I am an experienced architectural professional with a diverse background including business management, community engagement, event organisation, academic research, and teaching.As a business manager I have over ten years of experience in design practice, leading to becoming a Director at McCaren Architecture in October 2013. With a professional background that includes supporting design teams in the fields of graphic design, advertising and branding, interior and exhibition design, and architecture, my understanding of the numerous challenges faced by a small design practice is comprehensive and firmly grounded in practical experience.I have managed the financial administration for design companies with annual turnovers ranging from £100k to £2million in both freelance and employee capacities. My skills in this area include strategic overview and mid-long term business planning as well as general book-keeping, cashflow planning, VAT and payroll. My role at McCaren Architecture also includes marketing and PR, personnel support, graphic design and visualisation, research and copywriting.As a PhD Researcher my AHRC funded investigation into the development of Plymouth’s post-war suburbs has led to a long-term involvement with the community of Ernesettle in the north of Plymouth. In parallel with my academic project to trace the area’s history, and in partnership with photographer Rob Fraser, I operate a Community Interest Company, the Ernesettle Archive CIC, to involve the present-day community in local history projects.Through my role as Secretary and Treasurer for Plymouth Architectural Trust I actively promote access to, and appreciation of, Plymouth’s fine architectural heritage. Recent events that I have organised include: the production and distribution of ‘Happy 50th Birthday Civic Centre’ postcard to 500 council workers; and a vintage bus tour of Plymouth’s post-war churches..