Pioneering architecture and advocating inclusivity: A conversation with Lisa Raynes

Q. What inspired you to get into a career in architecture?

A: I come from a background closely tied to construction. My dad was a builder's merchant, and my grandad was a builder. My dad suggested a career in architecture as my A Levels in maths, physics and art were relevant, and it went from there really. I went to university, which was at a time when it was quite unusual for a woman to go into higher education, to study architecture. This was when I truly fell in love with the subject, the course was brilliant, and my passion grew stronger while I was there. I knew it was what I wanted to do as a career.

Q: Were there any design influences that shaped your career?

A: I have a strong connection with Manchester, where I'm from originally. During my career, I’ve had the chance to work in lots of different places including Leeds, London, Liverpool and New York, but I’ve always returned to Manchester. I love it here, and I find the architects here really inspiring. Working with Ian Simpson and Rachel Haugh early in my career definitely influenced my design choices, and watching Manchester evolve as a city has inspired me too.

Q: Can you tell us more about starting your own practice?

A: I started my architecture practice, Raynes Architecture, in 2010 after working in traditional practices for over a decade. I soon realised that working with homeowners was a stable sector, especially during a recession, and it allowed for a better work-life balance. So, I decided to franchise the business in 2016-2017, rebranding as Pride Road, and making it my mission to create a better place for women in the industry. Pride Road Architects now has several practices under the umbrella around the country, including in Hampshire, Surrey, Warwickshire, Cheshire, and Lancashire.
 

Q: Can you share a project you're particularly proud of and why?

A: My area of expertise is working on residential extension and loft conversion projects. I absolutely love working with homeowners because each project makes a significant difference in their lives. Early in my career, I worked on a bungalow extension project for a woman with accessibility needs. The 1920s property felt dark and cluttered, and I wanted to create something that was stylish, accessible and functional. Through Pride Road Architects, I created an open plan, spacious home for the client, with new floors and a balcony off the bedroom. It transformed her life, and she said it felt like she was on holiday all the time in her own home. That project was truly special.

Q: You've chaired groups like Women in Property and RIBA NW Solo Practitioners Group. How important is promoting diversity in architecture to you?

A: Promoting diversity in architecture is crucial to making sure design reflects everyone in society. As well as chairing those groups, I also founded the Manchester Curious festival in 2015. The idea was around creating something like Open House London, but up north. There were behind the scenes tours across the city, from New Islington to Castlefield and Ancoats, led by some big names who have shaped Manchester’s architecture, including Tom Bloxham and Warren Marshall. People had access to all areas at major attractions such as Warehouse Project and Castlefields.  

Architecture is an everyday art that often goes unnoticed. It's commonly seen as something exclusive, but Manchester Curious aimed to make it accessible to all, bridging the gap between experts and the general public. It successfully attracted a diverse audience, including those not in the architecture or planning fields but simply curious individuals interested in Manchester.

Pride Road is all about promoting inclusion and diversity too. We are a team of females and I actively aim to make the work-life balance better for the women who work here. Also, with our clients, we deal with everyday people who have no architecture experience, so we have to work with them closely to teach them how to read a plan, the planning application and talk through building regulations.   

Q: What do you enjoy most about helping other architects start their own businesses through your franchise model?

A: I love giving people the confidence to pursue their architectural passions and making them fall back in love with architecture. It's about helping them navigate the challenges of starting a practice, staying updated on regulations and being agile. We have regular franchise meetings and we all stay on top of legislation and building regulations, talking through best practice and the best ways of working.

Q: How do you keep up a healthy work-life balance, and how does your community help in this regard?

A: Balancing work and life isn't easy, but having a supportive team and community helps. At Pride Road, we have a strong team that supports one another. The pandemic has changed working habits, making flexibility more important than ever, which has definitely been a positive thing. At Pride Road, we meet up monthly and have regular video call meetings, but generally we leave people to get on with their day-to-day roles.

Q: Do you see AI revolutionising architectural design in the coming years?

A: AI will have a place in architectural design, but architecture is about more than just technical drawings. Hand-drawn designs can convey character and are often easier for clients to understand. It’s a technique I’ve picked up again since starting up on my own and I find I can hand-draw faster than on a computer. AI is certainly a tool that can aid, but not replace, the entire creative process.

Q: What skills and expertise are in high demand but often difficult to find in the industry?

A: Finding skilled tradespeople, especially women in trades, can be a challenge. This impacts our projects, as the cost of labour increases, making projects less affordable for clients. Encouraging more diversity in trades could help as there’s a huge pool of women, for instance, who could get involved in construction but feel as though it’s not a career for females.

Q: How can the industry attract more people to pursue careers in architecture?

A: Introducing architecture to school curriculums, both primary and secondary, can help students understand the profession better. They need to learn about the roles of architects, quantity surveyors, structural engineers, and others in the industry to get a wider understanding of the types of possibilities out there.
 

Find out more about Pride Road Architects and Lisa’s work at www.prideroad.co.uk.