backgrounds can apply for the HomeGrown Plus British Council Venice Architecture Biennale Fellowship until 29th November here: https://homegrownplus.co.uk/venice-fellowship-2025/
Coaches On The...2024-10-3143 minCoaches On The CouchLouise Rodgers, “The energy of humiliation is powerful and universal and gives rise to many painful situations in life.”Rachel and Louise chat about four books that caught their interest over the summer finding links between them and lessons to share with listeners.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2024-10-1737 minCoaches On The CouchJo Bacon, Allies and Morrison “We have been better at making time to reflect; and to listen, engage and consult with our wider team.”Another returning guest. This time, Jo Bacon of Allies and Morrison. Rachel and Louise use this time with Jo to reflect on what has changed, and what has stayed the same, since we first spoke in Feb 2021.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2024-07-2534 minCoaches On The CouchMartyn Evans LandsecU+I “The pandemic highlighted the nexus between work and humanity.”In this episode, Louise and Rachel catch up with Martyn Evans of LandsecU+I. Martyn was the first guest to join the virtual couch in June 2020 and almost exactly four years on we discuss some of the changes and learning in the context of leadership and post-pandemic workplace.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2024-07-1138 minCoaches On The CouchJo Wright, Perkins&Will ““I have always enjoyed developing people and for me that is the draw of a leadership role.”In this episode, Louise and Rachel chat with Jo Wright, Managing Director of global practice Perkins&Will (and Step Up client), about her role and the changes she is making in the London studio.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2024-05-2334 minCoaches On The CouchLisa Drake, Elliott Wood “We wanted to reclaim the impact that an engineer can have on the built environment, and on society.”Welcome to series 8! In this first episode of the new series, Rachel and Louise talk to Elliott Wood director, Lisa Drake. Lisa talks about the importance and power of defining a strong organisational purpose, and recalls what her teenage job with the Body Shop taught her about social impact.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon...2024-05-0225 minCoaches On The CouchTom Larsson, Founder of Grow Places "As the business grows, imparting our values and principles onto the team and selecting the right people is an interesting transition."Louise and Rachel are joined by Tom Larsson, of developer Grow Places. Tom established Grow Places in 2023 and in this conversation he reflects on the drivers behind this, and what he wants to do differently.
https://growplaces.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2024-03-2828 minCoaches On The CouchLouise Wyman, Executive Director Strategic Development at CBRE “The thought of networking used to fill me with dread but I've stepped out of my comfort zone throughout my career and learned from it.”Louise Wyman of CBRE joins Rachel and Louise to talk about how she developed her ‘career of many hats’ across the public and private sectors, and the importance of leading with authenticity.
https://cbre.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2024-03-1538 minCoaches On The CouchClarissa Bromelle, Head of Social Imagination at Human Nature “There are many elements of regenerative leadership that are embedded into what we’re doing at Human Nature.”Louise and Rachel explore regenerative leadership and how this impacts on Human Nature and the places it is seeking to create.
https://humannature-places.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2024-02-2237 minCoaches On The CouchDinah Bornat, director of ZCD Architects “They (Gen Z) want what the rest of us want. They want to be taken seriously and their ideas to be heard.”Dinah Bornat of ZCD Architects joins Rachel and Louise to talk about what she has learned about building trust and connection with young people from running wild camping adventures in the countryside with young people.
https://zcdarchitects.co.uk
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2024-02-0836 minCoaches On The CouchKeir Regan-Alexander, principal of Arka Works “Generative Design and AI tools will fundamentally change how we practice, and how we design things.”Rachel and Louise delve into the world of Generative Design and AI with Keir Regan-Alexander of Arka Works.
https://arka.works
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2024-01-2527 minCoaches On The CouchLeanne Tritton, founder of ING Media “I have the style and energy that gets the plane off the ground. Damian has the style and energy for long-haul flights.”A totally joyous conversation about a successful transition. Louise and Rachel kick off the New Year with a conversation with, and between, Leanne Tritton, founder of ING Media, and her successor as MD, Damian Wild.
https://ing-media.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2024-01-1134 minCoaches On The CouchJennifer De Vere-Hopkins, Jestico + Whiles “It is important for people to see that architecture, and the people who make up the profession, is very broad.”Jennifer De Vere-Hopkins and Ben Marston of Jestico + Whiles, discuss some of the initiatives the practice is taking to support the next generation of architects and designers.
