When I was approached by Tim Soar to be included within Architecture Today’s In Practice series I thought long and hard about why, after almost 40 years in the real estate business and the architectural profession, the built environment matters so much to me. The answer is simple – there is beauty all around us, if we choose to engage in our surroundings and dare to dream.

I am photographed in the magnificent saloon of 78 St James’s Street, a Georgian Grade II-listed building dating back to 1840 in London’s prime West End, originally designed as a gentleman’s club for The Conservative Club. Throughout the years, the building has seen change and, like the property industry, it too has had to move with the times. Its links with society, rebellion, and politics align with my personality. Founding and leading a female-led design practice, working in what was once an all-male club, has a certain poignancy. Its majestic presence, colourful heritage and detailed intricacies demonstrate the challenges and opportunities we face today. We must constantly adapt, change, persuade, debate, train, learn and flourish.

My early childhood was spent growing up all over the world. This upbringing taught me to appreciate a variety of experiences, culture, people and the diverse world we live in, leading me to study architecture. During my university course, I gained a minor in Environmental Psychology which opened my eyes to the importance of space, place and communities. Buildings need to have a heart and soul, to breathe with life.

Following on from 19 successful years at Gensler, I founded my own practice in 2004, KKS Strategy, despite having two young children at the time. We have just passed our 19^th year milestone and are looking forward to our 20^th as KKS Savills, following the acquisition by the international real estate firm in 2019.

The simple definition of architecture is the ‘art or practice of designing and constructing buildings’, however in reality it goes well beyond this. It is a language, a statement, a collaborative process, an art form, a science and a manifestation of culture. At its core, however, it is all about human experience.

As the British Council for Offices (BCO) President between 2018-2019, only the  third woman in 30 years, I have always believed in pushing boundaries and have used my position in the real estate and construction industry to promote a strong female agenda and support the next generation.

I champion the philosophy of ‘inside-out’ design in order to maximise real estate potential for both occupiers and developers. The jewel of 78 St James’s lies within its beautiful interior, not just its imposing and austere façade.

Fundamentally, we must always be creative, add value and have fun. The buildings we design today will be there long after we are gone and it is this legacy I hope will inspire future generations.