Manchester-based architect Lisa Raynes has been announced as one of the candidates for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) National Council. Lisa is the only candidate standing from the North West region. And at Unhooked Communications, we’re proud to work with Lisa to help promote what she’s standing for during her campaign.
Manchester architect stands for RIBA National Council
As part of her manifesto, Lisa is standing for a number of key principles to diversify, strengthen and future-proof the industry.
Since Lisa started her career as an architect over 20 years ago, she’s faced redundancy twice – once while on maternity leave. It was while running her first practice – Raynes Architecture – that she realised there was a lack of flexible work opportunities for architects.
As a result, she founded Pride Road, an architecture franchise designed to empower other trained architects to start their own businesses with the support from a larger organisation.
By standing for RIBA National Council, Lisa hopes to change attitudes and behaviours in the architect profession to lead the flexible working movement and encourage a better work-life balance for all.
“Pride Road started as a solution for parents – in particular, mums – who wanted to use their qualifications, skills and experience to build a fulfilling, flexible career. But it’s become more than that. Over the last month I’ve spoken to architects across the country and 40 per cent said they’re working too many hours, with over half saying they’ve experienced stress, anxiety or other mental health issues from working too much. A quarter have found it difficult to take time off for personal or family reasons, and 15 per cent said they’ve faced discrimination as a result of asking for flexible working. But it doesn’t need to be this way. Flexible working should be available to everyone and it will help to build a happier, healthier, more productive and inclusive profession.
“As part of my campaign for RIBA National Council, I also want to educate the public about the difference in roles and professions to help them understand the value qualified, trained and experienced architects have. Finally, 88 per cent of the architects I’ve spoken to have said they want to see more activity and support available outside London – and this is something else I’m passionate about. Good architecture should be accessible to all – not just those with large projects, big budgets and based in the capital.”
Good luck Lisa! Find out more about Lisa Raynes in this recent Manchester Evening News article.
Unhooked Communications specialises in construction PR and marketing and we can help a wide range of businesses communicate and engage with their target audiences.