https://jesticowhiles.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2023-12-2135 minCoaches On The CouchHolly Lewis, We Made That “I have personally come to embrace that word ‘leadership’ more.”Holly Lewis, co-founder of We Made That, joins Louise and Rachel to talk about the studio’s experience of becoming a Certified B Corporation and the impact of that on projects, practice, people and leadership.
https://wemadethat.co.uk
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2023-11-2335 minCoaches On The CouchSusan David, psychologist and author “Emotional agility is about loosening up, calming down and living with more intention. It’s about choosing how you’ll respond to your emotional warning system.”Rachel and Louise share their summer reading list and bring you insightful chat about four of the books that have inspired, provoked and even irritated them over the last few months.
https://stepuplondon.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2023-10-1932 minCoaches On The CouchEmma Keyte, brand strategist and writer “Glue can also be born out of things going a bit wrong. Out of trouble.”Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com
Louise, Rachel and Emma Keyte reflect on the event they co-hosted during June’s London Festival of Architecture to consider the topic of ‘Glue’ - what brings people and organisations together, and then keeps them together? What happens when things go wrong? With guests’ voices captured by Dominique Standl. 2023-09-0739 minCoaches On The CouchTina Norden, Conran and Partners ‘’I try to lead from the front. I'm very involved and very passionate about what I do. And I'm very hands on, or as much as I can be.’’Tina Norden, partner and principal at Conran and Partners, joins Rachel and Louise on the virtual couch to talk about the legacy of Sir Terence Conran and the challenges and opportunities of leading business hubs in London and Hong Kong.
https://conranandpartners.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2023-07-2030 minCoaches On The CouchLinda Thiel, Partner, White Arkitekter “Within the Swedish culture, it's about the group effort. That’s embedded in many Swedes’, or Scandinavians’, upbringing.”Louise and Rachel are joined by Linda Thiel, Partner of White Arkitekter and Director of the London Studio, about the challenges of leadership in a flat, non-hierarchical, structure; and the cultural impact of White’s Scandinavian heritage.
https://whitearkitekter.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2023-07-0633 minCoaches On The CouchEric Bull, SEW “We need to remember that sustainable design is just about the same thing as good design.”Part two of our sustainability podcast with Rose Bard from Orms, Laura Baron from Purcell, Eric Bull of SEW, Stephanie Crombie from Morrow + Lorraine and Ruth Oates of Buro Four. In this episode the focus is on collaboration; sharing best practice; and safeguarding mental health.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2023-05-2524 minCoaches On The CouchRuth Oates, Buro Four “Part of the sustainability journey is about empowering us as individuals to do the right thing.”A couch full of sustainability leads - Rosie Bard from Orms, Laura Baron from Purcell, Eric Bull of SEW, Stephanie Crombie from Morrow + Lorraine and Ruth Oates of Buro Four - come together to discuss their roles and the influence they have within their organisations. The first of two podcasts with these guests.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, p...2023-05-2225 minCoaches On The CouchAndrew Lerpiniere, Director of Webb Yates Engineers “We’re consciously thinking about what we do, and how we do it, and how we can make a positive difference to society.”Rachel and Louise are joined by Andrew Lerpiniere and Tom Webster to talk about what being an ‘ethical engineer’ means at Webb Yates Engineers, and how they are managing ‘stepping up’ and ‘stepping back’.
https://webbyates.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com 2023-04-0633 minCoaches On The CouchNatalia Uribe, Director of AFK Studios, “You need to understand not only the skillsets of your team but their passions and how they want to grow as designers.”Colombian-born Natalia Uribe, Director of AFK Studios, chats to Louise and Rachel about how her placemaking work is informed by her own background and how this influences her leadership style.
https://afkstudios.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com
2023-03-1630 minCoaches On The CouchHanif Kara, Founding partner, AKT II. “I think that idea of a genius engineer is gone. We’re in a post-genius world. The product of the practice is more important.”Hanif Kara OBE joins Rachel and Louise to talk about how AKT II developed a reputation for design and innovation and how they inspire the next generation.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2023-02-1632 minCoaches On The CouchMartyn Evans, Creative Director, U+I “If you've got an opportunity to rethink, then you've got an opportunity to rethink better.”Rachel & Louise are joined by a panel of built environment leaders for a special COTC event to discuss social capital. What is it? And how do you build, or rebuild, it?
