How I started
For many years I worked with people who wrote words for a living, as an editor at Penguin Books.
Paris and beyond
Then in 2011 I left Penguin to go to Paris and see if I could get my small, part-French son to speak French.
After returning with my now bilingual boy in hand, I did everything from compiling an anthology of love poems, to working with Alain de Botton’s School of Life, to teaching at Brighton, Brunel, and beyond.
Writing
I also worked with people who weren’t writers and didn’t want to be writers, but had to write things.
It made me think a lot about how what you write can make the difference between keeping a client or losing one, and between getting the go-ahead for a project or seeing it fade to nothing.
Architecture
Meanwhile, I was becoming more and more interested in the ways and workings of architecture. I loved the process of working with architects on my own house. And when my dark, cold and slightly dysfunctional 1930s semi got turned into a thing of light, space and beauty I loved the process even more.
I certainly wasn’t about to retrain. But I was about to decide that here was a profession I could work alongside, while sensibly sticking to what I do best.
The best of clients
Many of my one-off workshops turned into long-term, flexible, supportive relationships. In other words, it was very rare that I worked with a client once and then never heard from them again. I would stay on board in various guides, dipping in as the need arises and being there for them as their practice evolved.
Here I am with Sarah Broadstock and Nick Newman of Studio Bark after we won the 2024 Archiboo Award for Best Written Content. Of course it’s not all about awards, but this was lovely for them (especially as they won the Activism Award too!) and lovely for me.
A book
Now I’m hanging up the tools of my trade for something new. But it felt wrong to push away my keyboard, clear my desk, and simply walk away.
The Storytelling Manual for Architects is my way of retracing my steps, inviting you to join me, and leaving a few footprints in my wake.
Part of the conversation
Since diving headlong into the world of architecture, I’ve loved being part of a thriving conversation. You can listen to me here:
Story as architecture’s 4th dimension
4D Talks with Magdalena Nalepa
(A conversation about the importance of STORY in architecture)
Finding your tone of voice in communications
The Built Environment Marketing Show with Ayo Abbas, Simon Drayson and Darren Leach
(Proof that getting your words right can really help)
Words and Leadership
Business of Architecture UK with Rion Willard and Sue Austin
(Our thoughts on getting to grips with your purpose, values and vision)
Words for Winning Work
Business of Architecture UK with Rion Willard
(A few tips and tricks to get your words working harder)
Storytelling for Architects (watch out – this one’s a link to YouTube so it might start playing immediately)
Arch Talk: Tank with Sara Kolata
(Some quickfire storytelling advice for architects)
The Power of Words in Architecture
AnylabTalks with Nurgul Yardim Mericliler
(A plea to take words seriously)
But if podcasts aren’t really your thing, then here are some words on the page:
A piece for Ten4 about seeing a new website as a watershed moment
An article by the RIBA about my work with architects
Another article by the RIBA with my thoughts on writing about projects
