At Proctor and Matthews, we are proud that women make up more than 60% of our leadership team. More women than men enrolled in architecture undergraduate courses in the UK for the first time in 2021. Despite this, the latest figures from the ARB show that just 29% of chartered architects are women. We believe that the drop off of women mid-study and mid-career remains a key issue for the profession to address. This International Women’s Day, we are highlighting the work of women leading projects in the studio; providing the support and role models others desperately need to advance in their careers.
Georgina Bignold: Georgina is a Director of Proctor and Matthews Architects, overseeing large scale residential and placemaking projects. She studied at the University of Westminster before joining the practice in 1999. Georgina is a member of Design Review Panels for Ebbsfleet Garden City, Canterbury and Greater Cambridge supporting the delivery of well-designed places. Currently, Georgina is leading a collaborative project with O'Donnell + Tuomey to provide much needed housing for Dublin City Council and proposals for extending the historic Chateau Impney Estate in Worcestershire.
Constanze Jaczynska: Constanze studied architecture and urban planning at the University of Stuttgart and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Barcelona before joining the practice in 2004. One of five practice Directors, she has developed expertise in the design of specialist accommodation for both the Later Living sector and housing for vulnerable people, including the homeless. Current work includes leading the final phases of the Trent Basin masterplan. The project will deliver a new riverside community that is well connected and walkable, with shared spaces for meeting neighbours and sustainable new homes that work towards Nottingham’s Carbon Zero ambitions. Alongside her project work, she is a member of the RIBA Housing Group.
Catherine Tucknutt: Catherine is a Senior Associate leading urban regeneration and masterplanning projects in the studio. She began her architectural training at Cardiff University before completing her studies with distinction from the University of Sheffield. Catherine joined Proctor and Matthews in 2013. Working in collaboration with two other practices, Catherine recently led our Riverside Sunderland Masterplan team. The project for Sunderland City Council, will reinvent the heart of the city whilst drawing on its industrial heritage to create a new, vibrant 21st century urban quarter. Other recent work includes a masterplan for the Carpenters Estate in East London which will provide 2,000 homes, community and sports facilities as well as dedicated spaces for local businesses.
Coral McGarrigle: Coral studied architecture at De Montfort University, Kent Institute of Art and Design and the University of Westminster. After graduating she worked for a London based practice specialising in healthcare and aviation before joining Proctor & Matthews in 2006. Coral led the team preparing the planning submission for Steepleton, Tetbury, a Later Living Community in the Cotswolds for developer Lifestory. The scheme won the HAPPI Award at the 2019 Housing Design Awards. As a Senior Associate, Coral's current work includes proposals for extending the edge of the village of Abbotts Ann in Hampshire and a series of masterplans for new neighbourhoods in Ireland.