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2022-12-0846 minCoaches On The CouchDenise Bennetts, Founder of Bennetts Associates. “What EOTs are about is common purpose. It’s much more than the financial bottom line.”Founders and next-gen leaders of ING Media and Bennetts Associates join Louise and Rachel to discuss what is often seen as the thorny topic of succession and the challenges and benefits of moving towards an employee-owned structure.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com
2022-11-2434 minCoaches On The CouchDamien Sharkey, Managing Director of HUB. “It's been said to me a lot in my career that you need to be old and have grey hair, to sit on a board or to have an opinion or voice. I disagree with that.”Damien Sharkey, Managing Director of build-to-rent developer HUB Residential, talks to Rachel and Louise about his transition from architecture to development and shares his thoughts on making space for future leaders.
https://hubresidential.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2022-11-1028 minCoaches On The CouchSimon Henley, Director of Henley Halebrown “People have been saying recently that there's a real clarity to our work, now more than ever."Louise and Rachel are joined by Simon Henley and Gavin Hale Brown, directors of Henley Halebrown, to talk about the importance of consistency in their work, both as leaders and as architects.
https://henleyhalebrown.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2022-10-1237 minCoaches On The CouchJas Bhalla, Jas Bhalla Architects “Leaders need to be flexible and adaptable because times are uncertain. We are all going to have to learn to adapt.”Rachel and Louise discuss some of the key themes made by guests at the Coaches On The Couch summer party, when they were asked “What do we need from leaders today” as well as which COTC pod they liked best, and why.
https://stepuplondon.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2022-09-2938 min
Coaches On The CouchChris Williamson, Chairman of WW+P Board “We are keeping our name, our identity, our brand. We will keep on doing what we’re doing.”Chris Williamson of Weston Williamson joins Rachel and Louise to talk about the practice’s new partnership with engineering company Egis and describes how the success of his long working relationship with Andrew Weston relies partly on playing to each others’ strengths.
https://westonwilliamson.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2022-06-2330 minCoaches On The CouchJon Ackroyd, Ackroyd Lowrie “As soon as you start to build a team, you realise the power of the team.”Rachel and Louise chat with Oliver Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd of Ackroyd Lowrie about the power of teams and how to harness it; their use of external consultants; and why they think thought-leadership is an important part of their role.
https://ackroydlowrie.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2022-06-0930 minCoaches On The CouchKaren Mosley, HLM “I learnt early on that there are certain things in life that are really important. That sense of belonging, feeling respected, having opportunities. Money isn't everything.”Karen Mosley of HLM Architects is Rachel and Louise’s guest. She tells the story of her 36-year journey with HLM, from fresh-faced school leaver to MD. There are many lessons here including about how the encouragement of life-long learning, which plays to people’s strengths and is linked to purpose, helps to create a culture of belonging.
https://hlmarchitects.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies acro...2022-05-2636 minCoaches On The CouchEmily Slupek, Buro Four “You need to be able to listen and observe and sift through a lot of information and identify opportunities that you feel that you can bring into the company”.Rachel and Louise talk to Emily Stupek of Buro Four about how she has carved out a niche for herself within Buro Four; developing her own career, leading the company’s activity in science and innovation and opening a new office in Oxford.
https://burofour.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers, and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com
...2022-05-1231 minCoaches On The CouchAndy Matthews, Roach Matthews “Getting to know yourself - how you react, how you respond, how you think - is, I believe, a really important part of leadership.”Andy Matthews, co-founder (with James Roach) of newly-established practice Roach Matthews, joins Rachel and Louise on the virtual couch to talk about setting up a studio, inclusive leadership, and what it was like to receive an ADHD diagnosis at the age of forty-two-and-a-half.
https://www.roachmatthews.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers, and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2022-04-2827 minCoaches On The CouchJenni Montgomery, Barton Willmore “There are a whole range of different ways to participate in business development and you need to find a way that you’re most comfortable with.”Kristofer Adelaide of KA-A and Jenni Montgomery of Barton Willmore talk business development with Louise and Rachel. What is the legacy of the Pandemic and how can we open up conversations that may lead to new opportunities?
