International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to recognise the achievements of women across our industry and within our own studio, and at Allect, where we focus on hiring exceptional talent, it is a welcome reminder of how fortunate we are to work alongside such a diverse and driven team — and of our responsibility to create an environment where that talent, in all its forms, can truly flourish.

This year’s theme, Give to Gain, resonates strongly with us. We believe that when we invest meaningfully in our people, we don’t just support individual careers — we strengthen our entire practice. Growth is not accidental. It is enabled.

Investing in New Talent

Building a resilient and forward-thinking studio begins with welcoming new voices.

Over the past year, we have continued to welcome emerging professionals at key stages of their careers. This includes Amalia Pantazopoulou, who joined Rigby & Rigby as Architectural Designers; Rosie Vijayakumar and Lily Lawson, who joined as Interior Designers for Helen Green Design, Serena Copsey, who joined as an Interior Designer for Lawson Robb; Lexi Kerr and Amber Kemp who joined Allect as Procurement Lead and Personal Assistant, respectively; Emilija Poderyte, who joined Rigby & Rigby’s Creative Division as a Junior 3D Designer; and Daisy Hayward, who recently began her journey in graphic design within the Creative Division. Fresh perspectives challenge assumptions, energise projects and push us creatively.

But recruitment is only the starting point. To truly unlock potential, we pair opportunity with support.

Education, Mentorship and Professional Development

We are committed to nurturing the next generation of architects and designers through structured development pathways.

Returning for her second placement with us is Part 1 Architectural Assistant Katherine Cheung, while Duygu Bahalibaba is commencing her Part 3 studies alongside her role in the studio. Both are given meaningful responsibility, exposure to clients and valuable insight into the commercial and technical dimensions of practice. We also congratulate Charlotte Pires and Isabelle Doumet, who completed their Part 3 qualifications with us this year and are now fully qualified Architects.

Alongside formal education, mentorship and coaching play a critical role. Team members such as Daisy Watson, currently participating in the Kerning the Gap Mentorship Programme, benefit from dedicated guidance, strategic career conversations and leadership development support. These programmes create space for reflection, skill refinement and confidence building — ensuring development is intentional rather than incidental.

Give learning. Gain capability.

Give mentorship. Gain confidence.

Supporting Life as Well as Career

Careers evolve alongside life. Recognising this is fundamental to retaining and empowering talent.

Our enhanced maternity pay is a practical demonstration of that commitment. Over the past year, we have proudly supported colleagues such as Linnea Williamson and Polly Rutland, currently on maternity leave, and welcomed back Charlotte Miller, Simrit Panaich, Kamei Chan and Frankie Foord, who returned to the studio this year. By providing meaningful financial and organisational support at pivotal life stages, we help ensure that starting or growing a family does not limit long-term career progression.

This approach is rooted in fairness and sustainability. When people feel secure and valued beyond their immediate output, they return with renewed focus, loyalty and ambition.

Give stability. Gain loyalty.

Promotion, Accountability and Respect

Progression at Allect is built on both performance and trust.

We are proud to have promoted colleagues such as Tania Blanco to Associate Interior Designer of Rigby & Rigby, as well as Joanna Benton to Studio Director for Helen Green Design, recognising not only technical expertise but leadership, initiative and creative contribution. Promotion reflects belief — belief in someone’s ability to influence projects, mentor others and shape the direction of the practice.

Central to this progression is our culture of accountability and respect. We foster an environment where individuals are trusted in their creative ability, encouraged to contribute ideas with confidence, and expected to take ownership of their development. When people feel respected for their perspective and accountable for their growth, progression becomes a natural outcome.

Give trust. Gain leadership.

Give respect. Gain progression.

Sustained Excellence and Retention

The long-term strength of our studio is also shaped by colleagues whose commitment and expertise provide continuity across teams. Annabelle Ford has expertly coordinated operations across Rigby & Rigby’s Private Client Services and Construction Division for the last eight years, while Tracey Poulton and Lisa Cashmore provide vital stability within Allect’s finance team for four and eight years respectively. Within the design studios, Rebecca Dix marks eight years as an Interior Designer for Rigby & Rigby, delivering projects from Knightsbridge to Norway, Dubai and Bangkok. In the Helen Green team, Elizabeth Norman’s determination and proactive independence help drive projects to completion, while Erin Jordan’s creativity continues to flourish. Lucy Marsh’s journey from intern to managing the 3D side of the Creative Division reflects the value of sustained development, and we also recognise Stefanie Bobinger for her contribution to brand communications and client relations during her time with Allect. While she now moves on to a new chapter, we are pleased she will remain connected to the studio as a brand ambassador.

Celebrating Talent, Every Day

While International Women’s Day prompts reflection, our commitment extends far beyond a single date. We celebrate talent in all its forms — regardless of gender, background or pathway. Diversity of experience strengthens our design thinking, sharpens our delivery and enriches our culture.

Give to Gain underpins how we build our team and our future. By investing in people — at every stage of career and life — we create a practice where potential is recognised, supported and realised.

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