Speakers

Having clocked up over a decade of professional experience in a larger practice environment, Lisa Raynes decided back in 2010 that it was time to strike out on her own. With the recession hitting the industry pretty hard at that time, she’d freely admit this was out of necessity more than anything else – but would probably add that it turned out to be the best possible thing that could have happened.

Having established Raynes Architecture (later known as Pride Road) in the years that followed, Lisa was able to carve out a meaningful architectural career that also allowed her to balance her family life.

Working closely with owner occupiers and those with smaller projects, she found a stream of business that was able to ride out the downturn comfortable, while giving her the chance to help develop properties that truly contributed to people’s lives and reflected their individual personalities.

In 2015, as well as joining the Royal Institute of British Architects council, Lisa founded the regionally-focused Manchester Curious in 2015. In 2016 she launched Pride Road Architects, as an architectural franchise business using her considerable professional experience and national acclaim as a platform to make the industry a better place for women. In 2020 Lisa launched the Pride Road Architects Podcast about all things architecture and practice.

As well as operating Pride Road North Cheshire, she still practices as an architect and loves working with homeowners.

Pride Road Architects now has 5 practices under the umbrella, from Hampshire, Surrey, Warwickshire, to Cheshire and Lancashire. If Lisa can’t help then one of her colleagues can!