https://ka-a.co.uk https://bartonwillmore.co.uk
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2022-04-1435 minCoaches On The CouchCarl Turner, Turner Works “We felt the term ‘architect’ was holding back the practice and limited people’s perception of what we can do.”Carl Turner and Suzi Winstanley of Turner Works join Rachel and Louise to discuss what it takes to be ‘future fit’; which for them means being prepared for whatever problem they are going to solve next. https://turner.works
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2022-03-2431 minCoaches On The CouchScott Grady, Haptic Architects “Collaboration has been within the Haptic DNA from the very first few months of the practice.”Louise and Rachel chat with Timo Haedrich, Scott Grady and Geraldine Molia of Haptic Architects about culture, collaboration, communication and the Nordic influence on their ways of working.
https://hapticarchitects.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2022-03-1030 minCoaches On The CouchAnnalie Riches, Mikhail Riches “We have turned down work…and it drives our decisions on whether to take projects on or go for bids.”In this episode we talk with Annalie Riches, co-founder of Stirling Prize-winning architects Mikhail Riches, about purpose, morals and ethics, and how the decision to work only on net zero projects has impacted the studio. http://www.mikhailriches.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2022-02-2421 minCoaches On The Couch“A year on from our first ‘Made Visible’ event, we explore, with special guests, how leaders and business are adapting to the new reality of flexible working patterns.”Welcome back! Series 5 of Coaches On The Couch kicks off with an edited version of our second ‘Made Visible’ web event, held on 13th January. Rachel and Louise check-in with a panel of built environment leaders to see how hybrid working is working, and the adaptations being made to ensure that new patterns deliver stronger and more resilient businesses.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For...2022-02-0329 minCoaches On The CouchLouise Rodgers, Step Up - At EOT and BCorps with their newer structures of ownership they are about a less literal and more emotional ownership over an organisation’s purpose’To close series four, Louise and Rachel reflect on the rich use of metaphor through these seven episodes and its importance in coaching. Also having been in conversation with leaders and future leaders from both EOTs and BCorps in this series, we discuss how these newer company structures seem to support a more emotional sense of ownership, enabling leadership at all levels.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across...2021-12-2226 minCoaches On The CouchConnie Ivanova, Stride Treglown “If you approach leadership in a more collaborative way and look out for people’s interests and inspiration, and connect with them..this helps to build future leaders."In the second of our two-part podcast on motivation to lead, we are joined by four younger professionals from the consultancies we featured last week - Fathom Architects and Stride Treglown, Core Five and LDA Design. What do they see, feel, experience and think about leadership, and what do they have to offer those that lead them?
https://corefive.co.uk
https://fathomarchitects.com
https://lda-design.co.uk
https://stridetreglown.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches...2021-12-0930 minCoaches On The CouchDavid Gabe, Core Five “Growing and leading our team through a period of rapid growth has been far harder than delivering on a technical level.”Four leaders from four different consultancies - architects Stride Treglown and Fathom, quantity surveyors Core Five, and landscape designers LDA - share their perspectives on leadership. The first of a two-parter on motivation to lead. How can we encourage more people to aspire to leadership roles?
https://corefive.co.uk
https://fathomarchitects.com
https://lda-design.co.uk
https://stridetreglown.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for...2021-12-0235 minCoaches On The CouchNeal Shasore, London School of Architecture “The worst thing one could try to do would be to emulate one’s predecessor, when they are a founder.”Neal Shasore, head of school and CEO at The London School of Architecture, takes his seat on the virtual couch to chat about his route to leadership, what it’s like taking over from a founder and the lessons he learned from his family role models.
https://the-lsa.org
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2021-11-1820 minCoaches On The CouchPete Swift, Planit-IE “To achieve continuous improvement it is absolutely vital to hold yourself accountable to the B Corp framework.”On the first day of COP 26, Rachel and Louise talk to Pete Swift and Naomi Burl, Founding Director and Practice Manager of Planit-IE (Planit Intelligent Environments), landscape designers and architects, about their B Corp journey and how it has shaped not only what their business does, but how it is. https://planit-ie.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www...2021-11-0433 minCoaches On The CouchAlex Ely, Mae Architects “In the early years I was more of a chess master….now I am more like a gardener.”Alex Ely, principal of Mae Architects, reflects on 20 years in practice and explains how Mae’s commitment to architecture that contributes to the betterment of society and improves people’s quality of life, helped the practice to navigate public sector procurement methods.
