Coaches On The Couch

Rachel Birchmore and Louise Rodgers•www.stepuplondon.com

Coaches 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. Our publication 'Learning from Lockdown' marking 12 months of the podcast is available at http://www.stepuplondon.com/shop/cotc-the-book Produced by Aral Sea Sounds https://www.aralseaproductions.com/

Last refreshed: July 24th, 2025 at 12:43 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

Gareth 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 bui...

Mar 20, 2025•34 min•Season 9Ep. 3

Andy 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 infor...

Feb 27, 2025•27 min•Season 9Ep. 2

Aga 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...

Feb 13, 2025•43 min•Season 9Ep. 1

Miranda 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 developme...

Jan 30, 2025•33 min•Season 8Ep. 10

Hari 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 ...

Dec 19, 2024•37 min•Season 8Ep. 9

Nicholas 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 b...

Dec 12, 2024•38 min•Season 8Ep. 8

Christophe 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....

Nov 21, 2024•27 min

Neil 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 HomeGr...

Oct 31, 2024•44 min•Season 8Ep. 6

Louise 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...

Oct 17, 2024•38 min•Season 8Ep. 5

Jo 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, plea...

Jul 25, 2024•34 min•Season 8Ep. 4

Martyn 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 oth...

Jul 11, 2024•39 min

Jo 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 vis...

May 23, 2024•34 min•Season 8Ep. 2

Lisa 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, e...

May 02, 2024•25 min•Season 8Ep. 1

Tom 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....

Mar 28, 2024•28 min•Season 7Ep. 12

Louise 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, p...

Mar 15, 2024•39 min•Season 7Ep. 12

Clarissa 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...

Feb 22, 2024•37 min•Season 7Ep. 10

Dinah 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 bui...

Feb 08, 2024•37 min•Season 7Ep. 9

Keir 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...

Jan 25, 2024•27 min•Season 7Ep. 8

Leanne 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 enviro...

Jan 11, 2024•34 min•Season 7Ep. 7

Jennifer 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...

Dec 21, 2023•35 min•Season 7Ep. 6

Holly 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 environme...

Nov 23, 2023•36 min•Season 7Ep. 5

Susan 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, p...

Oct 19, 2023•33 min•Season 7Ep. 4

Emma 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 organi...

Sep 07, 2023•40 min•Season 7Ep. 3

Tina 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 consult...

Jul 20, 2023•31 min•Season 7Ep. 2

Linda 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 consul...

Jul 06, 2023•34 min•Season 7Ep. 1

Eric 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 ...

May 25, 2023•24 min•Season 6Ep. 10

Ruth 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 coachi...

May 22, 2023•26 min

Andrew 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 ...

Apr 06, 2023•34 min•Season 6Ep. 8

Natalia 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 inform...

Mar 16, 2023•31 min•Season 6Ep. 6

Hanif 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.com...

Feb 16, 2023•33 min•Season 6Ep. 5

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