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-bookProduced by Aral Sea Soundshttps://www.aralseaproductions.com/
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 built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com
34 min
27 February 2025
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 information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com
27 min
13 February 2025
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 visitwww.StepUpLondon.com
43 min
30 January 2025
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 development programmes and coaching for architects, engineers and other consultancies across the built environment. For more info
32 min
19 December 2024
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 built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com
37 min
12 December 2024
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 built environment. For more information, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com
37 min
21 November 2024
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.StepUpLondon.com
27 min
31 October 2024
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 HomeGrown Plus British Council Venice Architecture Biennale Fellowship until 29th November here: https://homegrownplus.co.uk/venice-fellowship-2025/ 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
43 min
17 October 2024
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
37 min
25 July 2024
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, please visit www.StepUpLondon.com