https://mae.co.uk
Evolution of practice articles from RIBA Journal (by Rachel Birchmore and Emma Keyte referred to in this episode)
Emerging
https://www.ribaj.com/culture/thresholds-of-practice-growing-your-business-feilden-fowles-denizen-works-rkca
Maturing
https://www.ribaj.com/intelligence/thresholds-of-practice-consolidation-haptic-atomik-morris-company-s-ahmm
Thinking on next gen
2021-10-2123 minCoaches On The CouchDavid West, Studio Egret West “Our relationship has matured as we have matured.”We are joined by architectural story-tellers David West and Christophe Egret of Studio Egret West, to explore their beginnings and how they have navigated their relationship since founding the practice in 2004.
https://studioegretwest.com
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2021-10-0735 minCoaches On The CouchPooja Agrawal, Public Practice “I think it is important to understand and to own your strategy for making change”Joining us from her charpoi, and kicking off the fourth series of Coaches On The Couch, is Pooja Agrawal CEO of Public Practice and co-founder of spatial equality platform Sound Advice https://www.publicpractice.org.uk https://nowyouknowshop.bigcartel.com.
Among other things we discuss the intersection between strategic and provocative disruption and how to approach uncomfortable conversations.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built...2021-09-2336 minCoaches On The Couch“Working virtually has in some ways been a great leveller. That’s one of the positive things to take forward.”In this final episode of the current series, Louise and Rachel take time out to reflect on the lessons from the guests who have been on their virtual coach since January and what these mean for how we live, work and lead in the new post-pandemic reality.
To mark our 12 month anniversary we created our first publication 'Learning from Lockdown'. This includes contributions from all 46 guests from all three seasons of the podcast. More information and get your copy here https://stepuplondon.com/shop/cotc-the-book
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and R...2021-05-1826 minCoaches On The CouchAdam Scott, FreeState “There is an opportunity to rethink the office as a kind of perpetual field test.”Adam Scott of FreeState talks to Louise and Rachel about the need to stop thinking of the workplace as a designed space, and start thinking of it as a curated space if we are to engender that sense of “belonging” that will bring people to the other side of the ‘soft line’ that will exist between home and office, post-Covid.2021-04-1527 minCoaches On The CouchJacob Willson, Sarah Beth Riley, and Luke Tozer “We like to think we put in a lot of the ground work as designers to help the projects fly.”What happens when the client is also a designer? Rachel and Louise chat with Jacob Willson and Sarah Beth Riley of BeFirst and Luke Tozer of Pitman Tozer. We also touch on the difficulty of finding time to get “in the flow”, and discuss how learning partnerships may be a way to build strong client/architect relationships in a hybrid world.2021-04-0133 minCoaches On The CouchAngharad Palmer and Bernadette Keane, Landsec “Influence requires a certain level of self-confidence.”On International Women’s Day, Louise and Rachel chatted with developer Landsec’s Angharad Palmer (design director) and Bernadette Keane (marketing director) about influence, celebrating diversity and the importance of having an overall vision.2021-03-1831 minCoaches On The CouchAJ’s 40 under 40 “I had an ethos I wanted to see through.”A very full virtual coach as Rachel and Louise are joined by five young, emerging architects representing three practices featured in the AJ’s 40 under 40. We talk about the impetus to go it alone and what’s been important to them over the last year.2021-03-0341 minCoaches On The CouchPaul Monaghan, AHMM “Zeev Aram once told me that he had never seen his own candle diminished by the light of someone else’s. And that stayed with me.”Rachel and Louise are joined on the virtual couch by Paul Monaghan of AHMM for a rich conversation about the importance of joining, belonging and leaving with grace and generosity, and how his own experiences have shaped his style of leadership.2021-02-2529 minCoaches On The CouchDan Whittingham “I have certainly felt a weight of responsibility in terms of our people, who are giving the best years of their career to us. We have to make sure those years are well-served.”Dan Whittingham is MD of the project management company, Opera. He joins Rachel and Louise to explore the differences between leading a project and leading a company, and to discuss how, at Opera, they leverage motivation by being attuned to the needs of the people who