On why “being more confident” is often unhelpful advice — and what actually supports confidence in architectural practice.
We are hosting a Confidence Workshop as part of the WIA UK Mentoring Programme. This online panel explores why “being more confident” is often unhelpful advice — and what actually supports confidence in architectural practice. Chaired by Rachel Birchmore (AreBe), the discussion brings together perspectives from private practice, public sector, online brand-building and early-career experience to examine how confidence is shaped by culture, systems and mentorship. Panellists will reflect on how confidence is misread, demanded too early, or undermined in professional environments, and how mentors can play an active role in creating clarity, safety and opportunity. The session is designed for both mentors and mentees, offering practical insights into how confidence is built collectively, not individually.
Speakers:
Chair
Rachel Birchmore
Rachel Birchmore of AreBe / Step Up is a leadership coach working with individuals and teams across the built environment. She also writes and speaks on workplace culture and leadership in the sector including cohosting podcasts Coaches On The Couch and The Listening Post Project. Rachel wrote the article “We need to stop telling people to be more confident.”
Panel, in addition to the above
Sabrina Klor
Sabrina Klor is CEO of 10 Design and Chair of Women in Architecture. With extensive international experience across architecture and practice leadership, she is a strong advocate for inclusive practice culture and systemic change in the built environment.
Sarah Beth Riley
Sarah Beth Riley is the Service Manager for Commercial Development at Wigan Council, leading complex regeneration and development projects within the public sector. Sarah is an experienced architect with a background in affordable housing and, prior to Wigan, led the Design Team at Be First, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. She brings insight into confidence, decision-making and professional voice within complex institutional and civic environments.
Oliver Lowrie
Oliver Lowrie is a director and co-founder of Ackroyd Lowrie, a London-based architecture studio. Alongside practice, he speaks and writes publicly on architecture, practice culture and communication, with a particular interest in online presence and brand confidence in the profession.
Trisha Pradhan
Trisha Pradhan is a recently qualified architect at Corstorphine & Wright. She brings an early-career perspective to discussions on confidence, learning and professional expectations.
Facilitated by Tarryn Leeferink - Associate Director Corstorphine & Wright
Online event access: The Teams link will be emailed to all registered attendees ahead of the event. The Teams lobby will open at 12.55 pm for a prompt 13.00 pm start.
The workshop will be recorded and links shared on Women in Architecture website.