work for them.2021-02-1730 minCoaches On The CouchJo Bacon “We have taken the opportunity to reconsider our workspace and make a bigger commitment to long-term flexibility.”Louise and Rachel are joined by Jo Bacon, managing partner of Allies and Morrison, who reflects on what the practice achieved during 2020 despite having to clear the 330 desks in their “mothership” London office and looks forward to a future of flexible working.2021-02-0432 minCoaches On The CouchGrimshaw, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Gbolade Design Studio “How can leaders maintain connectivity, presence and visibility in distributed teams”From our first ‘Made Visible’ event, Louise and Rachel explore, with their panel of speakers from Grimshaw, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Gbolade Design Studio, Hawkins\Brown and Place Careers, the new demands placed on leaders when uncertainty and agile working have been through a step change.2021-01-2836 minCoaches On The CouchDomi Oliver and Alexis Butterfield “How do you retain the culture in a workforce that is more agile? How do you continue to do things that live and breathe the brand?” Domi Oliver, PTEFor this final episode of 2020, Louise and Rachel chat with Domi Oliver and Alexis Butterfield of architects Pollard Thomas Edwards, about how the practice has evolved and grown over five decades and in what ways it has changed forever as a result of this momentous year.2020-12-1732 minCoaches On The CouchCatherine Greig, make:good “It feels incredible to be heard and to be seen. We don’t even have to agree with each other.”Rachel and Louise get back to the basics of good communication as they are joined on the virtual coach by Charlotte Morphet of Women In Planning and Catherine Greig of make:good, to discuss the role of listening and empathy in design, planning and leadership.2020-12-1033 minCoaches On The CouchAllan Dunsmore, Conisbee “For everything to function you can’t have everyone wanting to be a leader.”Louise and Rachel talk succession with Allan Dunsmore, a director of award-winning civil and structural engineering design practice Conisbee. Conisbee’s approach ensures that technical and people skills have equal value, and we talk about how important it is to understand people’s individual motivations and play to their strengths.2020-12-0323 minCoaches On The CouchRachel Birchmore, Coaches On The Couch Co-Host “Leadership comes in many guises from different personality types and from different levels of the organisation.”Five key leadership myths are busted, as Rachel and Louise take time out and put their feet up on their respective virtual couches to reflect on some common assumptions made about leaders and leadership.2020-11-2616 minCoaches On The CouchHari Phillips, Bell Phillips “Whether you are two or three you need enough common ground so that you’re pushing in the same direction.”Hari Phillips, Tim Bell and Melissa Dowling of Bell Phillips Architects join Rachel and Louise on the virtual couch to discuss the Power of Three, and what it’s like to start a practice when you have barely finished your Part 3. They also reflect on what they would do differently if they were doing it all over again.2020-11-1932 minCoaches On The CouchMatt Mason “We have some responsibility to make sure that all of our teams are functioning properly and that the people are well.”As we head into a new national lockdown, Matt Mason, a partner at real estate company Crosstree, joins Rachel and Louise on the virtual coach to reflect on the peak experience of leading the team on London’s Standard Hotel and talk about how celebrating small wins and finding new ways to create team camaraderie are going to be important this winter.2020-11-0530 minCoaches On The CouchHarbinder Birdi, Hawkins Brown “The apprenticeship route is a way of relieving some of the unnecessary stress that qualifying as an architect entails.”Louise and Rachel are joined by Upinder Bahra, an architectural assistant Part 1 and level 7 apprentice with Hawkins Brown, and Harbinder Birdi, head of infrastructure and transport sector at the practice. We discuss the apprenticeship approach to training architects, including balancing work, training and time to chill on the couch; and the challenges of remote working when “collectivism” is key to culture.2020-10-2934 minCoaches On The CouchDavid Ogunmuyiwa, ArchitectureDoingPlace “Reverse mentoring allows you access to a world that you are incapable of experiencing.”Joining Louise and Rachel on the virtual couch this week are Yemi Aladerun and David Ogunmuyiwa. We chat about what, and who, motivates and inspires them; the importance of reverse mentoring and why architecture remains the least diverse of the “old professions.”
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2020-10-2235 minCoaches On The CouchJoe Morris, Morris+Company “It is our responsibility as leaders of the practice to liberate people to explore with more abandon different ideas.”Welcome back to the second series of Coaches On The Coach with Rachel and Louise. In this first episode, they are joined on the virtual couch by Joe Morris of Morris+Company to explore the importance of meaning, purpose, and veganism; and how to create a studio environment where “the best idea wins”.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.Step...2020-10-1524 minCoaches On The CouchRachel and Louise discuss the impact of “The ‘disorientating dilemma’ that has broken an inertia around flexible working and is presenting quite a few opportunities.”In a departure from the usual format, co-hosts Rachel and Louise reflect on the themes that have emerged from their couch conversations with leaders from across the built environment sector during the first series of Coaches On The Couch.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com
2020-09-2326 minCoaches On The CouchRoss Hutchinson, Hutchinson and Partners “We wanted to take control of our own destiny rather than waiting for the politicians to sort out what Brexit looks like.”How do you open an office in a new city without either a business plan or a clear strategy? Coaches On The Couch goes international, as Louise and Rachel are joined by Hutchinson and Partner’s Ross Hutchinson in London, and Jorn Rabach in Berlin, to chat about curiosity, courage and organisational resilience.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.St...2020-09-0933 minCoaches On The CouchBradley Webster, Baily Garner “What I yearned for was clear, strong, experienced leadership which people may perceive now as being autocratic or dictatorial.”In this episode, Rachel and Louise explore leadership styles and the importance of flexing between them with Bradley Webster, equity partner of multidisciplinary consultancy Baily Garner. In two interviews, one recorded during lockdown and one just after, the conversation covers this, and also what’s required of leadership now that everyone’s lives are different.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visi...2020-09-0233 minCoaches On The CouchLeanne Tritton of ING Media “You’ve got to get back, show yourself and hustle for new work.”The good, the bad and the bonkers of everyday office life. Leanne Tritton, Managing Director of ING Media, joins Rachel and Louise from her office couch to discuss the challenges of getting her team out of their bedrooms and back into the office, and why it was so important to her (and for them), that she bit that bullet.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment...2020-07-2825 minCoaches On The CouchNick Searl of Argent “One of the most important characteristics of a good leader is optimism and it’s optimism that leads to inspiration.”Nick Searl, Joint Managing Partner of Argent, joins Rachel and Louise from the couch in the reception area of the gasholder building in King’s Cross. They discuss how realistic optimism is a key leadership quality which can gather people around a particular ambition or vision and encourage and inspire them to exceed even their own expectations.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more inf...2020-07-2230 minCoaches On The CouchLeah Stuart and Andrew Ruck, Civic Engineers “We have to be prepared to decline a commission if it doesn’t fit and if it’s not appropriate, and that takes soul-searching and courage.”Joining Rachel and Louise for this episode of Coaches On The Couch are Leah Stuart and Andrew Ruck of Civic Engineers. The conversation explores authentic leadership and its importance and impact within an organisation committed to environmentalism and tackling climate change.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2020-07-1630 minCoaches On The CouchKirsten Lees and Katie Atkinson, Grimshaw “We can’t ignore the fact that there has been a massive shift in our expectations of working life.”Louise and Rachel are joined on their virtual coach by Kirsten Lees and Katie Atkinson of Grimshaw, to discuss soft-skills training, Grimshaw’s approach to diversity and how a practice used to working remotely and across time zones is using its most recent experience to rethink the role of the office.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2020-07-0822 minCoaches On The CouchJohn McRae and Colin McColl, ORMS Architects "An Employee Ownership Trust still needs leadership."In this third episode of Coaches On The Couch, Rachel and Louise are joined by John McRae and Colin McColl of architectural practice Orms, to discuss the leadership challenges of becoming an EOT and explore how the business of architecture needs to reposition itself to thrive in the 'new normal'.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2020-07-0131 minCoaches On The CouchPriya Shah, BAME in Property “We all have unconscious bias, acknowledging it is the first step.”Welcome to the second episode of the Coaches on the Couch podcast, in which Louise and Rachel explore purpose, personal impact and unconscious bias with their guest Priya Shah, founder of BAME in Property.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2020-06-2523 minCoaches On The CouchMartyn Evans, U+I "I can't believe you made me say oatmeal."Welcome to the first ever Coaches on the Couch podcast, in which Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore talk to Martyn Evans, Creative Director of development and investment company U+I, about the challenges of nurturing company culture and creativity during the time of Covid-19.
Coaches On The Couch is co-hosted by Louise Rodgers and Rachel Birchmore who are exec and leadership coaches. They design and deliver bespoke leadership development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com2020-06-1825 minCoaches On The CouchWelcome to Coaches On The CouchCoaches On The Couch is the podcast from the coaches behind Step Up (stepuplondon.com) the leadership development programme for architects and built environment consultancies. Co-hosts Rachel Birchmore and Louise Rodgers bring their experience and knowledge of the sector and coaching insights to explore the world of work and progressive leadership through conversations with special guests.2020-06-0903 min